Proposed Change 1781

The reference to ASTM E2307, "Standard Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-story Test Apparatus" in Sentences 3.1.8.3.(2) and (4) and 9.10.9.2.(4) and Note A-3.1.8.3.(2) of Division B of the NBC was required because the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115-11, "Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems," used different criteria to measure the performance of firestops at perimeter joints.

CAN/ULC-S115-11 standard was written in a way that made the pressure differential requirement stricter than the requirement in ASTM E2307, which was perceived to be beyond the minimum level of performance that such testing should achieve. For this reason, a reference to CAN/ULC-S115-11 would have led to increased installation costs for builders due to the installation of stronger firestop systems than originally intended. The requirement could have added undue costs to a building, reducing the potential for innovative building design and construction.

Now that both standards have been harmonized, by referencing the 2023 edition of CAN/ULC-S115 in the NBC, referencing ASTM E2307 is no longer necessary. The fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115:2023 achieves similar performance for firestops installed at perimeter joints as ASTM E2307.

Additionally, replacing the ASTM standard with the CAN/ULC one would simplify industry compliance; the required fire-resistance rating of firestops could be achieved by referencing only one standard. The fire test in CAN/ULC-S115 is already referenced in the NBC for assessing the fire-resistance rating of firestops used to maintain the continuity of a fire separation abutting a fire separation, a floor, a ceiling or a roof (Sentences 3.1.8.3.(2) and (3)).

The fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115 is also referenced for maintaining the fire-resistance rating of a fire separation with penetrations by firestops (Articles 3.1.9.1., 3.1.9.3. and 3.1.9.4.).

Using a fire test method with which the industry is familiar and that is already used to test firestops would reduce testing costs and likely further harmonize the installation of firestops. This proposed change would also facilitate compliance enforcement by building inspectors. As a result, the likelihood of defective firestops would be reduced, lowering the risk that fire could spread to upper floors through defective perimeter joints and lead to an uncontrolled fire that could harm people and significantly damage a building.

The industry is already familiar with the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115. Testing firestops at perimeter joints should not introduce additional costs as the firestops would all be tested to the same standard (instead of requiring a different standard to test a specific application of firestops). As such, the potential impact would benefit the industry by decreasing costs for the testing of firestops in accordance with one standard instead of two different ones.

The proposed change is expected to facilitate the enforcement of requirements for firestops at perimeter joints as there is no need to comply with the fire test methods in two different standards.

Building officials, the industry and contractors would benefit from referring to a single standard with which they are already familiar for firestopping penetrations of fire separations required to have a fire-resistance rating.

Building officials, manufacturers, contractors and building owners.