Can any firestop product be used for any system?

Firestop products are specifically engineered and tested for particular applications and systems to ensure effective fire containment. This means that a firestop product must be approved for the specific system it is being used in. Each tested system has unique characteristics and requirements; thus, using a product that is not approved for a particular assembly could compromise its intended fire barrier performance.

When firestop products are tested, they undergo rigorous assessment under standardized conditions to determine their effectiveness in preventing fire and smoke spread across various types of systems, such as walls, floors, and penetrations. The documentation of these tests specifies the conditions under which the firestop is considered effective, including the materials it can be used with and the types of installations it is suitable for.

Using a firestop product outside its approved system could lead to failures in fire containment, which poses significant safety hazards. Therefore, it is essential to follow the specifications and approvals established during the testing process to ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards.