FIRE RETARDANT MATERIAL
Fire-stop (or fire-resistant) coating is an intumescent latex-based material designed to coat electrical power cables for fire protection. First introduced in the 1980s, it stands as a leading solution in the field of fire protection. This material can withstand not only fires reaching 750°C but also hydrocarbon-fueled fires at temperatures of 1100°C for a duration of 90 minutes. Thanks to the unique properties of its acrylic latex emulsion, it offers excellent resistance to weathering, boasts a long service life, and retains its flexibility over an extended period—thereby allowing for cable movement. This product is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Firestop coating also prevents short circuits between wires; in the event of such an occurrence, the coating changes color, significantly assisting technical personnel in precisely locating the short circuit. When exposed to heat or flames exceeding 175°C, the material expands (intumesces). Once the fault has been rectified, this expanded layer can be completely removed and replaced with a fresh coating. Cables exposed to fire do not require replacement, as the coating sacrifices itself to protect the cable; following the extinguishment of the fire, only the coating needs to be replaced. The material can be applied to the target surface using a brush or spray; due to its high adhesion, it is easily applied to both vertical and horizontal surfaces. To ensure a satisfactory result, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned—removing all contaminants, oil, dust, and dirt—before application. The firestop coating should be applied in two stages to guarantee complete coverage.
WEST METAL Company is a major supplier of fire-stop coating materials in Iran. This intumescent (ablative/intumescent) coating is applied in both interior and exterior building environments to prevent the spread of fire to adjacent cables. With a thickness of one to two millimeters, the coating also provides electrical insulation for the cables. Upon exposure to fire, the coating expands—by up to 700%—forming an insulating layer over the cables that shields them from heat and the spread of flames. As it expands, the fire-stop coating prevents fire from penetrating the cables. Since fire requires oxygen to persist, an environment with reduced oxygen levels hinders the rapid spread of the fire; this, in turn, enhances the longevity and reliability of the cables protected by the coating.