GA-600 Area Separation Fire Walls

[classicT]

Ok, what is your take on the following section of the fire resistance design manual?



I have a plan wherein they want to run water supply lines through the fire wall (req'd due to building size) and utilize fire caulking. Typical supply lines are PEX, but will have a section (24-in) of copper pipe penetrating the fire wall with the annular space sealed with fire caulking.

My challenge to the design team, is that although through penetrations are permitted by IBC 706.9 / 714, the GA Manual, which is the listing they are proposing, does not permit "Openings and through penetrations, including protected openings and penetrations". (see highlighted text in image) The listing is more specific than the IBC, so it should prevail in my opinion.

706.9 Penetrations
Penetrations of fire walls shall comply with Section 714.

714.3.1.2 Through-Penetration Firestop System
Through penetrations shall be protected by an approved penetration firestop system installed as tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL 1479, with a minimum positive pressure differential of 0.01 inch (2.49 Pa) of water and shall have an F rating of not less than the required fire-resistance rating of the wall penetrated.​

I am reaching out to the GA as well as you folks here to see what the thoughts are.

 

[classicT]

And if it matters to anyone, this is the proposed assembly.

 

[cda]

I am wondering if that is a just a general comment???

Openings and through penetrations, including protected openings and penetrations, are not permitted in the area separation fire walls contained in this manual


You cannot even have a door in it?????????????

I am thinking fall back to what IBC says

 

[cda]

Or pick a different assembly

 

[RLGA]

Call out UL Design U336 or V411 instead, which are the assemblies that GA's assembly is based on (see "Fire Test" information in the lower right corner of the GA assembly). UL doesn't have a similar limitation.

 

[Builder Bob]

Big difference between fire walls and party walls,,,,,

 

[RLGA]

Big difference between fire walls and party walls,,,,,

I don't know where party walls were mentioned, but the only difference between a fire wall and a party wall is the permitted use of openings--and even that has changed in the 2018 IBC.