Fire Stopping Manual

FIRE

STOPPING

SERVICE

PENETRATIONS

IN BUILDINGS

Explanatory material to theAlberta Building Code 1997

Part 3 - 3.1.9

Part 9 - 9.10.9.6 and 9.10.9.7

2003 VERSION 1.0

Fire Stopping

reverse page for double-sided printing purposes

FIRE STOPPING SERVICE PENETRATIONS IN BUILDINGS - VERSION 1.0

FIRE STOPPING SERVICE

PENETRATIONS IN BUILDINGS


PUBLISHING INFORMATION

TITLE: FIRE STOPPING SERVICE PENETRATIONS IN BUILDINGS

AUTHOR: BUILDING REGULATIONS DIVISION

STATUS: FOR INFORMATION ONLY

PRINTING DATE: 2003 MARCH

ADDITIONAL COPIES: THE CITY OF CALGARYPLANNING INFORMATION CENTREP.O. BOX 2100, STN “M”CALGARY, ALBERTA T2P 2M5

TELEPHONE: (403) 268-5333

FAX: (403) 268-1319 (fax)

EMAIL: [email protected]

This document was the result of an initiative by the Building Regulations Division of The City ofCalgary, supported by industry representatives. Comments may be made to:

Manager, Building Regulations (#8114)City of CalgaryP.O. Box 2100, Station MCalgary AB T2P 2M5orMs Bernardine van der MeerFax: (403) 268-4657 orEmail: [email protected]

Copyright 2003

The information in Fire Stopping Service Penetrations in Buildings is published as a public information serviceonly. It is based on the latest information available in the Alberta Building Code and other related publications,but does not represent all of the requirements that may be required by these or other design standards. Thispublication should not be viewed as a substitute for technical or professional advice. Examples are providedwithin this publication for illustrative purposes only, and may not constitute a complete statement of theAlberta Building Code or other legislative requirements. This document has no legal status and cannot be usedas an official interpretation of the various codes and regulations currently in force in Alberta. The members ofthe committee and the companies and corporations they work for, provide this information in good faith butprovide no warranty nor accept any liability arising from any incorrect, incomplete or misleading informationor its improper use.

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PREFACE


This publication is intended to assist designers, builders, suppliers and code officials inunderstanding the requirements for fire stopping penetrations through fire separations inbuildings. The guide primarily addresses issues in multi-family residential construction,but the concepts apply to any type of building, other than single-family and two-familydwellings, and townhouses where no services pass through from one unit to another.

In Alberta over the last number of years there have been:

• Changes in codes to allow larger multi-family buildings to be constructed using woodframing.

• Advances in fire stopping systems.• Advances and new materials available for all aspects of construction.• Increased number of larger wood-frame, multi-family projects being constructed.• Single-family homebuilders moving into the realm of multi-family home construction

without full knowledge of the differences between single and multi-family construction.

With all these changes, designers, builders, developers and building officials have allstruggled with the increased complexity and variety of materials and construction systemsproposed. The challenges have been the greatest in apartment style multi-family, wood-frame buildings, which have a large number of fire separations.

This guide is intended to help all involved gain a better understanding of the requirements,understand some of the options available and make informed choices about how to selectappropriate systems for buildings. It was created by a committee of builders, designers,contractors and building officials and outlines examples of typical solutions proposed bythis industry group. We acknowledge that there may be methods other than those shown inthe guide for achieving compliance.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

VERSION 1.0 - FIRE STOPPING SERVICE PENETRATIONS IN BUILDINGS

We wish to acknowledge the organizations that contributed to this edition of Fire StoppingService Penetrations in Buildings.

The following companies or corporations provided representatives to serve on thecommittee of designers, builders, suppliers and code officials who met to agree on thecontent and structure of this document. These representatives also served as reviewers toensure the document was accurate and useful to all groups. The companies andcorporations who participated are:

Gibbs Gage ArchitectsHilti Canada LtdHoover Mechanical Plumbing & Heating LtdJanl DevelopmentsLEW Engineering LtdPerformer ElectricPoon McKenzie ArchitectsThe City of Calgary

FIRE STOPPING SERVICE PENETRATIONS IN BUILDINGS - VERSION 1.0 iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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Preface .......................................................................................................................... iAcknowledgements .................................................................................................................... iiTable of Contents ....................................................................................................................... iii

Part 1 Basic Concepts ............................................................................................. 1

Overview - Fire Protection Systems in Buildings ........................................................................ 3

Definitions .......................................................................................................................... 4Alberta Building Code ................................................................................................................... 4Other Terms ..................................................................................................................................... 4

Classifying a Building ................................................................................................................. 5

Fire Separations ......................................................................................................................... 6What is a Fire Separation? ............................................................................................................. 6Designing a Fire Separation .......................................................................................................... 6Example - Fire Separations in Multi-Family Buildings ............................................................. 6Typical Fire Separation Components ........................................................................................... 8Penetrations through a Fire Separation ....................................................................................... 10

Sound Transmission Class (STC) Ratings ..................................................................................... 11

Fire Stopping .......................................................................................................................... 13General Information ....................................................................................................................... 13Why Have the Codes Identified Fire Stopping as Important? ................................................. 13Two Types of Fire Stopping - What is the Difference? .............................................................. 14Methods of Fire Stopping .............................................................................................................. 14

Fire Stop Systems ....................................................................................................................... 15What is a Fire Stop System? .......................................................................................................... 15Compatibility of Fire Stop Sealants with Pipes and Wires ....................................................... 17Combustible or Noncombustible Services .................................................................................. 17Fire Stop Ratings ............................................................................................................................. 17

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TABLE OF CONTENTS (CONT’D)


Part 2 Fire Stopping in Combustible Buildings ............................................................. 19

Part 2A Pipe Penetrations .......................................................................................... 21

Overview .......................................................................................................................... 23

Garages .......................................................................................................................... 24General Information ....................................................................................................................... 24Combustible Piping Allowed in One Storey, .............................................................................. 26

One Fire Compartment Underground GaragesToilets .............................................................................................................................................. 27Tub / Shower Penetrations ............................................................................................................ 32

Other Floors and Walls .............................................................................................................. 33Sprinkler Piping .............................................................................................................................. 33Water Distribution Piping ............................................................................................................. 34Vacuum System Piping .................................................................................................................. 36Drain, Waste and Vent Piping ....................................................................................................... 36

General Information ................................................................................................................ 36Pipe Sizes, Wall Plate Sizes and Pipe Spacings .................................................................... 38Toilets ......................................................................................................................................... 39Tubs / Showers ......................................................................................................................... 41Sinks ........................................................................................................................................... 41Laundry Rooms ........................................................................................................................ 43Attics .......................................................................................................................................... 43Changing Pipe Types in Horizontal Pipe Runs Between Fire Compartments ................ 44Noncombustible Pipe Risers Changing to Combustible Pipe Outside of the Shaft ....... 45

Part 2B Electrical Penetrations .................................................................................. 47

Overview .......................................................................................................................... 49

Garages .......................................................................................................................... 49General Information ....................................................................................................................... 49Electrical Rooms .............................................................................................................................. 55

Other Floors .......................................................................................................................... 55General Information ....................................................................................................................... 55Wire Sizes, Wall Plate Sizes and Wire Spacings ......................................................................... 55Electrical Panels .............................................................................................................................. 57Electrical Outlet Boxes ................................................................................................................... 58

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Dryer and Range Receptacles ....................................................................................................... 60Bathroom and Kitchen Fans .......................................................................................................... 60Ceiling Outlet Boxes ....................................................................................................................... 60

Part 2C Mechanical Penetrations .............................................................................. 63

Overview .......................................................................................................................... 65

Ducts That Do Not Require Dampers ........................................................................................ 66

Ducts That Require Dampers ..................................................................................................... 67

Garages .......................................................................................................................... 68

Corridor Pressurization Units .................................................................................................... 69

Ducts in Suites .......................................................................................................................... 72

Bathroom and Kitchen Fans ....................................................................................................... 74

Dryer Ducts .......................................................................................................................... 78

Second Storey or Mezzanine Floor Fire Separations .................................................................. 81

Part 3 Fire Stopping in Noncombustible Buildings .................................................. 85

(Material unavailable at this time.)

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Figures

1 Illustration of Fire Separations in a Typical Building ................................................................ 72 Cross Section of a Typical Floor .................................................................................................... 93 Plan View of a Corridor Wall ........................................................................................................ 94 Typical Double-Stud Wall Fire Separation and Floor Assembly.............................................. 105 STC Ratings Required Between Suites and Other Spaces in Buildings .................................. 116 Typical Installation of a Fire Stopping System Around Pipes .................................................. 167 Typical Building Showing a Combustible or Noncombustible Piping System ..................... 228 Combustible Pipe Penetration - F or FT Rating Required ........................................................ 259 Noncombustible Pipe Penetration - FT Rating Required.......................................................... 2510 Pipe Penetration - Shafting to Meet the FT Rating .................................................................... 2611 Noncombustible Pipe Change to Combustible Pipe for a One Storey Garage (1) ................ 2712a/b Noncombustible Pipe Change to Combustible Pipe for a One Storey Garage (2) ................ 2813 Toilet Penetration - FT Rating Required ...................................................................................... 2914 Toilet Penetration Directly Through Slab - No FT Rating Required........................................ 3015 Toilet Penetration Through Wood Sleeper Floor - F or FT Rating Required .......................... 3116 Tub / Shower Penetration - F or FT Rating ................................................................................. 3217 Overview of a Sprinkler Piping System ...................................................................................... 3318 Combustible Sprinkler Piping Penetrating ................................................................................. 34

a Membrane Forming Part of a Fire Separation19 Water Distribution Piping Penetrating Through a Bottom Plate ............................................. 35

and Wall Membrane20 Noncombustible Pipe Sleeves Through Fire Separations Changing ....................................... 36

to Combustible Pipe on Both Sides - Not Allowed21 Multiple Pipes - Plan View ............................................................................................................ 3822 Toilet Penetrations Through Wood Floor Assembly .................................................................. 3923 Tub / Shower Penetrations Through Floor ................................................................................. 4024 Sink Drain Penetration into a Wall Cavity .................................................................................. 4125 Laundry Room - Water Piping and Drain ................................................................................... 4226 Pipe Penetrations into Attic Spaces .............................................................................................. 4327 Plan View - Pipe Transitions Between Fire Compartments ...................................................... 4428 Detail - Pipe Transitions Between Fire Compartments ............................................................. 4429 Non-combustible Pipe Riser Change to Combustible Pipe ...................................................... 4530 Typical Building Showing Electrical Services ............................................................................. 4831 Wire - No FT Rating Required ...................................................................................................... 5032 Wire - FT Rating Required ............................................................................................................. 5133 Wiring - Enclosed in a Shaft and Passing .................................................................................... 52

Through to the Main Floor Before Distribution34 Wiring Distribution from the Basement Electrical Room - Equivalent to FT Rating ............ 5335 Stacked Electrical Rooms Above a Basement Electrical Room ................................................ 5436 Multiple Wires - Plan View ........................................................................................................... 5637 Fire Stopping In and Around Metal Sleeves ............................................................................... 57

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FIRE STOPPING SERVICE PENETRATIONS IN BUILDINGS - VERSION 1.0 vii



Figures (cont’d)

38 Electrical Opening Framed into Fire Resistance Rated Wall .................................................... 5739 Electrical Boxes Located More Than One Stud Space Apart .................................................... 5840a/b Fire Stopping Where Boxes are Less Than One Stud Space Apart .......................................... 5941 Ceiling Outlet Box in a Fire Rated Assembly ............................................................................. 6042 Ceiling Fixture in a Dropped Ceiling Below a Fire Rated Assembly ...................................... 6143 Typical Building Showing Mechanical Services ......................................................................... 6444 Fire Stopping Around a Duct Which Does Not Require a Damper ........................................ 6645 Typical Fire Damper in a Rated Wall Assembly ......................................................................... 6746 Boiler in Garage - Bottom of Shaft Detail .................................................................................... 6847 Boiler in Garage - No Bottom of Shaft Enclosure ....................................................................... 6948 Typical Corridor Pressurization Shaft ......................................................................................... 7049 Air Duct in a Furred Out Wall ...................................................................................................... 7250 Air Duct in an Interior Wall ........................................................................................................... 7351 Bathroom and Kitchen Fans into a Vertical Service Shaft ......................................................... 7452 Typical Duct Running Through a Horizontal Chase to the ...................................................... 75

Outside of the Building from Within the Suite53a/b Typical Duct Running Perpendicular to Joists Within a Floor Assembly............................... 76

to the Outside of the Building from Within the Suite(The City of Calgary Interpretation - January 28, 1999)

54a/b Typical Duct Running Parallel to Joists Within a Floor Assembly .......................................... 77to the Outside of the Building from Within the Suite(The City of Calgary Interpretation - January 28, 1999)

55 Vertical Service Shaft With a Fan Unit at the Top....................................................................... 7856 Shaft Extending to Underside of the Roof Sheathing ................................................................ 7957 Ducts Dampered at the Membrane Ceiling Level ..................................................................... 7958a/b Mezzanine as a Second Storey ...................................................................................................... 8059 Mezzanine with Enclosed Lower Floor ....................................................................................... 8160 Duct Passing Through a Floor Where a Fire Separation is Required ...................................... 8261 Detail - Fire Damper Through Floor ............................................................................................ 83

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Fire Stopping

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Overview - Fire ProtectionSystems in Buildings

Buildings are constructed using the AlbertaBuilding Code and other design documents. Toensure buildings are safe for people to use,building codes use a number of methods toprovide for fire protection of the building intimes of an emergency.

Many elements combine together to provide fireprotection in a building. Some of the majorsystems are:

ConstructionIs the building constructed of combustible ornoncombustible materials?

FirewallsMay be provided to divide a building into anumber of smaller buildings.

Fire SeparationsMay be provided:• At floors levels,• Between suites,• Between suites and public corridors,• At roof/ceiling level,• Around exit stairs,• Around service and elevator shafts,• Around other rooms requiring protection,• At exterior walls for spatial separation

purposes and to support the structural systemof the building

Fire StoppingUsing cast-in-place construction or fire stopsystems to seal openings where they passthrough fire separations.

Concealed Space BarrierBarriers, built in concealed spaces and at floorlevels. Please see the definition on page 4.

Fire Alarm, Detection and SuppressionSystemsFire alarm, detection and sprinkler systems.

When a fire emergency occurs in a building, themajor concerns are:

• Evacuating the occupants before they areovercome by toxic smoke and fumes, and

• Containing the fire in one area, to prevent thespread of fire to the remainder of the building.

These goals are realized by constructing andinstalling good fire protection measures into abuilding of which fire stopping is a keycomponent.



Definitions

We use certain terms when talking about fireseparations and fire stopping. The mostimportant of these terms are defined below.

Alberta Building CodeClosureMeans a device or assembly for closing anopening through a fire separation or an exteriorwall, such as a door, a shutter, wired glass orglass block, and includes all components such ashardware, closing devices, frames and anchors.

Fire-protection ratingMeans the time in minutes or hours that a closurewill withstand the passage of flame whenexposed to fire under specified conditions of testand performance criteria, or as otherwiseprescribed in this Code.

Fire-resistance ratingMeans the time in hours or fraction thereof thata material or assembly of materials willwithstand the passage of flame and thetransmission of heat when exposed to fire underspecified conditions of test and performancecriteria, or as determined by extension orinterpretation of information derived therefromas prescribed in this Code.

Fire separationMeans a construction assembly that acts as abarrier against the spread of fire (see alsoAppendix A of the Alberta Building Code).

Flame-spread ratingMeans an index or classification indicating theextent of spread-of-flame on the surface of amaterial or an assembly of materials asdetermined in a standard fire test as prescribedin this Code.

Other TermsConcealed Space BarrierBarriers built to contain the spread of fire bybreaking large concealed spaces into smallerspaces. During construction, concealed spaces orareas are created that allow fire to spreadrapidly without being detected (e.g., attics,crawl spaces, wall cavities in balloon framing.See Subsections 3.1.11 and 9.10.15 .

Fire StopA system to seal around building services toprevent the passage of smoke and flames for aperiod of time, as tested in a laboratory. Firestop systems are tested based on therequirements of CAN4-S115-M, “StandardMethod of Fire Tests for Firestop Systems”.

F RatingA fire stop system that remains in the openingduring the fire test for the rating period (i.e.: ¾hour, 1 hour, etc.), without permitting thepassage of flame through the opening or anyflaming on any element on the unexposed sideof the fire stop system. F ratings may be at thelevel of a fire-protection rating or fire-resistancerating, depending on the type of servicepenetration is being protected.

FT RatingA fire stop system that remains in the openingduring the fire test, without permitting thepassage of flame through the opening or anyflaming on any element on the unexposed sideof the fire stop system. It also limits the raisedtemperature on the unexposed surface to lessthan 181oC above ambient room temperature.



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Classifying a Building

When a designer begins to initially plan abuilding, early decisions to be made include:

• How to classify the building (Part 3 or Part 9),• Whether to build using combustible or

noncombustible construction, and• Whether the building requires sprinklers.

The Alberta Building Code classifies mostbuildings into one of two parts of the code.

Part 9

Includes buildings and controls constructionbased on:

• Occupancy type - residential, office, retail ormedium or low hazard industrial(Groups C, D, E, F2, or F3),

• Building height - 3 storeys or less,• Building area - maximum 600 m2, and• Type of construction - combustible or

noncombustible.(Noncombustible is not required in Part 9buildings, but may be used.)

Part 3

Includes buildings and controls the constructionbased on:

• Occupancy type - assembly, institutional,residential, office, retail or industrial(Groups A, B, C, D, E, or F),

• Building height,• Building area,• Type of construction - combustible or

noncombustible, and• Sprinklered or unsprinklered.

Once the building is classified as either a Part 3or Part 9 building, then you can determine thefire-resistance ratings required for fireseparations or assemblies. The fire-resistancerating is the length of time, in minutes or hours,the fire separation or assembly would last in alaboratory fire test situation.

Combustible or NoncombustibleConstruction?Although the Alberta Building Code describesconstruction of two types, combustible andnoncombustible, noncombustible constructiondoes allow limited combustible elements to beused in buildings.


Code Revisions to Allow MoreWood-Frame ConstructionPart 3 allows a multi-family building ofwood-frame construction that is up to 4storeys in building height provided it meetsthe area requirements outlined in theclassification article.

The code also allows you to subdivide abuilding into a number of Part 3 or Part 9buildings, using masonry or concretefirewalls.



Fire Separations

What is a Fire Separation?In the Alberta Building Code fire separation isdefined as follows.

Fire separation means a constructionassembly that acts as a barrier against thespread of fire.

A fire separation is a wall or floor assembly thathas a fire-resistance rating of a particular lengthof time (e.g., ¾ hour, 1 hour, 2 hour). It acts as acontinuous barrier to the passage of flame andgases and will stand up to a fire departmenthose stream. The key concept to remember is“continuous”, so any penetrations in the fireseparation need to be properly fire stopped toensure the integrity of the fire separation.

To paraphrase from Standard Methods of FireEndurance Tests of Building Construction andMaterials (CAN/ULC-S101-M), the wall orpartition needs to sustain the fire endurance testwithout the passage of flame or hot gases.

Products of a typical fire include flames, smoke,heat, and toxic gases, all of which affect thesafety of the occupants of the building. Thebuilding code recognizes that these products ofcombustion need to be limited or contained for anumber of reasons.

• Flame and heat help create a larger fire.• Smoke and toxic gases are the main

contributors to death in fires.• Smoke reduces visibility and causes

disorientation, affecting people’s ability toescape from a building.

Fire separations are one means of containing orlimiting the spread of fire and the undesirableproducts of combustion.

Designing a Fire SeparationThere are three methods that can be used todesign an assembly.

1. Using a standard assembly tested by anapproved testing agency. The assembliesare tested using Standard Methods of FireEndurance Tests of Building Construction andMaterials (CAN/ULC-S101-M). Agencieswhich test assemblies include UnderwritersLaboratories of Canada (ULC) and IntertekTesting Services (Warnock Hersey).

2. Using a built-up assembly of materialsoutlined in Appendix D of the AlbertaBuilding Code. Assemblies created in thisway may only be rated for a maximum of90 minutes.

3. In a Part 9 building, using the wall, floor,ceiling and roof assemblies in Tables9.10.3.1.A and B.

Example - Fire Separations in Multi-FamilyBuildings

In a multi-family wood-frame building typicalassemblies are usually as shown in the table andFigure 1.

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Illustration of Fire Separations/Fire Resistance Ratings in a Typical Building

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Typical Fire SeparationComponentsFire separations consist of an entire assembly.In wood-frame construction this means there area number of components which combinetogether to form the separation.

A typical floor may consist of:

Floor:• Finish floor• Topping (optional)• Sub floor• Screws or nails• Joists and beams (conventional or

manufactured)• Insulation (if required by sound transmission

classification (STC) design)• Resilient channel (if required by STC design)• Type X gypsum board

Walls:•Type X gypsum board• Studs• Screws or nails• Insulation (if required by STC design)• Resilient channel (if required by STC design)• Type X gypsum board

See the illustrations of a typical floor assembly(Figure 2), corridor wall (Figure 3), and double-stud wall fire separation (Figure 4), often used todivide residential units. Note that theillustration of the double-stud wall fireseparation also shows the following elementswhich may be used to accommodate pipes,ducts, and wires:

• furred out walls on either side of the fireseparation; and

• dropped ceiling below the rated floor fireseparation.

Because we are not aware of fire stop testing forservices in double-stud wall fire separationscontaining a 25 mm air space, services may needto be placed in other walls, service spaces orshafts. Additionally, double-stud wall fireseparations are also often used as load bearingwalls. Placing large pipes and ducts in thesewalls often destroys the structural integrity ofthe walls. Limiting the number of penetrationswill also improve the integrity of the fireseparation.



Plan View of a Corridor Wall

Cross Section of a Typical Floor

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Typical Double-Stud Wall Fire Separation and Floor Assembly

Penetrations Through a FireSeparationFire separations must be continuous. Wherethere are penetrations of fire separationelements, such as plumbing for toilets, otherpiping, ducts and electrical wiring, these

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penetrations must be adequately fire stopped(Subsection 3.1.9. and Articles 9.10.9.6. and9.10.9.7.).



Sound Transmission Class(STC) Ratings

In trying to clarify fire stopping requirements,other related issues were raised. One of these isthe requirement for sound transmission class(STC) ratings in residential buildings. Althoughthis document does not deal specifically withSTC ratings, the issues of fire stopping and STCratings are often inter-related.

For example, we know that the more openingswe make into an assembly requiring an STCrating, the lower the STC rating will be. Yet,there does not appear to be a specific exclusionfrom installing services in assemblies requiringan STC rating.

STC Ratings Required Between Suites and Other Spaces in Buildings

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Walls and floors with an STC ratings of:

• 50 are needed to separate residential suitesfrom every other space in a building.(Sentences 3.3.4.6.(2) and 9.11.2.1.(1)).

• 55 are needed to separate residential suitesfrom adjacent elevator shafts and refusechutes. (Sentences 3.3.4.6.(3), and 9.11.2.1.(2)).

The three most common situations requiringSTC ratings are:

• Party walls between residential suites. Theseare usually double-stud wall fire separationscontaining a 25 mm air space.

• Public corridor walls between the corridor andresidential suites. These are usually single-stud walls with offset studs on a larger plate.

• Floor assemblies between residential suites.




Sound Transmission Class (STC) RatingsAn STC rating is obtained by testing a floor orwall assembly for the transmission of sound.

Many factors influence how much soundpasses through an assembly. These includebut are not limited to:

• Leaks at wall-to-wall or wall-to-floorjoints;

• Leaks around openings into walls or floorsfor equipment or services;

• How rigidly the building components areconnected together; and

• The mass of the floor or wall assembly.

Achieving good STC ratings is often inconflict with installing various buildingservices.

Consult acoustical design professionals formore information on this topic.

Organizations who have done more researchinto STC ratings include:• Canada Mortgage and Housing

www.cmhc.ca• National Research Council / Institute of

Research in Construction www.nrc.ca/irc

Please visit their websites to learn more.

We believe the effect of putting large diameterpipes or ducts into walls or floors, thusreducing, compacting, or eliminating the battinsulation will lower the original “tested” STCrating for the wall or floor. Additionally, theholes required to allow services out through thewall or floor also diminish STC ratings. Inaddition to the concerns with fire stopping,designers also need to consider STC ratingswhen deciding where to locate heating ducts,water distribution, gas and plumbing pipes.

For vertically installed pipes and ducts, locateservices in:• Furred out walls in front of double-stud wall

fire separations;• Other interior walls; or• Service spaces.

For horizontally installed pipes and ducts:• Keep services for the unit above within the

rated floor assembly. Where possible, providea false ceiling for services in the unit below.

If designers do want to put services in STC ratedwalls, the authority may ask for:• An STC test to show that the wall assembly

containing the services and servicepenetrations does meet the required STCrating.

• Fire stop tests for the services for thatparticular type of wall assembly.Note that we have been unable to find any firestop tests for double-stud wall fire separationcontaining a 25 mm air space.

http://irc.nrc-cnrc.gc.ca/

http://www.cmhc.ca




Why Have the Codes IdentifiedFire Stopping as Important?Here are a few reasons why everyone needs topay more attention to fire stopping.

• Fire statistics indicate that 67% of fire deathsare due to smoke and gases.

• Over 44% of such deaths occur in other thanthe room of fire origin.

• Visibility is impaired - 47% of survivorscaught in a fire could not see more than 12 feetwithin the first 90 seconds.

• Smoke travels at 50-300 feet per minute.

Fire Stopping

General InformationThe requirement of a seal to prevent the passageof smoke, flame and toxic gases comes from thefollowing code and standard references.

• The Alberta Building Code requires all fireseparations be constructed as continuouselements (Articles 3.1.8.1. and 9.10.9.2.).

• The Alberta Building Code (Appendix A) notesthat all fire separations, even those without afire-resistance rating act as barrier to thespread of smoke and fire.

• Fire separations requiring a fire-resistancerating are tested in accordance with, StandardMethods of Fire Endurance Tests of BuildingConstruction and Materials (CAN/ULC-S101-M),which states the wall or partition needs tosustain the fire endurance test without thepassage of flame or hot gases.

• The code requires that service penetrationsthrough membranes that form part of a fireseparation be fire stopped (Subsection 3.1.9.and Articles 9.10.9.6. and 9.10.9.7.).

•Fire stop systems are tested using, StandardMethod of Fire Tests of Fire Stop Systems (ULC-S115-M). This standard refers back to theCAN/ULC-S101-M and states that theassembly needs to “have withstood the testwithout the passage of flame or hot gases”.

These references together identify that the fireseparation construction and any penetrationsthrough it must prevent smoke and hot gasesfrom passing through the fire separation.

A Bit of HistoryOn November 21, 1980 the MGM Grand Hotelexperienced a fire on the first floor of thehotel. Smoke and gases from the fire found itsway to higher floors through seismic gaps,plumbing and electrical openings. A total of67 victims were found on the 16th or higherfloors. The fire never spread beyond the mainfloor.



Two Types of Fire Stopping - Whatis the Difference?In the Alberta Building Code, the term fire stop isactually used for two different concepts.

Building Services (Fire Stops)

When building services such as plumbing pipes,mechanical ducts/chimneys, electrical andcommunication wires are installed in a building,some of them pass through fire separations ormembranes forming part of a fire separation. Toensure the fire separation performs as intended,it is necessary to seal around all penetrationswith a fire stop system to restrict the spread offlame and hot gases through the openingscreated by installing the building services. Thisis covered by Subsection 3.1.9., Articles 9.10.9.6.and 9.10.9.7.

Concealed Spaces (Concealed SpaceBarriers)

During construction, certain spaces or areas arecreated that allow fire to spread rapidly withoutbeing detected. These concealed spaces consistof roof spaces, crawl spaces, eave overhangs andwall cavities in balloon framing, etc. Barriers areconstructed within these areas to limit the sizeof these spaces and restrict the spread of fire.Requirements for this type of fire stopping arecovered by Subsections 3.1.11. and 9.10.15. Wewill call this type of fire stop, a concealed spacebarrier, to help clarify the two concepts.

THE TOPIC WE ARE INTERESTED IN THISDOCUMENT IS FIRE STOPPING ATPENETRATIONS OF BUILDING SERVICES.

Methods of Fire StoppingIn the fire stopping sections of the code, twooptions are given for sealing around buildingservices (Articles 3.1.9.1. and 9.10.9.6.). Eitherthe opening around the piping, wiring or otherservice must be:

• Tightly fitted, or• Sealed with a fire stop system tested using,

Standard Method of Fire Tests of Fire StopSystems (ULC-S115-M). The fire stop needs tohave acceptable F and FT ratings dependingon where it is used.


What Does Tightly Fitted Mean?Consultation with code writers at the nationallevel revealed that they interpret “tightlyfitted” to mean cast-in-place or grouted-in-place (for metal pipes only). If this type of firestopping is not used, then a fire stop system isrequired. Normally cast-in-place or grouted-in place would only apply to where a concretefloor or wall is being penetrated. Provisionfor expansion and contraction of the buildingservice needs to be accommodated so that theseal around the service is not broken bymovement when the fire stop is cast orgrouted in place.



Fire Stop Systems

What is a Fire Stop System?A fire stop system is a tested system that ismade up of a number of components that acttogether to prevent the passage of hot gases andflame through a fire separation. For walls,identical fire stop systems are applied to eachside of the wall. For floors, the fire stop systemis applied below or within the opening throughthe floor.

To select a fire stop system, there are two thingsyou need to know:

• Type of penetrating pipe, wire, duct or cable,and

• Construction of the wall, floor/ceiling ormembrane through which the service ispenetrating.

When you have determined these two items youcan select a system that has been tested for usewith the type of penetrating item and type ofassembly you have.

The components typically include some of thefollowing items:

• Size of annular space (opening around apipe, wire, etc.)When an intumescent (expandable) type of firestopping is used it is important that theannular opening be large enough to apply asufficient amount of caulking that it willexpand to fill the entire annular space and sealoff the end of the combustible pipe should itburn off. When the annular space is not largeenough, the amount of caulking is notsufficient and the opening will not completelyseal under fire conditions. This means flameand hot gases will pass through the opening.

• Backing materialUse an acceptable type and install to the depthrequired to allow an adequate amount ofcaulking in the annular space and to preventthe caulking from falling through or into acavity behind a membrane penetration.Usually mineral wool or a foam-backing rod isused to keep the fire stop material in placeuntil it sets or cures.

• The fire stop product(s) used in the assembly(tested to CAN4-S115-M standard).These could include one or more of thefollowing:

- Sealant~ Intumescent (expands when exposed to

flame and heat)~ Elastomeric (silicone based)~ Flexible (acrylic based)Select for either combustible ornoncombustible pipes or cables thatpenetrate the fire separation. Theintumescent type is generally used forcombustible pipe penetrations while theother types are generally used fornoncombustible pipe or cables.

- Fire stop collars~ Prefabricated~ Assembled on-site

- Fire stop sleeve- Flexible block- Pillows- Fire stop putty- Flexible wrap strip- Joint spray- Trowelable fire stop compounds

Many fire stop products are intumescentmeaning the material will expand and growwhen exposed to flame and heat. New productsare created on a regular basis, so the above maynot list every possible type of device.



For an example of how to install a typical firestop system see Figure 6.

Typical Installation of a Fire Stopping System Around Pipes

6

Follow the specific installation instructions forthe fire stop system you choose.



Compatibility of Fire StopSealants with Pipes and WiresFire stop system manufacturers test fire stopsealants and other components in combinationwith specific types of pipe or wire and throughspecific types of assemblies. The sealants maynot be compatible with every type of pipematerial or wire jacket they come in contactwith.

Ensure you use a tested design or if you do notrequire a tested design, check with themanufacturer to ensure the compatibility of thefire stop sealant with the type of pipe material orwire jacket with which it comes in contact.

Combustible or NoncombustibleServicesIn the past, building codes required buildingservices be noncombustible and the code stillcontains articles suggesting that generallyservices are noncombustible (Articles 3.1.9.2 andSentence 9.10.9.7.(2)). Through exceptionarticles, combustible services may be allowed inlimited cases without testing, as well as moreextensively based on the tests by manufacturers.An additional factor that needs to be kept inmind is whether the services also meet thefollowing requirements:

• Flame spread rating (25)in return air plenums and Part 3noncombustible buildings.

• Smoke developed classification (50)in return air plenums and high buildings.(Subsection 3.2.6.)

Many combustible pipes do not meet theserequirements which makes it difficult to usethem in buildings where they are located outsideof wall assemblies or concrete floor slabs.(Articles 3.1.5.15. and 3.6.4.3.)

Fire Stop RatingsAlthough fire stops are tested for a number ofcriteria, under the Alberta Building Code, firestops may require any one of the three followingratings:

• F rating -Most ServicesThe minimum rating required for all fire stops.The F rating required is the same as a closure,which is one level below the fire-resistancerating required for the fire separation

• F rating -Combustible Drain, Waste and Vent PipeRequired for all fire stops involvingcombustible drain, waste and vent pipe. The Frating required is the same as the fire-resistance rating for the fire separation. Thepipe must also meet a pressure differential of50 Pa on the fire exposed side during the test.This pressure simulates the pressures thatoccur during a fire condition.

• FT rating -Floor/Ceiling (Article 3.2.1.2) and FirewallsRequired for all fire stops in horizontal fireseparations above storage garages classified asseparate buildings and firewalls. The FTrating is the same as the fire-resistance ratingfor the fire separation. The test also requiresthe fire stop to limit the rise in temperature onthe unexposed surface to less than 181oCabove ambient room temperature. Thistemperature rise component makes obtainingan FT rating more difficult.

Cast iron pipes, steel pipes, copper pipes andelectrical wiring may need fire stop systemsthat require these pipes or wires to beinsulated. Another choice is to protect pipesand wires in a shaft. The number and type offire stop systems available to meet FT ratingsis limited.



See the chart that follows for the required F andFT rating for fire stops.

Fire stop systems are tested by approvedlaboratories such as:

• Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC)ULC prefixes:SP Service penetrationsSPC Service penetrations for combustible

systems (drain, waste and vent piping)

For combustible drain, waste, and vent pipe,you need to read the top of the listing todetermine if the pipe was tested for a 50 Papressure differential.

• Warnock Hersey (WH) through IntertekTesting Services (ITS)Warnock Hersey prefixes:PH Penetrating horizontal (floor)

assembliesPHV Penetrating horizontal or vertical

assembliesPV Penetrating vertical (wall) assemblies

For combustible drain, waste and vent pipe,you need to read the top of the listing todetermine if the pipe was tested for a 50 Papressure differential.


Can I Use Listings for Combustible DWVPipe From Underwriters Laboratories(cUL)?Use caution here and check with your localcode official and UL. Tests done by UL (theAmerican counterpart of ULC) forcombustible DWV pipe may only be used for“closed” water distribution systems.Combustible drain, waste and vent piping hasnot been tested for the additional 50 Papressure differential required in Canada and,therefore, does not pass the test for use inCanada.

Manufacturers literature often shows a cULmark. This mark allows specific use of thepipe for a “closed” system and is not anapproval for use as drain, waste, vent pipe oran “open” system.

In addition, tests done by UL for closed waterdistribution systems only, are not valid foruse in Canada.

Common cUL prefixes are:CAJ FCFA WL

Be aware of the limitations on the use ofcombustible pipe fire stop systems bearingthe cUL mark.

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PART 2FIRE STOPPING IN COMBUSTIBLE BUILDINGS

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PART 2 - FIRE STOPPING IN COMBUSTIBLE BUILDINGS


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PART 2APIPE PENETRATIONS

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PART 2A - PIPE PENETRATIONS


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Typical Building Showing a Combusible or Noncombustible Piping System

7



HHHHHOTOTOTOTOT T T T T TIPIPIPIPIP HHHHHOTOTOTOTOT T T T T TIPIPIPIPIP

Overview

Opposite is an illustration of a buildingshowing either a completely combustible or acompletely noncombustible piping system(Figure 7). Normally, if you start with acombustible system, you remain with acombustible system. The same thing applies to anoncombustible system. There are fourexceptions to this that we will cover later.They are:

• Combustible piping allowed in one storey,one fire compartment garages (see page 26);

• Combustible drain piping allowed through aconcrete floor slab provided it leads directlyfrom a noncombustible water closet (seepage 27);

• Alternating fire compartments in combustibleand noncombustible pipe (see page 44); and

• Noncombustible pipe risers changing tocombustible pipe outside of the shaft or wallmembrane (see page 45).

Abandoned OpeningsSometimes a hole is cut in error and pipe, wireor mechanical equipment is not installedthrough the opening. When this occurs, closethe opening using the same type of fire-resistive construction used to construct theoriginal fire separation. Alternatively, a firestop system tested for this purpose could beused to seal the opening.

Generally speaking, fire stop systems aroundnoncombustible pipes incorporate compactedmineral wool and a caulk, while fire stopsystems around combustible pipes may involvecompacted mineral wool, caulk and other firestop components such as collars, intumescentwraps, etc. See the general information aboutfire stop systems beginning on page 15. Eachsystem is individual and must be used asspecified by the manufacturer.

Piping in ShaftsOnly noncombustible piping is allowed incontinuous vertical shafts. Combustible pipemay be used within wall assemblies or servicespaces where a tested fire stop system isprovided at each floor level.

24



HHHHHOTOTOTOTOT T T T T TIPIPIPIPIPGarages

General InformationGarages may be single or multi-storeystructures. In multi-storey garages although theAlberta Building Code allows ramps, the floors arestill considered fire separations and this requiresthat penetrations through the floors be firestopped.

The most critical item to be considered whenpipes pass through the floor slab above thegarage, is whether fire stop system around thepiping passing through the slab requires an Frating or an FT rating. This is dependant onwhether the garage is part of the same buildingor a separate building from the building aboveit. The F and FT ratings required are outlinedbelow.

Classifying a Garage as a SeparateBuilding - FT Rating RequiredMany designers choose to classify the garageas a separate building from the structureabove it using Sentence 3.2.1.2., particularlywhen designing multi-family buildings.There are a number of reasons for making thischoice. Two major reasons are:

• The ability to place a number of smallerbuildings over a larger garage.

If you classify the garage separately, youcan often place a number of buildings overthe top of a common garage area, withouthaving to use the large garage area toclassify the entire building.

• The use of different NFPA codes for thedesign of the sprinkler system in thegarage and a multi-family building above.

By classifying the garage as a separatebuilding, designers are also allowed to useNFPA 13 to design the sprinkler system inthe garage portion, while the lessrestrictive NFPA 13R may be used todesign the building above, if it isresidential.

If the garage is a separate building, it means thatan FT rating is required. FT ratings aresignificantly more difficult to achieve and lessdesigns are available to choose from.

Examples of how the pipe would appear wherepassing through the garage floor follow inFigures 8, 9 and 10.

If meeting an FT rating is not possible, anotheralternative is to contain the piping in ahorizontal shaft with a fire-resistance rating oftwo hours within the parkade. See the examplein Figure 10 that shows how this could be done.When shafting services, the requirement forsprinklering and a minimum clear height of 2metres (for the storage garage) need to be keptin mind when designing the structure (Sentences3.3.5.4.(5) and (7)).

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Combustible Pipe Penetration - F or FT Rating Required

Noncombustible Pipe Penetration - FT Rating Required

9

26



Combustible Piping Allowed in OneStorey, One Fire CompartmentUnderground GaragesThe Alberta Building Code allows certainexceptions on various issues. One of theseallows piping to change from noncombustibleto combustible pipe within a one storey, one firecompartment garage that is located in abasement (Sentence 3.1.9.4.(8)). This allows youto change from noncombustible to combustiblepipe within a single storey garage. Theexception was intended for after the pipe turnedto the horizontal within the garage space. An

Pipe Penetration- Shafting to Meet the FT Rating

10

example of how this can be used is shown inFigure 11. Also keep in mind that if the garageis classified as a separate building, then thenoncombustible pipe may need to be insulatedto meet the FT rating. See testing agencyinformation to find an appropriate systemdesign.

Another acceptable way to make this transitionis shown in Figure 12a and 12b. The combustiblepipe is fire stopped below the garage slab withan F or FT rating depending on whether thegarage is classified as a separate building. Atransition to noncombustible pipe is made above



the slab. The vertical pipe is located in a shaft-like enclosure provided through the use of twolayers of 15.9 mm type x gypsum boardenclosing the pipe for one storey.

ToiletsThere are a number of possible scenarios fortoilet piping passing through garage slabs.

• Toilet drain is passing through a garage slabwhere the garage is a separate building.

FT rating of 2 hours is required for eithercombustible or noncombustible pipe.

• Toilet drain is passing through a garage slabwhere the garage is not part of a separatebuilding.

Noncombustible Pipe Change to Combustible Pipe for a One Storey Garage

11

Exception allows the combustible toilet drainto pass through the slab without using a testedfire stop system (Sentence 3.1.9.4.(5)). Thecombustible pipe leads directly through aconcrete floor slab and ties into a combustibleor noncombustible vent stack.

• Toilet drain is passing indirectly through thegarage slab, through a wood sleeper system.

If the garage is a separate building, an FTrating of 2 hours is required for eithercombustible or noncombustible pipe. If thegarage is part of the same building, an F ratingof 1½ hours is required for combustible pipe or1 hour for noncombustible pipe.

Three examples of toilets penetrating a garageconcrete floor are shown in Figures 13, 14,and 15.

28



Noncombustible Pipe Change to Combustible Pipe for a One Storey Garage

12a

12b



Toilet Penetration - FT Rating Required

13

30



Toilet Penetration Directly Through Slab - No FT Rating Required

14



Toilet Penetration Through Wood Sleeper Floor - F or FT Rating Required

15

32



Tub / Shower PenetrationsThere are two main scenarios for tub/showerpenetrations through garage floors.

• Tub / shower is passing through a garageslab where the garage is a separate building.

FT rating of 2 hours is required for eithercombustible or noncombustible pipe.

Tub / Shower Penetration - F or FT Rating

16

• Tub / shower is passing through a garageslab where the garage is not part of a separatebuilding.

F rating of 1½ hours is required forcombustible pipe or 1 hour for noncombustiblepipe.



Overview of a Sprinkler Piping System

17

Other Floors and Walls

Sprinkler PipingSprinkler piping is required to benoncombustible except that combustiblesprinkler piping is allowed as outlined inSentence 3.1.9.4.(1) and Article 3.2.5.14.Sprinkler system piping can be combustible andpenetrate fire separations if:

• Fire compartments on each side aresprinklered,

• It is a wet system in a residential or other lighthazard occupancy,

• Combustible sprinkler piping meets therequirements of ULC/ORD-C199P,“Combustible Piping for Sprinkler Systems”,and

• Piping is separated from the area it serves byceiling, walls or soffits as outlined in3.2.5.14.(3).

34



Combustible Sprinkler Piping Penetrating a Membrane Forming Part of a Fire Separation

18

All sprinkler piping whether it is combustible ornoncombustible must be fire stopped with anappropriate fire stop system.

In parking garages and garbage rooms,noncombustible sprinkler piping is often usedbecause the piping is left exposed and the use ofthese areas is more than light hazard.

Where sprinkler piping penetrates a ceilingmembrane, it should be tightly fitted andcovered with an escutcheon, but not fire stopped(See Figure 18). Intumescent fire stop productscould potentially interfere with the operation ofthe sprinkler.

Water Distribution PipingWater distribution piping is required to benoncombustible except for the following:

• Combustible piping is incorporated into atested assembly (Article 3.1.9.2.), or

• Combustible piping with an outside diameterof 30 mm or less penetrates a vertical fireseparation (Sentence 3.1.9.4.(2)).

All water distribution piping whether it iscombustible or noncombustible must be firestopped at the membrane forming part of a fireseparation or at fire separation penetrations withan appropriate fire stop system.

Horizontal sections of water pipe may be placedin double-stud wall fire separations providedthe structural aspect of the wall is notcompromised. No vertical risers are allowed inthese walls.

See the example in Figure 19 of waterdistribution piping penetrations.



Water Distribution Piping Penetrating Through a Bottom Plate and Wall Membrane

19


Can I Use Combustible Water Distribution Pipe in the Garage?

Where the water main enters the building, thewater supply is often split into supplies for:• domestic use; and• fire protection use.

Domestic water lines require noncombustiblepipe for the meter and by-pass assembly (TheCity of Calgary - Standard Specifications -Waterworks Construction). Beyond the meterand by-pass assembly the pipe could be eithercombustible or noncombustible, provided thepiping material conforms to the CanadianPlumbing Code. Please note that the fire stop

system for all pipes requires an FT ratingwhere penetrating the basement slab if thegarage is classified as a separate buildingfrom the building above it.

Sprinkler piping in an underground garage isinstalled as an all noncombustible system,because piping is left exposed and the hazardtype for this occupancy does not allowexposed combustible sprinkler piping.

36



Vacuum System PipingVacuum system piping is allowed in a similarmanner to combustible drain waste and ventpiping (Sentence 3.1.9.1.(1) and 9.10.9.6.(9)).

All vacuum system piping whether it iscombustible or noncombustible must be firestopped with a tested fire stop system.

The most critical thing to remember is that inaddition to passing the CAN4-S115-M “StandardMethod of Fire Tests of Fire Stop Systems”, allvacuum system pipe also needs to meet 50pascals (Pa) pressure differential during the firetest (Sentence 3.1.9.4.(4)).

Noncombustible Pipe Sleeves Through Fire Separations Changing toCombustible Pipe on Both Sides - Not Allowed

20

Drain, Waste and Vent PipingGeneral Information

Install drain, waste and vent piping as either atotally combustible system or totallynoncombustible system.

There are four exceptions wherenoncombustible drain, waste and vent pipingmay be changed over to combustible piping:• Combustible drain piping allowed through a

concrete floor slab provided it leads directlyfrom a noncombustible water closet (Sentence3.1.9.4.(5)).




Good Design for Interior WallsInside SuitesPipes may need to be located in walls havinga fire-resistance rating because mostmanufacturers’ tests of fire stop systemspecify that pipes be contained in walls with afire resistance rating. If you are using pipingand fire stop systems that require this, itmakes the job easier and prevents mistakes if12.7 mm (½") or 15.9 mm (5/8") type X gypsumboard is installed on all walls, depending onthe fire-resistance rating required for the floor.This gives trades the option of installing anyservice in any of the interior walls withouthaving to be concerned about whether thewall is rated.

• Horizontal pipe runs between firecompartments (intended for large firecompartments (Sentence 3.1.9.4.(6)).

• Noncombustible pipe risers changing tocombustible pipe outside of the shaft(Sentence 3.1.9.4.(7)).

• Horizontal pipe runs within one storey, onefire compartment basement storage garages(Sentence 3.1.9.4.(8)).

The exceptions for storage garages and toiletdrains have been illustrated in the previoussection (See Figures 12a, 12b, and 14). The twoother exceptions are explained and illustrated atthe end of this section.

All drain, waste and vent (DWV) pipingwhether it is combustible or noncombustiblemust be fire stopped with a tested fire stopsystem. Installing small sections (sleeves) ofnoncombustible pipe through fire separationsand then continuing with combustible pipe oneither side is not allowed (See Figure 20).

The most critical thing to remember aboutcombustible drain, waste and vent piping is thatin passing the fire test using CAN4-S115-M“Standard Method of Fire Tests of Fire StopSystems”, DWV pipe needs:• An F rating with the same fire-resistance

rating as the fire separation it penetrates, and• To withstand 50 pascals (Pa) pressure

differential during the test(Sentences 3.1.9.4.(4) and 9.10.9.7.(2) and (3)).

38



Multiple Pipes - Plan View

21

Pipe Sizes, Wall Plate Sizes and PipeSpacings

Top and bottom plates can be completelyriddled by pipes passing through, if no pre-planning is done. To maintain structuralstrength of the wall, as well as give a reasonableamount of space to install fire stop systems,pipes should be spaced at least the samediameter apart as the larger adjoining pipe,unless you are using a fire stop system thatallows multiple pipes within the same space. Inthis case, follow the spacing shown by themanufacturer in the test. See the example ofpipe spacing in Figure 21.

Also of concern is the width of the wall plates inrelation to the pipes passing through them.When larger pipes are running in a wall, largerwall plates should be used. Nominal pipe sizes

with diameters over 50 mm (2") should belocated in a minimum of 38 x 140 mm (2 x 6)walls. Keep in mind that in addition to the holefor the pipe, an annular space also needs to beprovided into which to insert the fire stopsystem.

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22

Toilets

Drain pipes for toilet generally run within afloor assembly until they reach the nearest stack.

The following areas require fire stopping using atested fire stop system:

• Around the drain opening where the toilet isset on the floor;

• At the top and bottom plates of the rated wallassembly where the vertical DWV passesthrough; and

• At any point where the pipe passes through adrywall membrane which forms a part of a fireseparation.

See the example in Figure 22.

40



Tub / Shower Penetration Through Floor

23



Sink Drain Penetration into a Wall Cavity

24

Tubs / Showers

The same principle applies here as to toiletpenetrations. Normally 5/8" type X gypsumboard is used to close the square hole that hasbeen cut for the drain.

The following areas require fire stopping using atested fire stop system:

• Around the drain opening where the tub /shower drain penetrates the floor assembly,

• At the top and bottom plates of the rated wallassembly where the vertical DWV pipe passesthrough, and

• At any point where the pipe passes through amembrane which forms a part of a fireseparation.


Sinks

Short horizontal DWV pipes, that return to ventstacks from sinks, may be placed in double-studwall fire separations provided the structuralaspect of the wall is not compromised. Novertical stacks are allowed in these walls. Forvertical DWV stacks:

• Locate services in another wall within thesuite, or

• Locate services in a furred out wall in front ofthe fire separation wall assembly requiring anSTC rating.

You also need to check whether the verticalDWV from the sink needs to be in a rated wall.Many fire stop systems are tested in rated walls.Check the manufacturer’s listing for moreinformation.

The following areas require fire stopping:

• Where the drain pipe passes through amembrane which forms a part of the wallseparation, and

• At the top and bottom plates of the rated wallassembly where the vertical DWV passesthrough.


42



Laundry Room - Water Piping and Drain

25



Laundry Rooms

Locate laundry room water line and vent stacksin walls other then party walls or public corridorwalls. You may locate services in:

• Another wall or service space within the suite,or

• A furred out wall in front of the fire separationwall assembly requiring fire-resistance andSTC rating.

Check whether the vertical DWV from thewashing machine needs to be in a rated wall.Many fire stop systems are tested in rated walls.Check the manufacturer’s listing for moreinformation.

The following areas require fire stopping:

• Where the water pipes and drain pipe passthrough a membrane which forms a part of thewall separation, and

• At the top and bottom plates of the rated wallassembly where the vertical DWV and waterpipes pass through.


Attics

When the drain, waste, vent (DWV) pipe comesto the ceiling of the top floor, it needs to be firestopped where it passes through the ceilingmembrane and into the attic space. No changesin the type of DWV pipe are permitted. See theexample in Figure 26.

Pipe Penetrations into Attic Spaces

26

44



28

Changing Pipe Types in Horizontal Pipe RunsBetween Fire Compartments

There is an exception in the Alberta Building Codewhich allows combustible drain, waste and ventpipes (DWV) in different fire compartments toalternate between combustible andnoncombustible (Sentences 3.1.9.4.(6) and9.10.9.7.(5)). This article is intended for

compartments where the width of the firecompartment is quite large, such as in industrialwarehouses. The noncombustible pipe shouldpass completely through all vertical separationsand the switch to combustible should be madeinside the fire compartment. Where thenoncombustible pipe passes through the fireseparation, a fire stop system must still beprovided.

See the example in Figures 27 and 28.

27

Plan View - Pipe Transitions Between Fire Compartments

Detail - Pipe Transitions Between Fire Compartments



29

Noncombustible Pipe Risers Changing toCombustible Pipe Outside of the Shaft

There is an exception in the Alberta Building Codewhich allows a noncombustible drain, waste,vent pipe in a vertical shaft or vertical fireseparation to change over to combustible pipingto make connections to plumbing fixtures where

the pipe has exited the membrane (Sentence3.1.9.4.(7)). Connections can be made to fixtureson both sides of the fire separation.


Noncombustible Pipe Riser Change to Combustible Pipe

46




PART 2BELECTRICAL PENETRATIONS

PART 2B - ELECTRICAL PENETRATIONS


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Typical Building Showing Electrical Services

30




Overview

Opposite is an illustration of a building showingvarious electrical installations.

The number of wires now installed in buildingshas grown enormously over the past five to tenyears. Wire installations in buildings nowinclude but are not limited to:

• Electrical wiring for lights, switches, outlets;• Communication wiring including telephone,

internet and intercom;• Security systems; and• Sound systems.

For individual and small penetrations, fire stopsystems around electrical wiring consist of firestop caulk and may require a mineral woolbacking. See the general information about firestop systems beginning on page 13. Largersystems with multiple penetrations may involvedifferent types and depths of caulk and otherfire stop components. Each system is individualand must be used as specified by themanufacturer’s test.

Garages

General Information

Garages may be single or multi-storeystructures. In multi-storey garages although theAlberta Building Code allows ramps, the floors arestill considered fire separations and this requiresthat penetrations through the floors be firestopped.

The most critical item to be considered whenwires pass through the floor slab above thegarage, is whether the wiring passing throughthis slab requires an F rating or an FT rating.This is dependant on whether the garage is partof the same building or a separate building fromthe building above it. The F and FT ratingsrequired are outlined below.

If the garage is a separate building, it means thatthe fire stop systems are required to have an FTrating. FT ratings are significantly more difficultto achieve and less designs are available tochoose from.

Abandoned Openings

Sometimes a hole is cut in error and pipe, wireor mechanical equipment is not installedthrough the opening. When this occurs, closethe opening using the same type of fireresistive construction used to construct theoriginal fire separation. Alternatively, a firestop system tested for this purpose could beused to seal the opening.

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To meet FT ratings, the possible solutions are:

• Small groups of wires may not requireelectrical metallic tubing (EMT) to obtain anFT rating. Check the manufacturers’ fire stopsystem;

• Enclosing the wire and insulating it with oneof the few systems available. The number ofsystems that allow this are very limited. Thesystem must be used exactly as tested by themanufacturer;

Wire - No FT Rating Required

31

• Enclosing the wire in a horizontal shaft andthen distributing it after it passes through theslab between the garage and the main floor;and

• Keeping all the wiring that needs to passthrough the slab in the electrical room in thebasement. Upgrading the basement electricalroom rating to two hours and with thisincreased protection, just providing an F ratingof two hours where the wires penetrate thefloor from this room.

See the examples of how the wire would appearwhere passing through the garage floor inFigures 31, 32, 33 and 34.




Many designers choose to classify the garageas a separate building from the structureabove it using Sentence 3.2.1.2., particularlywhen designing multi-family buildings.There are a number of reasons for making thischoice. Two of the major reasons are:

• The ability to place a number of smallerbuildings over a larger garage.

If you classify the garage separately, youcan often place a number of buildings overthe top of a common garage area, withouthaving to use the large garage area toclassify the entire building.

Classifying a Garage as a Separate Building - FT Rating Required

• The use of different NFPA codes for thedesign of the sprinkler system in thegarage and a multi-family building above.

By classifying the garage separately,designers are also allowed to use NFPA 13to design the sprinkler system in thegarage portion, while the less restrictiveNFPA 13R may be used to design thebuilding above, if it is residential.

32

Wire - FT Rating Required



33

Wiring - Enclosed in a Shaft and Passing Through to the Main Floor Before Distribution



34

Wiring Distributed from the Basement Electrical Room - Equivalent to FT Rating



35

Stacked Electrical Rooms Above a Basement Electrical Room



Electrical Rooms

A common practice is to build a main electricalroom in the basement of a building. If thebasement garage is classified as a separatebuilding and the wiring passes immediately outof this room to the other floors, you may want toupgrade the fire-resistance rating of this room totwo hours to avoid having to achieve FT ratingswhere the wires pass through the slab betweenthe garage and main floor. Electrical rooms areoften stacked above this room on each floor, andthey often have fire separations around themdue to their location. They are often surroundedby fire separations between suites and publiccorridors. See the illustration of stackedelectrical rooms in Figure 35.

Tested fire stopping systems need to beprovided where all wiring enters or leaveselectrical rooms. For bundles of wires up to25 mm in diameter, you can follow the genericspacing requirements for grouped wires shownin Figure 36 and provide a manufacturer’s testfor the fire stop system or use a fire stopmaterial that is compatible with the outsidejacket of the wiring. For larger groups of wires,specify a manufacturer tested fire stop systemthat accommodates larger bundles.

Other Floors

General Information

The table outlines the maximum sizes ofuntested wires allowed as electricalpenetrations. Please note that all penetrationsstill need to be sealed with a tested fire stopsystem using the manufacturer’s installationinstructions .

Wire Sizes, Wall Plate Sizes and WireSpacings

Top and bottom plates can be completelyriddled by wires passing through, if no pre-planning is done. To maintain structuralstrength of the wall, as well as giving areasonable amount of space to install fire stopsystems, wires or groups of wires should bespaced at least the same diameter apart as thelarger adjoining wire or group of wires, unlessyou are using a fire stop system that allowsmultiple wires within the same space. In thiscase, follow the spacing shown by themanufacturer in the test. See the example ofwire spacing in Figure 35.

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When sleeves are used to pass wires throughfloors or walls, fire stopping is required for thespace around the sleeve and the space aroundthe wires where they enter and exit the sleeve.See the example in Figure 36 and see themanufacturer's test for details about thematerials to use.

Also of concern is the width of the wall plates inrelation to the wires passing through them.When larger wire bundles are running in a wall,larger wall plates should be used. Nominal wiresizes with diameters over 63.5 mm (2½ “) shouldbe located in a minimum of 38 x 140 mm (2x6)

Multiple Wires - Plan View

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walls. Keep in mind that in addition to the holefor the wire bundle, an annular space also needsto be provided into which to insert the fire stopsystem.



Electrical Panels

Locate electrical panels on interior walls.

If electrical panels are placed in a wall requiringa fire-resistance rating, there are a number ofoptions:

• Surface mount the electrical panel,• Furr out a wall in front of a wall requiring a

sound transmission and fire-resistance rating(see Figure 38), or

Fire Stopping In and Around Metal Sleeves

37

Electrical Opening Framed into Fire Resistance Rated Wall

38

• Frame and install type X gypsum wallboardaround the opening within the fire-ratedassembly to maintain a fire-resistance ratingfor walls that require no sound transmissionrating.



Electrical Outlet Boxes

Electrical outlet boxes may be placed in partywalls (fire separations consisting of two wallswith a 25 mm air gap between them); howeverthey must be at least one stud space apart tomeet fire separation integrity (Article 3.1.9.3.(6))and sound transmission requirements (STC).For this reason, any electrical boxes in a partywall should be placed:

Electrical Boxes Located More Than One Stud Space Apart

39

• At least one stud space apart (see Figure 39),• If less than one stud space apart, install 15.9

mm (5/8") type X gypsum board backing withblocking across one stud space behind the boxon one side of the separation (see Figure 40aand 40b),

• With appropriately labelled fire stop materialaround both the boxes, or

• In furred out walls.

Avoid placing outlet boxes too close together asSTC ratings will be compromised.



Fire Stopping Where Boxes are Less Than One Stud Space Apart

40a

40b



Dryer and Range Receptacles

If dryer or range receptacles are inserted into awall requiring a fire-resistance rating, there are anumber of options:

• Surface mount the receptacle,

• Furr out a false wall in front of the wallrequiring, a fire-resistance rating and STCrating ,

• Box around the receptacle with gypsum boardfor walls requiring a fire-resistance ratingonly, or

• Install the receptacle in a wall assembly thatdoes not require a fire-resistance rating.

Bathroom and Kitchen Fans

A few ways of installing kitchen and bathroomfans in an acceptable manner are:

• In unrated dropped ceilings below a floorassembly having a fire-resistance rating andSTC rating,

• In furred out walls outside of walls required tohave fire-resistance ratings and STC rating, or

• In rated floor assemblies by framing andinstalling type X gypsum board around theopening and ductwork within the fire ratedassembly to maintain the fire-resistance ratingand installing insulation above the fan andductwork to help maintain the soundtransmission rating.

Ceiling Outlet Boxes

For ceilings there are a number of possibilities.In all cases, keeping the services out of theceilings is better for the sound transmissionratings of the assembly, however, smallopenings for octagon boxes are permitted.

Ceiling Outlet Box in a Fire Rated Assembly

41



Ceiling Fixture in a Dropped Ceiling Below a Fire Rated Assembly

42

The options are:

• Install an octagon box directly into the floorassembly with a minimum of 38 x 140 mmblocking nailed to both structural members toform a fire stop above the octagon box (SeeFigure 41).

• Install the fixture in a dropped ceiling belowthe floor assembly. Where bathroom fans andother mechanical services require a droppedceiling, this solution provides a better integrityfor the fire separation and the soundtransmission class rating (see Figure 42).




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PART 2CMECHANICAL PENETRATIONS

PART 2C - MECHANICAL PENETRATIONS


Typical Building Showing Mechanical Services

43




Overview

Opposite is an illustration of a multi-familybuilding showing various mechanicalinstallations.

For smaller wood-frame, multi-family buildings,a number of different HVAC systems may beused to heat buildings. The most commonchoices are:

• Boilers with:~ perimeter baseboards,~ radiant floors, or~ fan coil units

• Individual furnaces

For all of these options, air pressurization alsoneeds to be provided into the corridors of multi-family buildings.

Fire stopping for gas and water pipingassociated with mechanical systems is outlinedearlier in the piping section.

Duct work in individual suites is provided for:

• Bathroom fans• Kitchen fans and• Clothes dryers.

Abandoned OpeningsSometimes a hole is cut in error and pipe, wireor mechanical equipment is not installedthrough the opening. When this occurs, closethe opening using the same type of fire-resistive construction used to construct theoriginal fire separation. Alternatively, a firestop system tested for this purpose could beused to seal the opening.

Two ways of installing these ducts in multi-family unit complexes are:

• Keep duct work within the dwelling unit andrun it horizontally through the exterior wall, or

• Run the duct work within a vertical fire ratedshaft.

These methods may or may not require theinstallation of fire dampers at each floor andwall penetration.

66



Fire Stopping Around a Duct Which Does Not Require a Damper

44

Ducts That Do NotRequire Dampers

For ducts that do not require dampers, there aretested fire stop systems available. Generally, thefire stop system for these ducts consists of a firestop caulk. See the example in Figure 44. Checkmanufacturer’s listing for more information. Forgeneral information about fire stop systems seepage 15.

Examples of the types of duct which may notrequire a damper are:

• Noncombustible kitchen and bathroomexhaust ducts (with fans) that penetrate avertical service shaft. The exhaust duct runscontinuously from the fan housing to theexterior of the building (Sentence 3.1.8.8.(4)).

• Noncombustible kitchen and bathroomexhaust ducts (without fans) that penetrate acommon exhaust duct in a vertical serviceshaft. Where the duct enters the shaft, there isthe option of either providing a fire damper orproviding a 500 mm (20") upturn in thecommon exhaust duct (Sentence 3.1.8.8.(1)).

• Noncombustible ducts passing through a fireseparation not required to have a fire-resistance rating (Sentences 3.1.8.8.(2) and (3)).

• Continuous steel ducts passing throughvertical fire separations (walls) between suites,except in residential or care or detentionoccupancies (Sentence 3.1.8.8.(5)).



Ducts That Require Dampers

Ducts passing through fire separations andfirewalls require fire dampers. To install adamper properly a number of elements andcomponents need to be installed correctly.These elements include:

• Retaining angles,• Clearances,• Sleeve,• Breakaway joints, and• Approved fire damper.

45

Typical Fire Damper in a Rated Wall Assembly

Follow the manufacturer’s installationinstructions to install the damper correctly. Seethe example of a typical duct with fire damperpassing through a wall in Figure 45.

68



Garages

The main consideration is whether the garage ispart of the same building or a separate building.For piping requirements, see the section onpiping. For ducts, these would either be firedampered or enclosed in vertical shafts.

The fire separations required for the garage areshown in the table.

An alternative to enclosing the bottom of theshaft in a boiler room, is to upgrade the fire-resistance ratings of the walls around the boilerroom and the shaft above to be equal to therating of the garage floor assembly that theypenetrate through.

A boiler room located in the basement would berated for one or two hours depending on thetype of occupancy and size of the building(Sentence 3.6.2.1.(1) and (2)). Because damperscannot be used on chimneys, the chimney fromthe boiler requires a vertical shaft.

Boiler in Garage - Bottom of Shaft Detail

46

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47

Boiler in Garage - No Bottom of Shaft Enclosure

Corridor Pressurization Units

There is sometimes confusion about separationsand dampers required for corridorpressurization units. Normally the duct workfor the corridor pressurization system isinstalled using a vertical shaft. Figure 48 showsa typical rated shaft with dampers at ductpenetrations through the shaft wall.

70



Typical Corridor Pressurization Shaft

48



Ducts in Suites

Generally, ducts in multi-family buildings areassociated with kitchen, bathroom or dryerexhaust. Occasionally, designers may use fancoil units or individual forced air furnaces toheat units.

Better choices for locating ducts withoutcompromising fire separations and STC ratingsinclude:

Walls• Locate ducts in a furred out wall in front of the

fire separation wall assembly requiring an STCrating (see Figure 49), or

• Locate ducts in interior walls within the suite(see Figure 50).

Floors• Locate ducts in unrated ceilings or horizontal

enclosures below the fire resistance rated floorassembly (see Figure 52).


Good Design for Duct Systems in SuitesOne of the best ways to avoid noise beingcarried to other suites in a multi-familybuilding is to keep all the duct work withinthe suite and exhaust it through the exteriorwalls.

Another good method for ducts that have topass through a number of floors in thebuilding is to ensure those ducts are enclosedin a vertical shaft and separated from thesuites by wall construction having an STCrating of at least 50.

72



Air Duct in a Furred Out Wall

49



Air Duct in an Interior Wall

50

74



Bathroom and Kitchen Fans into a Vertical Service Shaft

51

Bathroom and Kitchen Fans

Three ways of dealing with these are:

• Install the exhaust duct into a vertical serviceshaft. The exhaust duct must be installedcontinuously from the fan to the exterior of thebuilding. The fan needs to be adequately sizedfor this application. (See Figure 51.)

• Install the exhaust duct within the suite eitherwithin or below the fire rated floor/ceilingassembly to the exterior. Fan units should beinstalled below the actual assembly. (SeeFigures 52, 53 and 54.)

• In larger buildings, grills may be installed inkitchens/bathrooms and a continuouslyrunning fan unit is located at the top of thecommon exhaust duct within the shaft. Where

the duct from the fan enters the shaft, it iseither dampered or a 500 mm (20") upturn isprovided (see Figure 55).

When fire-rated vertical service shafts are usedand the duct is not dampered, the space aroundthe duct should be sealed with a fire stop caulkwhere the duct penetrates into the vertical shaft.Check the manufacturer’s listing for specific firestop systems.

When the vertical fire-rated shaft reaches theuppermost storey of a multi-family unit, either:

• Extend the shaft to the underside of the roofsheathing (see Figure 56),

• Provide a damper for the duct at the ceilinglevel (see Figure 57), or

• Wrap the duct above the ceiling membranewith a listed, fire-rated duct wrap material.



Typical Duct Running Through a Horizontal Chase to theOutside of the Building from Within the Suite

52

Combustible Ducts are Okay for Bathroom Exhaust Fans

Standata 97-DR-023 - Washroom and Kitchen Exhaust Ductwork in ResidentialOccupancies of Combustible Construction

Combustible ducts may be used within a suitefor bathroom exhaust fans, provided the ductis Class 1 and meets the other requirements of

A Standata exists which allows differentsolutions than shown here for combustibleconstruction up to four storey with nobasement or three storey with basement. TheStandata was written during an era when fireseparations between suites and betweensuites and public corridors extended to theunderside of the roof deck in the attic.Common practice now is to use a membraneceiling at the top floor level, allowing larger

concealed spaces in the attics. The Standata isavailable for use; however, we caution usersthat it should not be used when membraneceilings are used as the fire separation at theupper floor level.

In addition, designers may find there aresound issues involved in installing multipleducts in small stud spaces.

Sentence 3.6.5.1.(2) or Article 9.33.6.2. If theduct penetrates a fire separation, it needs tobe noncombustible.


76



Typical Duct Running Perpendicular to Joists Within a Floor Assemblyto the Outside of the Building from Within the Suite

(The City of Calgary Interpretation - January 28, 1999)

53a

53b



Typical Duct Running Parallel to Joists Within a Floor Assemblyto the Outside of the Building from Within the Suite

(The City of Calgary Interpretation - January 28, 1999)

54a

54b

78



• Noncombustible steel duct is required all theway (melting point above 760oC ).

• The length of the dryer exhaust is limited bythe dryer manufacturer.

Because of these factors, dryer exhausts need tobe run directly outdoors from the unit they arelocated in; similar to Figures 52, 53a/b or 54a/b.

Vertical Service Shaft With a Fan Unit at the Top

55

Dryer Ducts

Many multi-family developments now providelaundry rooms with washers and dryers in eachunit. The following characteristics are unique todryer vents:

• They carry hot air and lint that is a flammablematerial.

• Fire dampers cannot be used because they traplint.



Shaft Extending to Underside of the Roof Sheathing

56

Ducts Dampered at the Membrane Ceiling Level

57

80



Mezzanine as a Second Storey

58b

58a



Second Storey or MezzanineFloor Fire Separations

There is often misinterpretation about what isconsidered a second storey in a building andwhen this space is considered a mezzanine(Articles 3.2.82 and 9.10.4.1). For a second storey,a wood-frame floor assembly is constructed as afire separation and fire dampers are required.Two common scenarios when a second storeyfloor may be mistaken for a mezzanine are:

• If the upper floor area is over 10% of the floorarea and is enclosed, a vertical and horizontalfire separation is required. (See Figure 58a.)

• If the upper floor area is over 40% of the floorarea and not enclosed with a vertical fireseparation, the floor assembly must beconstructed as a fire separation and theadditional requirements of Section 3.2.8 forinterconnected floors also apply. (See Figure58b.)

59

Mezzanine With Enclosed Lower Floor

The City of Calgary also has a Regs Bulletin(I-160) which allows the enclosure of a lowerlevel under a mezzanine with a wall and floorassembly constructed as a one-hour fireseparation, in lieu of providing visual access forthe lower floor. (See Figure 59).

In these cases and any other cases where awood-frame floor assembly is constructed as afire separation, a fire damper is required wheremechanical ducts pass through the floorassembly. (See Figures 60 and 61.)

82



Duct Passing Through a Floor Where a Fire Separation is Required

60



Detail - Fire Damper Through Floor

61

84




PART 3FIRE STOPPING IN NONCOMBUSTIBLE

BUILDINGS

(Material unavailable at this time.)

S S S S S


Documents

Fire Stopping Manual