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Hilti - CFS-MSL Modular Fire Sleeve

SKU(s): CFS-MSL, available in three sizes (2" by 3", 4" by 3", 6" by 4")

Description: 

Modular fire-rated cable pathway for optimal flexibility, cable capacity needs and retrofit ability. Available in three sizes

Features (From Hilti Website):

  • Highest cable capacity – our largest pre-formed, fire-rated cable pathway for low-voltage installations
  • Always retrofittable thanks to symmetrical half-shell design – no destructive steps involved
  • Can be easily ganged in any combination of modular sleeve sizes
  • Suitable for sustainable construction – Hilti fire sleeves use mechanical assembly techniques
  • Easy and reliable grounding thanks to simple to access grounding tabs on each frame.

Applications (From Hilti Website):

  • Firestopping low-voltage cable penetrations for single and cable bundles
  • Small- to medium-sized rectangular openings in walls, ceilings and floors
  • Ideal for frequent cable moves and additions
  • For use in concrete, masonry and drywall

​​​​​​​Positioning:

  • Targeting Low Voltage design community and facilities owners/operators as new self-sealing pathway alternative to EZ-Path. 

Advantages:

  • Finally have a self-sealing pathway to compete with EZ-Path

Disadvantages:

  • No ESR - No report from Nationally Recognized Third-party Laboratory confirming product is Maintenance Free. Hilti advertises the MSL as "Inspection Ready" whereas EZ-Path is Inspection and Maintenance Free
  • Different gang plate kits are used depending on application in addition to device count. New Construction, Retrofit, and Pre-gypsum layers installations each require different plates.
    • EZ-Path's gang plates are each usable in all three of the above-described conditions making selection simpler.
    • The CFS-MSL also requires additional clips (CFS-MSL CGL, ordered separately) to fasten each device in a gang together. EZ-Path does not require supplemental hardware to accommodate for gang installations.
  • Opening Geometry - Due to the shape of the CFS-MSL, they are unable to support installation in round openings.
    • This is an odd shortcoming as this argument was one Hilti themselves attempted to use against EZ-Path for many years. EZ-Path can be installed into round openings using appropriate plates or via casting/grouting.
  • No Casting/Grouting in place - None of the firestop systems released allow for casting/grouting in place of the CFS-MSL, a common practice that many contractors use when converting previously cored openings over to EZ-Path
  • No Caulking in place - No listings exist that allow for the CFS-MSL to be caulked in place using firestop sealant. A practice that we have tested using SSS/LCI sealant with single device installs of the Series 22 and Series 33.
  • No Custom Colors - There is no option for custom coloring at this time.
    • Many customers of EZ-Path take advantage of this feature to color code their pathway based on usage
  • No Extension Modules - Due to the design of the throat of each device, there is no ability to offer extension modules to accommodate for thicker wall/floor assemblies.
  • No Radius Control Module - Due to the design of the throat of each device, there is no ability to offer a Radius Control Accessory. Although not impacting fire performance, this design consideration is considered an advantage by low voltage contractors and designers
  • Sales Alignment - The Electrical and Communication's market are more accustomed to Sales Reps selling a package of products from different synergistic vendors and purchasing through distribution. Some larger manufacturers do have direct sales teams in the channel, such as rack/cabinet or pathway vendors, but these purchases still flow through Distribution. Hilti's direct sales model will make purchasing their products out of the typical flow of purchasing for these customers creating complications in sourcing material.
  • No Smoke & Acoustical Version - No capacity equivalent Smoke & Acoustical offering compromising the design of the overall cable pathway.
    • Multiple CS-SL SA Smoke and Acoustical Devices would be needed to equate the capacity of a single CFS-MSL
  • No posted ASTM E90 STC Testing - No posted/claimed achievable STC Rating.
    • All Fire-rated and Smoke & Acoustical EZ-Path Devices have STC Testing with results available upon request.
  • Screw Attachment - All bracket configurations require mechanical attachment to assembly. No option for plate compression only installation.
  • Symmetrical design is efficient from a production and design perspective but will making capturing and cradling cables for retrofit applications challenging.
    • The deep channel design of EZ-Path makes capturing existing cables easier and less cumbersome when retrofitting
  • Complexity of internal design lends itself to more common factory and field induced failures
    • IE, inner pads pulling free of inside of device during cable work.
    • Current design incorporates 52 discrete components, 8 screws, and 8 welds. EZ-Path consists of 16 discrete components with no screws or welds
  • In their UL Systems, cables are required to be tightly bundled within each CFS-MSL Module

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