A 'T Rating' of a fire stop system helps determine what?

The 'T Rating' of a fire stop system specifically measures the rise in temperature on the unexposed side of a fire protection assembly over a given period of time when exposed to fire conditions. This rating is crucial because it indicates how well the fire stop system can contain fire and heat, preventing them from reaching adjacent spaces or materials that could be compromised. A T Rating ensures that the integrity of structural elements and other environments protected by the fire stop is maintained under fire exposure, which is crucial for safety and code compliance.

Understanding T Ratings is a key aspect of firestop installation and design, as it helps professionals assess the adequacy of a fire stop system in protecting against thermal transmission and the risk of fire spread.