NBC 2020 Firestop Requirements - Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing

Through Penetrations

• All penetrations of a fire rated wall or floor must be firestopped, except:

- Where the item penetrating the fire separation is steel, ferrous, copper, concrete or masonry, it is acceptable for the item to be cast in place, such as in a concrete slab or wall.

• Penetration firestop systems used must have been tested to fire test method CAN/ULC-S115. Available tested systems are found in UL and Intertek listings.

• The published F rating of a penetration firestop system must be equal the required fire rating of the penetrated assembly, except:

- The penetration of a structurally independent firewall, or of a floor separating a parkade from dwelling units above, must have an FT rating equal to the rating of the penetrated assembly (e.g.). Consult with the AHJ when in doubt.

Find penetration firestop systems certified for Canada here: https://hcp.hilti.com/

Code reference: NBC 2020 3.1.9.1.(1), A-3.1.9, A-3.1.9.1.(1)(b)

Recessed Boxes in Fire Rated Walls

All recessed boxes must be provided with a firestop system (e.g. listed putty pads) tested to CAN/ULC-S115, unless ALL of the conditions below apply:

• Box is noncombustible, and

• Individual box size is ≤ 0.016 m2 (25 sq in), and

• Aggregate area of boxes is ≤ 0.065 m2 (100 sq in) in any 9.3 m2 (100 sq ft) of surface area, and

• Outlet boxes on opposite sides of a rated wall are separated by a minimum of 600 mm, or by fireblocking conforming to NBC article 3.1.11.7.

Find recessed box firestop systems certified for Canada here: https://hcp.hilti.com/

Choose “penetration”, then “membrane”, then specific box type (electrical, shower, med gas).

Code reference: NBC 2020 3.1.9.3