Firestopping originated in the 1960s to contain fire and smoke. It gained widespread use in the 1970s as electrical and silicone manufacturers developed new firestopping products. Standards and codes evolved through the 1980s-2000s as product technology advanced and demand increased. Today, firestopping aims to safely allow building penetrations as defined by UL testing and approved detail systems.

1. The History of Firestopping? 07 84 00 By: Bob Poole

21. UL Designations For Firestop Systems In a nutshell, the tested firestop system is given a letter designation indicating what type of floor or wall assembly the firestop system has been tested in: concrete, masonry, gypsum, etc. Following the letter is a number designation referring to the type of penetrating item that has been tested, such as metallic pipe, non-metallic pipe, cable, electrical, etc.

24. Firestopping Nomenclature Courtesy of 3M

25. Firestopping Nomenclature Courtesy Of 3M

26. UL Designations For Firestop Systems Translation: This system, CAJ-1044, can be specified for use on metallic piping such as steel, iron, or copper tubing and copper pipe with specific outside dimensions, and installed through concrete floors or walls 5 to 8 inches thick or in framed floors.

27. Ratings of UL Firestop systems Also located in the UL Fire Resistance Directory Vol. 2 are the F, T and L ratings for each firestop system. These are hourly ratings that indicate specific performance capabilities and correspond to building code requirements. The Directory defines these ratings as follows:

28. Ratings of UL Firestop Systems The “F” rating provides "the time period for which the system is capable of prohibiting the passage of flame through the system and requires acceptable hose stream performance."

29. Ratings of UL Firestop Systems The “T” designation indicates "the time period for which the system is capable of limiting the maximum temperature rise on the unexposed surface of the wall or floor assembly, on the penetrating item, and on the fill material in the annular space, not to exceed 325° F (181° C) above ambient temperature, and requires acceptable hose stream performance."

30. Ratings of UL Firestop Systems The “L” rating designates "information concerning the amount of air leakage, in cubic feet per minute per square foot of opening through the firestop system and/or 400° F air temperatures at an air pressure differential of 0.30 in W.C."

34. Example How will this be Firestopped? Is there an UL detail for this?

35. Example Examples of improperly applied details.

36. Example The incorrect Firestopping material used here.

37. Example How will this be Firestopped?

38. Example One of the many types of re enterable sleeves.

39. Example Improperly installed fire caulk. UL detail not followed. Penetrations not Firestopped.

40. Example An approved UL detail not followed here.