Tested through-penetration firestop system also a foam plastic insulation?

[Blazer]

My concern is for the penetration firestop foam known as 3M Fire Barrier Rated Foam FIP 1-Step. The product was tested per ASTM E 814/UL 1479 to afford itself 13 UL listings. This product then must be installed as tested according to 714.4.1.2 and 715.5.1.2. This product is a two part liquid that expands to five times its volume when mixed. Acts like an intumescent by expanding to fill voids left by melting penetrants but is not classified as one.

Why do I not consider this material a foam plastic insulation which requires it to contain a thermal barrier(1/2inch gypsum) as stated by 2603.4? Is it not thermosetting?
When expanded it is less than 20 pcf (lb/ft^3) and acts as a thermal insulator.

Foam Plastic Insulation definition: ​

A plastic that is intentionally expanded by the use of a foaming agent to produce a reduced-density plastic containing voids consisting of open or closed cells distributed throughout the the plastic for thermal insulating or acoustical purposes and that has a density of less than 20 pounds per cubic foot (pcf).

I really want to know if such a penetrating firestop system, that was tested as required by 714.4.1.2 and 715.5.1.2, has to also meet the requirement of a foam plastic insulation 2603.4?

 

[RLGA]

It's not used as insulation per the basic application for building construction--it is used as a through-penetration firestop system. The firestop system's purpose is not to prevent the transition of thermal energy through a wall assembly to keep things cool (or warm, depending on the environmental conditions) so that the building's energy use is limited and occupants can perform their activities in reasonable comfort--that is the function of insulation. The sole purpose of a firestop system is to "resist the spread of fire through the assembly for a period of time"--ordinary foam insulation cannot do that--thus, it is not insulation.

 

[cda]

I am thinking check with the manufacture to see what this is listed for, and how to install it.

And what type of rated assemblies it can be used for.

3M™ Fire Barrier Rated Foam FIP 1-Step

 

[Blazer]

It's not used as insulation per the basic application for building construction--it is used as a through-penetration firestop system. The firestop system's purpose is not to prevent the transition of thermal energy through a wall assembly to keep things cool (or warm, depending on the environmental conditions) so that the building's energy use is limited and occupants can perform their activities in reasonable comfort--that is the function of insulation. The sole purpose of a firestop system is to "resist the spread of fire through the assembly for a period of time"--ordinary foam insulation cannot do that--thus, it is not insulation.

I was actually thinking the same thing, that it depends on the application just as it states in the definition of Plastic, Approved. Any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material that conforms to combustibility classifications specified in the section applicable to the application and plastic type.
Thank you for clearing that up!

 

[RLGA]

I was actually thinking the same thing, that it depends on the application just as it states in the definition of Plastic, Approved. Any thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material that conforms to combustibility classifications specified in the section applicable to the application and plastic type.
Thank you for clearing that up!

Also, look at the definition of foam plastic insulation. It makes specific reference to insulation for "thermal insulating or acoustical purposes" and not firestopping purposes.

 

[Blazer]

Also, look at the definition of foam plastic insulation. It makes specific reference to insulation for "thermal insulating or acoustical purposes" and not firestopping purposes.

Yes, but when giving the penetrating firestop system a T-Rating it is for the limit of maximum temperature rise to 325°F above initial temperature. That is a form of insulating or restricting heat transfer, keeping the nonfire side temperature below the fire side temperature. The definition of insulation doesn't provide a threshold of temperatures; fireproofing keeps steel from reaching critical temperatures and acts as an insulator.

 

[RLGA]

The main purpose of through-penetration firestop systems is not "thermal insulating" but preventing the spread of fire--thermal insulating is just but one part of achieving that result. If a thermal barrier was added to a through-penetration firestop system that was not added when the firestop system was tested, then the firestop system may not perform as intended and could compromise the protection that it was required to provide.