Product Technical Guides : US-EN Firestop Systems Guide For Specifiers | Page 691

Firestopping Terms and Definitions
Firestopping Terms and Definitions
Annular Space Requirements Per NFPA Std. #13 In section
4-5.4.3.4, it requires that sprinkler pipes in seismic areas, have a
minimum annular space of 1-inch for pipes 1” through 3-1/2” and
2-inches for pipes 4” and larger. Exceptions to this standard do exist.
Please consult NFPA Standard #13 for details.
Assembly Rating The combination of the T and F rating. In a joint
assembly, T equals F.
ASTM E-814 “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Through-Penetration
Firestops”
Authority Having Jurisdiction The organization, office, or individual
responsible for approving equipment, an installation, or procedure.
Closed Piping System Piping system which is completely enclosed,
usually carrying fluids under pressure. Examples: hot/cold water
distribution, sprinkler piping, chilled water supply and return.
Combustible Capable of undergoing combustion.
cULus Mark An Underwriters’ Laboratories certification mark that
indicates compliance with both Canadian and U.S. requirements.
Endothermic Reaction Absorption of energy during a chemical
reaction. Thus feeling cool to the touch.
Exothermic Reaction The production of energy during a chemical
reaction. Thus feeling warm to the touch.
Fill, Void or Cavity Material A firestop material (e.g. sealant, putty,
mastic, etc.)
Fire Resistance Rating The period of time a building or buildings
component maintains the ability to confine a fire or continues to
perform a structural function or both. This is usually determined or
measured by ASTM E-119 test standard.
Fire Resistive Joint System A system consisting of specified
materials designed and tested to resist the passage of flame and
hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste for a prescribed period
of time in accordance with UL 2079.
Fire Wall A fire resistance rated wall, having protected openings,
that restricts the spread of fire and extends continuously from the
foundation to or through the roof, with sufficient structural stability
under fire conditions to allow collapse of construction on either side
without collapse of the wall.
Firestop System A specific construction consisting of a fire-rated
wall or floor assembly, a penetrating item or items passing through
an opening in the assembly, and the materials designed to help
prevent the spread of fire through the openings.
Hose Stream Test This portion of ASTM E-814 (UL 1479) is done
to represent the structural integrity of the firestop system after it is
exposed to heat.
Intumescent A term describing materials which are designed to
expand significantly (typically 2 to 10 times original volume) and
when exposed to sufficient heat. Intumescent materials are often
used as firestops, particularly around combustible penetrants.
Joint System A joint system is a specific construction consisting of
adjacent wall and/or floor assemblies and the materials designed
to help prevent the spread of fire through a linear opening between
the wall and/or floor assemblies.
L Rating An optional measurement of the rate of air leakage through
test samples resulting from a specified air pressure difference
applied across the surface of the test samples.
Membrane Penetration An opening made through one side (wall,
floor or ceiling membrane) of an assembly.
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F Rating The time a firestop system prevents the passage of flame
through an opening and successfully passes the hose stream test
as determined by ASTM E-814 and UL 1479.
Fire Partition A vertical assembly of materials, having protected
openings, designed to restrict the spread of fire.
Draftstopping Building materials installed to prevent the movement
of air, smoke, gases and flame to other areas of the building
through large concealed passages, such as attic spaces and floor
assemblies with suspended ceilings or open web trusses.
Fire Damper A damper arranged to seal off airflow automatically
through part of an air duct system, so as to restrict the passage of
heat.
Backing Material (Forming Material, Packing Material) Material
used in firestop systems (e.g. mineral wool, backer rod, filler
foam) to set the depth and provide support for the fill, void cavity
material.
Fire Compartment A space, within a building, that is enclosed by fire
barriers on all sides, including the top and bottom.
ASTM E-2307 “Standard Test Method for Determining Fire
Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Systems Using Intermediate-
Scale Multi-story Test Apparatus”
Fire Blocking Building materials installed to resist the free passage
of flame to other areas of the building through concealed spaces.
Annular Space (Annulus) The region, measured in a straight line,
between penetrants, or between the outer most portion of the
penetrants and the inside periphery of a circular opening or the
sides of a rectangular opening.
Example: a pipe with an outside diameter of 4.5” centered in a 6”
diameter hole has an annular space of (6 - 4.5) ÷ 2 = 3/4”.
Fire Barrier A continuous membrane, either vertical or horizontal,
such as a wall or floor assembly that is designed and constructed
with a specified fire resistance rating to limit the spread of fire and
restrict the movement of smoke.
Active Fire Protection A system or device that is designed to alert
occupants, aid in extinguishment, or limit the spread of fire (e.g.
sprinkler system or alarm system).