Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment ©2004 IFC Presented by: International Firestop Council Firestop Inspection Training.

Saving Lives and PropertyThrough Fire and Smoke Containment ©2004 IFC

Presented by:

International Firestop Council

Firestop Inspection Training


The Curriculum

1. Containment In Construction2. Code Requirements 3. How Firestopping Is Tested

A. PenetrationsB. Head of WallC. Perimeter Barriers

4. The System Approach5. Firestop Inspection6. Firestop Contractor International Assoc.7. Conclusion


Containment In Construction

Section 1


The Three Elements OF Life Safety

DETECTION

SUPPRESSIONCOMPARTMENTALIZATION

(1)



Where is firestop required?

1) Containment In Construction


Through-Penetrations



Membrane-Penetrations



Construction Joints



Perimeter Containment




Why is Firestopping Required?• To compartmentalize and prevent the spread of

flame and smoke through a structure during a fire

• Life Safety- Specification of fire barriers and proper firestopping details

- Proper installation

- Diligent inspection

• Mandated by the Codes

First Interstate Bank BuildingLos Angeles, 1987


Other Notable Fires:

August 2000 - Moscow’s Ostankino TowerCause of fire - Short circuit in wiringAutomatic sprinklers failed

May 1977 - Beverly Hills Supper ClubCause of fire - Short circuit in wiringSmoke and toxic gases killed 165Litigation completed in 2001

1980 MGM Grand Hotel84 Died – 679 Injured

Sprinkler System Failure

Other Notable Fires:May 2001 - Taipei Office BuildingFire started on 3rd FloorSpread and jumped to 26th Floor


Code Requirements

Section 2


Regional Codes: Test Standards

IBC UBC SBC BOCA

Through Penetration

ASTM E814

UL 1479

ASTM E814

UL 1479

ASTM E814

UL 1479

ASTM E814

UL 1479

JointsUL 2079

ANSI 2079

UL 2079

UBC AC-30

UL 2079(ASTM E119 & ASTM E1399)

UL 2079(ASTM E119 & ASTM E1399)

Perimeter Barriers

ASTM E119

UL 263(ISMA-

ASTM E2307)

ASTM E119

UL 263(ISMA

UBC 29-6)

ASTM E119

UL 263(ISMA-

ASTM E2307)

ASTM E119UL 263 (ISMA-

ASTM E2307)

2) Code Requirements


2) Code Requirements - IBC

Through-Penetrations• Sections 711.3.1.2 & 711.4.1.2: Through-Penetrations

– “Through-penetrations shall be protected by an approved penetration firestop system installed as tested in accordance with ASTM E814, with a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch of water and shall have:

- an F rating of not less than the required fire resistance rating of the wall penetrated.”

- an F rating and a T rating of not less than 1 hour but not less than the required rating of the floor penetrated.”

Exceptions:• 1) A T rating is not required for floor penetrations that are

contained and located within a wall cavity


• Sections 711.3.2 & 711.4.2 : Membrane Penetrations– Code Summary:

• Membrane penetrations are firestopped the same as through penetrations

– Exceptions:• If the steel outlet box is less than 16 sq. in., provided that the

openings do not exceed 100 sq. in. for any 100 sq. ft.• Outlet boxes on opposite sides of the wall are separated by a

horizontal distance of more than 24 inches.

Membrane Penetrations



• Section 712.1: Fire Resistive Joint Systems– “Joints installed in or between fire resistance rated assemblies shall be

protected by an approved fire-resistant joint system designed to resist the passage of fire for a time period not less than the required fire-resistance rating of the assembly in which it is installed.”

• Section 712.3: Fire-resistant joint systems shall be tested in accordance with the requirements of UL 2079.

Joints



• Section 712.4: Exterior Wall Assemblies– Code Summary:

• “… voids created at the intersection of exterior curtain wall assemblies and fire rated floor or floor ceiling assemblies, shall be sealed with an approved material. Such material shall be securely installed and capable of preventing the passage of flame and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste where subjected to ASTM E119 time-temperature fire conditions ...”

– Reality:• Code language does not reference a test standard specific to

perimeter joints because one does not officially exist• Joints at exterior curtain wall assemblies currently evaluated to

ASTM E2307 (new standard)

Perimeter Barriers



• Code provisions provide clear direction for inclusion information on the plans.– IBC Section 106.1.1, 2000 IBC– NBC Section 703.1 and 703.2, 1999 NBC– UBC Section 106.3.3, 706.1 and 710.2.3, 1997 UBC– SBC Section 104.2.4, 1999 SBC

IBC 106.1.1 - Information on Construction Documents shall be of sufficient clarity to indicate the location, nature and extent of the work proposed and show in detail that it will conform to the provisions of this codes, relevant laws, ordinances, rules and regulations, as determined by the building official.

Submittals



• Codes mandate through-penetrations and joints MUST NOT be concealed from view until inspected and approved:–NBC Section 703.1.1, 1999 NBC–UBC Section 108.5.1, 1997 UBC–SBC Section 105.10, 1999 SBC–IBC Section 109.3.6, 2000 IBC

IBC 109.3.6 Fire resistant penetrations - Protection of joints and penetrations in fire resistant rated assemblies shall not be concealed from view until inspected and approved.

Inspection



How Firestopping is Tested

Section 3


Underwriters Laboratories Inc.

Omega Point Laboratories

Factory Mutual Standards Laboratories

Intertek (Warnock Hersey) Listings

Third Party Testing Labs

American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL)

Labs Test to Standards


3 Parts of a UL System:

1) Fire-Rated Wall or Floor

2) Penetrating Item(s) (If any)

3) Firestop Fill Material(s)

3) How Firestopping is Tested


Through-Penetration Test Before


ASTM E119 TIME - TEMPERATURE CURVE


Through-Penetration Test During


Through-Penetration Test After


Hose Stream Test


Example of Successful Testing

Construction - 4” PVC Through Drywall

Firestopping - Intumescent Device & Sealant

Before After


Main Criteria:– F-Rating: Prohibits flame passage through the system for

the duration of the fire test.

– T-Rating: Max. temp. rise of 325 °F above ambient on the

non-fireside

– L-Rating: Amount of air leakage

– Hose Stream Performance

Through-Penetration Systems


Head of Wall Joint

Fire Resistive Joint Testing

Floor to Floor Joint


ASTM E1399: Cyclic Movement and Measuring Min. & Max.

Joint Widths of Architectural Joint Systems

Cycling RequirementsClass Movement Min. Cycles Frequency

I Thermal 500 1 cycle / min.

II Wind Sway 500 10 cycle / min.

III Seismic 100 30 cycle / min.

IV Combined 100 30 cycle / min.&400 10 cycle / min


Before


After Fire Exposure


Hosestream


Hosestream Failure


PATHS OF FIRE PATHS OF FIRE PROPAGATIONPROPAGATION

Perimeter Barrier Testing


Intermediate Scale Multi-story Test Apparatus(ISMA)

Window Burner

Room Burner


Room burner from outside


After room burner burns for 5 minutes, the window burner is ignited.


Perimeter Barrier Testing• Perimeter barrier systems are unique

– Mineral wool and sealant of the joint area alone is usually not sufficient

• Exceptions – Concrete, granite panels– Most approved curtain wall designs require protection

of the spandrel area in addition to the joint area– Most glass and aluminum curtain wall perimeter barrier

designs require some type of mechanical additions to meet fire test standards.

– Many curtain walls are customized, therefore requiring an Engineering Judgment


Alternate EnclosureDuct Testing

Alternate EnclosureDuct Testing

• UL 1978 – Standard for Grease Ductwork

• UL 263 (ASTM E119) and ISO 6944–1985Standard for Air/Ventilation Ductwork

• UL 1479 (ASTM E814)Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Firestops


UL 1978 – Standard for Grease DuctsUL 1978 – Standard for Grease Ducts

• 500°F Conditioning – ~4 Hours Until Duct Comes to Equilibrium

Simulates Continuous Operation

• 2000°F for 30 Minutes

Simulates Transient Grease Fire

• Temperature Criteria

Outside of Wrap to Remain Below 250°F Plus Ambient


Alternate Enclosure Duct TestingAlternate Enclosure Duct Testing


The System Approach

Section 4


• UL Approved No Such Thing (Only AHJ approves products/systems

• UL Classified Lab has used the country requirements to evaluate the product for specific hazards or properties

• UL Listed Passes the standard test and is in the lab’s directory

4) The System Approach


Example 1:

UL Listed - Through Penetration System

C-AJ-1079


Navigating UL


Navigating UL:

THROUGH PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEMS (XHEZ)

First Alpha Character – signifies what is being penetrated

F = Floors

W = Walls

C = Walls and Floors

Combination – Floor or Wall

C-AJ-1079



Navigating UL:THROUGH PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEMS (XHEZ) Following Alpha Character(s) – wall or floor construction type A = Concrete floors 5 inch thickB = Concrete floors 5 inch thickC = Framed floorsD = Steel decks in marine vesselsE-I = Reserved for future useJ = Concrete or masonry walls 8 inch thickK = Concrete or masonry walls 8 inch thickL = Framed wallsM = Bulkheads in marine vesselsN-Z = Reserved for future use C-AJ-

1079Construction Type of Floor or Wall



Navigating UL:THROUGH PENETRATION FIRESTOP SYSTEMS (XHEZ) Numeric Component – first digit identifies the type of penetrant, next

three are sequential system numbering 0000-0999 = No Penetrant 1000-1999 = Metallic pipe, conduit or tubing 2000-2999 = Nonmetallic pipe, conduit or tubing 3000-3999 = Electrical cables 4000-4999 = Cable trays with electrical cables 5000-5999 = Insulated pipes 6000-6999 = Busways 7000-7999 = HVAC ducts 8000-8999 = Mixed multiple penetrations 9000-9999 = Reserved for future use C-AJ-

1079Individual System Number

C-AJ-1079Penetrant Type



HW-D-0034

Example 2: UL System - Joints

Navigating UL



Navigating UL:

JOINT SYSTEMS (XHBN)

First Two Alpha Characters – identify the type of joint system

FF = Floor-to-Floor

WW = Wall-to-Wall

FW = Floor-to-Wall

HW = Head-of-WallHW-D-0034Barriers That Form The Joint



Navigating UL:


Next Alpha Character – identifies the movement capabilities of the system

D = Dynamic (movement capabilities)

S = Static (no movement capabilities)

HW-D-0034Movement: Static or Dynamic?



Navigating UL:


Numeric Component – first digit identifies the width of the joint system, next three are sequential system

numbering 0000-0999 = joint 2 inch 1000-1999 = joint 2 inch 6 inch2000-2999 = joint 6 inch 12 inch3000-3999 = joint 12 inch 24 inch4000-4999 = joint 24 inch

HW-D-0034Individual System Number

HW-D-0034Joint Width



W-L-5130

C-AJ-7009

F-C-2004



4) The System Approach• What type of building assembly is requiring firestopping?

– Floor or Wall

• What type of material is the building assembly– Concrete, CMU, Gypsum, Wood Frame

• What is the penetrating item(s)?– Metallic, Nonmetallic, Cables, Insulated, Construction Joints, etc.

• What are the specific descriptions regarding the penetrants?– Diameter, quantity, type of plastic, type & thickness of insulation,

etc.

• What is the hourly rating you are looking for?– F Rating, T Rating

• Are there any special considerations?– Movement, Environmental exposure

SYSTEM No. C-AJ-1379

F Ratings – 3 HrT Ratings – 0 Hr

1A. Floor or Wall Assembly – Min 4-1/2 in. thick reinforced normal weight (150 pcf) concrete.Wall may also be constructed of any UL classified Concrete Blocks*. Max diam of opening is26-1/2 in.

See Concrete Blocks (CAZT) category in the Fire Resistance Rating Directory for namesof manufacturers.

1B. Metallic Sleeve (optional) – Nom 16 in. (or smaller), Schedule 10 (or heavier) steel pipesleeve, cast or grouted into floor or wall assembly.

2. Through Penetrants – One metallic pipe or tubing to be installed concentrically oreccentrically into opening such that the annular space between the pipe and the periphery of theopening is min 0 in. (point of contact) to max 2-1/2 in. Pipe to be firmly supported on both sides ofopening. The following types and sizes of pipes may be used:

(a) Nom. 24 in. diam (or smaller) Schedule 30 (or heavier) steel or iron pipe.(b) Nom. 4 in. diam (or smaller) electrical metallic tubing.

3. Packing Material – Mineral wool insulation of min 4 pcf firmly pressed into opening as apermanent form. Insulation material to be recessed by min depth of 1/2 in. from top surface offloor or both surfaces of wall.

4. Fill, Void, or Cavity Materials* – Caulk – Min 1/2 in. thickness of fill material appliedwithin the annulus, flush with top surface of floor or both surfaces of wall. A min 1/4 in. crown ofthe caulking material shall be applied around the entire circumference of the pipe at the level ofthe floor surface or both wall surfaces.

W. R. GRACE & CO. – CONN. – FlameSafe® FS900+

* Bearing the UL Classification Marking.

Company ABC – SuperDuper Sealant


Engineering Judgments:

• What are they?

• When are they acceptable?

• When are they not appropriate?

• What are the guidelines?





When are they acceptable?– When tested systems do not exist.– When modifying the application is unrealistic.– When existing test data supports the

interpolation. – When the author has experience with and

knowledge of the conditions. – When an illustration is provided to aid in

installation.


Sources of Engineering Judgements

• Manufacturer

• Third party labs (UL)

• Fire Protection Engineer

• Professional Engineer

Must be based on sound engineering practice and knowledge of both field application and capabilities

of system components



– According to the International Firestop Council “listed firestop systems can be broadened within the context of their originally tested and rated conditions through the careful and restricted application of accepted engineering principles and fire protection testing guidelines.”



Firestop Inspection

Section 5


5) Firestop Inspection

Consider all other, life-safety building materials required by code...


• No Licensed Contractors

• Usually Installed by Trades

• Firestop Considered Beneath Them

• Most Users are Untrained

Firestopping in the Real World



1. Rarely installed correctly

2. Install the same way everywhere

The RED RING SyndromeThe RED RING Syndrome



Annular Space



1. Centered 2. Off-Centered

3. Point Contact

4. Continuous Point Contact

Saving Lives and PropertyThrough Fire and Smoke Containment ©2004 IFCTOP VIEWSIDE VIEW

Crown Bead at Point Contact



Pen

etra

ting

Item


Profile of Firestop Sealant

Poor Sealant Footprint



Profile of Firestop Sealant

Improved Sealant

Footprint

Pen

etra

ting

Item


Duct Considerations:

• Flat Sides > 24” Must Be Anchored

• Anchors Into Duct Only, Not Wall

• Framing Gauge Equal to (or Heavier) Than Duct

• Inspect Sealant Before Angle


Saving Lives and PropertyThrough Fire and Smoke Containment ©2004 IFCFlat Sides Braced With

Angle

Saving Lives and PropertyThrough Fire and Smoke Containment ©2004 IFCSprinkler Pipe

Considerations


• NFPA 13 Annular Space Limitations– If Pipe < 3.5” then annular = 1”– If pipe > 3.5” then annular = 2”– Annular must be 360 degrees

• Pipe Movement– Seismic Movement– Water-Hammer from Testing

Metallic Sprinkler Pipe Considerations



5) Firestop Inspection - Electrical Boxes


Electrical Boxes:

• You are allowed to have unprotected outlet boxes in a wall if there is no more than 100 sq. inches of total openings per 100 sq. feet of wall.

• Boxes must have at least a 24 inch horizontal separation.

• Putty pads have been tested to maintain the ASTM E-119 test standard, with boxes installed less than 24” apart, as long as boxes are not back to back.



Inspecting Firestop for Compliance Video

Visual Inspection Quiz What’s wrong with these installs?

Dissimilar products in the same opening is not allowed


Drywall mud is never an acceptable firestop material

Collar should be flush with ceiling surface

Visual Inspection Quiz What’s wrong with this install?

Head of wall joint is firestopped, but penetrations are not

Is there firestopping behind the drywall mud?

Penetrant opening at top of wall must be firestopped with same product as head of wall


Visually … Nothing

Does number and type of wrap strip match design?

Is there sealant in the void?

Does thickness and overlap of coating match design?

What type and amount of backing material is behind coating?


The Firestop Pre-Construction

Meeting

• Review Design Drawings Submittals

• Obtain Pre-Approved Engineering Judgments

• Schedule Work and Inspections



Build a Mock-Up



Simplifying the Inspection Process

Installation Stickers• Placed next to each penetration firestop or

periodically along a joint firestop• Should meet FCIA and/or architectural specifications

Firestop Contractors International Association

Contractors specializing in installation of firestop systems

Understand firestopping requirements across all areas of construction

Committed to providing consistent, high-quality installations

Active in the advancement of the firestopping industry


Factory Mutual FM 4991 is the first “Approval of People”.Factory Mutual FM 4991 is the first “Approval of People”. Min. 2 years in firestop installation businessMin. 2 years in firestop installation business Designated Responsible Individual (DRI) is formally Designated Responsible Individual (DRI) is formally

tested by FM, retest every 3 yearstested by FM, retest every 3 years FCIA Manual of Practice and FM 4991FCIA Manual of Practice and FM 4991 Selection of Firestop Systems and AssembliesSelection of Firestop Systems and Assemblies

Documented and archived record keeping system for Documented and archived record keeping system for all installations all installations

Must have an approved Quality Control Manual Must have an approved Quality Control Manual Firestop Systems and AssembliesFirestop Systems and Assemblies TrainingTraining

6) FCIA – FM 4991 Approved Contractor


Why use an FCIA / FM4991 Contractor?

Peace of Mind

A Job Well Done

Professionalism

Public Safety

6) FCIA


Frequently Asked Questions?

7) Conclusion


7) Conclusion - Frequently Asked Questions?

WHAT IS THE FIRE RATING FOR YOUR CAULK?

• Firestopping products do not have a fire rating (e.g. 1” of caulk does not equate to a 1 hr rating, etc.)

• The assembly in which it is installed has the fire rating

• The thousands of different firestop systems each detailing the required parameters and building components


ARE ALL FIRESTOP SEALANTS EQUAL?

• NO. Each manufacturer’s material has its own unique properties and functions when applied in a firestop system design.

• Similar firestop products cannot be used interchangeably• Each firestop system must be judged on its own merits and within the parameters of each manufacturer’s system specific design



IS MINERAL WOOL 1-HOUR RATED?

• NO. Mineral wool is a component of many firestop systems but is normally used in conjunction with sealants or coatings

• Mineral wool alone does not pass the hose stream test

• Mineral wool alone will not provide a smoke seal



Final Thoughts

7) Conclusion


• You are the last line of defense!

• We need your help to ensure:– The code is enforced– Contractors do the job per specifications– Owner gets what is being paid for

Firestopping is only installed to the level of knowledge of the AHJ


• Product Information - manufacturer’s websites

• International Firestop Council (IFC) - www.firestop.org

• Firestop Contractors International Association (FCIA) -www.fcia.org

• IFC pocket Firestopping Inspection Manual

• IFC Inspection Guidelines for Through-Penetration and Fire Resistive Joint Systems in Fire Resistance Rated Construction

Available Resources


About the IFCThe International Firestop Council is a not-for-profit association of manufacturers, distributors and installers of fire protective materials and systems.

IFC's mission is to promote the technology of fire containment in modern building construction through research, education and development of safety standards and code provisions.

Website - www.firestop.org

Email - [email protected]


Available educational seminars on our website include…..

• Firestop 101 – An introduction to firestopping

• Perimeter Curtain Wall Fire Protection

• Firestop System Selection

• Flexible Duct Wrap Systems

• Fire Protection of Construction Joints


Thank You

Saving Lives and Property Through Fire and Smoke Containment ©2004 IFC Presented by: International Firestop Council Firestop Inspection Training.

Documents

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ifc containment

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saving lives

ifc perimeter containment

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floor slide

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