What is the difference between tested and untested firestop products?

The distinction between tested and untested firestop products hinges on the rigorous evaluation that tested products undergo to establish their effectiveness in preventing the spread of fire, smoke, and gases between building compartments. Tested products have been subjected to standardized fire resistance tests, which assess their performance under specific conditions and over defined time intervals.

This testing is essential because it provides empirical evidence that the product meets regulatory requirements and industry standards for fire safety. As a result, tested firestop products are often listed with certifications or approvals from regulatory bodies, ensuring that they can be trusted to perform as intended in real fire scenarios.

In contrast, untested products lack this verification and do not provide the same level of assurance regarding their fire resistance capabilities. This does not inherently mean they are lesser or superior in quality; rather, it highlights the importance of testing in validating product performance for safety compliance.