Fire Collars Australia
Date Posted:2 July 2026
Fire collars stop fire, smoke and hot gases moving between rooms wherever a plastic pipe or conduit passes through a fire-rated wall or floor. When PVC pipework is exposed to heat, it softens and deforms — the intumescent core inside a fire collar reacts to that heat by expanding, crushing the pipe opening shut and forming a solid char barrier. This keeps the fire-resistance rating of the wall or floor intact at the penetration point.
We stock both retrofit fire collars (fitted after the pipe is already installed — ideal for renovations and non-compliance rectification) and cast-in collars (built into the slab or wall during construction). Sizes run from 25mm through to 100mm to suit most standard PVC pipe and conduit diameters, with collars tested and certified to AS1530.4 and AS4072.1
What's the difference: Retrofit vs Cast-In?
Retrofit collars
- Fitted around an existing pipe penetration — no need to pour it into the slab in advance
- Common on renovation jobs, or fixing non-compliant penetrations flagged in a fire safety audit
- Typically hinge open, wrap around the pipe, and clamp or screw shut
- Best for plumbers and electricians working on completed structures
Cast-in collars
- Installed into formwork before the concrete is poured, so the collar becomes part of the slab or wall
- Specified at the design stage for new builds
- Removes the need for later retrofit work once services are run
Technical specifications
Fire resistance standard | AS1530.4, AS4072.1
Fire resistance level (FRL) | Up to 4 hours (confirm per product/brand)
Pipe sizes covered | 25mm – 100mm (confirm range per brand)
Substrates tested | Concrete, masonry, plasterboard/lightweight wall systems, AAC (confirm per brand)
Activation temperature | Intumescent material typically begins expanding as PVC softens (~70°C onset for uPVC)
Where fire collars are used
- Bathroom and kitchen PVC waste pipe penetrations through fire-rated floors
- Stormwater and sewer pipe penetrations through fire walls
- Electrical conduit penetrations in commercial and multi-residential buildings
- Renovation projects rectifying non-compliant penetrations found during a fire safety inspection
Installation notes
1. Confirm the collar size matches the pipe OD (outer diameter), not the nominal pipe size
2. Position the collar flush with the wall or floor surface per the manufacturer's tested system
3. Fix using the method specified for that brand/system (screws, clamps, adhesive — varies)
4. Retain the product data sheet and certificate for the job file / compliance records
*Always install per the specific tested system for the brand you're using — mixing components across brands can void the fire rating.*
FAQs
Do I need a licensed installer to fit a fire collar?
Fire collars themselves don't legally require a licensed fire protection installer in every state, but the work is often done by licensed plumbers or electricians as part of the broader job, and the finished penetration usually needs to be signed off against the relevant Australian Standard for compliance purposes. Check current requirements in your state.
What size fire collar do I need?
Match the collar to the outer diameter of the pipe or conduit, not the nominal size printed on the pipe. Undersized collars won't achieve the tested fire rating.
Can fire collars be used on metal pipes?
Fire collars are designed for combustible pipes like PVC. Metal pipe penetrations typically use a different product (fire-rated sealant/mastic or mortar) since metal doesn't deform the same way under heat.
How long do fire collars last?
Properly installed and undamaged collars don't have a defined expiry, but they should be inspected periodically (annually is common for commercial buildings) as part of routine fire safety inspections.