Penetrants, or penetrating items, are the mechanical, electrical or structural items that pass through an opening in a wall or floor, such as
pipes,
electrical conduits,
ducting,
electrical cable
Electricity is the set of physical phenomena associated with the presence and motion of matter possessing an electric charge. Electricity is related to magnetism, both being part of the phenomenon of electromagnetism, as described by Maxwel ...
s and
cable trays, or
structural steel
Structural steel is steel used for making construction materials in a variety of shapes. Many structural steel shapes take the form of an elongated beam having a profile of a specific cross section (geometry), cross section. Structural steel sha ...
beams and columns. When these items pierce a wall or floor assembly, they create a space between the penetrant and the surrounding structure which can become an avenue for the spread of fire between rooms or floors.
Building codes require a
firestop to seal the openings around penetrants.
File:Mcc room perimeter canned cable penseal metacaulk.jpg, Electrical cable through-penetration, fire-stopped by an intumescent sealant, to restore the two-hour fire-resistance rating of the concrete floor.
File:Steel_beam_penetration.jpg, Steel
Steel is an alloy of iron and carbon that demonstrates improved mechanical properties compared to the pure form of iron. Due to steel's high Young's modulus, elastic modulus, Yield (engineering), yield strength, Fracture, fracture strength a ...
beam through-penetration.
{{DEFAULTSORT:Penetrant (Mechanical, Electrical, Or Structural)
Passive fire protection
Building engineering
Firestops