When deciding on the correct mailbox to purchase, it is essential that the buyer is clear about the location that the fire rated mailboxes are going to be placed in as choosing a lesser standard item may disable the fire rating of the location and deem the property vulnerable to fire.
We have worked continually with the market to understand the Fire Rating demands on projects, and consequently have produced an alternative to our high level product for those sites where products can conform to BS476 Part 6 & 7. This standard typically tests the material that the product is made of to see if it will ‘fuel a fire’, whereas Part 22 will contain and form a break to a fire and the box or bank of boxes will maintain its integrity for one hour.
The Safety Letterbox Company Research and Development team worked with EXOVA Warrington to become the first company to achieve full Fire Rating (one hour integrity) to BS 476 Part 22, on this specifically created group of products.
Fire Rated Mailboxes
Fire Rated 1 Mailbox – In Front / Out Front Vertical
The Fire Rated 1 Mailbox is an in front / out front vertical product that is suitable for wall mounting, wall recessing or freestanding. The relatively minimal depth of the mailbox is ideal for recessing into walls that feature a restricted depth, maximising the amount of available space in the installation location.
The Fire Rated 1 mailbox has been developed to restrict the spread of fire for up to one hour only and if recessed into a fire rated wall, will maintain the integrity of the fire rated wall for up to one hour.
Fire Rated 2 Mailbox – In Front / Out Front Horizontal
The Fire Rated 2 Mailbox is an in front / out front horizontal product that is suitable for wall mounting, wall recessing or freestanding. The relatively minimal height of the mailbox is ideal for maximising the quantity of mailboxes that can be used in a restricted area.
The Fire Rated 2 mailbox has been developed to restrict the spread of fire for up to one hour only and if recessed into a fire rated wall, will maintain the integrity of the fire rated wall for up to one hour.
Fire Rated 3 Mailbox – In Front / Out Back
The Fire Rated 3 Mailbox is an in front / out back product that is suitable for through the wall processing of mail that can be installed both internally or externally to suit. The Fire Rated 3 mailbox is designed in a panel which can be created to meet the requirements of each individual project.
The Fire Rated 3 Mailbox flap uses an inward sprung hinge to stop the flap from falling out of the box when exposed to fire. The mailbox features an aperture that uses an intumescent seal which expands when exposed to a large increase in temperature; closing the space available and restricting the flow of oxygen into the mailbox.
Fire Rated Standards – Guidelines we work to
BS 476 – Part 22
This superior group of Fire Rated products contain a series of features and benefits that result in a ‘one hour integrity’ rating. As a result of many complex features, this product range is the more costly option, and satisfies the demands of the fire officer if a higher specification is required.
CLASS 0 rating : BS 476 Part 6 & 7
The Class 0 rating can be achieved by formally testing materials to BS476: Part 7 and Part 6. This group will satisfy the demands of fire protection in most cases, and provide an affordable alternative if Class 0 is required.
The Safety Letterbox Company have Part 6 & 7 tested products carried out by EXOVA Warrington fire that have complied with the requirements for Class 0 surface spread of a material or composite product, as defined in para A13b of Approved Document B, ‘Fire Safety’ to the Building Regulations 2000.
Research and Development
At The Safety Letterbox Company, our Research and Development team worked with Exova Warrington to become the first company to achieve full Fire Rating (one hour integrity only) to BS 476 Part 22, on this specifically created group of products. We continue to push the boundaries and be at the forefront of Fire Rated product advances, we are currently investing in further testing and R&D to enable us to expand the range in this area.
Featured Fire Rated Projects
Paddington Exhange
Numerous banks of multi-occupancy wall recessed Fire Rated 2 mailboxes at the design-led Paddington Exchange project in London.
The project features multiple banks of wall recessed ‘Fire Rated 2’ mailboxes located in the entrance lobby area. The mailboxes contain a series of features and benefits that result in a ‘one hour integrity’ rating that conforms to the BS476 Part 22 fire standards.
Waterside Park
Multiple banks of internal wall recessed Fire Rated 2 mailboxes used to securely store the mail deposits for the property residents.
The bank of mailboxes are recessed into a wall and integrated with a finishing surround frame providing a high quality edging to the products, hiding any gaps between brick and mailbox and ensuring a high quality finish.
Jackson Fire Rated
Banks of freestanding Fire Rated 2 mailboxes fitted internally used to securely store the mail of the property residents.
The mailboxes are fitted to the floor with the use of support legs which are secured to the concrete floor which the use of heavy-duty fixings. Support stands are colour coded to match the same finish as the bank of mailboxes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fire Rated Mailboxes
Do I really need a Fire Rated solution?
Two Fire Rated ranges are available to use, the first option is to meet the BS 476 Part 22 which features products with specific features and benefits that result in a ‘one hour integrity’ rating. The second option is to meet the BS 476 Part 6 & 7 which will satisfy the demands of fire protection in most cases, and provide an affordable alternative if non-flammable materials are acceptable. All products achieving these standards are polyester powder coated to London Underground Eningeering Standard 2-01001-002 for surface spread of flame.
How long are the Fire Rated mailboxes tested for?
Mailboxes featured in the Fire Rated BS 476 Part 22 range have been tested for up to ‘one hour integrity’ only. This standard typically tests the material that the product is made of to see if it will ‘fuel a fire’.
Are there any other Fire Rated options available?
All mailboxes can be fitted with a FireTrace™ which is a single use automatic fire extinguisher. The FireTrace is fitted internally in a mailbox and in the event of a fire being started in a mailbox, the heat generated softens the tube which punctures the item at the hottest point (approximately 80º). The gas contained in the tub is released into the seat of the fire extinguishing the fire at the source.
Can the dimension of the box / mail aperture be adapted?
No. The Fire Rated range has been tested at the specified dimensions and any adjustment in sizing will result in the mailbox not meeting the Fire Rating standards. We have three different types of mailboxes that meet these fire standards, The FR1 Vertical Mailbox, FR2 Horizontal product and the through the wall FR3 mailbox.
Do these mailboxes meet Secured by Design Homes 2016 guidelines?
Mailboxes can be fitted with an additional security bridge feature that will comply with the Secured by Design Homes 2016 guidelines. Combining an additional security bridge with a mailbox from the Fire Rated range will comply with both Fire Rating and Secured by Design Homes 2016 guidelines.
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