What is a common field test for firestop effectiveness?

The common field test for firestop effectiveness is smoke testing, which is used to verify that no air can pass through the installed seals. This is essential because an effective firestop system is designed to prevent the passage of smoke, heat, and flames between compartments in a building during a fire. Smoke testing checks the integrity of these seals in practical conditions, ensuring that they can withstand the pressure and temperature changes that occur during a fire scenario. This test is both practical and relevant to assessing how well the firestop products perform their intended function.

Other options represent methods that are not standard for assessing firestop effectiveness. Visual inspection for color consistency may indicate a professional installation but does not confirm the functional performance of the firestop. Temperature checks of the installation area could potentially provide information about environmental conditions but aren't directly related to firestop function. Similarly, weight testing on firestop materials is not a standard practice to determine their efficacy in stopping the spread of fire or smoke.