Fire bloking

[jlybolt]

Newer 2 story home with supply ductwork in attic routing down thru a chase to supply first floor ducts. Going thru the IRC I found that fireblocking is required when ductwork penetrates the ceiling assembly. Would a chase be the exception to this? Any help would be appreciated. Anybody have a code reference?

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

From the IRC. . .

M1601.3.3 Fireblocking. Duct installations shall be fire-blocked in accordance with Section R602.8.

R602.8 Fireblocking required. Fireblocking shall be provided to cut off all concealed draft openings (both vertical and horizontal) and to form an effective fire barrier between stories, and between a top story and the roof space. Fireblocking shall be provided in wood-frame construction in the following locations.

1. In concealed spaces of stud walls and partitions, including furred spaces and parallel rows of studs or staggered studs; as follows:

1.1. Vertically at the ceiling and floor levels.
1.2. Horizontally at intervals not exceeding 10 feet (3048 mm).

2. At all interconnections between concealed vertical and horizontal spaces such as occur at soffits, drop ceilings and cove ceilings.

3. In concealed spaces between stair stringers at the top and bottom of the run. Enclosed spaces under stairs shall comply with Section R311.2.2.

[jlybolt]

Thank you for the help. Exactly what I was looking for.