FireMaster FastWrap XL: A Technical Overview for Commercial Kitchen Grease Duct Fire Protection

Thermal Ceramics’ FireMaster FastWrap XL is a flexible wrap material designed for fire protection in commercial kitchen grease duct systems. It is intended for use in providing 1 or 2 hour fire ratings for kitchen exhaust ducts, meeting standards set by the 2006 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and NFPA 96. The product utilizes a core blanket manufactured from Thermal Ceramics’ patented Superwool fiber, an alkaline-earth silicate wool rated to 2000°F and characterized by low biopersistence. FastWrap XL is UL Classified and participates in UL’s Listing and Follow-Up Service Program, intended to ensure consistent quality for life-safety applications.

Product Description and Features

FireMaster FastWrap XL represents an advancement in fiberization technology, enhancing thermal properties relevant to fire protection. When combined with an approved firestop sealant, it can function as a through-penetration firestop in rated floor and wall assemblies. The material is specifically designed for use in kitchen grease duct enclosures.

Key features of the FastWrap XL include its approval as a 1 or 2 hour shaft alternative in kitchen grease duct applications. It offers zero clearance to combustibles at any location, meaning it can be installed without maintaining a specific distance from flammable materials. The material is relatively thin and lightweight, measuring 1 ½ inches thick with a density of 6 pounds per cubic foot. Its flexibility allows it to conform to complex duct designs. The product incorporates butt joints on the inside layer to reduce labor and material costs during installation. It is also recognized and accepted by inspectors, potentially reducing the need for extensive on-site engineering judgments. Available in 50 and 100 square foot rolls, it offers optimal job-site storage. Furthermore, 48-inch widths are available to minimize the number of joints and reduce installation labor.

Applications and Compliance

The primary application of FastWrap XL is to provide 1 or 2 hour fire protection to grease ducts exhausting Type 1 hoods, in accordance with the IMC 2006, NFPA 96, and the 2006 IAPMO UMC. The product has successfully passed the ASTM E2336 test standard, a requirement for reduced clearance enclosure materials. It also passes the ASTM E136 test for non-combustibility. The product is listed with the International Code Council – Engineering Service.

Physical Characteristics and Specifications

FastWrap XL is available in roll and collar formats. The available unit sizes are as follows:

  • Roll: 1 ½” x 24" x 25' (1 unit per carton, 37.5 lbs.)
  • Roll: 1 ½” x 48" x 25' (1 unit per carton, 75 lbs.)
  • Collar Roll: 1 ½” x 6" x 25' (4 units per carton, 37.5 lbs.)

The color of the material is a white blanket with silver foil encapsulation.

Performance Specifications

The product’s performance is validated through several standard tests:

  • Grease Duct Enclosure System: ASTM E2336 – Pass
  • Non-Combustibility: ASTM E136 – Pass
  • Section 16.2-Fire: Standard No. Performance – Pass (specific details of this standard are not provided in the documentation).

Installation Considerations

The documentation includes a figure illustrating a typical insulation pin layout for duct spans exceeding 24 inches in width, intended to prevent blanket sag. The specification calls for a minimum of 12 gauge steel insulation pins. Another figure details a through-penetration system for 1 or 2 hour grease duct applications, showing the application of two layers of FastWrap XL, along with scrap pieces of the material. The documentation does not provide detailed step-by-step installation instructions beyond these visual aids.

International Distribution

The documentation lists contact information for Thermal Ceramics offices in several international locations, including:

  • Brazil: T: +55 (11) 5535 6600, F: +55 (11) 5535 6601
  • Canada: T: +1 905 629 8880, F: +1 905 629 8885
  • Guatemala: T: +50 (2) 4733 295/6, F: +50 (2) 4730 601
  • Venezuela: T: +58 (241) 878 3164, F: +58 (241) 878 6712

Conclusion

FireMaster FastWrap XL is a specialized fire protection material designed for commercial kitchen grease duct systems. Its key attributes include its ability to provide 1 or 2 hour fire ratings, its zero clearance requirement to combustibles, and its lightweight, flexible construction. The product is UL Classified and meets relevant industry standards such as ASTM E2336 and ASTM E136. Proper installation, including the use of appropriate insulation pins and potentially firestop sealant, is crucial for achieving the intended fire protection performance. The provided documentation focuses on product specifications and compliance, with limited detail regarding specific installation procedures.

Sources

  1. Thermal Ceramics FastWrap XL Product Data & Installation Guide

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