A passive fire protection (PFP) installer is a specialist trained and certified to install the fire-resistant elements built into a building's structure that limit the spread of fire and smoke between compartments. Unlike active fire protection (sprinklers, alarms), passive fire protection requires no activation - it is always present. PFP includes fire stopping around service penetrations through fire-resistant walls and floors, cavity barriers in concealed spaces, intumescent products that expand under heat to seal gaps, and fire-rated boarding used to reinstate compartment walls. The correct installation of PFP using tested and approved product systems is critical - incorrect installation can render an entire compartment ineffective without any visible sign of failure.
What they do
- Install fire stopping around penetrations through fire-resistant walls and floors
- Carry out compartmentation surveys and identify deficiencies
- Install and certify intumescent fire stopping products and systems
- Install cavity barriers in roof voids, wall cavities and concealed spaces
- Install fire-rated boarding to reinstate or upgrade compartment walls
- Install fire door frames and fire-rated surrounds
- Provide inspection and certification documentation for installed works
- Carry out retrospective fire stopping to existing buildings
When you need one
Passive fire protection work should always be carried out by a certified installer using tested and approved product systems. Poorly installed PFP can fail without any visible indication and may not be discovered until a fire occurs.
Typical costs (UK, 2025)
| Service | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Single penetration seal | £150 - £300 |
| Full floor compartmentation survey | £500 - £2,000 |
| Installation (per day) | £600 - £900 / day |
| Compartmentation report | £300 - £800 |
| FIRAS inspection and certification | £200 - £500 |
| HMO full compliance package | Price on application |
| Hourly rate | £50 - £90 / hr |
Costs vary greatly by the number of penetrations, accessibility and the state of existing compartmentation. For older buildings or conversions, a compartmentation survey should be carried out before any cost estimates are given.
Qualifications and certification to look for
The leading third-party certification scheme for passive fire protection installers in the UK. FIRAS certified companies have demonstrated competence in the installation of specific fire stopping products and systems and are subject to ongoing audits and inspections. Check the register at firas.co.uk.
Certification scheme operated by the Intumescent Fire Seals Association covering fire stopping and passive fire protection installation. IFC certified companies are assessed for competence in the installation of specific product systems. Check the register at ifsa.org.uk.
Fire stopping products should have British Board of Agrement (BBA) approval or equivalent testing evidence confirming the system has been tested to the relevant standards (BS EN 1366, BS EN 13501). Installers should be trained and certified to install specific product systems.
How to find a reputable passive fire protection installer
Frequently asked questions
What is passive fire protection?
Fire protection that is built into the structure of a building - fire-resistant walls, floors, doors, cavity barriers, fire stopping around service penetrations and intumescent seals. Unlike active systems such as sprinklers or alarms, passive fire protection requires no activation mechanism. It limits the spread of fire and smoke by maintaining compartmentation, giving occupants time to evacuate and fire services time to respond.
Why is fire stopping around pipes and cables important?
Every penetration through a fire-resistant wall or floor for pipes, cables or ducts creates a potential path for fire and smoke to spread between compartments. Correctly installed fire stopping using tested and approved products maintains the integrity of the fire compartment. This is a Building Regulations requirement under Approved Document B and failures have been identified as a significant factor in fire spread in a number of serious fires in the UK.
How often should passive fire protection be inspected?
There is no statutory frequency for passive fire protection inspection. BS 9999 recommends periodic inspection as part of a fire safety management programme. For higher-risk buildings (HRBs) under the Building Safety Act 2022, the Building Safety Manager should include passive fire protection in the building safety case review. For HMOs and blocks of flats, passive fire protection should be checked as part of the fire risk assessment review.