ASTM E814
ASTM E814 — Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems
If a fire were to break out in your facility, would your building be able to protect the lives and property inside?
Installing fire-rated firestop systems is essential for containing fires before they can cause excessive damage.
ASTM E814 is a fire test method used to evaluate the performance of a firestop system under fire conditions.
VTEC Laboratories provides fire-stopping testing in accordance with ASTM E814 to help manufacturers and contractors verify fire-resistance performance before installation.
What Is a Firestop System?
A firestop system is a mechanism that passively prevents fires from spreading throughout a building. It does this by sealing openings between panels or joints in fire-resistant walls and floors.
They also detect and notify you when there is a fire, and they are used in the openings of fire-resistant floors and walls.
Buildings must install firestops in the following locations:
- Joints
- Pipe or membrane penetrations
- Tops of walls
- Slab edges
- Curtain walls
A firestop system can take the form of a sealant, pillow, pipe collar or composite sheet. Common firestop materials include non-flammable substances such as:
- Rubber
- Silicones
- Mineral fibers
- Cementitious mortar
- Intumescents
All firestops, including those made from materials not listed above, are subject to ASTM E814 testing requirements.
What Is the ASTM E814 Firestop Test?
This firestop testing standard determines a firestop system's performance through two separate tests — a time-temperature fire test and a hose stream test.
The firestop system must pass both tests to be listed by the UL. Some building codes may require that the firestop T rating and firestop F rating be equal.
The time-temperature fire test records the time the firestop system can prevent the fire from passing through to the non-fire side of the test setup. The test is complete once the flame is on the non-fireside.
In ASTM E814, each firestop system receives two ratings:
- F rating: The firestop F rating measures how the flames affect the firestop system's non-fireside surface by rounding down to the last completed hour.
- T rating: The firestop T rating measures the time it takes for the non-fireside surface temperature to rise by more than 325 degrees Fahrenheit above its starting point.
After completing the time-temperature phase, ASTM E814 requires a hose stream test to be performed on the same test assembly.
This second phase determines the firestop's ability to resist an external force as well as its structural integrity after exposure to realistic fire conditions — a crucial consideration, as a firestop system must work properly in harsh conditions.
Firestop testing determines the system's resistance to an external force and integrity after heat exposure from the fire, as it is crucial for the firestop system to work properly in harsh conditions.
Scope of the Firestop Test
The ultimate goal of the ASTM E814 fire rating test is to collect data that will help determine how suitable a firestop system is for maintaining the fire-resistance rating of a wall or floor assembly. This test applies to most firestops.
The following goals fall outside the firestop testing scope:
- Determining whether a firestop system is fit for use after the testing period
- Protecting membrane openings in regular load-bearing walls
- Sealing membrane gaps in floor-ceiling installations
ASTM E814 Firestop System Testing Procedure
Here is a quick breakdown of the typical ASTM E814 testing procedure:
- Developers build a test assembly resembling the test surface, including all firestops.
- The test assembly is placed in the furnace and outfitted with thermocouples.
- The furnace ignites and remains lit until the end of the testing period.
- The test assembly is removed from the furnace and a hose stream is applied for a predetermined amount of time according to the standard.
- The penetrating items are inspected for intactness on both the exposed and non-fireside surfaces.
- After some calculations, you will arrive at your F and T ratings.
Many organizations lack the materials and space to perform ASTM E814 testing themselves, which is why working with a trusted independent laboratory like VTEC Labs is the best way to go about it.
Your Laboratory for Firestop Testing & Analysis
As an established leader with more than 30 years in the standardized material testing industry, we at VTEC Labs are dedicated to providing reliable ASTM E814 fire-stopping testing services for organizations of all sizes.
We have a vast range of testing capabilities, from materials testing to thermal analysis — and we can create custom tests for your needs.
We also offer inspection, labeling and listing services for clients needing additional assistance.
Our laboratory is accredited to ISO 17025, 17020, 17065 and A2LA, allowing us to conduct tests like firestop testing that meet the requirements for:
- The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)
- Underwriters Laboratories (UL)
- The International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Our experience and credentials are why we are trusted by the United States Navy and Coast Guard as well as the building departments of Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Wisconsin and Denver.
VTEC Laboratories is your partner for ASTM E814 testing. Learn more about our time-temperature fire test or schedule a free consultation by calling 718-542-8248 or contacting us online today.
Other Test Methods Used With Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems ASTM E814
For a comprehensive fire risk assessment, ASTM E814 should be used in conjunction with other tests that assess related factors. Some of these tests include:
- E2226 for hose stream applications
- E176 for fire standard terminology
- E119 for fire tests on building construction materials
Learn More About ASTM E814 Services From VTEC Laboratories
ASTM E814 testing depends on precise furnace control, careful instrumentation and inspectors who know how different firestop materials behave under heat. That’s the level of detail our team brings to every project.
Because we test across many construction and fire protection standards, we can help you understand how your system performs within the larger fire-resistance picture, from ratings to listing requirements.
If you want to discuss an upcoming ASTM E814 firestop test or need guidance before submitting a sample, contact us online or call (718) 542-8248.