Replies

1. 
   Sphere | Feb 17, 2006 02:14am | #1

   It should have fire stop caulk. It is red and expensive..called intumescent I believe.

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2. 
   LeeLamb | Feb 17, 2006 02:20am | #2

   Hi, Eric,

   Electrical supply houses carry duct seal, a play-dough like clay.  Pack some in the hole from both sides. And then pack it around the hole and the cables. Keep it warm so you can mold it around the cables. The stuff is fairly inert and it won't hurt your hands to shape it. It will cut down on drafts and vermin.  A field mouse needs only a little-bitty opening for ingress.

   If you can't find any just use drywall joint compound.  It dries fast and makes a good, safe seal.

   Good luck.

    

    

    

3. 
   FastEddie | Feb 17, 2006 02:55am | #3

   Even though it's not fire resistant, you could just fill it with expanding foam.  If you need to run more cables, just poke a hole in the foam.  Since it's only 1-1/2" thick it should break out easily.

    

    

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   PeteDraganic | Feb 17, 2006 06:06am | #4

   By code it should be filled with firestop caulk as was previously suggested.

   Plaster is a bad idea.

   Expandable foam will work but is not code approved.

   The purpose of using firestop caulk is to prevent fire from advancing through framing penetrations.  I have to firecaulk every framing penetration that leads from one structural component into another.  I would assume your garage to house is considered in that regard.

   For instance, a penetration from a wall cavity to the ceiling cavity is required to be caulked but the holes that lead from one stud bay in the wall to another in the wall are not considered.  Room to room penetrations are considered.

    

   The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein

   http://www.peteforgovernor.com

1. 
   DanH | Feb 17, 2006 06:16am | #6

   Of course, even flammable foam is better, fire-wise, than leaving the hole unplugged -- it's the airflow that's most important to prevent in a fire. Any of the other proposals should be fine fire-wise. Presumably the house pre-dates the requirement for firestop-rated caulk, and practically speaking either electrician's putty or drywall mud will outlast the wiring and framing in the event of a fire.

   If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people

   happy?

1. 
   ruffmike | Feb 17, 2006 06:49am | #7

   I would agree that anything to stop the draft is what is needed. I don't think you can get a rated assembly anyways with romex and fire caulk.                            Mike

       Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.

1. 
   PeteDraganic | Feb 17, 2006 11:52pm | #9

   I would have to assume that you COULD get a rated assmebly as the firecaulk is designed for penetrations with wire runs as well as other impliments.  But I am just assuming and could be worng... which has happened to me once before.

   The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. -Albert Einstein

   http://www.peteforgovernor.com

2. 
   ruffmike | Feb 18, 2006 04:53am | #10

   Pete I wasn't referring to or directly challenging you, and my experience is in  more commercial situations. It is my understanding that to have a rated penetration there can be no flex, romex, or cables and if those are present, they have to be run through a piece of hard pipe  (conduit).

    The solution you proposed would no doubt offer fire resistance and stop a draft situation, but an inspector may possibly question the assembly. Perhaps I am wrong about residential requirements                            Mike

       Trust in God, but row away from the rocks.

4. 
   DanH | Feb 17, 2006 06:10am | #5

   Yep, just get some duct seal -- electrician's putty. It works like modeling clay, is safe on wiring, and fireproof.

   If ignorance is bliss why aren't more people

   happy?

5. 
   moltenmetal | Feb 17, 2006 06:03pm | #8

   That's a code difference between locales.  Up here in Ontario you are required to vapour seal between an attached garage and a dwelling, but it is not considered a fire separation.  So up here, canned foam would be all you'd need to do, provided you weren't worried about mice.