IFC Blueprint Reading & Specifications 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: On a reflected ceiling plan (RCP), why is it important for a firestop installer to review it alongside the floor plan?
- To determine paint colors for firestop sealants
- To identify ceiling plenum spaces that may be part of rated floor-ceiling assemblies (Correct answer)
- To locate electrical panel schedules
- To verify HVAC equipment model numbers
Correct answer: To identify ceiling plenum spaces that may be part of rated floor-ceiling assemblies
The RCP reveals ceiling plenum configurations that affect whether penetrations occur within a rated floor-ceiling assembly, which governs firestop requirements.
Question 2: What does an 'F Rating' as listed in a UL firestop system directory specifically measure?
- The flame-spread index of the sealant material
- The time the assembly resists flame passage through the penetration (Correct answer)
- The maximum fill percentage of the opening
- The temperature at which the sealant cures
Correct answer: The time the assembly resists flame passage through the penetration
The F Rating (Flame Rating) indicates the time in hours that a firestop system prevents the passage of flame through a penetration during a standard fire test.
Question 3: A project specification states: 'Submit product data and UL system numbers for all proposed firestop assemblies prior to installation.' This is a requirement found in which specification section?
- General Conditions
- Division 01 Submittals
- The firestop specification's Part 1 – General (Correct answer)
- Division 26 Electrical
Correct answer: The firestop specification's Part 1 – General
Submittal requirements for firestop products are typically listed in Part 1 – General of the firestop specification section (Division 07 84 00).
Question 4: Which drawing type would a firestop contractor most likely use to determine the fire-resistance rating of a specific floor-ceiling assembly?
- Site plan
- Architectural finish schedule
- Structural or architectural assembly detail sheet (Correct answer)
- Plumbing isometric
Correct answer: Structural or architectural assembly detail sheet
Assembly detail sheets show the construction of floor-ceiling and wall assemblies, including the fire-resistance rating required for each.
Question 5: On electrical drawings, conduits are typically shown in plan view as:
- Solid rectangles with wire count notation
- Single lines with a letter/number designation (Correct answer)
- Double parallel lines indicating conduit diameter
- Circles at each junction box location only
Correct answer: Single lines with a letter/number designation
Electrical conduits are conventionally drawn as single lines with alphanumeric designations indicating size, type, and circuit number.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'Firestop Schedule' sometimes included in construction documents?
- To set inspection deadlines for the AHJ
- To list all required firestop system types by penetration condition or location (Correct answer)
- To record the installer's certification numbers
- To schedule material deliveries from the manufacturer
Correct answer: To list all required firestop system types by penetration condition or location
A Firestop Schedule organizes required system types by penetration conditions (assembly type, penetrant type, annular space) so the installer can select the correct listed system.
Question 7: When specifications reference ASTM E814, they are citing the standard test method for:
- Surface burning characteristics of building materials
- Fire tests of through-penetration firestop systems (Correct answer)
- Fire resistance of building construction and materials
- Smoke developed index of pipe insulation
Correct answer: Fire tests of through-penetration firestop systems
ASTM E814 (UL 1479) is the standard test method for fire tests of through-penetration firestop systems, establishing the basis for F and T Ratings.
IFC Blueprint Reading & Specifications 3
On a reflected ceiling plan (RCP), why is it important for a firestop installer to review it alongside the floor plan?