What is the process of installing fire-resistant rated assemblies into penetrations within fire-rated barriers called?

The process of installing fire-resistant rated assemblies into penetrations within fire-rated barriers is accurately described as firestopping. Firestopping is crucial for maintaining the integrity of fire-rated walls, floors, and ceilings when they are penetrated by various building services, such as electrical conduits, plumbing, and HVAC systems. These penetrations are potential paths for fire and smoke to spread, so effective firestopping techniques involve the use of specially designed materials that seal these openings. This ensures that the fire barrier performs its intended function, helping to slow down or prevent the spread of fire and smoke between compartments within a building, ultimately enhancing safety for occupants and protecting property.

Other processes listed, while related to fire safety, serve different purposes. Compartmentation involves dividing a building into multiple sections to control fire growth and facilitate evacuation. Suppression refers to systems that actively extinguish or control fires once they have started, such as sprinklers. Detection encompasses systems that identify a fire's presence, such as smoke alarms or fire detectors. Firestopping integrates with these concepts but specifically targets the sealing of penetrations to maintain fire-resistive assemblies.