Installing in-ceiling speakers requires cutting into the plasterboard ceiling, which immediately reduces the ceiling’s original fire integrity. In many installations – particularly multi-storey homes or rooms with living spaces above – maintaining that fire protection is an important consideration for installers.
Kinetik Acoustic Firehoods are designed to help restore the fire barrier created by the ceiling while also supporting improved acoustic isolation. Now available from AWE, these lightweight and flexible enclosures provide a practical solution for architectural speaker installations.
Why Firehoods Matter In Speaker Installations
When a ceiling speaker is installed, the required cut-out interrupts the fire-resistant barrier created by the plasterboard ceiling. A firehood sits over the rear of the speaker, forming a protective enclosure that helps slow the spread of fire into the ceiling void.
Beyond fire protection, acoustic firehoods can also help reduce sound transmission into the room above. This can be particularly useful when speakers are installed beneath bedrooms or other quiet living areas.
Kinetik firehoods have been tested under the heating and pressure conditions specified in EN 1363-1:2020 and BS EN 1634-2:2020 fire resistance standards. This provides reassurance for installers working to maintain the fire performance of the ceiling construction.
Kinetik Acoustic Firehood Options
AWE offers two Kinetik acoustic firehood models designed to support a wide range of architectural in-ceiling and in-wall speakers.
Kinetik KISP-AFH1 V2 Acoustic Firehood
The KISP-AFH1 V2 is designed for smaller architectural speakers and supports installations with a maximum speaker cut-out of 210mm.
Key specifications
- 270mm diameter
- 160mm height
- Supports speaker cut-outs up to 210mm
- Suitable for architectural in-wall and in-ceiling speakers
- Lightweight and flexible construction for straightforward installation
Tested under EN 1363-1:2020 and BS EN 1634-2:2020 fire resistance standards
Kinetik KISP-AFH2 V2 Acoustic Firehood
For larger ceiling speakers, the KISP-AFH2 V2 supports installations with cut-outs up to 250mm.
Key specifications
- 310mm diameter
- 160mm height
- Supports speaker cut-outs up to 250mm
- Suitable for architectural in-wall and in-ceiling speakers
- Lightweight and flexible construction for simple installation
- Tested under EN 1363-1:2020 and BS EN 1634-2:2020 fire resistance standards
Improving Speaker Performance With Backboxes
While firehoods help maintain ceiling fire integrity, installers looking to optimise speaker performance may also choose to use a dedicated backbox.
AWE offers two Bowers & Wilkins backboxes that provide a controlled acoustic enclosure behind the speaker. By creating a defined air volume, these backboxes can help deliver more consistent bass performance and reduce unwanted sound transmission into adjacent rooms or ceiling spaces.
Available models include:
Although designed for Bowers & Wilkins CI 600 Series speakers, these backboxes can also be used with many other architectural speaker brands where the dimensions are compatible.
Available Now From AWE
Kinetik Acoustic Firehoods provide installers with a straightforward way to help maintain ceiling fire protection while also supporting improved acoustic isolation in architectural audio installations.
Both KISP-AFH1 V2 and KISP-AFH2 V2 models are available to order now through the AWE website for upcoming installations.
For more information, visit the AWE product pages or contact the AWE sales team.
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