For how long does a fire barrier typically resist fire?

A fire barrier is designed to resist the passage of fire and smoke for a specified duration measured in hours. This duration is determined through testing and is often referenced in building codes and standards. Fire barriers are crucial in establishing fire-rated separation between different areas of a building, allowing for safe evacuation and limiting fire spread.

In the context of fire safety, specifying resistance in hours allows for consistent evaluation of materials and construction practices. For example, a 1-hour fire barrier can withstand flames and heat for that timeframe, providing essential protection. The testing parameters include how long these barriers can survive fire exposure in a controlled environment and how they maintain integrity.

This timeframe does not mean that they can resist fire indefinitely or simply until the fire is extinguished, as those options fail to capture the structured approach of fire-resistance design. The integrity and functionality of fire barriers are critical for safety compliance in building designs, making the duration in hours a standard measurement in the industry.