Many red tags are issued by city inspectors for improper sealing of penetrations into fire rated walls, floors, or ceilings.

It is critical to know how to properly seal electrical penetrations into fire-rated walls and assemblies.

Electricians are known for using their lineman pliers as a hammer to punch a hole in the sheetrock above a suspended ceiling to insert electrical cables. They are also known for drilling a much bigger hole than necessary for conduits running vertically between floors.

The IBC requires through penetrations into fire-rated walls to be protected using “systems” installed as tested in the approved fire-resistance-rated assembly. Firestopping materials or products are just one of the components mentioned in a listed firestopping assembly. The rated wall or horizontal assembly being penetrated, the item making the penetration, the annular space around the penetrating item, and how the penetrating item is configured through the opening are all part of the listed firestop system.

Many through-penetration firestop systems will specify a maximum annular space (the opening around the penetrating item). The minimum and/or maximum annular space referenced in the firestop system must be maintained in order to achieve the hourly rating of the system.

Try to keep holes into rated walls as small as possible. Become familiar with the wall design and the through-penetration firestop systems specified in the plans. Use fire stopping sealants and materials specified in the through-penetration firestop system when penetrating rated walls, floors, or ceilings.