When ductwork penetrates through a fire-rated wall, what must be installed?

When ductwork penetrates through a fire-rated wall, the installation of a damper is necessary to maintain the fire-resistive integrity of the wall. Dampers serve as a critical safety feature, as they can automatically close in the event of a fire, preventing flames and smoke from spreading through the ductwork from one side of the wall to the other. This is particularly important in ensuring that fire protection measures are upheld in buildings, adhering to fire codes and regulations that mandate the use of such devices in specific situations.

While sealants, barriers, or insulation may serve different purposes in the context of HVAC systems or fire protection, they do not fulfill the specific requirement for maintaining the fire resistance of a wall interrupted by ductwork. Sealants may help with air sealing, barriers can provide certain levels of protection, and insulation aids in thermal performance, but none of these options effectively compartmentalize fire and smoke as a damper does.