9. INSPECTION GUIDELINES FOR MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS FIRESTOP SYSTEMS
A membrane penetration occurs when a building system component penetrates only one side of a fire rated floor / wall assembly. Examples of membrane penetrations include electrical outlet boxes, junction boxes, and piping / conduit penetrating only one side of the floor / wall assembly.
For cases where a penetrating items, such as a plumbing pipe, electrical conduit, cables, etc., only penetrates one side of a fire rated floor / wall assembly, this membrane penetration can be properly addressed by following the requirements of a through penetration firestop system that matches the application.
For the firestopping of membrane penetrations, some of the most commonly used firestopping materials include:
• Firestop putty pads( Hilti CP 617) and Endothermic Wrap( Hilti CFP-ES Endo-Shield) for protecting outlet boxes and junction boxes.
• Flexible, silicone based firestop sealants( Hilti CP606)
• Intumescent firestop seleants( Hilti FS-ONE MAX)
9.1 Steps for inspection
CHECK POINTS FOR MEMBRANE PENETRATIONS
1) Is the hourly fire rating of the referenced firestop system or EJ greater than or equal to the fire rating of the wall assembly being penetrated?
2) Does the wall construction match the wall assembly listed in the firestop system or EJ?
3) Does the penetrating Item( s) match the acceptable list of penetrants( material, size, etc.) shown in the firestop system or EJ?
4) Does the field installation comply with the following requirements of the referenced firestop system or EJ?
a) Size of opening b) Minimum and maximum annular space requirements c) Proper backing material( when required)
d) Proper firestopping product, including type, amount, thickness, orientation, etc.
e) Proper accessories installed, including anchor / fasteners, mounting or cover plates, frames, etc.
f) For multiple penetrants: proper distance between penetrating items
g) For putty pads: is it installed completely covering the box
h) For putty pads: is there an overlap of material between the box and the inside wall surface i)
For putty pads: is the pad stretched disproportionately or sagging in any areas
OBSERVATION COMMENTS Yes No N / A
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