FBS-EN FOAM
BARRIER SYSTEM
IN SOUTH AFRICA
The fischer FBS-EN Foam Barrier System is an engineered passive fire-protection solution used to reinstate the fire resistance of service penetrations through fire-rated walls and floors. It is designed for openings containing cables, cable bunches, cable trays, conduits, metallic pipes, insulated metallic pipes and selected mixed services where a tested and approved foam-barrier configuration is suitable.
FJ Group Africa supplies and installs fire-stopping solutions for commercial, industrial, mining, data-centre and infrastructure environments across South Africa. Every penetration is assessed according to the wall or floor construction, opening size, service type, required fire-resistance classification, installation access and the exact approved system detail. Fire stopping must never be selected by appearance alone; the installed arrangement must match the relevant test evidence and project fire-safety requirements.
What is the FBS-EN Foam Barrier System?
FBS-EN is a two-component polyurethane firestop foam supplied in a cartridge for controlled application into service penetrations. The mixed material expands after dispensing and forms a smoke- and fire-stopping seal around the installed services. Manufacturer information describes expansion of up to approximately five times the dispensed volume, allowing the foam to reach irregular spaces and difficult areas within an opening.
The foam can be used as part of the fischer Foam Barrier System PLUS together with highly elastic FBB-EN FireStop Blocks. Where required by the approved detail, the system may also use the FIB glass-fibre-reinforced intumescent insulating bandage to enhance insulation performance for selected service configurations. The foam and blocks may be used together or individually only where the tested application permits it.
This product is a passive fire-protection material. It does not detect a fire and it does not extinguish one. Its purpose is to close an opening in a compartment wall or floor so that flames, hot gases and smoke are restricted from passing through the penetration for the classified period.
Why service penetrations require fire stopping
Fire-rated walls and floors divide a building into compartments intended to slow fire and smoke spread. When electrical, mechanical or communications services pass through those elements, the resulting opening can weaken the compartment. Even a small unsealed gap can create a direct route for smoke, flame and heat to move into an adjacent room, riser, escape route or plant area.
A correctly installed penetration seal restores the performance of the fire-rated construction within the limitations of the tested system. The seal must accommodate the exact combination of services, annular spaces, opening dimensions, supporting construction and required depth. Simply filling the visible face of an opening with ordinary foam, mortar or sealant does not demonstrate fire resistance.
How FBS-EN firestop foam works
The two components are dispensed through the approved mixing nozzle. Once mixed, the material expands and cures around cables, conduits, pipes and the edges of the opening. The foam bonds to suitable construction materials and fills irregular voids that may be difficult to reach with rigid products.
During a fire, the installed barrier forms part of the tested penetration-sealing system. Its performance is expressed through classifications such as integrity and insulation. Integrity relates to the system resisting the passage of flame and hot gases. Insulation relates to limiting the temperature rise on the unexposed side. The achievable classification depends on the complete tested configuration and may be up to two hours for suitable FBS-EN arrangements.
The product does not automatically provide the same rating in every wall, floor or opening. Service material, pipe diameter, insulation type, cable loading, opening dimensions, seal depth and supporting construction all influence the result. The approved detail must therefore be checked before installation begins.
Components of the Foam Barrier System PLUS
A complete installation may use one or more of the following components:
- FBS-EN firestop foam: A two-component expanding polyurethane material used to form or complete the fire- and smoke-stopping seal.
- FBB-EN FireStop Blocks: Highly elastic, mouldable blocks that can fill larger areas and remain accessible for later service changes where approved.
- FIB insulating bandage: A glass-fibre-reinforced intumescent wrap used in selected ETA applications to improve the insulation performance of the system.
- Foam barrier dispenser and mixing nozzle: Approved application equipment that delivers the two components in the correct manner.
- Identification label: A permanent record showing the system, installer, date, rating and penetration reference where required by the project.
Only compatible system components should be used. Substituting another foam, block, wrap, backing material or sealant can invalidate the tested configuration, even when the replacement appears visually similar.
Suitable applications
Subject to the relevant approved detail, FBS-EN may be used for penetrations containing:
- Electrical cables and cable bunches
- Cable trays and cable support systems
- Electrical conduits and selected conduit bundles
- Metallic pipes within the permitted diameter range
- Insulated metallic pipes with approved insulation types
- Mixed penetrations containing more than one approved service type
- Openings in concrete walls and floors
- Openings in masonry walls
- Openings in approved flexible wall constructions
- Difficult-to-access or irregular service openings where foam application is permitted
Manufacturer information lists metallic pipes up to 203 mm for selected applications, but this must not be treated as a universal allowance. The precise pipe material, wall thickness, insulation, opening and supporting construction must be verified against the applicable approval.
Key benefits of the FBS-EN system
Access to difficult openings. Expanding foam can reach around congested cables, tray edges and irregular voids where rigid materials may be difficult to position.
Fast installation. Cartridge application can reduce installation time when the opening has been correctly prepared and the approved system is suitable.
Re-enterable and repairable. Approved foam-and-block arrangements can allow later service alterations and local reinstatement without rebuilding the entire penetration.
Mixed-service capability. Tested configurations can accommodate cables, conduits, cable trays and selected metallic pipe services in one opening.
No backing material in selected systems. Some approved arrangements do not require a separate backing material, simplifying access and installation.
Smoke and damp resistance. The system is described as smoke resistant and resistant to damp when installed within its approved conditions.
Fire-resistance classifications and test standards
The FBS-EN system is tested for service penetrations in accordance with EN 1366-3, with classification under EN 13501. EN 1366-3 addresses fire-resistance testing of penetration seals, while EN 13501 provides the European classification framework used to report performance such as E for integrity and I for insulation.
A statement such as “up to two hours” describes the maximum available performance within certain tested arrangements. It does not mean that every FBS-EN installation automatically achieves a two-hour rating. The project requirement must be compared with the approved detail for the exact construction and service configuration.
In South Africa, the complete compliance basis may also involve SANS 10400-T, the approved rational fire design, local authority requirements, project specifications, insurer conditions and the fire-resistance requirements of the wall or floor assembly. Imported product approval should be reviewed and accepted for the intended project application.
Planning a compliant penetration seal
Before installation, the penetration should be surveyed and recorded. The installer must identify the supporting construction, wall or floor thickness, fire rating, opening size, services, service supports, combustible insulation, cable loading and available access from each side.
The selected detail should confirm:
- Permitted wall or floor construction and minimum thickness
- Maximum opening dimensions and required seal depth
- Permitted cable, conduit, cable-tray and pipe arrangements
- Maximum pipe diameters and approved insulation types
- Required annular spaces and distances between services
- Use and position of FireStop Blocks or insulating bandage
- Required installation from one side or both sides
- Integrity and insulation classification achieved
- Any restrictions on movement, moisture, temperature or exposure
When an opening does not match a tested detail, the installer should not improvise. The deviation must be referred to the designer, fire engineer, manufacturer or approval authority for an accepted engineered solution.
Preparation and installation
The opening and services must be clean, stable and suitable for adhesion. Loose material, dust, grease and contamination should be removed according to the manufacturer instructions. Services must be independently supported so that the firestop seal is not used as a mechanical support.
The cartridge is installed in the approved dispenser and fitted with the correct mixing nozzle. Initial material may need to be discarded until uniform mixing is achieved. Foam is then applied in the sequence, depth and quantity required by the tested detail. Expansion must be anticipated so that the opening is filled without excessive waste or uncontrolled obstruction of services.
Where blocks are used, they should be cut and fitted tightly in the permitted arrangement, with foam used to complete edges and irregular gaps as specified. Where an insulating bandage is required, its width, number of layers, overlap and position must follow the approval. Once cured, excess material may be trimmed only where this is allowed and without reducing the required seal depth.
The finished seal should be visually complete, continuous and free from unintended gaps. The penetration must then be labelled and entered into the project firestop register or drawing system.
Re-entry, alterations and repairs
One advantage of the Foam Barrier System PLUS is that approved arrangements can be re-entered when new services are installed. Before any alteration, the existing penetration record and approved detail should be reviewed. The new service must be permitted and the maximum cable or service loading must not be exceeded.
Material should be removed carefully so that the remaining seal is not unnecessarily damaged. After the service is installed, the opening must be reinstated using compatible FBS-EN components and inspected again. Ordinary expanding foam, silicone or general-purpose building filler must not be used for repair.
If the seal is damaged, wet, contaminated, mechanically disturbed or no longer matches the approved detail, a partial repair may not be sufficient. The affected section may need to be removed and reconstructed.
Inspection, documentation and maintenance
Passive fire protection remains in place for many years and is often hidden above ceilings or inside risers. A documented inspection process is therefore essential. Each penetration should have a unique reference linked to its location, rating, system detail, photographs and installation date.
Inspection should verify:
- Correct product and system identification
- Supporting construction and opening dimensions
- Required foam depth and continuity
- Correct treatment around every service
- Presence and placement of blocks or insulating bandage where required
- No visible gaps, shrinkage, damage or unauthorised repairs
- Adequate support of pipes, conduits and cable trays
- Permanent identification and accurate firestop records
Important limitations
FBS-EN is not a universal filler for every opening. It should not be used in movement joints, external weather-exposed gaps, structural openings, plastic-pipe penetrations, high-temperature services or applications outside the approved range unless a specific tested system permits that use.
Shelf life, storage temperature and cartridge condition must be checked before use. Manufacturer information lists a 380 ml cartridge and a 12-month shelf life for FBS-EN variants, but the actual label and current technical documentation should always be followed. Expired, damaged or incorrectly stored cartridges should not be installed.
The product safety data sheet must be reviewed. Installers should use the specified personal protective equipment, provide suitable ventilation and prevent uncured material from contacting skin or eyes.
Complete fire-stopping support from FJ Group Africa
FJ Group Africa can support the full lifecycle of passive fire-protection penetrations:
- Site surveys and firestop penetration registers
- Review of wall, floor and service-penetration conditions
- Selection of approved firestop system details
- Supply of FBS-EN foam, blocks, wraps and accessories
- Professional installation around cables, trays, conduits and pipes
- Identification labels, photographic records and handover schedules
- Inspection of existing or incomplete firestop installations
- Repairs, re-entry work and reinstatement after service changes
- Coordination with the project fire engineer, consultant and client
Our objective is to provide traceable, practical fire-stopping installations that support the approved compartmentation strategy and remain manageable throughout the building lifecycle.
Frequently asked questions
What is FBS-EN used for?
FBS-EN is used to form approved fire- and smoke-stopping seals around service penetrations in fire-rated walls and floors. Suitable applications can include cables, cable trays, conduits, metallic pipes, insulated metallic pipes and mixed penetrations.
Does the foam itself provide a two-hour rating?
The system can achieve ratings of up to two hours in selected tested configurations. The actual classification depends on the wall or floor, opening size, services, seal dimensions and accessories. The exact approved detail must be followed.
Can FBS-EN be used with cable trays?
Yes, cable trays are included in approved application categories, but the tray type, cable loading, opening size and required seal arrangement must match the relevant system evidence.
Can new cables be added later?
Approved foam-and-block systems can be re-enterable and repairable. New cables may be added only when the existing system permits them and the penetration is correctly reinstated and documented afterward.
Is ordinary expanding foam an acceptable substitute?
No. General-purpose expanding foam does not automatically provide tested penetration-seal performance. Only the approved firestop product and system components should be installed.
Request an FBS-EN firestop assessment or quotation
For fire stopping around cable trays, cables, conduits, metallic pipes or mixed services, contact FJ Group Africa. We will review the penetration, supporting construction, required fire rating, access and project documentation before recommending a suitable FBS-EN Foam Barrier System installation.
