TinnerFlow™3rd YearRated Wall PenetrationsRED · Stop and Get Direction
Do not treat raw duct plus caulk as an automatic rated penetration. Rated wall crossings need the approved sleeve/firestop/retaining detail for that assembly.
A rated wall penetration is not just a hole to fill with red caulk. The duct, sleeve, wall type, damper requirement, annular space, packing, and firestop system all have to match the approved assembly.
If raw duct is touching rated drywall and only caulk is applied, stop and verify the detail. The likely recovery is to back it out, frame/sleeve the opening correctly, use approved packing/firestop, and install retaining angles or damper components as required.
Use this as training guidance. The foreman, approved drawings, project specs, manufacturer installation instructions, employer safety policy, and AHJ/code requirements always control the final answer.