Feuerzelle

Feuerzelle is a German term that translates to "fire cell" or "fire zone." It is primarily used in the context of fire safety engineering and building codes. A feuerzelle refers to a compartment within a building that is designed and constructed to resist the spread of fire for a specified period. This resistance is achieved through the use of fire-resistant materials for walls, floors, ceilings, and doors, as well as careful sealing of penetrations for pipes and cables.

The purpose of a feuerzelle is to contain a fire within the compartment of origin, preventing its rapid escalation to other parts of the building and allowing occupants time to evacuate safely. The fire resistance rating of a feuerzelle is typically expressed in minutes, indicating how long it can withstand fire exposure under standardized testing conditions. Common ratings include 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes.

The concept of the feuerzelle is fundamental to passive fire protection strategies. It works in conjunction with active fire protection systems, such as sprinklers and fire alarms, to create a multi-layered approach to fire safety. Buildings are often divided into multiple feuerzellen to limit the potential damage and risk associated with a fire. The design and construction of these cells are subject to stringent regulations and building codes to ensure their effectiveness.