Penetrations made in a smoke barrier require which rating with the approved firestop system?

The requirement for an L rating on penetrations made in a smoke barrier with an approved firestop system is based on the purpose of effectively limiting the passage of smoke between different areas within a building. An L rating (which stands for "leakage rating") indicates that the firestop system has been tested and certified to minimize the amount of air and smoke that can move through penetrations. This is crucial for maintaining smoke control in the event of a fire, thereby enhancing life safety and property protection.

Smoke barriers are designed to restrict the spread of smoke, which can be critical in compartmentalizing smoke to help ensure safe evacuation routes and limit property damage. By utilizing a firestop system with an L rating, building codes are adhered to, ensuring that the system will perform adequately to prevent smoke from passing through penetrations, which could otherwise compromise the effectiveness of the smoke barrier.

The other ratings mentioned do not specifically address the performance criteria for smoke containment. They relate to different performance standards that are not directly applicable to smoke barriers, thus highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate rating to maintain safety and code compliance.