“Instrumented Seal”
At Sehgal Doors, our commitment goes beyond manufacturing robust fire-rated doors — we also believe in educating our clients and partners about the technical landscape that shapes modern building safety. One such subject is the “instrumented seal” — a term that does not appear explicitly in the National Building Code of India (NBC) 2016, but is very much connected to fire safety principles discussed in the code.
Instrumented Seal: Not Named in the Code, But Still Relevant
If you search NBC 2016 for the term “instrumented seal,” you won’t find a direct reference. This can lead to confusion, especially among specifiers, safety officers, and project consultants. However, the function of an instrumented seal — i.e., sealing penetrations and maintaining the integrity of fire-rated enclosures is addressed under another name.
That term is: Firestop Assemblies.
Firestop Assemblies: What NBC 2016 Actually Mentions
In Part 4 (Fire and Life Safety) of NBC 2016, the code outlines detailed guidelines on the use of firestop systems wherever services like cables, ducts, pipes, or structural joints pass through fire-rated walls, floors, or ceilings.
These systems are:
- Tested for fire resistance and thermal insulation,
- Meant to maintain compartmentation during a fire,
- Required to be installed using certified and compatible materials (e.g., sealants, intumescent wraps, collars, gaskets).
Application in Fire-Rated Doors
At Sehgal Doors, we pay special attention to these sealing systems in all our fire-rated door installations. Here’s how firestop assemblies apply to doors:
| Location | Firestop Method Used | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Frame-to-wall gap | Fire-rated sealant + backing rod | Prevents fire/smoke from bypassing the door |
| Bottom threshold gap | Drop-down or intumescent seal | Blocks smoke from traveling under the door |
| Vision panel (glass) | Intumescent glazing tape | Maintains integrity of the glass opening |
| Cable penetrations (if any) | Intumescent putty or fire grommets | Seals electrical or sensor cutouts |
These are not “instrumented” in the sensor-based sense, but they perform a critical, code-compliant sealing function essential for passive fire protection.
Advanced Interpretation: What If “Instrumented” Means Smart?
If your use of “instrumented seal” refers to seals embedded with sensors, status indicators, or real-time monitoring systems, then you’re entering the realm of smart fire protection or security sealing. Such systems might be used in:
- High-security facilities,
- Data centers,
- Defense installations.
These are typically not mandated by NBC, but might be required by project-specific specifications or international codes.
At Sehgal Doors: We Seal What Matters
While terminology may evolve, our mission stays the same — to ensure fire safety, code compliance, and performance integrity across all our products. Whether it’s a certified firestop system, a vision panel seal, or a custom-engineered threshold, we build and install our doors to stand firm when it matters most.
Want to know more about our fire-rated sealing solutions?
Reach out to us at 📩 neeraj@sehgaldoors.com or visit www.sehgaldoors.com
