What is a 'passive fire protection system'?

A 'passive fire protection system' refers to structural elements designed to contain, slow, or prevent the spread of fire without any reliance on active mechanisms or systems. These systems usually consist of fire-resistant walls, floors, and doors, as well as fire-stopping materials that help prevent the movement of smoke and fire between different areas of a building.

The defining characteristic of passive fire protection is that it functions continuously without the need for activation; it is part of the building’s inherent design and construction. For instance, a firewall is always in place to protect an area from fire spread, regardless of whether a fire is happening.

In contrast, choices that involve activation, such as fire alarms or fire suppression systems that deploy water, are categorized as active fire protection systems. Such systems require a trigger—like the heat from a fire or a manual command—to start their protective work. Therefore, the essence of a passive fire protection system lies in its ability to offer ongoing protection simply through its existence within the structure.