BS 476 Part 24 fire rated ducts

BS 476 Part 24 Fire-Rated Ducts by EKG M&E Sdn Bhd

In the high-density commercial and industrial sectors of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, fire safety engineering is dictated by international standards of excellence. BS 476 Part 24 (also known as ISO 6944) is the British Standard that specifies the method for determining the fire resistance of vertical and horizontal ventilation ducts. EKG M&E Sdn Bhd provides high-performance ducting systems engineered to meet these rigorous criteria, ensuring your facility remains compliant with BOMBA and the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL).

The Engineering of BS 476 Compliance

Testing under BS 476 Part 24 evaluates a duct’s ability to resist fire from both the outside (Duct A) and the inside (Duct B). To pass, the system must maintain three critical performance metrics for a specified duration (typically 60, 90, or 120 minutes).

1. Stability, Integrity, and Insulation

• Stability: The duct must remain structurally sound and supported by its hanger system without collapsing or significant deformation.

• Integrity: The duct must prevent the passage of flames and hot gases. There should be no cracks or openings through which fire can penetrate to the non-fire side.

• Insulation: The temperature on the surface of the duct outside the fire zone must not rise significantly (typically no more than $140°C$ above ambient), preventing the spontaneous ignition of nearby combustible materials.

2. System Construction & Sealing

• Pre-Fabricated Boards or Wraps: We utilize certified high-density calcium silicate boards or ceramic fiber wraps that are chemically bonded to the ductwork to provide a thermal shield.

• Intumescent Fire Stopping: Where the duct penetrates a fire-rated wall or floor, we install BS 476-compliant intumescent gaskets and sealants that expand under heat to maintain the fire compartment's integrity.

• Reinforced Support Systems: Our hangers are sized according to the increased weight of fire-rated materials, utilizing oversized threaded rods and steel channels to prevent failure during thermal expansion.

Critical Operational & Safety Benefits

As a Fire Safety and M&E Specialist, EKG ensures that BS 476 compliance supports your building’s operational lifecycle:

• TNB Energy Efficiency (Dual-Purpose Optimization):

  Many BS 476-rated ducts serve as both daily ventilation and emergency smoke spill routes. By ensuring the network is Class C Airtight, we eliminate air leakage. This allows your Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to run fan motors at lower frequencies (Hz) during normal operation, directly resulting in a lower monthly TNB electricity bill.

• EECA 2024 & Building Compliance:

  Under the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) 2024, efficient mechanical transport is mandatory. Our precision-sealed fire ducts ensure no air is wasted into unconditioned ceiling voids, protecting your Building Energy Index (BEI).

• Life Safety & Asset Protection:

  By containing fire and smoke within a certified conduit, our systems protect critical evacuation routes and prevent the "mushrooming" of smoke into non-affected floors, providing BOMBA personnel with a controlled environment for rescue operations.

Performance Requirement Matrix

Why Choose EKG M&E Sdn Bhd?

• Total 3D BIM Coordination: We utilize advanced 3D modeling to route fire-rated ducts through crowded ceiling spaces, ensuring zero "clashes" with fire sprinklers, cable trays, or structural beams.

• BOMBA Submission Support: We assist in the preparation of technical drawings, material data sheets, and certification documents required for Fire Certificate (FC) inspections.

• Total Performance Commissioning: Post-installation, we perform professional Smoke Tests and Airflow Balancing to verify that the system activates and performs as designed during an emergency signal.

Is your facility's fire-rated infrastructure up to the latest British Standards? Contact EKG M&E Sdn Bhd today for a professional BS 476 Part 24 ducting audit and technical proposal.