Oct 18 2012
Thermafiber has released a new light fixture protection kit for the commercial building market. FixtureShield kits are made from rigid Thermafiber mineral wool boards.
The new, patented light-weight design reduces installation time, offers energy saving R-value and improved sound control. FixtureShield is UL approved and listed in several fire-rated floor/ceiling and roof/ceiling assemblies.
"The new FixtureShield kits are a much better design than historical approaches," says Michael Williams, Executive Vice President. "The new kits install faster and easier than traditional gypsum or ceiling tile enclosures. Many building owners, local code officials and contractors don't realize that the IBC code requires light fixtures be protected in fire-rated gypsum and suspended ceilings. FixtureShield is not only a great solution to keep buildings code compliant, it also represents a significant labor savings to the contractor."
Fire protection is a critical element for ceilings in both the 2009 and 2012 versions of the IBC code. Any penetration of a fire-rated ceiling must be protected so that the entire ceiling assembly will not be compromised. While providing passive fire protection, the FixtureShield kits also create a functional enclosure that controls sound and conserves energy by reducing the loss of heating and cooling. Controlling sound is an important consideration in schools, hospitals, multi-family housing and offices. Acoustic testing has demonstrated FixtureShield's ability to improve the sound rating of ceilings with light fixtures.
FixtureShield kits are available for standard 2'x2' and 2'x4' light fixtures. Custom kits are also available for non-standard light sizes, can lights and speakers.