ALLTEX^®, VERMIDUCT^® & VERMITEX^® ‘DX’

Electrical, Cable Tray & Bus Bar Enclosures
(Interior & Exterior applications)

Introduction

Electrical Cable and Conductor Bus Bars are sometimes used to supply electricity to emergency services within buildings. The safeguarding of Cables and Conductor bars from direct fire and ensuring that the temperature of the cables remains within the manufacturer’s parameters are of prime importance. LAF’s cable and bus bar passive fire protection solutions are drawn form the extensive experience gained in the field as well as actual fire tests carried out on cable systems.

Product Description

Vermiduct^®, VermiteX^® 'DX' or Alltex^®

Two approaches are possible: sprayed in place or precast. The system is based on our Trimesh^® reinforcement system in combination with our proprietary spray-applied coatings: Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^®. Any of these three materials may be used with the Trimesh^® as they have all been tested in accordance with AS 1530.4 and AS 4072 to incorporate services penetrations and fire dampers as well as access panels.

The most beneficial attributes offered by our Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® Enclosure System is the low weight and reduced thickness necessary to achieve the required FRL period of up to and inclusive of four (4) hours. The system may be easily suspended from superimposed structures, or supported from other fire rated elements with minimal structural prerequisites.

With enclosure systems it is imperative that the fire source be ascertained before an appropriate system can be designed. The Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® Enclosure System offer a ‘two way’ fire rating (Fire Inside or Fire Outside).

Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® enclosure’s may also cater for special conditions such as air tight enclosures where the cable/bus bar ambient temperature is extremely critical, and air is circulated through the enclosure to keep the cable’s temperature stable. The system is self-supporting and will provide protection from fire in either direction.

Services required to be attached/suspended from the Cable Tray and Busbar Enclosure System, should be independently supported without reliance on the Trimesh^® reinforcement. Support details should be carefully planned as authorities may consider parts of these structural supports (eg bracket, cleats, clips etc.) as penetrations and subsequently reject the integrity of the system. (2)

Trimesh^® reinforcement panel

The Trimesh^® Panel is an industrially manufactured lightweight panel, designed for a variety of uses within the Building and Construction Industry. This innovative three dimensional space-frame wire can be partially filled with a polystyrene layer so as to leave the steel mesh exposed on each face of the panel. The panel is then covered on site with one of LAF’s tested and approved spray-applied products.

The panels are erected on site and are easy to transport and handle given their lightweight properties. The panels can be re-sized with conventional hand tools or by standard electrical hand tools. After electrical and/or other utilities are installed, the entire structure is ready for finishing with spray-applied mortars.

The Trimesh^® structure is a composite panel that combines the strength of steel, the thermal insulation properties of polystyrene (when included) and the fire endurance capabilities of our monolithic spray applied mortars. The panel is basically conceived to be used as a total construction system, but it can be readily included in other construction systems such as curtain walls, partition walls or as a core in pre-cast elements.

Recommended Uses

Spray application may be carried out by mechanical means to interior or exterior building elements in conjunction with the Trimesh three-dimensional Electro-welded mesh system(1). Furthermore the Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® materials may be sprayed-applied to a multitude of backgrounds to enhance the Fire Resistance Level (FRL) of building and construction elements and at the same time provide a durable finish. This Data Sheet addresses application to both interior as well as exterior elements used for Cable Tray & Busbar Enclosures.

Product Characteristics

Tested Properties

Application Instructions

Trimesh^® Construction System

The Trimesh^® panels are installed in both a horizontal and vertical plane for the construction of enclosures to Electrical Cable Trays as well as Bus Bar Conductors. The standard panel consists of two layers of mesh having a square pattern of 6.3 cm. The layers of mesh are held apart at the required distance by means of welded cross-wires positioned at 18º angles and alternately rotated. The space frame is made of steel wire and can be supplied as follows:

1) Plain three-dimensional wire frame panel for use in upgrading electrical services installed on concrete walls where the spray can come into contact with the electrical conductors.

2) Variable Trimesh^® thickness with a polyurethane core which serves as thermal insulation and a backing surface for the spray mortar to follow.

3) With Aluminium Foil (light, medium & heavy duty) adhered on one side only, to provide a reflective thermal insulation and vapour barrier. This non-erodable and smooth surface finish is ideal where circulating air is required to cool the conductors.

Note: Trimesh^® panels must always be installed in accordance with L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd's Construction Standards. Deviations from these Standards should not be made without previous written approval from LAF.

Services and Utilities installation

Where required these should be noted on the specifier’s drawings, and should identify the required services and fixing methodology.

The TRIMESH^® fire test incorporate services such as, PVC, Steel & Copper Pipe Penetrations, Fire Dampers, Electrical Cable Trays and Air Handling Ductwork. These provide a total solution package for all passive fire protection needs. The tested assembly achieved from 2 hours up to and including 4 hours Fire Resistance Level to AS 1530.4. (2)

Spray Application Operations

Once the installation of the Trimesh^® has been completed, Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® spraying operations may commence.

This operation is carried out by approved applicators who shall make use of products supplied by LAF. Under normal conditions mortars do not require the use of additives, however in some instances precautions may have to be taken to prevent "drying out" of the mortar during and after application.

First layer or ‘scratch coat’ shall be uniformly applied to leave mesh exposed. Finish must be uniform and textured rough to provide a good bond for subsequent coatings. Position levelling ‘grounds or screeds’ ready for application of the ‘second coat’ or ‘brown coat’. Once the ‘scratch coat’ has set and partially dried the ‘brown coat’ application should proceed. The ‘brown coat’ shall be left smooth or lightly roughened depending on whether a further finishing coat is to be applied. Once the ‘brown coat’ has set and partially cured apply the ‘finishing coat’.

Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® are mill-mixed compounds which can be sprayed over the Trimesh^® at the corresponding thickness stipulated by the Manufacturer (refer Thickness Tables).

The following products are supplied by L & A Fazzini Manufacturing P/L for exclusive use with Trimesh^®:

• Vermiduct^® - A gypsum based mixture, which has been used to protect Air Handling, Sheetmetal and PVC Ductwork for many years and has an excellent proven track record.
  
• Vermitex^® ‘TH’ - A Portland Cement based mixture tested to Hydrocarbon regime (BS 476.20 Appendix D) to provide a low cost and relatively hard wearing surface for use in tunnels and the like.
  
• Alltex^® - A Portland Cement based mixture which has been specially developed to provide: low cost, hard wearing and lightweight material to be used in plant rooms and other areas usually accessible to maintenance personnel.

Once mechanical reinforcement has been secured the whole thickness can be sprayed in one coat by experienced applicator teams. Multiple coatings will achieve a smooth and even textured finish, however a new coating should only be applied over one that has partially set. Where this is not possible the last coating surface should be left with a ‘deep & rough texture’ or purposefully scratched. Depending on the scope of work, our Applicators can offer a variety of Finishes to suit the requirements. When ‘Trowelling’ or ‘Ruling’ is unavoidable the applicator should not ‘overwork’ or ‘polish’ the sprayed material.

Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® when applied in ventilated areas to a thickness of 50 mm, will dry in 3-4 weeks. All materials are prone to frost damage and temperatures surrounding the areas being sprayed should not be allowed to fall below 4°C for a week, after installation.

Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® can be painted however suitable sealers and paints must be used. (2)
Vermiduct^® can only be used for interior applications. Although Trimesh^® is Galvanised, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ and Alltex^® are resistant to water, it is advisable that in exterior applications and wet areas, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ and Alltex^® be top coated with a water-repellent membrane to provide added protection to the trimmed edges of the Trimesh^® wire panel. Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® should not be relied upon as a rust preventative coating. They are porous and will allow the passage of moisture through to the substrate. If a concern exists about the passage of water or moisture, any underlying substrate should be primed and the surface of the spray material top coated with a water-repellent membrane. (2)

Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® should also be protected from chemicals that have an impact on cement or plaster.

Bond Coat, Primer Compatibility and Corrosion prevention

When applying Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® to a Trimesh^® background no particular form of Bond Coat is required.

Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® cannot be relied upon as water barriers or rust preventative coatings as they are porous and will allow the passage of moisture through to the substrate. If a concern exists about the passage of water or moisture, any underlying substrate should be primed and the surface of the spray material top coated with a water-repellent membrane.

Only stainless steel protective ‘Angle Corner Beads’ should be used for exterior applications.

Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® may react with Aluminium and Aluminium alloys and a suitable primer is recommended.

Coverage

One 50 litre bag of Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® will cover approximately 1m² at a nominal thickness of 50 mm (without wastage considerations).

Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® Specification (Broad Form)

Before commencing the Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® application, any structural supports as well as the Trimesh^® substrate shall be inspected by the Main Contractor to ensure all elements to be sprayed are securely fixed and free from any substance which might impair proper adhesion of the spray material.

All adjacent areas not requiring treatment shall be suitably protected against droppings and overspray.

Mechanical reinforcement equal in all respects to LAF’s Trimesh^® shall have been installed in accordance with the Manufacturers instructions and any relevant Code and Standards.

..Vermiduct^®.. or ..Alltex^®.. or ..Vermitex^® ‘DX’’.. ..(insert required material).. as manufactured by L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd shall be installed by an approved Specialist Contractor to the thickness of ..xx.. mm to provide a Fire Resistance Level of ..aaa / bbb / ccc ....(insert required thickness and FRL).. .

The Specialist Contractor shall provide all materials, accessories, spray equipment, tools, inspection services and labour to satisfactorily carry out the works in best trade practice. All workmanship and installation techniques shall comply with the Manufacturers ‘Application Instructions’, relevant Building Code Statutory requirements and applicable ASTM, BS or AS Standards.

Refer to Test Data for more information

Health Statement

Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® contain no asbestos and present no known health hazard before, during or after application. Normal precautions relevant to the handling of cement and plaster products apply: dust mask, eye protection and covering of sensitive skin.

NOTES:
1. Refer to LAF for Mesh requirement details or for other Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® applications
2. Refer to LAF for further detailed information

For more information or MSDS on Vermiduct^®, Vermitex^® ‘DX’ or Alltex^® or any other products,

please see the technical data page, or contact: L & A Fazzini Manufacturing Pty Ltd

Email:sales@lafgroup.com