What is the primary function of firestopping?

The primary function of firestopping is to prevent the spread of fire and smoke within a building. Firestopping involves using materials and techniques to seal openings and joints in fire-resistance-rated walls and floors. This helps to compartmentalize fire and smoke, slowing down or stopping their movement throughout the structure. By maintaining the integrity of fire-rated assemblies, firestopping plays a crucial role in enhancing safety, giving occupants more time to evacuate, and helping to protect the property from extensive fire damage.

The other choices, while important in their respective areas, do not pertain to the primary purpose of firestopping. Electrical grounding relates to the safety of electrical systems, reducing electrical interference pertains to maintaining signal integrity, and improving energy efficiency focuses on reducing energy consumption rather than fire safety measures. Each of these functions serves a different aspect of building engineering and safety, but firestopping specifically targets the control of fire and smoke spread.