I am a fire suppression contractor and have a Victaulic VS1 Dry Flex running through the bottom of a 2 hour rated plenum. The penetration has been fire caulked using FS-ONE MAX.
A building inspector wants proof that this assembly is "tested and listed".
Looking through the IBC section 714.4.1(2) I should be fine as long as FS-ONE-MAX has been tested using ASTM E119 or UL 263 testing conditions.
Hello Ian! Thank you for checking out ASK Hilti!
The IBC (as referenced above) addresses the penetration of fire-resistance-rated horizontal separations in much the same way as penetrations through vertical assemblies. Specifically, the penetrations are required to either be part of a total assembly or be protected with a through-penetration firestop system.
The firestop product itself does not have a fire resistance rating. Fire resistance ratings are assigned to construction assemblies – walls, floors, structural members. Firestop products are designed to maintain/restore the ratings of fire resistant rated assemblies that are penetrated or that form joints.
The test that assigns fire resistance ratings of construction assemblies, ASTM E119/UL 263, differs from the tests for firestop systems. The test standard for through penetration firestop systems is ASTM E814/UL1479. A firestop system is a complete assembly consisting of a barrier (wall or floor), a linear opening between barriers or penetrations through a barrier, and firestop products. The entire system carries the stated ratings if it successfully passes the firestop test standards mentioned above.
In short:
- Our firestop product(s) installed by itself, does not meet ASTM E119/UL 263. In order to meet the ASTM E119/UL 263 requirement, the penetration would require to be a part of, and tested with the entire/total assembly .
- In order to provide a rated solution, a tested and listed system (in accordance with ASTM E814/UL1479) should be installed to restore the fire-resistance rating of the penetrated assembly.
- We do not have a specific tested and listed firestop system for your specific penetration. Therefore, we will need to create an Engineering Judgment (EJ) to accommodate the firestop application you described in your inquiry.
We can review and address your application through an Engineering Judgment which will be a custom detail showing your exact application with the firestop components required to maintain the stated ratings.
Hilti is proud to announce the launch of our engineering website, the HILTI CONSTRUCTION PLATFORM (HCP). This platform will be the home for all of your Fire Protection Engineering needs, including Engineering Judgment requests. You can find more information on how to access this new platform here: https://www.hilti.com/ej (US) or https://www.hilti.ca/ej (Canada.)
For instructions on how to register along with how to navigate the new platform, please see the attached document: EJ FAQ.
Along with HCP, Hilti is excited to announce our new mobile app for all your firestop needs: Hilti Firestop Selector. Using the Firestop Selector app gives you easy access to the Hilti Fire Protection Design Team from the jobsite, on the road, or in the office to request a new EJ, an EJ Revision, or ask a Question anytime, anywhere. You can download the app using the appropriate link below.
Hilti Firestop Selector App – Google
Play Store
Hilti Firestop Selector App – Apple
App Store
If you have any questions, please reach out to our customer service team at 1-800-879-8000 (US) or 1-800-363-4458 (Canada) for assistance.
Thank You for choosing Hilti as your Firestop Experts!
Joe Newbanks,
Fire Protection Engineering Team