This is the first post in our five-part educational series, Firestopping: The Part of Cabling You Hope You'll Never Need.
When installing network cables, fiber optics, security cameras or access control systems, technicians sometimes need to run cable through walls and floors. Here is something many property owners and managers don't realize: some of those walls and floors are part of the building's fire-resistance-rated construction. That small hole in the wall could become a big problem.
What firestopping does
A fire-resistance-rated wall or floor is built to help slow the spread of fire. When a contractor creates an opening through one of these assemblies, that penetration must be properly protected using an appropriate firestop system. Firestopping is that protection. Done right, nobody notices it, and you hope it never has to do its job.
What the codes say
The National Electrical Code says openings around communications cable passing through fire-resistant-rated walls, partitions, floors or ceilings must be firestopped using approved methods that maintain the fire rating. Parallel rules cover fiber optic and other low-voltage cable. The Florida Building Code, which is based on the International Building Code, generally calls for a penetration to be installed as tested in the rated wall or floor, or protected by an approved firestop system tested to ASTM E814 or UL 1479. It has limited exceptions, such as certain metal conduit and small steel electrical boxes. The local inspector has the final word on a given job.
Why does this matter?
- Fire and smoke protection. Firestopping helps limit the spread of fire and hot gases through penetrations.
- Building code compliance. Fire-rated penetrations must meet applicable building and fire code requirements.
- Life safety. Fire-resistant construction helps provide occupants additional protection during a fire.
- Future maintenance. Adding or removing cables can disturb an existing firestop system, requiring it to be properly restored.
Where the cheapest estimate can become expensive
One contractor may include the labor and materials needed to properly firestop cable penetrations. Another estimate may not clearly address firestopping at all. That difference may not be obvious when comparing prices, but it can matter when the installation is inspected or the building undergoes future renovations.
The other details that separate one bid from another are in our post on six questions to ask when comparing cabling bids.
The question to ask
"Does your estimate include proper firestopping wherever cables penetrate fire-rated walls or floors?"
The cost of doing it correctly should be considered before the work begins, not after a problem is discovered. To see the cabling work we do, visit our computer network cabling page.
Information is provided for general education. It is not a substitute for project-specific design, engineering or manufacturer instructions. Always follow applicable codes and listed system requirements. Project requirements should be verified individually.