Metacaulk Cover Guard is a one-piece fire-rated gasket designed to help meet the “24-inch rule” for electrical boxes installed in rated wall assemblies. 

It provides a reliable firestop solution by helping maintain the integrity of fire-rated walls where electrical boxes are installed with limited horizontal separation.

When exposed to heat, the intumescent material expands to form a protective char that helps seal openings, prevent flame spread, and limit heat transfer to unexposed areas. Designed for easy installation inside cover plates, Metacaulk Cover Guard provides effective fire protection without reducing electrical box volume.

Key Features

• Intumescent material expands when exposed to heat to form a protective char.

• Helps seal openings and prevent flame spread.

• Designed to help meet the “24-inch rule” for electrical boxes in rated walls.

• Easy installation by mounting inside cover plates and installing simultaneously.

• Saves time and labor compared to traditional firestop methods.

• Space-saving design does not take up volume inside the electrical box.

• Practical alternative to putty pads for standard applications.

• Provides sound control with an STC rating of 54.

• Meets ASTM E814 (UL 1479) firestop system standards.

• Suitable for metal and plastic cover plates.

• Tested for 1-hour and 2-hour fire-rated applications.

Common Applications

• Electrical boxes installed in fire-rated walls.

• Opposite-facing electrical boxes with less than 24 inches of horizontal separation.

• Standard electrical boxes where the 100-square-inch rule is exceeded.

• Commercial construction projects.

• Residential construction.

• Institutional facilities.

• Fire-rated wall assemblies.

Ideal For

• Metal cover plates.

• Plastic cover plates.

• Electrical box fire protection.

• Fire-rated partitions.

• New construction applications.

• Retrofit and renovation projects.

Key Benefits

Reliable Fire Protection

The intumescent gasket expands during fire exposure to form a char that helps seal openings, reduce flame spread, and protect the integrity of rated wall assemblies.

Easy Installation

Metacaulk Cover Guard installs inside the cover plate and is applied simultaneously during installation, helping reduce labor time and simplify firestop applications.

Space-Saving Design

The one-piece gasket design provides required fire protection without occupying space inside the electrical box, making it an efficient alternative to putty pads.

Sound Reduction

With an STC rating of 54, Metacaulk Cover Guard helps reduce sound transmission through electrical box openings.

Code-Compliant Performance

Tested for approved firestop applications and designed to meet UL 1479 requirements for fire-rated electrical box installations.

How to Use

Surface Preparation

• Ensure the electrical box and cover plate surfaces are clean and free of debris.

• Confirm the wall assembly is a tested and approved fire-rated system.

• Verify the electrical box installation meets applicable building code requirements.

Application Instructions

1. Position the Metacaulk Cover Guard on the inside of the cover plate.

2. Install the cover plate with the gasket in place.

3. Ensure the gasket properly covers the required opening area.

4. Confirm the installation complies with the approved firestop system.

Important Notes

• Install only in accordance with tested and approved firestop assemblies.

• Follow manufacturer installation instructions and applicable building codes.

• Verify compatibility with the electrical box, cover plate, and wall system.

• Intended for passive fire protection applications only.

Product Information

Property	Description
Brand	Metacaulk Cover Guard
Product Type	One-piece fire-rated electrical box gasket
Color	Black
Application	Electrical boxes installed in rated wall assemblies
Fire Protection Method	Intumescent expansion technology
Sound Rating	STC 54
Test Standard	ASTM E814 (UL 1479)
Fire Ratings	Tested for 1-hour and 2-hour applications
Cover Plate Compatibility	Metal and plastic cover plates
Case Weight	1.90 lbs
Case Dimensions	Height: 5.25 in × Length: 4.75 in × Width: 4.50 in
UPC	021449662765
Interleaved	10021449662762

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1. What is Metacaulk Cover Guard?
Metacaulk Cover Guard is a one-piece fire-rated gasket designed to protect electrical boxes installed in rated wall assemblies and help maintain fire resistance.

Q2. What does Metacaulk Cover Guard help meet?
It is designed to help meet the “24-inch rule” requirements for electrical boxes installed in fire-rated walls and provides a solution for certain applications where the 100-square-inch rule is exceeded.

Q3. How does Metacaulk Cover Guard provide fire protection?
When exposed to heat, the intumescent material expands to form a protective char that helps seal openings, prevent flame spread, and reduce heat transfer.

Q4. Where is Metacaulk Cover Guard used?
It is used with electrical boxes installed in approved fire-rated wall assemblies, including commercial, residential, and institutional applications.

Q5. Is Metacaulk Cover Guard easy to install?
Yes. The one-piece gasket design allows simple installation inside the cover plate without requiring special tools or additional firestop materials.