ICC Commercial Building Inspector Practice Test

For fire department access panels of insulating glass, what type of glass must all panes be?

1. Annealed glass

2. Insulated glass

3. Tempered glass

4. Low-e glass

The correct answer is: Tempered glass

Fire department access panels that utilize insulating glass must have all panes made of tempered glass. This requirement is primarily due to the safety and performance characteristics of tempered glass in high-temperature situations. Tempered glass is manufactured through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, which enhances its strength compared to standard annealed glass. In the event of a fire, tempered glass is less likely to shatter suddenly, reducing the risk of injury from flying shards. Additionally, using tempered glass in fire department access panels ensures that the openings can withstand the heat and thermal stress associated with fire exposure without compromising safety. This is crucial for maintaining safe operational practices during emergencies. While other types of glass, such as insulated glass or low-e glass, may provide energy efficiency or insulation benefits, they do not offer the same level of safety required in fire-related applications. Annealed glass lacks the strength and thermal resistance necessary for fire safety standards. Therefore, utilizing tempered glass is essential for these specific safety requirements in commercial buildings.