ASTM E814
Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems
Last updated: April 3, 2026
Overview
ASTM E814 is the standard test method for evaluating through-penetration firestop systems. When a pipe, conduit, cable tray, or other item passes through a fire-resistive wall, floor, or floor-ceiling assembly, the opening around it needs to be sealed to maintain the barrier's fire rating. E814 is the test that proves the firestop system actually works.
The test measures how well a firestop system prevents flame and hot gases from passing through the penetration opening in a rated barrier. It is referenced throughout IBC Chapter 7 and is the basis for every through-penetration firestop listing you see from manufacturers. The current edition is ASTM E814-13a, reapproved in 2022.
ASTM E814 is functionally equivalent to UL 1479. Every commercial firestop product on the market has been tested to one or both of these standards. For practical purposes, they are interchangeable. More on that below.
Quick reference: E814 covers through-penetration firestop systems only (pipes, cables, conduits passing through walls and floors). For fire-resistant joint systems (expansion joints, head-of-wall joints), the applicable test standard is ASTM E1966.
The Three Ratings
An E814 test produces up to three ratings. Understanding what each one measures is the most important thing for contractors, inspectors, and anyone specifying firestop systems.
F-Rating (Flame)
The F-rating is the time in hours that the firestop system prevents flame passage through the penetration. During the test, the fire side is exposed to the standard time-temperature curve from ASTM E119. The unexposed side is monitored for any flame-through. The firestop system must achieve an F-rating at least equal to the fire-resistance rating of the barrier it is installed in. A 2-hour rated wall needs a firestop with at least a 2-hour F-rating.
T-Rating (Temperature)
The T-rating is the time in hours before the temperature on the unexposed side rises more than 325 degrees F above ambient at any thermocouple point. This is a stricter test than the F-rating because a firestop can block all flame but still conduct enough heat through metallic penetrants (like steel pipe) to ignite combustible materials on the other side. The T-rating catches that scenario. Most penetrations require both an F-rating and a T-rating.
L-Rating (Air Leakage)
The L-rating measures air leakage through the firestop system in CFM per square foot, tested at both ambient temperature and 400 degrees F. This rating is not required by the IBC but is often specified for smoke-sensitive occupancies like hospitals, data centers, and clean rooms. It is tested per ASTM E2174 or UL 1479. When you see an L-rating on a product listing, it means the product has been tested for air leakage in addition to fire performance.
| Rating | What It Measures | Required by IBC? |
|---|---|---|
| F-Rating (Flame) | Time before flame passes through the penetration | Yes, always |
| T-Rating (Temperature) | Time before unexposed side rises 325 F above ambient | Yes, for most penetrations |
| L-Rating (Air Leakage) | Air leakage in CFM/sq ft at ambient and 400 F | No, but often specified for hospitals and data centers |
Watch out: A product with a 2-hour F-rating but only a 1-hour T-rating cannot be used where a 2-hour T-rating is required. Always check both ratings against the required fire-resistance rating of the assembly. The T-rating is almost always equal to or less than the F-rating for the same system.
E814 vs UL 1479
ASTM E814 and UL 1479 test the same thing: through-penetration firestop systems. The test methodology is essentially identical. Results from one are accepted interchangeably with the other by code officials and AHJs (Authorities Having Jurisdiction).
The main difference is that UL 1479 includes the optional L-rating (air leakage) test as part of its scope, while E814 does not directly include it. In practice, most manufacturers test to both standards simultaneously and report both designations on their product listings.
When you see a firestop product labeled "UL Classified," it was tested to UL 1479, which covers E814. The UL system number (for example, C-AJ-7079) is what you look up in the UL Product iQ database to find the specific installation details for your penetration type.
Tip: If a spec calls out "tested per ASTM E814" and your product data sheet only lists UL 1479, it still qualifies. The IBC accepts both. Check IBC Section 714 for the specific language.
How It's Used in the Building Code
IBC Section 714 (Penetrations) is where E814 does its heavy lifting. The code requires that through-penetration firestop systems be tested in accordance with ASTM E814 or UL 1479. The installed system must achieve an F-rating and T-rating at least equal to the required fire-resistance rating of the assembly being penetrated.
IBC Section 714 Requirements
Section 714.4 covers through penetrations specifically. It requires the firestop system to be installed and tested per the conditions of the listing. That means you cannot just buy a listed firestop product and install it however you want. The penetrating item (pipe size, material, cable type), the barrier type (concrete, gypsum, CMU), and the annular space dimensions all need to match a tested and listed configuration.
This is where the UL system listings become critical. Each listing specifies the exact materials, dimensions, and installation methods that were tested. Deviating from the listing means the installation is not code-compliant.
Special Inspection (IBC Section 1705.18)
IBC Section 1705.18 requires special inspection of firestop and fire-resistant joint systems. This means a qualified third-party inspector must verify that firestop installations match the approved UL system listing. This requirement applies to certain occupancy types and construction classifications. For a full breakdown of when special inspection is required, see our firestop inspection requirements page.
Tip: Keep a copy of the UL system listing on site for every firestop installation. Inspectors will compare the installed system against the listing detail by detail. Having the listing readily available speeds up the inspection and avoids unnecessary deficiency write-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between F-rating and T-rating?
F-rating measures flame passage, T-rating measures heat transfer. A firestop system can block all flame (earning its F-rating) but still conduct enough heat through the penetrating item to ignite combustible materials on the other side. The T-rating catches that by measuring temperature rise on the unexposed side. Most code-required firestops need both ratings.
Is ASTM E814 the same as UL 1479?
Functionally yes. Both test through-penetration firestop systems using the same methodology. UL 1479 includes an optional air leakage (L-rating) test that E814 does not. Products tested to either standard satisfy IBC requirements. Most manufacturers test to both and report both designations.
Does every penetration need a T-rating?
Not always. IBC allows F-rating only for certain penetrations in floor assemblies where the penetrating item is a steel pipe or steel conduit. But most wall penetrations and any penetration by combustible materials require both F and T ratings. When in doubt, specify both.
How do I find the right UL system listing for my penetration?
Search the UL Product iQ database online. Filter by barrier type (concrete, gypsum, CMU), penetrating item (pipe material and size, cable type, conduit), and required hourly rating. The listing specifies exactly which firestop product and installation detail to use. Your firestop manufacturer's website usually has a listing search tool as well.
