ICC Commercial Building Inspector Practice Test

A penetration through a smoke barrier assembly shall be protected by what?

1. An approved through-penetration firestop system

2. A non-combustible sealant

3. A fire-resistant door

4. An automatic sprinkler system

The correct answer is: An approved through-penetration firestop system

The requirement for a penetration through a smoke barrier assembly to be protected by an approved through-penetration firestop system is grounded in the principles of fire safety and smoke control. Smoke barriers are critical in maintaining tenable conditions in different areas of a building during a fire event. They are designed to prevent the spread of smoke, which can be more dangerous than fire itself. An approved through-penetration firestop system is specifically engineered to seal openings created by penetrations in fire-rated walls, ceilings, and floors. This sealing ensures that any openings do not serve as pathways for smoke to travel, thus preserving the integrity of the smoke barrier. These systems have been tested and evaluated for their fire-resistive capabilities, ensuring they meet stringent safety standards. Other options, while they may have a role in fire safety, do not specifically address the need for protecting penetrations in smoke barriers. Non-combustible sealants may provide some level of protection, but they do not typically meet the requirements necessary for rated firestopping. A fire-resistant door is used to contain fire in a compartment but doesn't apply to penetrations through smoke barriers. An automatic sprinkler system is beneficial for controlling fire but is not designed to seal penetrations and can’t replace the