3.1.9.3.Penetration by Outlet Boxes (See Note A-3.1.9.3.) (See also Note A-3.1.9.2.(1))

(1) Except as provided in Sentence (3), outlet boxes are permitted to penetrate the membrane of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating, provided they are sealed at the penetration by a firestop that has an FT rating not less than the fire-resistance rating of the fire separation when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems.” (2) Combustible outlet boxes are permitted to penetrate the membrane of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating, provided they are sealed at the penetration by a firestop that, when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC- S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems,” has an FT rating not less than the fire-resistance rating for the fire separation. (3) Except as provided in Sentences 3.1.9.1.(2) and (3), noncombustible outlet boxes that penetrate a vertical fire separation or a membrane forming part of an assembly required to have a fire-resistance rating need not conform to Sentence (1), provided (a) they do not exceed, (i) 0.016 m² in area, and (ii) an aggregate area of 0.065 m² in any 9.3 m² of surface area, and (b) the annular space between the membrane and noncombustible electrical outlet boxes does not exceed 3 mm. (4) Outlet boxes on opposite sides of a vertical fire separation having a fire-resistance rating shall be separated by (a) a horizontal distance of not less than 600 mm, (b) a fire block conforming to Article 3.1.11.7., or (c) a firestop installed on each outlet box that has an FT rating not less than the fire-resistance rating of the fire separation when subjected to the fire test method in CAN/ULC-S115, “Standard Method of Fire Tests of Firestop Systems.”