Fire Stopping Fire stopping is regulated by the Seattle Building Code. Specifications for this subject must assure quality at project completion and allow dynamic systems, such as communication, to be modified long term without compromising building safety. The specification should be performance based and allow numerous product lines. Cable trays should not penetrate fire walls. For through penetrations, caulk, putty and similar products applied over a backing material is preferred to foam, prefabricated assemblies, and other more contemporary products.
Contractors also prefer to keep it simple.
Omissions must be justified through a performance based analysis that confirms there is no value added by the provision of fire sprinkler protection. Designers are encouraged at the earliest opportunity to consult with the University's Fire Protection Engineer to address special needs associated with the extinguishing system design. Fire sprinkler protection at the university is very consistent to standard industry practice. Deviations are intended to increase system longevity and provide flexibility for subsequent renovation. Existing systems without an exterior indicating valve and back flow preventer should be upgraded to include them.