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trojans4,
The Building Code would govern if your application is a fire rated wall assembly.
From the `12 IBC, Section 714.3.2 Membrane penetrations:
"Membrane penetrations shall comply with Section 714.3.1.........Where walls or
partitions are required to have a fire-resistance rating, recessed fixtures shall
be installed such that the required fire-resistance will not be reduced.
Exceptions:
1. Membrane penetrations of maximum 2-hour fire-resistance-rated walls and
partitions by steel electrical boxes that do not exceed 16 square inches
(0.0 103 m2) in area, provided the aggregate area of the openings through the
membrane does not exceed 100 square inches (0.0645 m2) in any 100 square
feet (9.29 m2) of wall area.........The annular space between the wall membrane
and the box shall not exceed 1/8 inch (3.1 mm).........Such boxes on opposite
sides of the wall or partition shall be separated by one of the following:
1.1. By a horizontal distance of not less than 24 inches (610 mm) where the
wall or partition is constructed with individual non-communicating stud cavities;
1.2. By a horizontal distance of not less than the depth of the wall cavity
where the wall cavity is filled with cellulose loose-fill, "rock wool" or slag
mineral wool insulation;
1.3. By solid fire blocking in accordance with Section 718.2.1;
1.4. By protecting both outlet boxes with listed putty pads; or
1.5. By other listed materials and methods.
2. Membrane penetrations by listed electrical boxes of any
material, provided such boxes have been tested for use in
fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are installed in accordance with
the instructions included in the listing........The annular space between
the wall membrane and the box shall not exceed 1/8 inch (3.1 mm)
unless listed otherwise..........Such boxes on opposite sides of the wall
or partition shall be separated by one of the following:
2.1. By the horizontal distance specified in the listing of the electrical
boxes;
2.2. By solid fireblocking in accordance with Section 718.2.1;
2.3. By protecting both boxes with listed putty pads; or
2.4. By other listed materials and methods.
3. Membrane penetrations by electrical boxes of any size or type,
which have been listed as part of a wall opening protective material
system for use in fire-resistance-rated assemblies and are installed
in accordance with the instructions included in the listing.
4. Membrane penetrations by boxes other than electrical boxes,
provided such penetrating items and the annular space between the
wall membrane and the box, are protected by an approved membrane
penetration firestop system installed as tested in accordance with
ASTM E 814 or UL 1479, with a minimum positive pressure differential
of 0.01 inch (2.49 Pa) of water, and shall have an F and T rating of not
less than the required fire-resistance rating of the wall penetrated
and be installed in accordance with their listing.
5. The annular space created by the penetration of an automatic
sprinkler, provided it is covered by a metal escutcheon plate.
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