A passion for fire protection

Stephanie Köble is on hand when Geberit products are given a baptism of fire. The fire protection expert uses comprehensive tests to verify that the new FlowFit pipes are resistant to fire and heat.

The furnace at the testing institute reaches temperatures of 1,000 °C. Wearing a respirator, Stephanie Köble carefully observes the many pipes protruding out of the top of the furnace.

Fire protection is taken very seriously at Geberit

The civil engineer is part of the fire protection team at Geberit. “Fire protection is one of Geberit’s top priorities,” explains the 49-year-old. “In terms of sanitary technology, this mainly relates to pipes and the points where they pass through walls and ceilings.” The risk of a fire spreading to other rooms and floors is high at these openings.

In terms of sanitary technology, fire protection mainly relates to pipes and the points where they pass through walls and ceilings.

FlowFit pipes put to the test

The pipes used in the new Geberit FlowFit supply system are being put through their paces. These are multilayer pipes made of plastic and aluminium. During a fire, they can heat up to such an extent that they can ignite objects on the other side of a wall or ceiling. For this reason, supply pipes must always be fitted with non-combustible insulation at the point where they pass through walls and ceilings.

Ninety minute test

Sensors constantly measure the temperature of the pipes and the roof of the furnace. The test lasts 90 minutes. During this time, neither fire nor smoke should spread via the pipes. The FlowFit pipes meet these demands, meaning they are given the stamp of approval. Stephanie Köble is satisfied: “The goal is always to delay the spread of fire and smoke for as long as possible. This gives people more time to evacuate the building in an emergency and ensures safer conditions for the fire brigade to save lives and prevent property damage.”