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How does this work with IBC/IFC building code requirements to have a fire-stop between floors? Even assuming the conduit itself is correctly rated, you need to

How does this work with IBC/IFC building code requirements to have a fire-stop between floors? Even assuming the conduit itself is correctly rated, you need to seal the interior while somehow still allowing future wiring to be added without the need to remove a wall. I guess my point is: You'll fail inspection unless you're extremely careful. It isn't obvious how to add generic future conduit without fire-stops being a huge PITA (since the same thing stopping smoke/fire also stops you running cable). Keep in mind new construction is held to a higher standard (newer version of IBC/IFC) than grandfathering into existing building.

sokka_h2otribe 3y ago
Rockwool
- Someone1234 3y ago
  That won't pass inspection. Ignoring the fact that Rockwool isn't certified as a conduit fire-stop, you also cannot demonstrate its existence to a building inspector. This is a hard/annoying problem to solve, "shove some insulation in the pipe" isn't in the ballpark of what a solution might look like.
  - madamelic 3y ago
    Low voltage wire, to my understanding, does not in most / all US States require inspection or permits. It's definitely 'encouraged' to put in fire stops and seal the holes you make but very few states in the US, if any, will stop you if you choose not to because they won't know.
jcrawfordor 3y ago
There are plenty of easy to use commercial products for fire rated, reworkable cable penetrations. Unfortunately they are rather expensive so you'll want to minimize usage. There's also foam and plaster products that meet latest codes but they're not as friendly to rework (chip them out and replace).
matthewaveryusa 3y ago
I did what sokka mentioned. rockwool at both the top and bottom. The chimney is still present so there's a cast iron 4" pipe which is my conduit. When the previous owner decomissioned the oil tank they chopped the top and bottom of the chimney off and added caps at both ends and the roof was patched. All the cables go all the way through to the attic and I hit the second floor from the attic. Not sure it'll be to the liking of all inspectors but to me it's reasonable.

sokka_h2otribe 3y ago

Rockwool

Someone1234 3y ago
That won't pass inspection. Ignoring the fact that Rockwool isn't certified as a conduit fire-stop, you also cannot demonstrate its existence to a building inspector. This is a hard/annoying problem to solve, "shove some insulation in the pipe" isn't in the ballpark of what a solution might look like.
- madamelic 3y ago
  Low voltage wire, to my understanding, does not in most / all US States require inspection or permits. It's definitely 'encouraged' to put in fire stops and seal the holes you make but very few states in the US, if any, will stop you if you choose not to because they won't know.

jcrawfordor 3y ago

There are plenty of easy to use commercial products for fire rated, reworkable cable penetrations. Unfortunately they are rather expensive so you'll want to minimize usage. There's also foam and plaster products that meet latest codes but they're not as friendly to rework (chip them out and replace).

matthewaveryusa 3y ago

I did what sokka mentioned. rockwool at both the top and bottom. The chimney is still present so there's a cast iron 4" pipe which is my conduit. When the previous owner decomissioned the oil tank they chopped the top and bottom of the chimney off and added caps at both ends and the roof was patched. All the cables go all the way through to the attic and I hit the second floor from the attic. Not sure it'll be to the liking of all inspectors but to me it's reasonable.