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A drywall installation requires fire-rated assemblies. You're using 5/8" Type X drywall on both sides of steel studs. What fire rating does this typically achieve?

Correct Answer

B) 1 hour

A wall assembly with 5/8" Type X gypsum board on both sides of steel studs typically achieves a 1-hour fire rating. This is a common fire-rated assembly used in commercial construction.

Answer Options
A
30 minutes
B
1 hour
C
1.5 hours
D
2 hours

Why This Is the Correct Answer

A wall assembly with 5/8" Type X gypsum board on both sides of steel studs is a standard 1-hour fire-rated assembly recognized by building codes and UL listings. Type X drywall contains special additives that help it resist fire for extended periods. The 5/8" thickness on both sides of the steel framing provides sufficient mass and fire-resistant properties to achieve the 1-hour rating. This assembly is commonly specified in commercial construction for corridor walls, tenant separations, and other applications requiring 1-hour fire resistance.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Option A: 30 minutes

30 minutes is insufficient for this robust assembly. A 30-minute rating would typically be achieved with thinner drywall or single-sided applications.

Option C: 1.5 hours

1.5 hours would require additional fire-resistant materials or thicker assemblies beyond the standard 5/8" Type X on both sides.

Option D: 2 hours

2 hours would require much more substantial construction, such as masonry, concrete, or multiple layers of fire-rated drywall with special assemblies.

Memory Technique

Think '5/8 both sides = 1 hour' - the symmetrical construction (same thickness on both sides) gives you the standard 1-hour rating.

Reference Hint

Florida Building Code Chapter 7 (Fire and Smoke Protection Features) and UL Fire Resistance Directory for assembly ratings

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