A Guide to Firestop Codes, Regulations and Standards

Unprotected or improperly protected cable and pipe penetrations have presented a subject of much concern to the fire-protection community. Vertical and horizontal penetrations provided one of the major contributing causes of the rapid, erratic spread of smoke and fire. These openings allow the smoke to spread beyond the electrical rooms and into occupied floors. As a result of these fires many countries, institutes or organizations developed codes, regulations and test standards to prevent fires and define common rules. But for specifiers, architects, owners as well as for installers, the complexity of this topic increased over the previous years. This article provides clarification to guide through the jungle of all the different expressions, definitions and approaches to one of the most important topics: fire safety in buildings.

WHAT ARE THE FIRESTOP RELEVANT LAWS, CODES AND REGULATIONS?

Legal expressions and names are not always clear and sometimes different wordings mean the same. Building codes are written for all aspects of construction, including fire protection. A building code (also sometimes called building regulation), is a set of rules that specify the minimum standards for constructed objects. The main purpose of building codes is to protect public health, safety and general welfare as they relate to the construction and occupancy of buildings and structures. A particular jurisdiction when formally enacted by the appropriate governmental authority may turn a code into a law. Then it becomes a legal document that regulates the construction of structures. Codes can be quite complex and exhaustive.
The practice of developing, approving, and enforcing building codes varies considerably among nations. In some countries building codes are developed by the government agencies or quasi-governmental standards organizations and then enforced across the country by the central government. Such codes are known as the national building codes (in a sense they enjoy a mandatory nationwide application).

In other countries, where the power of regulating construction and fire safety is vested in local authorities, a system of model building codes is used. Model building codes have no legal status unless adopted or adapted by an authority having jurisdiction. The developers of model codes urge public authorities to reference model codes in their laws, regulations, and administrative orders. When referenced in any of these legal instruments, a particular model code becomes law.

Structure of codes and standards in most countries

The ultimate goal of all these efforts is very important, these codes and regulations minimize the risk of a fire and to ensure safe evacuation in the event of such an emergency and help ensure that a building will pass any relevant inspections.

Example USA: the American “International Building Code” is a single coordinated law. It was developed via a set of national model building codes. The nation’s three existing model code groups (Building Officials Code Administrators International (BOCA) in East Coast and Midwest, Southern Building Code Congress International (SBCCI) in Southeast, International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) West Coast) decided to combine their efforts and in 1994 formed the International Code Council (ICC) to develop codes that would have no regional limitations. The primary fire protection building codes used in construction in North America is, as said before, the International Building Code (IBC). But the firestop topic as such is also referenced and addressed in other building codes developed by trade associations or specific organizational committees such as International Fire Code (IFC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), International Mechanical Code (IMC) or the National Electrical Code (NEC). All these codes define the requirements and insist on the installation of through-penetration fire stopping.

Example Germany: In Germany the so called “Bauordnung” (= building code) is actually a law although the expression “Bauordnung” is not explicitly called law (Gesetz). The legal jurisdiction in German construction law is in the responsibility of the federal states. So each federal jurisdiction has an own model building code (country model building codes = Landesbauordnung). Then a generic national building code (Musterbauordnung) shall harmonize the different federal codes. The code development is a continuous process of actualization and the members of the respective council (ARGEBAU) are representatives of the ministries of the different federal states.

Example India: each municipality and urban development authority has its own building code, which is mandatory for all construction within their jurisdiction. All these local building codes are variants of a National Building Code, which serves as model code proving guidelines for regulating building construction activity. Firestopping has become strengthened recently after a revision of Passive Fire Protection clauses in the Indian codes.

Example Europe: The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) lays down harmonized rules for the marketing of construction products in the European Union. It is clearly product oriented. The regulation provides a common technical language to assess the performance of construction products. It ensures that reliable information is available to professionals, public authorities, and consumers, so they can compare the performance of products from different manufacturers in different countries.

In contrast to this regulation or law, the Eurocodes are not defined as a building code as such but are reference design codes. So, the Eurocode can be looked at rather as a standard. The EN Eurocodes apply to structural design of buildings and other civil engineering works including geotechnical aspects, structural fire design and situations including earthquakes, execution and temporary structures.

With these four examples it becomes clear that a construction law or a building code is always a legally binding regulation, and the structure of the development is quite similar in different countries although details, definitions and wordings might vary. The terms building law, act, regulation and code are basically used in a same or similar context.

The big challenge though is the strict enforcement. Here, the industry is faced with all kind of different situations, anywhere from fairly loose to somewhat strict or unevenly enforced.

Building codes are generally intended to be applied by architects, engineers and regulators but are also used for various purposes by insurance companies, building owners and their facility managers. Especially building owners, architects and design offices have a very important responsibility when it comes to code enforcement. The detailed consideration of Firestopping already in a pre-design and specification phase is crucial.

Safeguarding code compliance with pre-design planning of tested firestop solutions

Clear references of firestop drawings in the floorplan

It is obvious that solid pre-designed planning can avoid significant budget problems, minimize deficiencies and workaround solutions during construction phase and on top improve the overall workflow productivity. It is the clear task of all involved stakeholders to create awareness and to improve the overall enforcement of proper installation and usage of tested systems to avoid legal complications. 

NORMS AND STANDARDS

Building codes are written for all aspects of construction, including fire protection building regulations. In a code you always find a reference to so called safety standards arranged in a systematic manner. Code bodies place an emphasis on "Approved Methods", defined as a material, device or system tested in accordance to a nationally recognized test standard at a recognized testing facility.

Now, what is a standard or a norm? The formal definition of a standard is a “document, established by consensus and approved by a recognized body, that provides, for common and repeated use, rules, guidelines or characteristics for activities or their results, aimed at the achievement of the optimum degree of order in a given context”. It is a document that can be developed and established through certain standardization bodies: ASTM in the USA or DIN in Germany, BSI in the United Kingdom, ASI in Austria or CEN for European Standards.

All of these standards are developed with the participation of stakeholders with an interest in their development and use. A technical standard may be developed privately or unilaterally, for example by a corporation, regulatory body or by groups such as trade associations. Test standards are used by individuals, companies and other institutions around the world. Engineers use them in their laboratories and offices. Architects and designers use them in their plans. Government agencies around the world reference them in codes and regulations. Many others refer to them for guidance. One example of a widely used standard is the A4 size for sheets of paper.

The terms standard and norm are used simultaneously in most practices. In respect of firestop we talk about test standards. They embrace all aspects of building construction ––fire, structural, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical. Concerning fire or fire safety, specific test standards are referenced.

A firestop test standard is an established technical norm or requirement in regard to technical systems. A fire test standard is a way to describe a test method or to establish a common terminology within a specific sector.

In the USA as an example, ASTM International is an organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for materials, products and systems in fire protection. Another consensus standard writing organization is UL: UL is a global independent safety science company which certifies, validates and also tests, verifies, inspects, audits, advises and educates stakeholders. Another example of a standard writing organization in the USA is NFPA (National Fire Protection Association). Standards in most cases are not required or enforced automatically. The standards, however, may become mandatory when referenced by an external contract, corporation, or government.

 Logos of standard writing institutions or organizations

These consensus standards bodies all must follow the guidelines set forth by ANSI (the American National Standards Institute). ANSI accredits different standards developers. The standard body, like other standards bodies from other nations are then official representatives to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Once a test standard has been established, the manufacturers enlist an independent third-party test agency to ensure their product is used within a system that meets the relevant test standard criteria. Each test standard is given a number as soon as published.

An equivalent system is also existing in Europe:

CEN as one of three European Standardization Organizations (together with CENELEC and ETSI) is an association that brings together the National Standardization Bodies of 33 European countries. It is officially recognized by the European Union and by the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) as being responsible for developing and defining voluntary standards at European level. CEN also provides a platform for the development of European Standards and other technical documents in relation to various kinds of products and materials. It supports standardization activities in relation to a wide range of fields and sectors including construction materials.

Such a standard is the European Standard (EN). A European Standard carries the obligation to be implemented at national level and by withdrawal of any conflicting national standard. Therefore, a European Standard (EN) automatically becomes a national standard in each member country.

 Logo of the European standardization organization CEN

As the ASTM and EN fire test standard is a very stringent test standard, many countries outside of the USA or Europe adapt the main principles, methods or test rules into their national standard. This is important as it is important for manufacturers to test and measure against stringent test regimes and against same or similar conditions.

THE IMPORTANCE OF A FIRESTOPPING TEST STANDARD

The importance of firestopping in life safety has been well documented but, unfortunately, not well understood. One of the main misconceptions is that if most of the areas targeted for firestopping are treated, that will suffice. In fact, the opposite is true. If one were to take a 20'x20'x20' (6x6x6m) room and divide it into two compartments, and the dividing wall is fire-resistance rated, one could safely stand on the other side of the wall for the duration of the rating period. However, if there is a single, pencil-hole-sized penetration in the wall, one will be overcome by smoke, fumes and gases in three minutes and 40 seconds and will not be able to see their hand in front of them at arm’s length. The difference in this example is either the rating of the wall or having just under four minutes to escape. Since smoke and toxic gases are the leading killer in fires, the proper installation of firestopping makes the difference between an escape time of less than four minutes and two hours1.

A fire test is a means of determining whether or not fire protection products meet minimum performance criteria as set out in a building code. In most legislations it is extremely important to remember that because of the complexities of designs and test parameters only fully tested materials and systems should be used in actual building construction.

Examples of fire test standards in the USA:

ASTM E 84 (UL 723) "Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials"

ASTM E 119 (UL 263) "Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials"

ASTM E 814 (UL 1479)"Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems"

ASTM E 1966 (UL 2079) "Standard Test Method for Fire Resistive Joint Systems"

The relevant Firestopping standards in Europe are:

EN1366-3 for penetration seals

EN1366-4 for joint seals.

The transition into a national standard is symbolized by just adding the letters of the national standard, e.g. DIN-EN1366-3 or BS-EN1366-3.

FIRE TESTING – LISTED, APPROVED, CERTIFIED?

Independent, third-party test agencies such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL) ensure that products are tested in a fire-rated system in accordance to the relevant standard(s). In general, UL as a service provider certifies, validates, tests, verifies, inspects, audits, advises and educates.

A number of manufacturers produce fire-stop materials. Most of them publish the UL information relating to the product use and installation requirements. The test standard UL 1479 as an example typically categorizes fire-stopping systems and in our case takes ASTM E814 as the test standard applicable for through penetration firestopping used in openings in fire-resistive walls and floors. UL tests these products or witnesses a fire test and then publishes a listing based on the application. UL has developed a specific numbering system for fire-stopping products which help manufacturers to market their solutions in a transparent and comparable way (UL Directory). Over the years, code authorities count on UL’s technical expertise on really tested systems they need to provide safe and sustainable code compliant installations. If a Firestop product carries the mark “UL listed”, it means UL found that representative product samples met UL’s test standard requirement ASTM E814 or UL 1479. These marks appear on end products suitable field installation. All of the products carrying these marks are also covered by UL follow-up services programs.

The new enhanced UL Certification Mark bundles multiple certifications into a single Mark; utilizes a unique identifier for easier access to information, communicates geographic scope of certification through country codes; and describes the attributes that UL has certified about a product.

UL listing and classification mark and the new enhanced certification mark: Hilti Firestop systems (fill, void or cavity material) certified and classified for use in through penetration firestop systems wear this sign.

In other words, “approved” means tested, permitted or acknowledged, “listed” means noted or recorded, and “certified” means attested or confirmed or audited. Certified through a third-party certification involves an independent assessment declaring that specified requirements (such as fire performance) according to a certain test standard pertaining to a product or management system have been met.

Other test agencies are FM or Intertek.

In this context it is interesting to have a look at the “term” FM which in many cases leads to misunderstandings in the marketplace. FM Global is a private property insurance company. FM Approvals, in contrast to FM Global, also known as Factory Mutual Laboratories, now officially called FM Approvals, founded in 1886, is an international leader in third-party testing and certification services. FM Approvals is a member of the FM Global corporation. They test safety relevant products and services to verify they meet rigorous loss prevention standards of quality, technical integrity and performance. One example is Firestopping products and devices. FM Approval tests and approved firestopping products. Products with the FM APPROVED certification mark adhere to the highest standards in quality, technical integrity and performance. In the case of Firestopping, the overarching test standard ASTM E814 and E1966 are used.

So, the procedure is testing or acknowledging according to a test standard, then certification of the product quality by giving the FM approved mark. Then products that earn approval are listed in the Approval Guide.

                      Different logos with different meanings

Most aspects of building construction––electrical wiring, heating, sanitary facilities––represent a potential hazard to building occupants and users. Building codes provide safeguards. Although no code can eliminate all risks, reducing risks to an acceptable level helps. Whether in our homes, offices, schools, stores, factories, or places of entertainment. We rely on the safety of structures that surround us in our everyday living. The public need for protection from disaster due to fire, structural collapse, and general deterioration underscores the need for modern codes, test standards and approved, listed or certified systems and their administration.

Hilti is the global market leader in firestopping. Our dedication to stringent testing and code developments help make buildings safer today, saving lives and protecting asset, with proven reliability and outstanding service.

Besides of the technological challenges described in this article, Hilti, with own world-class research and development is committed to supply easy-to-use firestop solutions, providing cutting-edge and fully integrated and tested systems. At the end of the day, together with a unique professional technical support in many countries, this helps specifiers and installers to correctly select the right system for the right application and also to correctly specify compliant and tested solutions.

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Sources:

European Commission, ec.europa.eu, ASTM.org, UL.com, fmglobal.com, fmapprovals.com, European Committee for Standardization cen.eu, National Fire Protection Association nfpa.org.

1 International Firestop Council, 2004

All brand names and trademarks mentioned here which may be copyrighted and protected by the rights of third parties are subject solely to the applicable trademark provisions and rights of ownership of the registered owner.

Other sources and pictures: internal Hilti Aktiengesellschaft, Schaan, Liechtenstein