When installing In Ceiling Speakers, consideration needs to be given to the impact on fire protection, thermal insulation and resistance to the passage of sound. At Nuway AV we insist on firetopper speaker hoods for acoustic performance and fire safety.
Why Fire Hoods are required for all in ceiling speakers
There’s tons of confusion in the industry about when and where in ceiling speakers will want a fire hood. Getting this wrong can be extremely costly, not just concerning the risk to your clients safety, but also concerning the risk to your company being chased for damages. Insurance companies are increasingly rejecting claims for fire damage on the premise that the building’s fire integrity was diminished by the installation of equipment into ceilings and walls, and in wall/ceiling speakers represent a significant violation to the integrity of their construction they’re fitted to, concerning fire, acoustics and heat reduction.
The fundamental premise of the regulations say it is the home owners, business and builders responsibility to take steps to keep these properties when installing equipment inside the fabric of the building. And there is the problem. It may be argued that steps will always have to be taken regardless of where in the building speakers have been set up.
It’s often accepted that wherever there’s a habitable room over and the floor is made of wood / processor board etc then firehoods are certainly a necessity, but what of a few of those other circumstances.
I am installing speakers in a bedroom with just loft space above. Do I want to match fire hoods?
There’s some inconsistency between individual Building Control Officers in their interpretation of the regulations, but many are now insisting that all speakers are covered. The size of hole needed for in ceiling speakers means that the ceiling’s thermal, acoustic and fire rating is severely impaired and the thin paper cone of the speaker provides practically no remedy to the harm done.
If you’re planning to install in ceiling speakers with no hoods anywhere within a house, then consent should be sought from the relevant Building Control Officer.
If they agree to no hoods being fitted, we would suggest that you request this in writing and maintain the record stored safely for future reference. We’d also suggest that you ask the homeowner to sign a Disclaimer of Duty that makes it very clear that the owner takes responsibility, and understand that in case of a fire, any insurance claim may be affected.
I am installing speakers at a pitched roof. Do I want to match fire hoods?
Much like the response above, the installer has a duty to keep the thermal properties of this construction. Having a pitched roof you will typically have to cut about 2 cubic feet of thermal insulating material off to accommodate the speaker resulting in a serious violation to the thermal properties of the ceiling. The thin cone of the speaker will do nothing to restore the ceilings thermal properties. The Firetopper Pro has a high degree of thermal insulation as a result of air trapped in the acoustic foam coating, restoring the majority of the thermal insulating material lost by cutting away the Kingspan or other insulation material. We’d also advise filling any remaining cavity cut off with Rockwool.
I am installing speakers in a suspended ceiling with a concrete floor over. Do I want to match fire hoods?
The first thing you will need to learn is whether the emptiness between the ceiling and the concrete floor above is a Plenum Space. Plenum spaces are the open spaces above the ceiling or under the floor which are used for air flow. If the void is a Plenum Space, then yes, fire hoods will be required. Otherwise, you’ll still have to take into account the other variables so again if you’re planning to install in ceiling speakers with no hood, written consent should be sought in the Building Control Officer, and disclaimers set up.
I am installing in wall speakers within an inner stud wall? Do I want to match fire hoods?
If the adjoining room forms part of a Fire Escape Route, then yes, fire hoods will be required. If not, then again look for guidance from your building control officer and be sure to have your disclaimer set up.
Nuway AV can offer advice and surveys, safety is of the utmost importance, speak to us about any of your audio visual installation requirements. Why not make an appointment to visit our demonstration facility and find out what exciting new technology products can help grow your business. Please contact us for a free consultation.