Because of the wide variety of
penetrants and assemblies,
there truly is no one single
firestop product tested and list-
ed as a firestop system that can
work for all situations. Even with
a given penetrant and assem-
bly combination, variations in
the annular space from one in-
stance to another could require
a completely different firestop
system. Therefore, the design-
ers, installers and inspectors
must look at the specific details
for the proposed tested and
listed firestop systems to make
sure they are appropriate for the
design conditions and they are
properly installed to provide the
anticipated performance. While
a tested and listed firestop sys-
tem may perform perfectly in the
laboratory, it could compromise
the safety of both the building
and occupants if it is not prop-
erly installed in the field. While
the code does not provide a lot
of guidance on the inspection
of firestops, perhaps the best
advice is to simply follow the
phrases used throughout Sec-
tion 714, such as “installed as
tested,” “installed in accordance
with their listing” and “installed
in accordance with the instruc-
tions included in the listing.” If
the installer and inspector both
make sure that the firestop sys-
tems being used are certified for
the specific application and are
properly installed, a compliant
and effective level of protection
should result. If they do not fol-
low this guidance, the safety of
both the building and the occu-
pants, and the effectiveness of
the penetration may be compro-
mised.