Fire Protection

Fire putty pads are intumescent pads moulded around the back of electrical boxes in dry lined walls to help restore the fire resistance lost when the plasterboard is cut for a socket or switch. In a fire, the putty expands to seal gaps around the box and cable entries.

We currently stock internal fire pads in 1 gang (SPG) and 2 gang (DPG) sizes for single and double accessory positions. Buy at trade prices, with next working day delivery across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland on stock orders placed by 5pm.

29103 In-Stock

2 Gang Fire Pad Internal DPG

£5.10 inc. VAT

29102 In-Stock

1 Gang Fire Pad Internal SPG

£3.60 inc. VAT

Using fire putty pads in dry lined walls

Fire rated partitions are designed to resist fire spread for a stated period, but every opening cut for an electrical box creates a weak point. Putty pads are a simple way to help reinstate the performance of the wall at each socket and switch.

How they work

The pad is made from an intumescent, mouldable material. It is pressed around the outside of the back box inside the wall cavity, sealing round the box and the cable entry. When exposed to heat, the material expands and chars, closing gaps to slow the passage of fire and smoke. Many putty pads also help reduce sound transfer between rooms, so check the manufacturer's data if acoustic performance matters.

What to check

Size: 1 gang pads for single boxes and 2 gang pads for double boxes
Wall type: pads are designed for stud partitions and dry lined walls
Fire rating: confirm the pad is tested for the wall's fire resistance period and construction
Box type: check compatibility with the dry lining or steel box you are using
Back-to-back boxes: offsetting boxes on opposite sides of a wall may also be required

Installation tips

Fit pads around the box before it is closed into the wall, following the manufacturer's method. Wrap the pad fully around the sides and back of the box, and press it into contact with the cable to seal the entry. Keep the pad clean and do not stretch it too thin. Fire stopping requirements come from building regulations and the system manufacturer's tested details, so always check the specification. You will find suitable dry lining and steel back boxes in our range, alongside fire resistant cable and adhesives and sealants for related work.

Meteor Electrical is a family-run wholesaler based in Cookstown, Co. Tyrone. Trade account holders benefit from trade pricing, and in-stock orders placed by 5pm Monday to Friday are delivered next working day across NI and ROI.

FAQ's Ask Your Own Question

What are Fire putty pads?: Fire putty pads have been designed specifically to reinstate the fire performance of electrical switches and sockets installed in dry lining walls where the original walls fire rating has been compromised. These putty pads provide quick and easy solution which reinstates the fire protection.
How to use a Fire putty pad?: To use a fire putty pad:

Make sure the surface is clean and remove the socket plate.

Remove the polylinear from the side of the pad.

Insert the pad into the socket back box making sure the pad covers the sides. It is important to make sure the pad is not damaged during the process.
What are Fire putty pad use for?: Putty Pads are made from intumescent putty which provides fire resistance for socket boxes. They are designed to be applied to external surfaces of metallic and non-metallic boxes.
Do I need a fire putty pad on every socket in a dry lined wall?: Fire putty pads are typically needed where electrical boxes penetrate a wall or ceiling with a fire resistance requirement, such as party walls, escape route partitions and compartment walls. Non-rated internal partitions may not need them. The fire strategy, building regulations and the partition manufacturer's details determine where they are required, so check the specification for each wall.
Do putty pads help with sound insulation?: Yes, many fire putty pads also improve acoustic performance by sealing the gaps around back boxes that let sound pass through a partition. This is useful between flats, hotel rooms and offices. The level of improvement depends on the product and the wall build-up, so check the manufacturer's acoustic test data if sound insulation is part of the specification.
Can a fire putty pad be refitted after removal?: Putty pads stay mouldable, so a pad can often be reshaped and refitted if a box is moved during installation, provided it is clean, undamaged and still covers the box fully. If the material is contaminated, torn or stretched thin, use a new pad. Follow the manufacturer's guidance so the tested fire performance is maintained.