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#154106 04/12/04 07:32 PM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,143
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DougW Offline OP
Member
During a training session on building construction and fire spread, the concept of firestopping came up. Of course, they picked on the "wire monkey" in the room, and used an example of a cap plate cut through 2" wide to run a 1/2" EMT as how not to prevent the spread of fire. How many of your AHJ's require firestopping in residences?

We all know that "listed" occupancies (hospitals, schools, commercial, and classified Hazardous locations) require it when penetrating rated walls, but how many of your municipalities take it that extra step, and require it in single family homes?

Here in IL (Lake County), it's really a city-by-city thing. My home town doesn't, but two towns south does.

Ideas, comments, questions?

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#154107 04/12/04 07:45 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,391
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Moderator
It was just getting to be an issue in 84 or 85 when I was last doing that kind of work.

It would be taken pretty serious all holes would get fire sealed.

At the time the GCs where handling it which could be frustrating, drill a bunch of holes come back latter and the GCs laborer already fire stopped it. [Linked Image]


Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts
#154108 04/13/04 06:01 PM
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,716
R
Member
Doug, it is a requirement here. The top plate is not required to have a glorified fire caulk only a draft stop to prevent a "chimney" effect.

Walls of attached garages are treated as full blown fire walls.

Roger

#154109 04/17/04 06:23 PM
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 642
N
Member
It is required here by the framing inspectors not the electrical inspectors. Some CGs want you to firestop what holes you drill and others give that task to the insulators ( where it belongs IMHO).


ed
#154110 05/16/04 06:29 AM
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 681
P
Member
Here they do not care who performs the firestopping, as long as it is firestopped before the electrical inspection. Dwelling firestopping has been strictly enforced here for a while, recently, the have made the HVAC contractors firestop their gaping (and small)penetrations... needless to say they are pissed.

Pierre


Pierre Belarge
#154111 09/18/04 09:31 AM
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 8,443
Likes: 3
Member
Doug,
That's a very good question!.
Fire Caulking is an important part of any building.
It's amazing just how an un-caulked opening in a wall can cause a heap of damage during a fire. [Linked Image]
We are required to seal any openings we make in walls, floors, ceilings and the like before we leave the site.

#154112 09/18/04 05:25 PM
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 105
C
Member
Yes in most Chicago suburbs- mostly caught by framing inspection- usually done by GC crew guy for all trades, to be sure it is done.

#154113 10/28/04 08:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 751
E
Member
That is why the building code requires the framing inspection to be made after the electrical, plumbing and mechanical rough inspections. The GC can require each trade to do their own firestopping of their penetrations, or he can seal them up himself.


Earl
#154114 12/17/04 06:47 PM
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 24
C
Member
Here, in Dare County NC, all holes in both the top and bottom plates must be fire-caulked prior to the "Rough-In' inspection. The caulking is done by the Insulation Contractor who comes in after all the mechanics; to fire-caulk only. They (Insulators) then come back after the "Rough-In" to insulate and the insulation must then be inspected before the drywall goes on.

#154115 12/17/04 06:55 PM
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 2,749
Member
See the 2002 NEC Index, and although it is not complete, these are the rules that apply to the question: The AHJ who does not enforce these rules will lose the battle in a courtroom.

Quote
Fire spread
Prevention of, wiring methods,
300.21, 725.3(B),
760.3(A), 770.3(A),
800.52(B), 820.52(B),
830.58(B)
Fire-stopped partitions, 300.21.
see also Firewalls


Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

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