If you are completing any sort of electrical installation, you have to consider ways to prevent potential fire risks in your construction product. To prevent such a risk, you’re going to need some sort of way to protect your electrical boxes from fire. Moldable Firestop Putty Pads are designed to protect electrical boxes from fire and can be used for both commercial and residential settings.
They are easy to install and provide a firestop around plastic socket boxes. They can provide a fire barrier for as long as two hours. A putty pad is flexible and easy to fit into irregular shapes. It will not “dry out” is non-setting. Below are the steps to installing Firestop Putty Pads.
Safety Precautions When Protecting Your Electrical Box From Fire
As mentioned previously, at National Fireproofing Supply we offer outstanding products. From a powerful non-toxic fire retardant spray to firestop putty pads, we have the tools you need for fire stopping the home or office. Here is a quick guide on installing Firestop Putty Pads. Firestop Putty Pads are fantastic tools to protect your electrical box from a fire.
Steps for Installing Firestop Putty Pads
Before handling the putty pads, carefully read the safety data sheet and the product label. These documents contain details for use and useful health information. Make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves to protect your skin and safety goggles to protect your eyes when installing firestop putty pads. Always keep these and other firestopping materials where children cannot have access to them. Putty pads should be stored in the original package and in areas where the temperature remains between 40 degrees and 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 1: Remove the liner, or label from one side of the putty pad. You’ll need a CP 617 pad to provide a one to two-hour fire rating. Carefully align the pad to the side of the box and let it adhere to it. You’ll want to let it overlap the stud as well as the edges of the box. If the drywall is already installed, fit the pad into the gap that lies between the electrical cabinet and gypsum board allowing it to slightly overlap the inner wall surface. If the drywall is not yet installed, overlap the front edge of the electrical box so when the gypsum board is installed it will compress the putty pad.
Step 2: Reshape the pad so it fits around any cables or conduit present. Trim any excess from the corners and shape it to allow room for conduit fittings. Press the pad into the area and adhere it to the top, sides, and bottom of the electrical box.
Step 3: Remove the label or liner from the outer side of the Firestop putty pad. Remove any poly liner that is exposed. The putty pad can also be packed inside the conduit fittings to prevent smoke from passing through. Though suggested when protecting your electrical box from fire, placing the putty inside the box is optional.
Features of Putty Pads
If you are in the need of the best firestopping tool on the market, firestop putty pads are easy and quick to install. Installation can be done entirely by hand with no need for tools. Pads have good adhesive qualities and adhere to gypsum, plastic, and metal. The materials used to make putty pads has no conductivity properties. They are beneficial for preventing smoke or fire from slipping around electrical outlets, but they can also provide a sound barrier and prohibit sound transmission. It’s fire resistance tested to 120 minutes.
Other qualities include being resistant to water, fungi, and vermin. It does have a shelf life of 5 years and it doesn’t contain asbestos or halogen. All qualities needed when you are protecting your electrical box from fire.