Palamispisteet

Palamispisteet are specific locations where ignition can occur, often defined in building codes and fire safety regulations. The term is used primarily in Finland and other Nordic countries to refer to fire entrances and points of origin that may lead to rapid fire spread.

In the context of building construction, palamispisteet include openings that provide a path for flames between different spaces. Examples are stairwells, shafts, shafts for elevator machinery, utility penetrations, and wall voids. They are identified through a combination of design calculations and fire testing. A palamispiste can also refer to a spot where a fire can start because of a particular risk such as electrical equipment, heating appliances or stored flammable materials. In many fire safety standards the number of palamispisteet must be kept to a minimum to reduce the potential for escalation.

The determination of palamispisteet is critical for classification of a building's fire compartment and the selection of fireproofing and fire protection measures, such as intumescent coatings, fire doors, and sprinkler systems. An accurate identification also forms the basis for fire modelling and for calculating fire load factors.

Fire protection engineering and building regulation authorities typically provide guidelines and standard procedures for identifying and documenting palamispisteet. They involve surveys of every potential entry way and loophole that could allow flames to transfer. By documenting these points, designers can make informed decisions on fire-resistant wall assemblies, wall finishing, and compartment design.

In summary, palamispisteet are the potential paths and points of ignition that can influence fire spread in a building. Understanding and controlling these points is essential for achieving safe fire compartmentalization and for compliance with building safety standards.