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Fireguard tests on new composite joists

08-08-2007

JCC are one of the first manufacturers to have fully compliant fire rated products on 30 and 60 minute tests for I-joists.

With the increase in building regulations and the evolving construction systems on the market, the importance of using fire-rated products has never been so crucial, and JCC are one of the first manufacturers to have fully compliant fire rated products on 30 and 60 minute tests for I-joists.

Recent research by JCC has highlighted that whilst several manufacturers have undertaken some form of testing with timber joists, only one or two have undertaken testing with composite joists, commonly referred to as I-Joists. 

“Being one of the first to achieve these ratings is fantastic news, but it’s the message behind the testing that’s key here”, said Dave Dawkins, managing director of JCC.  “We want the lighting industry to fully understand and accept the implications of the testing process for fire-rated products.  Each ceiling construction, whether it is timber or i-joist, is very different and as a result its performance is greatly affected by the installation of downlights; hence the need to test for all scenarios.” 

JCC has undertaken extensive research in conjunction with the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) to understand the risks involved and conclude synergy between the different manufacturers of the systems.  Working with Trus Joist, Finn Forest, Boise Cascade and James Jones & Sons’, JCC are ensuring that their products are suitable for the widest choice of joist manufacturers and cover the most popular manufacturers.

With each test costing around Ł15,000 to complete, it’s a costly but vital exercise.  The independent tests are carried out under strict control by constructing a room using the I-joists in the ceiling and by setting fire to it.  JCC’s fireguard products performed well in each 30 and 60 minute test and are therefore fully compliant. 

The new FireGuard from JCC offers the ideal solution for developers, contractors and house builders. In addition to the fire requirements of Part B (ensuring building structures provide adequate protection to allow the safe evacuation of a building structure/complex) FireGuard also complies with Part E – resistance to the passage of sound – that requires all new buildings to provide a certain level of noise attenuation between adjoining partitions such as ceilings and walls.

FireGuard downlights have been designed to inhibit the flow of air and moisture through the fitting as is required by Part C of the building regulations.  The range also comply with the 2006 revision to Part L , which has added considerable onus onto lighting installations with a far more defined requirement for energy conservation – stating that 1 in 4 downlights must be energy efficient.  This is a challenge when downlights are used in abundance but Fireguard offers various solutions including the FireGuard low energy lamp. 

Dave concludes, “The new FireGuard product from JCC is the ideal solution as it covers all relevant scenarios.  It is the all-round testing and compliance, coupled with the design of this range that has made Fireguard JCC’s fastest-selling product ever and we will continue to ensuring our fire-rated products are fully compliant.”


 

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I-joists explained

There has been a very big shift in the numbers of companies that utilise this modern technology, with recent statistics showing that 60% of timber floor systems are now constructed using I-joist technology. These products are manufactured from laminating layers of wood together to produce I-Joists. These joists can be made using less timber than their solid counterparts as a result of the extra strength gained from the laminating process. This makes them lighter and easier to manoeuvre together with the benefit of being able to span greater widths without undue flex in the floor system.

However, as these timbers are thinner there is much less material to resist the passage of fire and thus luminaries that are suitable for solid timber floor constructions are not necessarily suitable for I-Joist constructions. This situation will be of concern to the house builders who may well be unaware of this potential problem.

JCC has undertaken extensive research in conjunction with the Timber Research and Development Association (TRADA) to understand the risks involved and conclude synergy between the different manufacturers of the systems. They have recently completed an extensive testing program to ensure their products are suitable for these applications for 30 and 60 minute floor constructions.

Working with Trus Joist, Finn Forest, Boise Cascade and James Jones & Sons’, JCC are ensuring that their products are suitable for the widest choice of joist manufacturers and cover the most popular manufacturers.