Significance and Use
4.1 The information contained in this guide is general in nature because of: the great number of commercially available firestop systems globally; the quantity and variety of internationally published firestop system’s listings; worldwide variations in building and fire code requirements; and the many conditions and applications associated with a firestop system’s use.
4.2 This guide provides general information and guidance that is primarily used by firestop contractors and firestop industry inspectors of a firestop system. However, this guide should also be used by others, such as architects, engineers, specifiers, etc. Some of the information referenced in this guide provides resources for additional information not contained in the manufacturer’s installations, the firestop system’s test report, and listing. Information contained in this guide also allows a single source for a general comparison of firestop materials used during the installation of firestop systems.
4.3 This guide discusses general procedures, such as substrate cleaning and priming, as well as installation of the components of a firestop system.
Note 2: The term “substrate” has a particular meaning in engineering. A substrate is defined as the “basic surface on which a material adheres, for example, paint or laminate.”21
4.4 This guide explains the general properties and functions of various penetrating items and firestop materials.
4.5 This guide presents general guidelines for the application of the various materials used in the installation of a firestop system for a specific application, and environmental conditions and effects that are known to potentially affect a firestop system’s installation.
4.6 This guide is intended to be read completely at least once, and each of the Sections 1 through 19 should be read in their entirety to avoid misunderstanding and misapplication.
4.7 This guide may22 also provide some value to users of IMO Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and other International Maritime Organization (IMO) documents, including the IMO FTP Code, on fire testing firestop systems, also known as “penetration systems.”
4.8 This guide is not an all-inclusive document. It is intended to address common sources for planning, preparation, and installation of firestop systems. References to other documents made herein contain important information and details that provide more in-depth knowledge of firestop systems and their installation.
4.9 This guide does not provide all of the specific information that is typically described in test reports, listings or judgments with justifiable technical rationale for specific applications of firestop systems.
4.10 This guide is not a firestop system’s installation manual.
Note 3: The firestop system’s manufacturer should be consulted about applications for their firestop materials, including their proper storage, use, and installation.
4.11 This guide does not provide detailed information about the firestop system’s inspection process or provide specific information about firestop industry inspector’s qualifications and competence.
Note 4: Practice E2174 provides a method for on-site inspection of firestop systems. The ICC International Building Code13 references Practice E2174 under requirements for special inspections. Practice E3038 provides information for assessing and qualifying candidates as firestop industry inspectors of firestop systems based on the candidate’s competence.
4.12 Except as discussed in 6.8, this guide does not provide information about “blank openings,” which involve an opening that is sealed with firestop materials but does not have any penetrating items.
4.13 Test reports, listings, and judgments with justifiable technical rationale do not normally contain all the information needed related to the aging, environmental, mechanical, and physical properties of the firestop system; or the longevity, durability, and performance of the firestop system. This guide offers some resources to ascertain this supplemental information because these characteristics can affect the firestop system’s installation and performance.
Note 5: Some information related to these performance characteristics of firestop systems or firestop materials is also found in: Test Method E2785, which tests for exposure of firestop materials to environmental conditions; Test Methods E2786, which measures expansion of intumescent materials used in firestop systems; and Practice E2923, which measures the relative movement capabilities of through-penetration firestop systems. Still, other performance characteristics of the firestop system can be specified that are not contained in firestop system’s test report or listing may also be required, such as surface flammability and smoke attributes determined by Test Method E84 or other similar standards (for example, CAN/ULC-S102, EN 13501-1, NFPA 255, UL 723, etc).
Scope
1.1 This guide is a compendium of information related to installing firestop systems in fire-separating elements. This guide is intended to be used to increase industry knowledge of national and international testing requirements, code prerequisites, and other supplemental tests that may be specified, which can affect the installation and performance of firestop systems.
1.2 This guide relates to the use of firestop systems tested, or evaluated, to Test Method E814 and other test methods addressing the same specific subject matter, such as CAN/ULC-S115; EN 1366-3; IMO Resolution MSC.307(88), FTP Code; IEEE 634; ISO 10295-1; UL 1479; etc.
1.3 This guide also addresses the use of firestop systems tested or evaluated to Test Methods E119 or other test methods that use a firestop system as a component of a typically larger test assembly, such as AS 1530.4; BS 476-21; BS 476;3 CAN/ULC-S101; ISO 834;4 NFPA 251; UL 263; etc.
1.4 This guide discusses the installation of firestop systems in membrane penetrations and through penetrations. The installation is typically performed by a firestop contractor (also known as a firestop installer or an installer). However, the quality of the installation is based on the information provided to the firestop contractor as well as the expertise and competence of the firestop contractor. A lack of information in the test report, listing, manufacturer’s instructions, or project documents can be the cause of a deficient installation.
1.5 The term “firestop system” refers to and includes both a membrane-penetration firestop system and through-penetration firestop system.
1.6 Information in this guide is applicable to firestop systems that accommodate single or multiple penetrating items.
1.7 This guide does not address the design aspects of locating and defining the dimensions of an opening; or the method to create the opening; or the inspection of the penetrating item prior to firestop material installation. However, locating and defining the dimensions of an opening and the method to create the opening are critical to a firestop system’s installation.
1.8 This guide does not address all the test methods needed to address proper performance of all firestop systems or firestop materials.
Note 1: For example, IEEE 848 provides information on the ampacity derating of cables that are protected by firestop systems using IEEE 835 as baseline information.
1.9 This guide does not address all the test methods needed to address proper performance of firestop systems in all installations. For a specific application of a firestop system one or more of the following are consulted when available:
1.9.1 The firestop system’s test report or listing;
1.9.2 The manufacturer’s instructions when they are not in conflict with the firestop system’s test report or listing; or
1.9.3 A judgment with justifiable technical rationale prepared based on a firestop system’s test report or listing.
1.10 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.11 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.12 This guide offers an organized collection of information or a series of options and does not recommend a specific course of action. This document cannot replace education or experience and should be used in conjunction with professional judgment. Not all aspects of this guide may be applicable in all circumstances. This ASTM standard is not intended to represent or replace the standard of care by which the adequacy of a given professional service must be judged, nor should this document be applied without consideration of a project’s many unique aspects. The word “Standard” in the title of this document means only that the document has been approved through the ASTM consensus process.
1.13 Fire standards, other than ASTM standards, are referenced in this document. The following caveat applies to all fire standards referenced in this guide. Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.
1.14 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.15 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
