True or False: Openings around electrical penetrations into fire-resistant rated walls must be firestopped to maintain the fire-resistance rating.

The statement is true because firestopping is a critical measure implemented to maintain the integrity of fire-resistance rated walls. When electrical penetrations are made through these walls, they create openings that can allow smoke and flames to pass through, undermining the wall's purpose of preventing fire spread.

To counter this, firestopping materials are installed around these penetrations. These materials are specifically designed to close off openings, thereby restoring the wall's fire-resistance capability. Building codes and standards, such as those put forth by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL), emphasize the necessity of properly managing openings in fire-rated assemblies through effective firestopping techniques.

This requirement applies universally to all fire-resistant rated walls, regardless of their specific rating, as the goal remains the same: to prevent the propagation of fire and smoke. Therefore, firestopping around electrical penetrations is an essential part of fire safety design in buildings.