The requirements of IBC Sec-
tions 104.11.1 and 104.11.2 re-
garding research reports and
testing are generally applicable
for determining whether the ma-
terial and method of installation
are adequate. In this situation,
the filling material is subject-
ed to the same time-tempera-
ture criteria used for the testing
of the base assembly or the
through-penetration
firestop
system. However, the hose
stream test is not applicable. The
positive furnace pressure spec-
ified is the same requirement
as contained in ASTM E 814 or
UL 1479, and is intended to ex-
pose any holes or weaknesses
in the fill material. Because the
end result is that the approved
fill material must “prevent the
passage of flame and hot gases
sufficient to ignite cotton waste,”
other than the lack of the hose
stream test requirement,
it will basically be restoring the
base assembly to what is re-
quired to pass the ASTM E 119
or UL 263 fire test or what is re-
quired for a penetration firestop
system to obtain an F rating.
One limitation of this option is
that while there are a number of
sources to find specifically list-
ed penetration firestop systems
(tested to the ASTM E 814 or
UL 1479 standards) for various
types of assemblies and pen-
etrants under Item 1, it may be
more difficult to find existing test
information or installation in-
structions under Item 2 because
the materials used are not list-
ed products. Therefore, the de-
signer or installer would need
to submit evidence to the code
official to show the fill material
has been properly tested and
performed adequately and how
the material is to be installed to
meet this level of performance.
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