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What are Fire Rated Sockets?

Here’s a demonstration of how they work by the Manufacturer Envirograf

Fire Rated Socket gaskets are designed to stop the spread of fire/smoke through the wall cavity after burning through the plastic front plates. We recommend their installation as they would come under Approved Doc B 8.20 Note 2 & 10.17b.

They also help Comply with the Acoustic Regulations of Doc E though 17th Edition IEE Regulations also mentions they are required as they are a service penetrating the compartment wall. Once the hole is made in a wall for a recessed switch or socket box, the fire integrity of the construction is compromised: in addition, the capability that the wall maintains an effective acoustic barrier is weakened

This is because most electrical back boxes are made of a plastic or metal and the plastic boxes within a fire are not able withstand the required fire resistance of the wall (simply melting away within 5 minutes). As for the metal boxes they would still require the same intumescent pads as plastic as the goal is to keep the back boxes protected from the fire via expansion to protect the wall cavity.

How do I get them?

Evolutions Fire Protection can supply, fit and certify the installation of Envirograf intumescent gaskets to help protect your fire walls. Contact us today to enquire with the installation of the Intumescent Socket Gaskets. They are just one piece of the puzzle to restore compartmentation and ensure fire resisting walls function when needed.

Key Features

One Hour Fire Resistance
Compatible with single , double socket, switch boxes, BESA boxes, universal conduit boxes and ceiling roses
Complies with IEE Wiring Regulations, bringing standard boxes in line with Document B
Simple, quick to install with minimal damage or disruption