Commercial Building Inspector B2Wall Construction and Wall CoveringsEasy
A commercial building inspector is reviewing the design for a 4-story Type II-A commercial building. The exterior walls are designed as non-bearing fire-resistance-rated walls. What is the minimum fire-resistance rating required for these exterior walls if the fire separation distance is 15 feet (4572 mm)?
- A1 hour
- B0 hours
- C3 hours
- D2 hours
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. 1 hour
For a Type II-A construction, exterior non-bearing walls with a fire separation distance of 11 feet to 30 feet (3353 mm to 9144 mm) require a minimum 1-hour fire-resistance rating.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. 0 hours is typically for greater fire separation distances or specific circumstances, not applicable here.
- C. 3-hour rating is generally for higher hazard occupancies or larger buildings, not applicable here.
- D. 2-hour rating is required for bearing walls or smaller fire separation distances in Type II-A.
Exterior Wall Fire Rating (Type II-A)
The minimum fire-resistance rating required for exterior non-bearing walls in Type II-A construction, based on fire separation distance.
- Type II-A construction has a higher fire-resistance requirement than Type II-B.
- Fire separation distance dictates the required rating.
- Non-bearing walls have different requirements than bearing walls.
Memory trick: Fire walls protect, distance dictates, type defines.