When it comes to passive fire protection, the whole is more than the sum of its parts.
At first glance, it might seem harmless to swap out one component for another—especially if the replacement is from the same manufacturer. But with passive fire protection systems, that’s a dangerous assumption.
Each system is a certified unit
Passive fire protection systems are tested and certified as complete assemblies. Every component—from the boards and sealants to screws and fasteners—plays a specific role, and their interaction is what delivers the certified fire resistance. When even one part is replaced, the system’s performance in real fire conditions can no longer be guaranteed.
No room for substitution—even within the same brand
It might seem reasonable to swap one Knauf product for another. After all, they're from the same trusted source. But even then, the answer is a clear no. Certification bodies only validate fire protection systems in the exact configurations they were tested in. Changing a component—regardless of the manufacturer—means stepping outside the boundaries of the tested system.
It's not about preference—it's about safety and compliance
Passive fire protection isn’t just a recommendation. It's a life-safety system designed to compartmentalize fire and smoke. Any deviation from the certified setup compromises not just fire performance, but also legal compliance with building codes and regulations.
Stick to the system. Stick to safety.
At Knauf, every FireWin system is tested rigorously to ensure it performs as expected under the toughest conditions. That’s why we urge designers, installers, and contractors: do not improvise. Always use the full certified system—exactly as intended.
Need clarity? We’ve got you covered.
All approved systems and their components are clearly listed in the Knauf FireWin Product and System Catalogue.
For more detailed information on individual components, refer to the corresponding Technical Data Sheets and Europen Technical Assesment, available on our website, in case of doubt, you can always contact us to make sure all your questions are answered.
Because when it comes to fire safety, there’s no room for compromise.
