Shaft enclosures that are 4 stories or greater have a fire rating of how many hours?

Shaft enclosures that are four stories or greater are required to have a fire rating of 2 hours. This requirement is grounded in building codes and standards aimed at ensuring sufficient fire protection and control within multi-story structures. The 2-hour rating reflects the need for the shaft to withstand potential fire conditions long enough for occupants to evacuate safely and for firefighters to manage a response effectively. When a shaft enclosure has a fire rating of 2 hours, it helps to contain smoke and flames, reducing the spread of fire to other areas of the building and increasing overall safety for both occupants and emergency responders. In multi-story buildings, this is especially crucial as evacuation routes can be long, and structural integrity must be maintained during a fire event.