CSLB Class B General Contractor's License Practice Exam

When penetrating a fire-rated wall with ducting, what needs to be installed at the penetration?

1. Fire extinguisher

2. Fire damper

3. Smoke detector

4. Fire alarm system

The correct answer is: Fire damper

When penetrating a fire-rated wall with ducting, a fire damper is required to be installed at the penetration. This is essential because a fire damper serves a critical function in maintaining the fire-resistance integrity of the wall. Fire dampers are designed to automatically close upon detecting heat from a fire, thereby preventing the spread of flames and smoke through duct openings in fire-rated walls. This is crucial for safety, as fire dampers help protect adjacent spaces from fire hazards and ensure that the fire containment features of the building remain effective. The presence of a fire damper not only meets building code requirements but also aligns with best practices in fire safety management. It is a vital component in HVAC systems that operate in conjunction with fire-rated assemblies, ensuring that any air movement does not compromise the wall’s integrity. Other components like fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and fire alarm systems play important roles in overall fire safety but do not directly address the need to protect the integrity of fire-rated walls during duct penetrations. Therefore, the installation of a fire damper is the appropriate and necessary requirement for such situations.