Interpretation #9472

1. No, they are not the same. "Duct penetrations" refers to ducts passing through a building component (such as walls, partitions, ceilings, etc.) and "Air transfer openings" refers to openings in building components designed to allow air passage, which may even be a framed opening without a door.
2. Yes, a duct penetration through a rated partition requires protection. An air transfer opening in a smoke partition will also require some type of protection.
Florida Building Code (Building), 8th Edition Section 710.8 Ducts and air transfer openings.
The space around a duct penetrating a smoke partition shall be filled with an approved material to limit the free passage of smoke. Air transfer openings in smoke partitions shall be provided with a smoke damper complying with Section 717.3.2.2.
Exception: Where the installation of a smoke damper will interfere with the operation of a required smoke control system in accordance with Section 909, approved alternative protection shall be utilized.