Our Voltimum Experts answer your questions on a daily basis in our Technical Expertise area. This Question of the Day, about a flat conversion with a brick party wall, and fire rating of sockets, is answered by SELECT:
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| Stud walls - must sockets be fire rated? |
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Question: On a flat conversion, we have built a stud wall in front of brick party wall and insulated the stud wall with rockwall slab and 12.5 mm plasterboard on top. Do the two x sockets have to be fire rated?
Answer: Guidance provided in the Scottish Building Standards Domestic Technical Handbook would define the brick party wall as a separating wall (it is designed to prevent fire spreading to the adjoining property)and requires that service openings and penetrations through such walls are protected from the effects of fire.
It is also a requirement that flush accessories are not installed in timber framed fire separating walls - the wall you have constructed is not likely to be the separating wall( the brick wall being the separating wall) therefore sockets can be installed.
It may, however, be advisable to install intumescent pads within each socket outlet box to prevent any adverse effects to the separating wall in the event of a fire. It may also be advisable to seek the advice of the local building control officer before proceeding with the work.
If you are under Part P of the Building Regulations in England or Wales, you will need to seek advice via the Part P advisory service.
To see many more Q & A in Voltimum UK's Experts Area, please click on the link: www.voltimum.co.uk/consult.php?universe=consult.index.questions
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