(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.”