Passive Fire Protection 101 – Don’t Fail Building Inspections

Don’t Fail Building Inspections

Knowledge about the regulations regarding recessed lights in fire-resistance-rated ceilings can help avoid costly mistakes and legal actions. There seems to be a great deal of confusion about what exactly fire-resistance-rating means, where it is applicable, and the solutions available to meet the building code requirements.

The widespread adoption and understanding of codes requiring continuity of fire-resistance-rated assemblies throughout the world has made this subject more and more relevant to contractors, builders, code officials, architects, building owners and managers, and homeowners. But instead of decreasing confusion over the issue, continuous changes in state code adoption legislation and increased demand for fire-resistance-rated, code compliant products and systems have far outpaced the availability of education on the topic.

What does fire-resistance-rating actually mean?

A fire-resistance-rating typically states the duration for which a building element or an assemblage of materials can withstand a standard fire-resistance exposure test. A fire-resistance-rating is usually given to an assembly consisting of various building materials that can resist the exposure of a standardized fire exposure for a set amount of time, or it may contain a variety of other criteria involving other evidence of functionality or fitness for purpose.
Fire-resistance-ratings were developed to evaluate the performance of building elements and assemblies during an intense fire exposure and can be applied to wall, floor, or roof systems, also known as horizontal assemblies.

How do you properly fire rate a ceiling?

The 2021 version of the International Building Code addresses this issue explicitly in section 714.5.2, Membrane Penetrations:

714.5.2 Membrane penetrations. Penetrations of membranes that are part of a horizontal assembly shall comply with Section 714.5.1.1 or 714.5.1.2. Where floor/ceiling assemblies are required to have a fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall be installed such that the required fire resistance will not be reduced.

In addition, this section of the Code includes several exceptions. The following exception applies to listed luminaries (light fixtures). Please refer to the entire Code language and exceptions which apply to other types of membrane penetrations.
Exceptions:

8. Ceiling membrane penetrations by listed luminaires (light fixtures) or by luminaires protected with listed materials, which have been tested for use in fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with the instructions included in the listing.

To meet this membrane protection code requirement, the ceiling must serve as an unbroken, continuous fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly for a specific period of time.

In fire-resistance-rated wallboard applications, a typical assembly might have one layer of gypsum wallboard used on the underside of a floor/ceiling assembly that has been tested in accordance with the ASTM E 119 or UL 263 requirements for the hourly fire-resistance-rated assembly. In some cases, this could be a 1-hour fire-resistance-rated assembly; however, the time requirement may be greater than 1-hour, depending on the occupancy, height, and area of the building.

Use solutions that work best for your project and timeline.

There are several different solutions for fire-resistance-rated ceiling membrane applications with a diverse range of prices, approvals gained from fire-testing, and complexity. A common solution is prefabricated Fire-Resistance-Rated Light Fixtures, which have a variety of proven fire-resistance testing but are also the costliest choice
To avoid using these expensive lights, many construct boxes made from gypsum wallboard to surround the lighting fixture. This is very labor-intensive and may increase the cost of installation beyond budget limits, in addition to possibly not having a fire-resistance-rating.

Metal enclosures are also becoming an increasingly popular choice in the fire-resistance-rating dilemma. However, these are not UL-classified as a fire-resistance-rated assembly and so are not suitable for applications where fire-resistance is required.
A popular solution that is UL-classified are Fire-Resistance-Rated Light Covers. These covers are suitable for various recessed light fixture sizes and luminaires, and they comply with building code requirements for continuous fire-resistance in horizontal assemblies.

The covers are widely accepted by code officials throughout the entire United States, and possibly in other countries as well. One- and two-hour Fire-Resistance-Rated Light Covers are available from a variety of manufacturers at several different price points. They are proven to act as a suitable fire-resistance-rated horizontal assembly when called upon by fire and smoke.

Tenmat’s Fire Rated Recessed Light Covers are the solutions you’re looking for.

TENMAT fire rated enclosures and firestopping products have been designed to meet the building code and to help maintain the integrity of fire-resistance rated ceilings when penetrated by recessed lights, LED luminaires, fluorescent fixtures or in-ceiling loudspeakers or walls when penetrated by wires, cables, pipes or mixed penetrations. Tenmat’s unique design gives the architect, specifier and installer more freedom in fixture selection as the covers are suited to a wide range of recessed fixtures.

The flexible and lightweight nature of the covers makes installation quick and easy, reduces the stress put on the ceiling and significantly reduces labor costs compared to standard dry-walled box constructions. The high expansion and insulating properties of the cover ensures that both flames spread, and heat transmission are stopped for 60 minutes.

Talk to a member of our team today about how you can implement passive fire protection in your next construction project.

Tenmat Has Landed in the Evergreen State!

Tenmat announces new partnership with J.C. Wright Lighting Sales, Inc.

Tenmat is delighted to announce our newest relationship with J.C. Wright Lighting Sales, Inc. J.C. Wright Lighting is “Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho’s Primer Lighting and Controls Manufacturer Representative.” J.C. Wright Lighting is located in Spokane, WA – for a full list of J.C. Wright Lighting territories, please click here.

The line card will include Tenmat’s FF109-200 & FF109-250, FF109-300 & FF109-350, FF109-X, and FF130 – 2’ x 2’ & FF130 – 2’x4’. Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive fire protection products and materials is excited to partner with local lighting experts to further promote life safety and fire protection solutions.

For inquiries for Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho, please contact J.C. Wright Lighting Sales, Inc.

If you are interested in becoming a Tenmat partner, please contact us.

Don’t Take a Gamble on Passive Fire Protection

Tenmat will be exhibiting at the 2023 EduCode International Conference

The only thing you shouldn’t gamble in Las Vegas is life safety. This is the reason why Tenmat will be exhibiting our line of fire-rated covers for recessed light fixtures, LED downlights, and in-ceiling loudspeakers at the 2023 EduCode Conference.
If you are an inspector, plans examiner, permit technician, code enforcement officer, building official, architect, engineer, manager, leader, director or are otherwise working or interested in a safe built community, please stop by the Tenmat Booth from February 28 to March 1. The Expo is organized by the Southern Nevada Chapter of the International Code Council where building safety professionals, code enforcement officials and inspectors go to learn about the latest products and services needed to keep buildings safe and meet and maintain compliance with accepted codes and standards.

Tenmat will be exhibiting and answering all questions about our product portfolio consisting of fire rated enclosures for recessed lights, luminaires, in-ceiling loudspeakers, and troffers. A large proportion of Tenmat’s business is working with other passive fire protection manufacturers to design, develop and fire test products for them with Tenmat intumescent material as its functioning component.

Our innovative line of UL fire rated light covers for recessed lights, in-ceiling loudspeakers, and troffers are an easy to install and cost saving option to maintain the required fire resistance of the ceiling. Tenmat’s wide product variety gives electrical contractors, architects, and electrical engineers more freedom in fixture selection as the covers are suited to fit a wide range of recessed fixtures and fluorescent luminaires.

We are looking forward to meeting you at our booth! Not Attending? If you or your agency is interested in learning more about the Safety Hazard of Unprotected Ceiling Openings. Please click here to book your FREE webinar.

Life Safety is Getting Bigger in Texas!

Tenmat announces new partnership with Architectural Lighting Alliance (ALA)

Tenmat is delighted to announce our newest relationship with Architectural Lighting Alliance (ALA).

Architectural Lighting Alliance is “a full-service manufacturer’s representative currently representing the lighting industry’s top architectural and commodity lines.” ALA has three offices, located in Dallas, Shreveport, and Lubbock – for a full list of ALA’s territories, please click here.

The line card will include Tenmat’s FF109-200 & FF109-250, FF109-300 & FF109-350, FF109-X, and FF130 – 2’ x 2’ & FF130 – 2’x4’. Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive fire protection products and materials is excited to partner with local lighting experts to further promote life safety and fire protection solutions.

For inquires in Northern Texas, please click here.

If you are interested in becoming a Tenmat partner, please click here.

Tenmat is Going West

Tenmat announces new partnership with Arizona Lighting Sales

Tenmat is thrilled to announce our partnership with Arizona Lighting Sales in Arizona.

Arizona Lighting Sales, located in Phoenix and Tempe, is “your source for illumination & the technology to control it” in Arizona. With the addition of Tenmat’s line of fire-rated covers for recessed can lights, LED luminaries, and LED downlights, Arizona Lighting Sales is expanding its portfolio into offering innovative fire protection solutions for lighting.

The line card will include Tenmat’s FF109-200 & FF109-250, FF109-300 & FF109-350, FF109-X, and FF130 – 2’x2’ & FF130 – 2’x4’.
Tenmat, a leading manufacturer of advanced passive fire protection products and materials is excited to partner with local lighting experts to further promote life safety and fire protection solutions.

For inquiries from Arizona, please contact Arizona Lighting Sales.

If you are interested in becoming a Tenmat partner, please contact us.

Join TENMAT at the ICAA Convention October 5-6, 2017

Join TENMAT at the ICAA Convention (booth 409) in Dallas, TX next week to discuss how TENMAT’s line of fire safe recessed light enclosures can provide superior protection for recessed lights and environmental benefits.

TENMAT Recessed Light Protection Covers are made out of fire safe mineral wool and designed to keep insulation from hot light fixtures and avoid energy loss through the non-insulated area around the light fixtures.

Benefits of TENMAT Recessed Light Protection Covers include:

• Thermally tested according to UL 1598 for usage with IC and non-IC rated lights
• Fire tested in accordance with IEC 60598-1
• Saves energy by eliminating draft through your recessed light fixture
• Keeps flammable insulation at a safe distance from hot recessed lights
• Easy to fit – no assembly required
• Ideal for a wide range of IC and non-IC rated recessed in lights commercial and residential buildings

For more information about the TENMAT’s line of Recessed Light Protection Enclosures, please visit www.tenmatusa.com/insulation-protection-covers

The Annual ICAA Convention is the premier trade show and networking event of the Insulation Contractors Association of America and includes a variety of educational sessions focused on the topics that are most relevant to insulation contractors, and features a lineup of the industry’s leading suppliers and manufacturers. This year’s event is held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Dallas, TX on October 5th and 6th. To register for the event, please visit www.insulate.org.

We look forward to seeing you in Dallas.