The following information is intended to provide construction and code enforcement professionals with basic checkpoints to ensure the required fire resistance ratings are maintained when penetrations and linear joints breach walls and floors. This inspection guideline is not intended to be all encompassing or to be used as a design guide. It is for information and educational purposes only.

Annular space - The opening around a penetrating item.

F Rating - The time period that a penetration firestop system resists the spread of fire and flaming through the penetration.

Fireblocking - Building material installed to resist the free passage of flame and gases to other areas of the building through concealed spaces.

Fire Resistive Joint System - An assemblage of specific materials or products that are designed to provide a fire separating function along continuous linear openings, including changes in direction, between or bounded by fire separating elements. Tested in accordance with ASTM E 1966 (ANSI/UL 2079).

Joint - The linear void located between juxtaposed fire separating elements. Joint systems include construction joints, expansion joints, seismic joints but do not include control* joints. Dynamic joint systems are designed to allow independent movement of the building caused by thermal, wind, seismic or any other loading. Cyclic movement of joints is tested in accordance with ASTM E 1399.

*Control joints are incorporated in construction assemblies for the purpose of controlling cracking.

Penetration - An opening created in a membrane or assembly to accommodate penetrating items for electrical, mechanical, environmental, and communication systems.

Through-penetration - An opening that passes through the entire separating assembly.

Membrane penetration - An opening that passes through one side of the separating assembly.

Perimeter Fire Barrier System - An assemblage of specific materials along the perimeter of a floor with an hourly fire endurance rating and a non-rated exterior curtain wall to ensure continuity of the separating function of the floor assembly. Tested in accordance with ASTM XXX (in process).

Splice - The connection or junction within the length of a joint system.

Penetration Firestop System - A specific construction consisting of materials that protect the opening around the penetrating item such as cables, cable trays, conduits, ducts*, pipes and their means of support through the wall or floor opening to prevent the spread of fire. Tested in accordance with ASTM E 814 (ANSI/UL 1479).

*Although ducts may be considered penetrations, the requirements for maintaining the fire rating of the assembly penetrated by ducts are beyond the scope of this document.

In 1996, CSI revised the formatting for all its specifications. Section 07800 "Fire and Smoke Protection" includes firestopping materials, fire containment, sprayed fire resistive materials, board materials, smoke seals, and fire resistant coatings and assemblies. Firestopping is now covered by Section 07840 - Firestopping. Other specification sections, such as Thermal and Moisture Protection, Insulation, Drywall, or Mechanical and Plumbing sections, might include references to firestopping materials .

Check Point - Are you unsure about the completeness of your firestop system specifications? Check out the latest IFC guidelines for specification section – 07840.

The Test Standards relevant to Firestop Systems are:

1. ASTM E 814 (ANSI/UL 1479) "Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Fire Stops"

2. ASTM E 1966 (ANSI/UL 2079) "Standard Test Method for Fire-Resistive Joint Systems"

3. ASTM E 1399 "Cyclic Movement and Measuring the Minimum and Maximum Joint Widths of Architectural Joint Systems"

4. ASTM E 2174 "Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Fire Stops"

5. ASTM E 2307 "Draft Standard Test Method for Determining the Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barrier Systems using the Intermediate Scale, Multi-Story Test Apparatus"

6. ASTM E 2393 "Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Fire Resistive Joint System and Perimeter Fire Barriers"

The fire testing of penetration firestop and fire resistive joint systems require that both penetrations and joints demonstrate the ability to stop the passage of flame (F rating) and withstand a hose stream test. Fire tests also include provisions for measuring the T rating and the optional L rating. Fire tests of firestop systems are conducted using positive furnace pressures.

For dynamic joint systems, a specific number of expansion and contraction cycles precede the fire test in order to measure the movement capabilities of the joint systems. The movement capability of a joint is expressed as a % of the installed (nominal) width of the joint system.

The fire endurance rating of the firestop system must equal the fire resistance rating of the penetrated fire separating assembly in which the firestop system is installed. With a few exceptions, the methods and materials used in penetrations and joints are tested as a system to demonstrate the methods and materials function as fire containment for the required fire endurance rating. A modification to a tested system voids the rating of the system.

Check Points

There are several independent testing laboratories, also referred to as third party testing agencies, which conduct the fire testing of firestop systems. The fire test results are usually included as design listings in the fire resistance directories published by the testing laboratory. These Directories are an important source of information during the plan review process and inspection process. The details, system numbers, manufacturer installation recommendations, and other design listing information are often referred to on the plan submittals. A thorough knowledge of the design listing information is critical to firestop inspections.

The following are some of the recognized independent laboratories conducting tests of firestop systems:

The Building Codes have very clear requirements on passive fire protection. Fire investigative reports have consistently shown that unprotected or improperly protected penetrations and joints cause millions of dollars in property damage and contributed to the loss of life and injuries due to the uncontrolled migration of fire, smoke and toxic gases. In order to promote life safety and property protection, the national building codes include fire testing and performance requirements for penetration firestop and fire resistive joint systems. These provisions are included in Chapter 7 - Fire Resistance Rated Construction of the current model codes, which are:

1. ICC’s International Building Code (IBC)

2. ICBO’s Uniform Building Code (UBC)

3. SBCCI’s Standard Building Code (SBC)

4. BOCA’s National Building Code (NBC)

 

Whenever required by a Model Building Code, the fire resistance ratings of floors, walls, floor/ceiling or roof/ceiling assemblies must be restored when an opening is made to accommodate penetrations for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and communication systems. Joints between floors, walls, floors and walls, etc, must have the same fire resistance ratings as the adjacent construction.

NFPA 101, Lifesafety Code, NFPA 70, National Electrical Code, and IAPMO’s Uniform Plumbing code (UPC), also include provisions related to protection of penetrations. The IBC, NBC, SBC, UBC, and UPC have explicit requirements for inspection of firestop systems before they are concealed. The NBC, UBC and SBC include explicit requirements for all Firestop systems details and materials to be included in the construction documents. The IBC requires that evidence be submitted to the local official showing that the materials and methods of construction used to protect penetrations and joints in fire resistance rated building elements shall not reduce the required fire resistance rating.

There are four categories of Firestop materials:

1. Fill, Void or Cavity Materials

Intumescent sealants/caulks

Silicone sealants/caulks

Acrylic sealants/ caulks

Urethane sealants/caulks

Ceramic sealants/caulks

Moldable putties

Pillows/bags

Sheets/boards/blocks

Mortars

Intumescent wrap strips

                    Silicone foams

                    Coatings/sprays

2. Factory and Field Assembled Devices

Sleeves/Collars

Mechanical joint systems

3. Forming/Backing Materials

Mineral wool batts

Ceramic fiber blankets/boards

Non-ceramic insulation blankets

Foam packing/backer rod

4. Duct and pipe covering materials

The following is a recommended inspection process based on interviews across the country with building departments’ inspectors who have successfully implemented such a program. These jurisdictions require that the protection of penetrations and joints not be concealed from view until inspected and approved. Similar requirements are found in the IBC (Section 109.3.6, 2000 IBC), UBC (Section 108.5.1, 1997 UBC), SBC (Section 105.10, 1999 SBC) and the NBC (Section 703.1.1, 1999 NBC.) Some building departments collaborate with the fire department to conduct the firestop systems inspections.

ASTM recently published ASTM E 2174 "Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Fire Stops" and ASTM E 2393 "Standard Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Fire Resistive Joint System and Perimeter Fire Barriers". These standards shall be referenced when third party inspections are conducted for penetration firestop and fire resistive joint systems.

The local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) must approve Firestop system details and Firestop products. Hence, Firestop systems details and materials should be included on the plans and specifications. Manufacturer’s cut sheets are often accepted if they are generated by an approved testing agency. If details, products and specifications are not sufficient to provide clear directions to the general contractor and firestop installer, the submittals should be noted as incomplete and returned to the designer to be resubmitted with the required information. When the plans and specifications are clear and complete, most field problems with firestop systems can be avoided.

SBC (Section 104.2.4, SBC 1999), UBC (Section 106.3.3, 706.1, and 710.2.3, 1997 UBC) and NBC (Section 703.1 and 703.2,1999 NBC) provide clear direction for inclusion of such information on the plans. SBC 1999 Edition, Section 104.2.4. states: "Plans for all buildings shall indicate how required structural and fire resistance integrity will be maintained where a penetration of a required fire resistant wall, floor or partition will be made for electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing and communication conduits, pipes and systems. Such plans shall also indicate in sufficient detail how the fire resistant floors intersect the exterior walls and where joints occur in required fire resistant construction assemblies".

Check Points

It is not unusual to find, in construction projects, uncommon designs or unique conditions that require special consideration. The protection of these conditions will necessitate engineering judgments (EJs) since they have not been tested and do not comply with a published design listing. The International Firestop Council has published " Recommended IFC Guidelines for Evaluating Firestop Systems Engineering Guidelines" to assist designers, plan reviewers and inspectors in addressing nonconforming construction details. Tested systems should always be specified unless EJs are the only option. Engineering Judgments should be developed using sound engineering practices to ensure that life safety is not compromised. The plan submittals should always indicate which system details are based on EJs and the pre-approved details must be made available for the field inspector.

The IFC guidelines can be obtained from the IFC web site: www.firestop.org or can be ordered directly from the IFC at (877) 241-3769.

Check Points

What is the policy of your building department regarding engineering judgments?

How are engineering judgments evaluated?

Are all the firestop system details made available to building inspectors?

The perfect opportunity to initiate discussion on the coordination of work among the trades, the general contractor and building inspector is during the pre-construction meeting. This discussion is important since the application of

firestop protection systems is affected by the work of many trades including mechanical, plumbing, electrical, walls and ceilings, fire protection, etc.

An early discussion of who is going to be responsible for restoration of the fire resistance ratings will eliminate aggravation and expense later in the construction. If there is no clear delegation of responsibility for the installation of firestop systems for the penetrations and joints, it is vital that the general contractor understand that it is his responsibility to ensure the fire resistance ratings of the structure.

The pre-construction meeting should also be used to:

- agree on all the penetrations to be protected in accordance with the approved construction plans

- schedule the trade’s work in conjunction with the firestop installation work

- schedule the firestop inspections and coordinate with the firestop contractor work

- agree on whether the building or fire inspector will be conducting the inspections

Check Points

The ability of penetration firestop systems and fire resistive joint systems to perform their intended function of fire containment is directly related to the quality of their installations. Thorough inspection is an integral component of any passive fire protection quality control program.

It is not usually feasible to visually inspect each penetration and the entire length of every joint. How many inspections are enough? This is a judgement call by the inspector.

Example: It would be reasonable if there were 20 or 30 penetrations, to observe 2 or 3 representative installations. 2 or 3 representative installations out of hundreds or thousands of penetrations would not provide reasonable verification, particularly if different subcontractors were involved in their installations.

Major elements of quality firestop inspections are:

- firestop systems must not be concealed from view before being inspected and approved

- walk through visual inspections should be made during the firestop installation

- when necessary or required, destructive evaluation will be made on various types of firestop systems

- flashlights, coring device and other appropriate tools make a proper inspection easier

- proper depths, annular space and product types are critical to the effectiveness of the system

- construction documents detailing the firestop locations and systems must be kept on site to assist in the conduct of the inspection

- observe that empty containers, wrappings or boxes of the specified materials are in sufficient quantity to have been installed correctly

- observe that the actual products, containers, wrappings or boxes are labeled with the approved testing agency marks and are as specified in the submitted details

- measure the depth and width of materials as indicated in the details (sometimes density measurements are also required for products such as thermal insulation)

- observe that joints have been installed in such manner that the required movement can be achieved (temporary screws used to hold studs to ceiling runners must be removed)

- compare the installed firestop system with the approved submitted details

- observe a reasonable degree of workmanship, which would indicate compliance with the specified designs

- deficient installations must immediately be corrected and then re-inspected before concealment

Check Points

Are random and timely inspections conducted to make sure that corrections can be made before the completion of firestop installations?

Is the building or fire inspector familiar with the code requirement for penetration firestop systems and fire resistive joint systems?

How many destructive inspections will be conducted?

What is your building inspection policy and procedure for making firestop inspections?

Is the inspection report for penetrations and joints included in the final inspection report?

 

 

This document is dedicated to the memory of John Birmingham of Nelson Firestop Products (Tulsa, OK.) Mr. Birmingham was a co-founder of the International Firestop Council (IFC) and was wholly dedicated to the cause of fire safety and the science of fire containment. On his behalf, the IFC appreciates the interest and support of those who have interest in promoting education in passive fire protection.