Description

ArmaProtect FW3 is an advanced, flexible firestop wrap engineered to deliver critical passive fire protection by maintaining the fire resistance performance of pipe and cable penetrations through various wall and floor constructions. Composed of a halogen-free intumescent material based on cutting-edge blowing graphite technology, this wrap rapidly expands (18 to 38 times its original volume) when exposed to heat. This significant expansion effectively seals off the penetration, preventing the spread of fire and smoke between compartments during a fire event. Gitco-sa.com, as the authorized Armacell distributor for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, is the premier source for this indispensable fire safety product, serving the evolving construction needs in key cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Manama.

ArmaProtect FW3 is designed for robust performance across a wide operating temperature range of -40°C to 70°C, with an optimal processing temperature of 5°C to 25°C. Its Reaction to Fire classification is Class E (EN 13501-1), and it is certified for use in conditions exposed to weathering (Type X, EOTA TR 024), highlighting its durability for various environmental demands. This firestop wrap provides impressive fire resistance for elements of construction: up to EI 120 for drywall, concrete, aerated concrete, and masonry walls, and an outstanding up to EI 240 for concrete floors (EN 13501-2). Furthermore, ArmaProtect FW3 is halogen-free and emits no dangerous substances, ensuring a safer application and healthier indoor environment. It also offers the significant benefit of having no shelf life when stored correctly (cool, dry, protected from frost), guaranteeing long-term usability and reliability for ongoing and future passive fire protection requirements.

Key Features of ArmaProtect FW3:

• Flexible Intumescent Wrap: Easily wraps around various pipe and cable diameters and shapes.
• Halogen-Free: Environmentally friendly and safer in a fire.
• High Expansion Ratio: Expands 18 to 38 times to create a robust fire seal.
• Superior Fire Resistance: Up to EI 120 for walls and up to EI 240 for concrete floors (EN 13501-2).
• Wide Operating Temperature: Effective from -40°C to 70°C.
• Weather-Exposed Use (Type X): Suitable for applications with exposure to weathering.
• No Dangerous Substances: Ensures health and safety compliance.
• No Shelf Life: Provides long-term viability when stored properly.

Product Variations ArmaProtect FW3:

ArmaProtect FW3 primarily comes in various dimensions (e.g., widths and lengths) to accommodate different pipe/cable diameters and the specific thickness requirements for achieving desired fire ratings. While the core “FW3” intumescent material remains consistent, the customizable nature of a wrap means installers can cut it to the precise length needed for each penetration. This flexibility makes it highly adaptable to unique site conditions and diverse pipe/cable configurations. For specific dimensions, fire rating details for various applications, and installation guidelines for your projects in Saudi Arabia or Bahrain, please contact Gitco-sa.com.

Know more about “ArmaProtect FC1”:

1. What is ArmaProtect FC1?
   ArmaProtect FC1 is a pre-formed firestop collar manufactured by Armacell. It consists of a galvanized sheet steel housing equipped with multiple layers of flexible intumescent material, designed to seal pipe penetrations in fire-rated walls and floors.
2. What is the primary function of ArmaProtect FC1?
   Its main function is to maintain the fire resistance performance of fire-rated walls and floors when penetrated by pipes, effectively preventing the spread of fire, smoke, and toxic gases from one compartment to another during a fire event.
3. How does ArmaProtect FC1 work in a fire?
   The intumescent material inside the collar expands significantly (12 to 22.5 times its original volume at temperatures above $190\text{ °C}$) when exposed to heat. This expansion creates a high-pressure char that crushes combustible pipes (like PVC, PE, PP) or seals the annular gap around non-combustible pipes, thus blocking fire and smoke passage.
4. What types of pipes can ArmaProtect FC1 be used with?
   ArmaProtect FC1 is primarily used for combustible pipes (e.g., PVC, PE, PP) up to a maximum diameter of 160 mm, typically without insulation. It can also be used with some non-combustible pipes with combustible insulation, depending on specific tested systems.
5. What kind of fire resistance ratings can ArmaProtect FC1 achieve?
   When properly installed in approved wall and floor constructions (drywall, concrete wall, aerated concrete wall, masonry wall, concrete floors), it can achieve high fire resistance ratings: up to EI 120 (120 minutes of integrity and insulation) in walls and up to EI 240 (240 minutes of integrity and insulation) in concrete floors.
6. What material is the outer casing (sleeve) of ArmaProtect FC1 made from?
   The housing is made of galvanized sheet steel, providing structural integrity and durability.
7. What material is the intumescent inlay of ArmaProtect FC1 made from?
   The intumescent inlay is a flexible intumescent strip based on blowing graphite technology.
8. What is the color of the ArmaProtect FC1 housing and inlay?
   The housing is typically silver grey, and the intumescent material inlay is anthracite (dark grey/black).
9. How does ArmaProtect FC1 differ from ArmaProtect FC2?
   The main difference lies in the maximum pipe diameter they are designed to seal:
   • ArmaProtect FC1: For combustible pipes without insulation up to 160 mm diameter.
   • ArmaProtect FC2: For combustible pipes without insulation up to 400 mm diameter, catering to much larger pipes.
10. What are the key benefits of using ArmaProtect FC1?
    Key benefits include:
    • Reliable fire and smoke sealing for pipe penetrations.
    • Pre-formed and easy to install, ensuring consistent application.
    • Clean installation with minimal mess.
    • Easy visual inspection for compliance checks.
    • Cost-efficient for standard pipe sizes.
11. How is ArmaProtect FC1 installed?
    The collar is wrapped around the pipe at the point of penetration through the fire-rated wall or floor. It is then mechanically fixed to the building structure using appropriate anchors or screws, ensuring a tight fit against the surface. Detailed installation instructions specific to the pipe type and building element should be followed.
12. Are there different sizes available for ArmaProtect FC1?
    Yes, it is available in a range of diameters, typically from 50 mm up to 160 mm, to fit common pipe sizes.
13. Is ArmaProtect FC1 compliant with international fire safety standards?
    Yes, it is globally tested and approved with European Technical Assessments (ETA) and complies with fire resistance testing standards like EN 1366-3 (fire resistance tests for service installations – penetration seals) and EN 13501-2 (fire classification of construction products and building elements).
14. What is the operating temperature range for ArmaProtect FC1?
    The operating temperature range is typically from $-40\text{ °C}$ to $+70\text{ °C}$. The processing temperature is between $+5\text{ °C}$ and $+25\text{ °C}$.
15. Does ArmaProtect FC1 emit dangerous substances?
    No, according to Armacell, there is no emission of dangerous substances, contributing to a healthier environment.
16. Is ArmaProtect FC1 suitable for both rigid and flexible wall/floor constructions?
    It is designed for use in various rigid constructions such as drywall, concrete walls, aerated concrete walls, masonry walls, and concrete floors.
17. Does ArmaProtect FC1 contribute to preventing smoke spread?
    Yes, its intumescent action creates a tight seal that effectively prevents the passage of smoke and toxic gases, which is a critical aspect of fire safety for occupant evacuation.
18. Is ArmaProtect FC1 intended for professional use only?
    Yes, like most specialized firestop products, ArmaProtect FC1 is designated for professional use only to ensure correct installation and compliance with fire safety regulations.
19. Where can one purchase ArmaProtect FC1 in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia?
    Gitco-sa.com, as an authorized distributor and partner of Armacell in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, would be a primary supplier for ArmaProtect FC1. They would carry this product as part of Armacell’s comprehensive passive fire protection portfolio.
20. Why choose a specialized supplier like Gitco-sa.com for ArmaProtect FC1 in Bahrain/Saudi Arabia?
    Choosing a specialist ensures access to genuine Armacell products with verified technical performance. Gitco-sa.com can provide critical technical expertise on product selection, precise installation methods, and compliance with local fire safety codes and regulations, which are essential for ensuring the safety and integrity of buildings in the region.