Firestopping
Penetrations through fire-resistance-rated walls need to comply with Section 712 Tests conducted by Omega Point Laboratories
demonstrated that cellulose insulation can be used as a fire stopping material.
of the International Building Code.
The following is contained in the 2003 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE (IBC) and 2004
SUPPLEMENTS. Contact your architect, engineer, or local code official concerning
your specific project application.
SECTION 712: PENETRATIONS
712.1 Scope
The provisions of this section shall govern the materials and methods of construction
used to protect through penetrations and membrane penetrations.
712.3 Fire resistance-rated walls
Penetrations into or through fire walls, fire barriers, smoke wall barriers, and fire
partitions shall comply with this section.
721.3.1 Through penetrations
Through penetrations of fire-resistance-rated walls shall comply with Section
712.3.1.1 or 712.3.1.2 Exception - Where penetrating items are steel, ferrous or
copper pipes or steel conduits, the annular space between the penetrating item and
the fire-resistance-rate wall shall be permitted to be protected as follows:
- Does not apply to cellulose insulation.
- The material used to fill the annular space shall prevent the passage of flame
and hot gases sufficient to ignite cotton waste when subjected to ASTM E119
time-temperature fire conditions under a minimum positive pressure differential
of 0.10 inch (2.49 Pa) of water at the location of the penetration for the time
period equivalent to the fire-resistance rating of the construction penetrated.
To demonstrate that cellulose insulation satisfies the criteria under paragraph 2)
above, the Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers Association (CIMA) contracted with
Omega Point Laboratories to conduct a test on a wood framed wall with a single layer
of 5/8" drywall on the fire exposed side with four different pipe penetrations and
insulated with cellulose insulation.
The fire-resistance-rating of the wall construction was 1-hour or 60 minutes. The
fire endurance of the cellulose insulation was 64 minutes under ASTM Method E119-98
Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials. The detailed test data is contained
in Project Report 10694-105451 dated October 25,1999.
Summary:
Cellulose insulation meets the criteria of the International Building Code as a
penetration fire stop in 1-hour fire rated wall assemblies. Standard light density
fiberglass batts or foam insulation do not meet this criteria.
Cellulose....it's naturally better insulation
The following pages contain all Cellulose Insulation fire related material.
R-TEK Insulation is your insulation contractor of choice.
If you have any questions regarding commercial or home insulation please do not hesitate
to call us at: (330) 753-8394. We will be more than happy to assist you.
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