What is an example of a passive fire protection system?

Passive fire protection systems are designed to contain fires or slow their spread without the need for human intervention or active components. This is typically achieved through the use of fire-resistant materials and construction techniques that help to create barriers within a building. In this case, fire-resistant materials that seal openings in walls serve to prevent fire and smoke from traveling between different compartments. They effectively compartmentalize areas, allowing for better control of fire spread and providing safe evacuation routes.

In contrast, smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are examples of active fire protection systems, which require human action or specific conditions to operate. Smoke detectors trigger alarms to alert occupants, and fire extinguishers are used to actively combat flames once a fire has started. While sprinkler systems also play an essential role in fire safety, they are considered active systems because they require activation (often triggered by heat) to release water to combat fires.

Thus, the use of fire-resistant materials is a classic representation of passive fire safety measures, focusing on fire containment and structural integrity without the need for ongoing intervention.