Conquest Firespray, a manufacturer of Flamebar® coated fire-rated architectural and engineered HVAC duct systems, is alerting mechanical contractors to their significant liability issues related to the installation of fire-rated duct assemblies.

Mechanical contractors are responsible for ensuring that the fire-rated duct is manufactured and installed consistent with the design requirements of a tested duct assembly. The tested assembly will always be different than SMACNA minimum standards.

Accordingly, mechanical contractors are responsible for installing in-field assemblies that meet the following requirements of tested assemblies:

  1. The compliance of the metal ductwork, fabricated to meet or exceed the gauge of the test sample.
  2. The compliance of the insulation pinning or banding, based on the size of the duct.
  3. The compliance of the hanging design and spacing, including meeting or exceeding the hanger sizes specified.
  4. The compliance of the through penetration firestop, and
  5. Developing an engineering design (and assuming engineering liability of that design) for the assembly when the duct is larger than the laboratory design listing.

In the case of wrapped ducts, the wrap manufacturers only monitor and stand behind the manufacturing of the wrap insulation. Wrap manufacturers do not assume liability for the fabrication, hanging or penetration of the duct assemblies that are enclosed by wrap. That means liability for the code-compliance of fire-rated duct assemblies is assumed by the mechanical contractor.

“Coordination and installation of the assembly is the responsibility of the mechanical contractor,” said John Pattillo, Conquest Principal. “To avoid liability for these life safety systems, close attention by the mechanical contractor to all the tested listing details for each individual wrap manufacturer is critical.”

Flamebar® fire-rated systems can help reduce mechanical contractor liability to installations by providing fabricated duct, hanging details, and penetration listings for all fire-rated duct assemblies. Close coordination with the installing mechanical contractor can help reduce liability risk by delivering a code-compliant assembly.

About Conquest Firespray

Conquest Firespray manufactures and markets Flamebar® fire-rated architectural and engineered duct solutions to contractors, engineers, and architects. Conquest has served HVAC mechanical and sheet-metal contractors since 1998. Conquest fabricates UL classified and Intertek listed fire rated rectangular and spiral duct systems at its Michigan Headquarters plant and in Miramar, Florida. Contact: 586.722.9200; compliance@conquest-firespray.com. More info: www.conquest-firespray.com