Cable Management Firestop Jean Vaillancourt Fire Protection Specialist Hilti (Canada) Corp.
FIRESTOPPING KNOWLEDGE FOR BETTER SPECIFICATION AND DESIGN OF FIRE-RATED CONSTRUCTION
Presentation Topics and Agenda What is firestop and Why is it necessary The Fire Problem The Elements of Compartmentation Code Requirements Firestop System Testing Penetrations Systems and Listings Firestop Installation Examples Hilti Firestop Products and Services
What is Firestop? Firestop systems, if installed correctly, will help restore the rating of a floor or wall as it is penetrated by an object or joint and resist the spread of smoke and fire. It is part of the life safety plan in structures. Also included are air ducts with dampers, smoke and fire alarms, wired glass, fire rated doors, and sprinkler systems among other things. Why is it necessary? How do people react during a fire? To give people more time to safely exit a structure, even if they don t react right away. Mandated by the Buildings Codes
The Fire Problem Objective: Understand the magnitude of the fire problem
Consequences of fires compared to other perils Source: U.S. Fire Administration.
Consequences of fires (US - 2007) Direct property loss $14.6 Billion Civilian deaths 3,430 lost their lives Source: U.S. Fire Administration. 17,675 civilian injuries 118 firefighters killed
What is the leading killer in fires?
Fire Statistics Why must we contain Smoke, Toxic Gases and Fire? 3/4 of all fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation. Source: Hall, Jr. John R. NFPA Fire Analysis & Research, Quincy, MA. Burns, Toxic Gases, and other Hazards. Visibility: 47% of survivors caught in a fire could not see more than 12 feet. Source: NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 18th Ed. Table 1-1P. 1P Pg.1-15. 15 57% Approximately of people killed in fires are not in the room of the fire s origin. Source: NFPA Fire Protection Handbook, 18th Ed. Table 8-1P. Pg. 8-17. Smoke travels 120-420 feet per minute under fire conditions Source: Estimate based upon ceiling jet velocity calculations for typical ceiling heights and heat release rates.
Fire Statistics Key Points to Remember Thousands die, tens of thousands are injured, tens of billions in property loss 3/4 of all fire deaths are caused by smoke inhalation World fire stats confirm that US and Canada have much room for improvement
The Elements of Compartmentation Objectives: Understand the general concept of compartmentation Understand the different types of assemblies
We can t rely on any single action or safeguard to keep people safe The Balanced Approach to Fire Protection
One globally applied principle for fire safety: Compartmentation (fire compartments) The spread of fire can be restricted by dividing a building into separate compartments with fire-resistive walls and floors increasing the availability of escape routes for occupants. Fire walls Fire floors FW FW FF FF FF FF FF FF FW FW = Fire-Rated Wall FW FF = Fire Rated Floor
We talked about What is Firestop? now let s discuss When is firestop required? any breach or gap in a fire-rated substrate requires the use of an approved firestop system, or other code approved method, in order to restore the integrity of the aforementioned substrate blank openings, poke throughs, pipes, cables, etc.
Code Requirements Objective: Understand the key requirements related to firestopping in applicable codes
Firestopping not new: Required by all current and legacy codes
Complying with code requirements 3.1.9.1 A)Piping, tubing, ducts, chimneys, optical fibre cables, electrical wires and cables, totally enclosed noncombustible raceways, electrical outlet boxes and other similar building services that penetrate a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating, or a fire separation, shall be Sealed by a fire stop system that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN4-S115-M, Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems has an F rating not less than the Fire Protection Rating required for closures in the fire separation. Or cast in place
Code Requirements Key Points to Remember Firestopping is required by the Building Codes, Fire Codes, Life Safety Code and Electrical l Code All fire rated assemblies require joints and penetrations to be firestopped with tested and approved systems The Building Code also mandates proper documentation and complete inspection 2009 IFC requires building owners to annually inspect fire-rated assemblies and make repairs if necessary
Firestop System Testing Objectives: Understand the methodology for testing firestop systems and which labs perform it Understand the many variables that affect firestop performance Understand d differences between though-penetration h and joint testing
Recognized and accredited third party test facilities Intertek t (Omega Point) Listings Underwriters Laboratories Inc. Warnock Hersey Factory Mutual Standards Laboratories Tests done to Code-required Standards ULC-S115 05 All Nationally recognized Test Laboratories are of equal status in regulations (code acceptance) Each test lab publishes its own listing directory
Testing through-penetrations
Typical through-penetration applications
Ratings for through penetration firestop systems tested to CAN/ULC-S115 F-Rating The duration of time in which flames do not pass through the system. T-Rating The time period that the penetration firestop system, including the penetrating item, limits the maximum temperature rise to 325 F (163 C) above its initial temperature through the penetration on the non-fire side when tested in accordance with ASTM E 814. Not a pass/fail criterion To receive either rating the firestop must pass the hose stream test in US but not in Canada
Optional air leakage rating L-Rating Measures amount of air leakage through the firestop system Tested at ambient and 400 F Measured in CFM (cubic feet minute), the lower the number, the better
L-Ratings, infectious disease control, energy loss and sound transmission Openings in walls and ceilings are concerns for more reasons than just smoke, toxic gases and fire It is important to keep in mind that areas with high L-Ratings (meaning lots of Leakage ) will also permit the passage of Germs and other airborne diseases Energy (air conditioning and heating) Sound Transmission L-ratings are important to consider when working in Negative Pressure and Positive Pressure rooms Properly sealing firestop applications will not only increase life safety but positively impact the facility as a whole and those who occupy it.
Optional water leakage rating W-Rating (optional) Determines effectiveness of a firestop system to restrict flow of water. Tested to resist up to 3 feet of water column for 72 hours. Fully fire-tested after water exposure - must perform as well as non water-tested assembly
Extreme conditions after 1 hour test
Combustible penetrating items after fire test
Factors Affecting Firestop Performance Size and type of penetrating item(s) Size and shape of opening Desired fire rating (hrs) Stud width for gypsum walls Floor or wall construction ti type and thickness Annular space Percent fill (cables) Firestop materials/products used
Percent Fill (% fill) The cross-sectional sectional area of an opening that is occupied by a penetrating item(s). Typically y found in UL systems containing cables.
Calculating %fill Appears to be about 2/3 full 4 hole, 85-1/4 wires c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c `c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c `` c c c c c c c c c cc c c c c c c c (Ao)=3.14 x (22)=12.56 in2 (Aw)=[3.14 x (.1252)] x 85= 4.17 in2 (%f)=(4.17/12.56) ) (4 17/12 56) x 100 = 33.2% 33 2% Actual % fill Actual % fill rates are roughly 50-60% 50 60% of what they visually appear to be
Planning for Percent Fill and Future Expansion When running cables it is important to consider %fill limitations and to plan for future capacity. Read cul listings carefully and take note of %fill requirements (many systems with nondevice firestop materials allow for a maximum 45% fill) Consider using firestop devices that allow for 100% visual fill (avoid inspection issues altogether) Install products as blank openings for future expansion
Understanding Firestop Systems and Listings Objectives: Understand the difference between firestop products and firestop systems Understand the UL nomenclature to more easily select systems Understand the critical nature of matching all application parameters to published systems
UL System Nomenclature overview F = Floors W = Walls C = Floors or walls (Combined) A. Concrete floors 5 inches thick or less B. Concrete floors greater than 5 inches thick C. Framed floors Floor/Ceiling assemblies D. Steel deck construction E. Floor-ceiling assemblies consisting of concrete with membrane protection J. Concrete or masonry walls 8 inches thick or less K. Concrete walls greater than 8 inches thick L. Framed walls gypsum wallboard assemblies M. Bulkheads The four digit number describes the penetration item(s) 0000-0999 Blank openings 1000-1999 Metal pipe, conduit or tubing 2000-2999 Non-metallic pipe conduit or tubing 3000-3999 Cables 4000-4999 Cable trays 5000-5999 Insulated pipes 8" or less 6000-6999 Miscellaneous electrical (busway) 7000-7999 Miscellaneous mechanical 8000-8999 Mixed penetrating items
Understanding UL Nomenclature: recap UL or cul SYSTEM # C-BJ-8013 Combination wall/floor B=Conc. floor >= 5 thick; J=Block/Conc. wall <=8 thick Multiple Penetrants (i.e., 8) Sequential test #
Single or Bundled Cable Concrete or Block Wall F-rating = 2 Maximum 4 Opening Optional max. 4 steel sleeve
Cable: Single or bundled Concrete or Block wall F-rating = 2 Maximum 4-1/2 Opening
What is the hourly rating of any Firestop Product? ZERO Only Firestop Systems have ratings!
Understanding Firestop Systems and Listings Key Points to Remember A fire resistance rating is only achieved when a firestopping product is installed exactly as tested in a system The systems have ratings, not the products Tested systems can be found in the listing directories i published by the major accredited test labs: UL, FM, Intertek (Omega Point) Understanding the listing nomenclature can assist in selecting a suitable system, or ensuring that t a specified system is right for the type of application
Engineering Judgments Objectives: Understand when and why Engineering Judgments are typically used Apply published industry guidelines to evaluate the technical merit of Engineering g Judgments Know the code articles that relate to the use of engineering judgments
International Firestop Council Guidelines: Restrictions Not be used in lieu of available tested systems Be issued by qualified technical personnel Based upon previously tested system(s) Based upon assumption that the recommended system (EJ) would pass if tested for the required rated period of time Be issued only for a single job, location and application
PROJECT NAME CONTRACTOR NAME PROJECT NAME CONTRACTOR NAME This is the number you write on the identification label
Firestop Installation Examples Objective: Recognize penetration or joint seals with clear deficiencies Understand common installation errors in the field Review and discuss examples of good installations
Best practices Installation Stickers aid in identification, inspection and tracking Placed next to each penetration firestop or periodically along a joint firestop Should meet FCIA and/or architectural specifications
Best practices UL SYSTEMS PLUMBING ELECTRICAL Pre-construction mock-up walls help ensure success
Firestop installation examples Key Points to Remember Firestop systems are often installed incorrectly when not subject to thorough inspection Drywall mud is still commonly misused in locations where a tested firestop system is required by code Use of best practices helps ensure 100% compliant firestop systems One simple rule: all joints and penetrations in rated assemblies must be protected t per tested/listed t t d system
Hilti Firestop Products & Services Objective: Understand how Hilti firestop products and services can allow you to meet code requirements 100% of the time Understand the different types of firestop products, to allow you to make the optimal choices for every application
Types of Fire Protection Products Firestop Sealants Firestop Collars & Wraps Pre-formed Devices Firestop Joint Sprays Putty products Firestop Blocks & Plugs Firestop Boards Firestop Foam Firestop Mortar Intumescent Steel Spray Smoke & Acoustic Spray & Sealant
Hilti offers more than just product Over 100 Fire Protection Specialists and Field Engineers More than 1000 highly trained Account Managers Support staff with degrees in Fire Protection Engineering Technology Nationwide network of independent Hilti Accredited Firestop Specialty Contractors Engineering Judgments based on tested UL systems and the IFC Guidelines Online Firestop Design Center Online submittal builder (www.hiltifirestopsubmittals.com)
Saving Lives Through Innovation and Education