Are smoke partitions required to have a fire-resistance rating?

Smoke partitions are indeed required to have a fire-resistance rating. This requirement is essential because smoke partitions serve the critical function of containing smoke and preventing its spread from one area to another, especially in scenarios involving a fire. The integrity of smoke partitions is vital to maintaining safe egress routes and protecting occupants, as well as aiding in the effectiveness of fire protection systems.

A fire-resistance rating ensures that these partitions can withstand the conditions of a fire for a specified period, thereby contributing to the overall safety of the building's occupants and the property itself. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and International Building Code (IBC) guidelines specify the requirements for smoke partitions, emphasizing that they must be constructed of materials that can resist fire and smoke transfer.

The other options might suggest varying levels of requirements or applicability, but consistent codes indicate that for smoke partitions, a fire-resistance rating is universally mandated to ensure adequate safety measures are in place in buildings.