Passive vs. Active Fire Protection: What You Need to Know
Ensuring built-in safety in your premises isn’t just about having alarms and sprinklers, it’s about combining passive and active fire protection systems. At Assured Fire Safety Consultancy, we specialise in both, delivering comprehensive solutions to safeguard lives and property. In this blog you will learn everything you need to know about Passive and Active Fire Protection Systems.
Understanding Passive Fire Protection (PFP)
Passive fire protection refers to building features that inherently resist fire and smoke without requiring activation:
Fire-resisting barriers: Walls, floors, ceilings and compartmentation help contain fire and smoke
Fire-doors: Engineered to remain closed and block the spread. At Assured we conduct full fire door inspections to ensure integrity
Fire stopping and dampers: Seal penetrations and HVAC openings - our Passive Fire Protection Surveys cover these critical components
Why it matters: Passive Fire Protection provides foundational robustness, holding fire back long enough for alarm systems to go off, sprinklers to act, and occupants to evacuate.
Understanding Active Fire Protection (AFP)
Active fire protection involves systems that respond when a fire occurs, requiring some form of action or energy:
Detection and alarm systems: Smoke and heat sensors that alert occupants and can automatically contact fire services.
Suppression systems: Fire extinguishers for initial response, while sprinklers or foam systems, ideal for high-risk zones, kick in automatically.
Standpipes and fire dampers: Provide fire service water access and safety in HVAC systems, closing off smoke/fire paths.
Working in Harmony: Why Both Are Crucial
Neither passive nor active protection works alone effectively:
Passive Fire Protection
Contains and slows fire spread - buying time.
Active Fire Protection
Detects and suppresses fires - minimising damage and risk.
Our integrated approach ensures buildings are equipped with both reliable barriers and responsive suppression systems complaint with UK regulations (RRO 2005).
How Assured Fire Safety Consultancy Can Support You
Assured Fire Safety Consultancy offers complete expertise in both protection types:
Fire-stopping audits – Have penetrations been sealed properly?
Fire door checks – Are doors intact, labelled, self-closing? Fire door inspections must be carried out at least once a year.
Alarm & detection testing – Are sensors fully operational?
Suppression system review – Sprinklers, extinguishers, standpipes in shape?
Structured Risk Assessment – With Assured’s expert guidance, uncover blind spots and regulatory non-compliances.
Why Partner With Assured?
We are an impartial, fully certified fire safety consultancy, dedicated to meeting all UK regulatory requirements. We combine technical expertise with a strong commitment to service excellence, serving clients nationwide. We’re here to support all types of fire safety enquiries—no matter the scale or complexity.
Contact Us
Contact us today to ensure your premises are trusted, compliant, and truly fire-safe—with Assured.
Passive vs. Active Fire Protection: What You Need to Know
Ensuring built-in safety in your premises isn’t just about having alarms and sprinklers, it’s about combining passive and active fire protection systems. At Assured Fire Safety Consultancy, we specialise in both, delivering comprehensive solutions to safeguard lives and property. In this blog you will learn everything you need to know about Passive and Active Fire Protection Systems.
Understanding Passive Fire Protection (PFP)
Passive fire protection refers to building features that inherently resist fire and smoke without requiring activation:
Why it matters: Passive Fire Protection provides foundational robustness, holding fire back long enough for alarm systems to go off, sprinklers to act, and occupants to evacuate.
Understanding Active Fire Protection (AFP)
Active fire protection involves systems that respond when a fire occurs, requiring some form of action or energy:
Working in Harmony: Why Both Are Crucial
Neither passive nor active protection works alone effectively:
Passive Fire Protection
Contains and slows fire spread - buying time.
Active Fire Protection
Detects and suppresses fires - minimising damage and risk.
Our integrated approach ensures buildings are equipped with both reliable barriers and responsive suppression systems complaint with UK regulations (RRO 2005).
How Assured Fire Safety Consultancy Can Support You
Assured Fire Safety Consultancy offers complete expertise in both protection types:
Your 5 Point Safety Checklist
Why Partner With Assured?
We are an impartial, fully certified fire safety consultancy, dedicated to meeting all UK regulatory requirements. We combine technical expertise with a strong commitment to service excellence, serving clients nationwide. We’re here to support all types of fire safety enquiries—no matter the scale or complexity.
Contact Us
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