What are ducts that penetrate non-fire-resistance-rated floor assemblies protected by?

Ducts that penetrate non-fire-resistance-rated floor assemblies must be protected by noncombustible materials to ensure they do not allow the spread of fire and smoke between different sections of a building. Noncombustible materials do not ignite or contribute to fire growth, thereby providing a safe barrier against flames and heat transfer. This is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the building’s safety features and reducing the risk of fire hazards.

In the context of building codes and safety standards, using noncombustible materials plays a vital role in fire protection strategies, particularly in preventing the passage of fire through penetrations in floors that may not themselves be fire-resistance-rated. This protection method is essential, especially in commercial buildings where the risk of fire spread needs to be minimized to achieve occupant safety and property protection.

The other options, such as fire-resistant materials, while related to fire safety, either do not specifically apply to non-fire-resistance-rated scenarios or involve different applications in fire protection strategies. Noncombustible materials are specifically intended for the protection of penetrations in assemblies that lack inherent fire resistance.