When it comes to fire safety, the devil is often in the details, and few details are overlooked as frequently as the fire stopping around pipes, cables, and conduits.
While buildings are designed with passive fire protection measures like compartmentation and fire-resistant walls, these defences can be quietly compromised during routine works such as installing new sockets, running internet cables, or replacing plumbing. Unfortunately, the responsibility for restoring fire stopping often falls through the cracks.
In this post, we’ll explain why fire stopping must be checked and often reinstated after electrical or plumbing work, and how failing to do so can seriously undermine your fire strategy.
What Is Fire Stopping?
Fire stopping is the method of sealing any openings or gaps in fire-resisting walls, floors or ceilings to maintain the fire compartmentation of a building.
These barriers are designed to contain fire and smoke for a set period, typically 30, 60 or 120 minutes, giving occupants time to escape and firefighters time to respond.
However, these protections only work if the barriers are intact, and that includes any service penetrations.
How Electrical and Plumbing Works Compromise Fire Protection
Even minor works can create new weaknesses in your fire strategy:
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Drilling new holes for pipes or cables through fire-rated walls
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Adding or moving sockets that breach plasterboard linings
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Running additional CAT6 cables for IT upgrades through compartment walls
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Replacing radiators or pipework without resealing the entry points
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Leaving old cable routes open after removing equipment
In most cases, these penetrations go unsealed or incorrectly filled with foam or filler that has no fire resistance properties. Over time, multiple small jobs across different trades can result in dozens of breaches across a single floor.
Why It’s a Legal and Safety Issue
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the “responsible person” (often the building owner, landlord or facilities manager) must ensure that fire protection measures remain effective.
Breaches in compartmentation mean:
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Fire and smoke can spread rapidly through a building
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Escape routes may become unusable before evacuation is complete
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The building may be non-compliant with fire safety legislation
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You risk prosecution, invalidated insurance, or injury claims if a fire occurs
These issues are not hypothetical; they’ve been cited in real enforcement actions by fire services across the UK.
What Should Be Done After Work Is Completed?
Whenever electrical, plumbing, heating, or IT contractors have worked in your building:
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Request a fire stopping inspection as part of the sign-off or snagging process.
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Visually check for unsealed holes, cabling, or pipework in service risers, ceiling voids, and plant rooms.
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If fire stopping has been disturbed, ensure that any reinstatement uses tested, certified products with a matching fire rating.
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Log the work and any corrections in your fire safety records and risk assessment.
Ideally, use a contractor who is third-party certified in fire stopping or includes it as part of their service.
When to Involve a Specialist
If you’re managing:
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Care homes, schools, HMOs or flats
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Commercial buildings with suspended ceilings or riser cupboards
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Any premises with a complex fire strategy
…it’s best to bring in a passive fire protection specialist to inspect and restore your fire stopping to compliant standards.
They can provide photographic evidence, product certification, and install signage at service penetrations to demonstrate compliance.
Final Thoughts
Fire stopping isn’t a one-time fix. Every new wire, pipe or cable that crosses a fire barrier can compromise your building’s safety—unless it’s properly sealed.
Make it standard practice to revisit your fire stopping after any electrical or plumbing work, however small. It’s a simple step that could save lives and protect your business from liability.
For expert advice on fire protection and prevention measures, contact Martyn Young Fireproofing Consultancy on 07585 896648