North Carolina Building Contractor License Practice Exam

What is the minimum distance required between adjacent combustible members entering a concrete fire wall from opposite sides?

1. 1 inch

2. 2 inches

3. 4 inches

4. 6 inches

The correct answer is: 4 inches

The minimum distance required between adjacent combustible members entering a concrete fire wall from opposite sides is specified to be 4 inches. This requirement is in place to help prevent the spread of fire through these gaps, as combustible materials can ignite and enhance the fire if they are too close together. Maintaining this distance allows for better fire containment and management within the structural design, ensuring that the fire wall can effectively serve its purpose of limiting fire spread between different sections of a building or between separate buildings. This standard aligns with fire safety codes, which emphasize the importance of creating safe separations to minimize risks and protect lives and property. By adhering to the 4-inch distance requirement, builders and contractors can help ensure a higher level of fire safety, complying with both building codes and best practices in fire prevention.