Chapter 7 Flashcards
Ablative
The development of a hard char
that resists the erosion of fire
and flames; a characteristic of a
firestop when exposed to fire.
TDMM.* Page G-2
AHJ
Authority Having Jurisdiction
The building official, electrical
inspector, fire marshal, or other
individuals or entities
responsible for interpretation
and enforcement of local
building and electrical codes.
TDMM: Page G-14
Annular Space
The ring of space outside of a
pipe or cable penetrating a fire-
rated barrier, but inside the hole
or sleeve in the barrier.
TDMM.* Page G-9
Cementitious Firestop
A firestopping material that is
mixed with water and is similar
in appearance to concrete
or mortar.
TDMM: Page G-33
Engineering
Judgement
In firestopping, a document
furnished by a firestop
manufacturer’s qualified
technical personnel or in concert
with the manufacturer by a
knowledgeable registered
professional engineer for
nonstandard conditions in which
a firestop system does not exist.
TDMM.* Page G-70
Fire Detection
The means of detecting the
occurrence of heat, smoke, or
other particles or products of
combustion.
TDMM.* Page G-79
Fire Protection
The active means of detecting
and suppressing fires.
TDMM: Page G-79
Fire-Rated Assembly
A fire-rated architectural barrier
assembly designed and installed to
contain a fire within a specified
space for the rated amount of time.
The barrier includes both the
membrane material e.g., gypsum,
metal, concrete) and the barrier’s
interior (e.g., studs, insulation). The
barrier assembly includes the
barrier itself and any architectural
openings (e.g., windows or doors
and their frames).
TDMM.* Page G-80
Fire Resistance
A property of a material or rated
assembly of materials that can
withstand combustion and delay
the passage of flame for some
known period of time.
TDMM.* Page G-79
Firestop
A fire-rated material, device, or
assembly of parts installed in a
penetration in a fire-rated barrier
in accordance with a firestop
system or engineering judgment
to prevent the spread of fire,
temperature, and gases of
combustion.
TDMM: Page G-80
Flame
A body or stream of gaseous
material involved in the
combustion process of a fire,
which emits radiant energy
within wavelength bands
specific to the combustion
chemistry of the fuel. In most
cases, some portion of the
emitted radiant energy is visible
to the human eye.
TDMM.* Page G-81
Interstitial Space
A small or narrow space located
above or below the occupied
space on each floor. It is used
for routing building services
(e.g., lighting, heating,
ventilation, and air-conditioning
[HVAC], power,
telecommunications, plumbing).
TDMM.* Page G-101
Intumescent
The ability to expand to close
gaps or voids in through-
penetration openings when
exposed to high temperature
conditions.
TDMM.* Page G-IOI
Listed
One of four product test ratings
used in the United States (Listed,
Classified Recognized, Verified). A
product is listed after it
successfully completes a series of
mechanical, electrical, and thermal
characteristics tests that simulate
all reasonable foreseeable
hazards. This classification is
exclusive to the product for the
specific applications for which it
was tested and is not valid for
other applications.
TDMM.* Page G-111
Membrane Penetration
An opening through only one
surface or side of a barrier.
TDMM.* Page G-119
NRTL
Nationally Recognized
Testing Laboratory
An organization recognized by
the government and industry
that tests products according to
their application or purpose.
Test results are often used for
insurance underwriting.
TDMM.* G-127
Penetration
An opening made in a barrier
(architectural structure or
assembly). There are two types
of penetration: a membrane
penetration pierces or interrupts
the outside surface of only one
side of a barrier; a through
penetration pierces or interrupts
both outside surfaces
of a barrier.
TDMM.* Page G-139
Qualified
Indicates compliance or
accordance with specific
standards or requirements.
TDMM.* Page G-155
What do the terms
qualified and listed mean
when they are used to
describe a firestop system?
That the firestop system has
been tested by a nationally
recognized testing laboratory
(NRTL) and certified as
compliant with the conditions of
individual test standards.
TDMM.* Page 7-1
Name 4 secondary
functions that may be
performed by a firestop
system.
1 .Acting as environmental
protection seals
2.Providing sound attenuation or
acoustical sealing
3.Sealing around pipes that reach
high temperatures and may move
axially or laterally
4.Resisting the effects of explosion
TDMM.* Page 7-2
Name the 4 keys to
fire protection.
1 .Prevention
2.Detection
3.Suppression
4.Compartmentation (containment)
TDMM.* Page 7-3
What is compartmentation?
The process of limiting fire and
smoke using fire-resistive
barriers to contain and localize
fire, smoke, and other
combustible byproducts so that
fire can be suppressed, while
allowing occupants time to
egress and firefighters
a safe ingress
TDMM.* Page 7-3
What are the 3 pillars of
a balanced approach to
fire protection?
1 .Compartmentation
2.Detection
3.Suppression
TDMM.* Page 7-3
Name the 4 types of
firestop applications.
1 .Through-penetration firestop
systems
2.Membrane-penetration
firestop systems
3.Joint firestop systems
4.Perimeter fire barrier systems
TDMM.* Page 7-4
What is a penetration?
Location where a cable, conduit,
or sleeve system passes
through an opening in a fire-
rated wall or floor.
TDMM.* Page 7-4
What type of penetration
occurs when the service
element passes through
both sides of the
assembly?
Through penetration
TDMM: Page 7-4
What type of penetration
occurs when the service
element passes through
only a single side or
membrane of the
assembly?
Membrane penetration
TDMM.* Page 7-4
Who is generally required
to properly seal the opening
to restore the integrity of
the barrier that has been
penetrated?
Generally, the trade that
penetrated the barrier is
responsible for properly sealing
it to restore the integrity
of the barrier.
TDMM.* Page 7-5
Name 4 factors that
contribute to the design of
the fire-resistive rated
barriers.
1.Type of construction
2.Occupancy levels
3.Purpose of the building
4. Exit routes
TDMM.* Page 7-6
What nullifies the hourly
fire resistance rating
of the barrier?
Any disruption in the continuity
or integrity of the surface
TDMM.* Page 7-7
A firestop system shall provide
an appropriate balance
between what 3 factors?
1 .Durability
2.Ease of installation
3.Ease of maintenance
TDMM.* Page 7-8
Name 2 requirements for
performing a firestop repair.
1 .Must be qualified by performance
tests or engineered judgments
2.Must be simple to achieve
Name 5 criteria that are
used to select a firestop
system for a construction
or renovation project.
1 .Qualification testing
2.1nstallation efficiency
3.Maintenance convenience
4.Future cable moves, adds, or
changes (MACs)
5.Architectural or environmental
requirements
TDMM: Page 7-9
What are the 3 parts of a
firestop assembly?
1 .Floor or wall assembly
2.Penetrating items
3.Firestop materials
TDMM.* Page 7-9
Name 3 electrical
apparatuses that are tested
under exposure to fire and
qualified for use in fire-
rated assemblies.
1 .Boxes
2.Junction boxes
3.Fixtures
TDMM.* Page 7-9
How is fire resistance of
penetration firestops
evaluated?
Under positive pressure, time
versus temperature, and
furnace conditions
TDMM.* Page 7-11
Name the 2 referenced test
standards for firestop
systems that are used in
the United States.
1 .ASTM E814, Standard Test
Method for Fire Tests of
Through-Penetration Firestop
Systems
2.UL 1479, Standard Test
Method for Fire Tests of
Through-Penetration Firestops
TDMM.* Page 7-11
Name the 4 ratings
provided by ASTM E814
and UL 1479.
1 .F rating
2. T rating
3.W rating
4.L rating
TDMM.* Page 7-11
What referenced test
standard for firestop
systems is used in
Canada?
CAN/ULC s-1 1 5, Fire Tests
of Firestop Systems
TDMM.* Page 7-71
What is the primary
difference between the U.S.
and Canadian referenced
test standards for
firestop systems?
The Canadian standard requires
a higher positive pressure
differential for plastic pipe than
the U.S. standards do.
TDMM.* Page 7-11
Name the 4 ratings
included in the
CAN/ULC s-115 standard.
1.F rating
2.FH rating
3.FT rating
4.FTH rating
TDMM.* Page 7-11
Define F rating.
Time period (expressed in
hours) that an assembly resists
flame passage
TDMM.* Page 7-13, Table 7.3
Define T rating.
Time by which the unexposed
(non-fireside) side of an assembly
reaches =181 oc (358 OF) over the
initial starting temperature
TDMM.* Page 7-13, Table 7.3
How do the F rating and the
FH rating differ per the
CAN/ULC Sl 1 5?
The main difference is that the
FH rating requires a hose stream
test where the F rating does not.
TDMM: Page 7-13, Table 7.3
Define L rating.
Air leakage test run at ambient
and elevated temperatures
-204 oc (400 OF) to simulate
smoke leakage through
firestopping systems
TDMM: Page 7-13, Table 7.3
Define W rating.
Water leakage test where the
firestop system is subjected to a
=0.91 m (3 ft) water column for
a period of 72 hours
TDMM.* Page 7-13, Table 7.3
When is a hose stream test
conducted?
Within 10 minutes of removing
the assembly from the
furnace fire
TDMM.* Page 7-14
How far is the hose from
the assembly during a
hose stream test?
-6.1 m (20 ft)
TDMM.* Page 7-14
What is a successful hose
stream test?
One where no water is observed
passing through to the
unexposed side of the assembly
at the conclusion of the test
TDMM.* Page 7-14
Why might the L rating be
useful for installations in a
health care facility?
Because it is a sealing rating, it
can be used to help prevent the
spread of airborne,
communicable diseases.
TDMM.* Page 7-14
What is the most common
use for the L rating?
As a predictor of smoke
movement in buildings
TDMM.* Page 7-14
Where does most air
leakage occur?
Around the penetrating item
and within grouped
penetrating items
TDMM.* Page 7-15
True or False
An area-adjusted value is
the preferred measurement
for L ratings.
False. Actual leakage values
are easier to interpret and
understand than area-adjusted
values.
TDMM.* Page 7-15
Why were W rating criteria
established?
To address concerns where
water stands on top of a
firestop seal for a prolonged
period of time
TDMM.* Page 7-15
True or False
W ratings are a measure of
early rain resistance.
False. W ratings are not a
measure of early rain resistance.
TDMM.* Page 7-75
How is the T rating
expressed?
In hours or minutes
TDMM.* Page 7-16
What is the purpose of
qualification testing
for a firestop?
To provide evidence of the
system’s performance across
the range of conditions known
or expected to exist for any
sealing situation
TDMM.* Page 7-18
Name 2 types of locations
where firestop systems
are tested.
1 .Sleeve systems
2.Construction that is
representative of the barrier
into which the firestop system
is installed
TDMM.* Page 7-18
What is a firestop system
required to demonstrate?
The ability to perform despite
the mass of thermal-conducting
elements expected to penetrate
openings and combustible or
degradable material likely to
penetrate openings
TDMM.* Page 7-18
Name 2 broad categories
of firestop systems.
1 .Mechanical
2.Non-mechanical
TDMM.* Page 7-79
How is a mechanical
firestop typically
described?
As a product that is furnished in
its final form to the project site
TDMM.* Page 7-79
How are non-mechanical
firestops generally
described?
A product that is assembled or
installed in a precise manner to
achieve a particular fire rating
TDMM.* Page 7-19
Name 3 common
categories of mechanical
firestop systems.
1 .Cable transit systems
2.Fire-rated pathway devices
3.Factory-fabricated sleeve
systems
TDMM.* Page 7-79
What is a cable
transit system?
Cable transit systems consist of
pre-manufactured elastomeric
components shaped to fit
around standard cables, tubes,
conduits, and waveguides.
TDMM.* Page 7-19
Why are modular systems
the most useful type of
mechanical firestop
system?
Because they offer maximum
flexibility in accepting multiple
elements of different diameters
TDMM: Page 7-20
Why must all modular
systems be equipped with
a means of compression?
Because compression is
required to establish a tight seal
TDMM.* Page 7-79
What is a fire-rated
pathway device?
A modular device that integrates
a built-in firestopping system,
which eliminates the need to
remove or install firestopping
materials
TDMM.* Page 7-21
Describe a factory-
fabricated sleeve system.
A kit that includes a tube or
sleeve, along with locking
escutcheon plates that
mechanically attach the device
in the barrier
TDMM.* Page 7-23
Why are all prefabricate
intumescent firestop
collars split?
To facilitate installation around
continuous penetrants
TDMM.* Page 7-23
Why do cast-in-place
firestop systems require a
high degree of upfront
planning?
Because once the device is set
in place, there is virtually no
flexibility in routing penetrants
through the devices.
TDMM.* Page 7-25
List 4 characteristics
of putty available in bulk,
bars, or sticks.
1 .Have the consistency of glazing
putty
2.Remain permanently soft and
pliable
3.Allow easy firestop reentry
4.May be installed in conjunction
with ceramic fiber, mineral wool
filler, or other approved fill
material as required
TDMM.* Page 7-27
True or False
The use of putty pads on
boxes can impede sound
transmission through walls.
True. The use of putty pads on
boxes can impede sound
transmission through walls.
TDMM.* Page 7-27
What is a potential problem
associated with using
certain clay-based
firestop putties?
Certain clay-based products can
dry out over time, thereby
allowing pads installed within
wall cavities to fall away from
the box or fixture.
TDMM.* Page 7-27
Name 2 characteristics of
caulks and sealants.
1 .Cure after a relatively short
time to form a tight seal
2.Are dispensed either from
standard caulk tubes, rolled
packages, or large pails
TDMM.* Page 7-28
What happens when an
installer needs to re-enter a
penetration that has been
sealed with firestopping
caulk?
The installer will have to cut into
the seal because caulks
dry or harden.
TDMM.* Page 7-28
Name 3 characteristics of
cementitious materials.
1 .Dry powder
2.Premixed or mixed with water
3.More adaptable to large
openings than putty or caulk
TDMM.* Page 7-28
True or False
Grout is an acceptable
substitute for a
cementitious firestop.
False. Grout is not an acceptable
substitute for a cementitious
firestop. Although this
substitution is often tried, it is
not acceptable.
TDMM.* Page 7-29
How is an intumescent
sheet with a sheet metal
backing likely to be used?
To seal large openings for
cable, conduit, metal, or
non-metallic pipe
TDMM.* Page 7-29
What is an intumescent
wrap strip?
A thin, rubber-like strip, usually
furnished in a roll. Often used to
firestop plastic piping, insulated
metal piping, cable/cable
bundles, plastic conduit,
innerduct, or any other material
that may burn away in a fire and
leave a significant void.
TDMM.* Page 7-29
What is a major weakness
of silicone foams?
They have a tendency to shrink
over time, which may cause
leakage and potential hazard.
TDMM.* Page 7-29
How does a pillow’s fiber
matrix react to fire?
It intumesces or swells to
provide further sealing and
becomes rigid, allowing the
pillow seal to withstand the
force of a hose stream as
required by fire-test standards.
TDMM.* Page 7-30
Describe intumescent blocks.
Ready-to-use standard-sized
foam blocks that are stacked in
an opening or as a wall
TDMM.* Page 7-30
Why are firestop bags
installed with
“chicken wire”?
Bags should always be installed
with heavy-gauge hexagonal
wire mesh referred
to as chicken wire). In floors,
install the hexagonal wire mesh
on the bottom to prevent settling
of the loose-fill material that can
gradually cause bags to fall out
of the opening.
TDMM: Page 7-30
Describe a plenum
shield blanket.
A high-temperature ceramic
blanket designed to provide a
noncombustible barrier for
combustible items located
within rated return-air plenums
TDMM.* Page 7-30
Name 4 types of packing or
forming materials.
1 .MineraI wool batt insulation
2.Glass fiber batt insulation
3.Ceramic fiber insulation
4.Foam backer rods
TDMM.* Page 7-31
What is the melting point
of glass fiber batt
insulation?
Around 649 oc (1200 OF), which
means it may melt prematurely
in under fire conditions
TDMM.* Page 7-31
Why has the industry
moved away from using
ceramic fiber insulation?
Testing has shown that it MAY
be carcinogenic.
TDMM.* Page 7-31
How are foam backer rods
typically used?
As a form in firestop systems to
ensure that the proper depth of
fill material is achieved
TDMM.* Page 7-31
Name 6 firestop parameters for
penetrations in concrete walls.
1 .Wall thickness
2.Hourly rating required
3.0pening size
4.Annular space
5.Sleeve systems
6.Material selection
TDMM.* Page 7-32
Name 4 firestop parameters
for penetrations in framed
wall assemblies.
1 .Hourly rating
2.Opening size
3.Annular space
4.Sleeve systems
TDMM.* Page 7-36
What is a preferred solution
for firestopping existing
penetrations?
A split-sleeve system assembly
that can be installed around the
existing cables without
interrupting service
TDMM.* Page 7-39
Name 4 benefits of a
sleeve system.
1 .Ease of installation
2.Supports and protects cables
being installed
3.Packed with mineral wool or
ceramic fiber and intumescent
fill material
4. Re-enter-able
TDMM.* Page 7-41
What guidelines should be
used to firestop through
penetrations?
Through penetrations should be
firestopped according to the
guidelines for the basic
construction of the two outermost
layers of combination wall.
TDMM.* Page 7-42
How should load-bearing
stud walls that are part of
combination walls be
firestopped?
By enclosing (boxing) the
penetration in the cavity
TDMM.* Page 7-42
How should partial
(membrane) penetrations
in a combination wall be
firestopped?
According to the
recommendations for the type
of wall that is being penetrated
TDMM.* Page 7-42
Who must be consulted
before a rated floor can be
penetrated?
Project structural engineer
TDMM.* Page 7-43
What firestop method
should be used for pipes,
conduits, sleeves,
innerducts, cable trays, and
cable penetrations in
acoustic ceiling materials?
Fully surround with mineral wool
or ceramic fiber insulation and
flash or use a permanently
pliable putty or firestop caulk.
TDMM.* Page 7-45, Table 7.6
What method should be
used to firestop concrete
ceilings where the
penetrating item is either a
pipe, conduit, sleeve,
innerduct, cable tray, or
cable?
Use the same method as
specified for concrete floor
systems.
TDMM: Page 7-45, Table 7.7
Name 2 reasons why
firefighters vent the roof
during a fire.
1 . To prevent the heat buildup
2. To reduce the possibility of
roof collapse
TDMM.* Page 7-47
True or False
Elements contained in
vertical shafts do not need
to be firestopped within the
shafts at the floor/ceiling
assemblies.
True. Elements (e.g., pipes, ducts,
cables, cable trays) contained in
vertical shafts do not need to be
firestopped within the shafts at the
floor/ceiling assemblies. Any
distribution penetrations, however,
that breech the integrity of the
shaft should be sealed with a
qualified firestop system.
TDMM.* Page 7-48
What should the installer
do after labeling each
penetration?
Take a photo/video of each
penetration and submit it to the
authority having jurisdiction
TDMM.* Page 7-53
