Firestopping has a very complicated definition at UL. We won't even go into it right now. The important thing to remember is that..

A through penetration is simply a hole that has been made in a fire rated barrier in order to run some form of building service.

A firestop system is simply a patching method used to seal up that hole and restore the fire-rating. That's it...plain and simple!
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It depends on just what your concerns are..
If you are a specifier, you need to know what products and systems best suit your application.
If you are a contractor, you should have these same concerns before you think of price.
If you are an inspector, your concerns will be "did the specifier make the right choices and did the contractor do the job right"
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The only test method specifically intended to evaluate firestop systems is ASTM E 814. ASTM E 119 is the standard method of evaluating the fire performance of the wall or floor that contains these penetrations.

ASTM E 119 is actually too restrictive to use for penetrations. When interpreted literally, it has great restrictions on thermal conductivity. These restrictions would restrict the use of any item that conducts a great deal of heat. Thus things like metal pipes and cables would not be able to penetrate a fire wall. ASTM E 814 makes thermal conductivity an option to be used as engineering information where necessary. Many codes have grandfather clauses that allow the use of E119 materials. It is important to recognize that these materials may not have been tested as firestops!

Products tested to ASTM E 814 have been subjected to the same fire exposure as the ASTM E1 19 procedure.. The added benefit is that they have been tested and have proven performance as firestop systems.
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This is a tough question. Specifiers, installers and inspectors need to familiarize themselves with commonly used products. The best source of information is the manufacturers themselves. Additional information can be gotten from the UL® Fire Resistance Directory(beginning with the 1990 edition). It is important to understand, however, that the UL systems show the limitations of the test and not necessarily the limitations of the products. Get to know the limitations of the products. Ask manufacturers for guidelines on the use of products.

What limitations are there in the way of annular space requirements, depth of material used, limits on size, number, and material of penetrants? Everyone is conscious of liability these days. Reputable manufacturers are generally pretty honest about the limitations of their products. When in doubt...ask for help! The manufacturers of firestop products have performed more fire tests than anyone else. When you have a question, take advantage of their knowledge and experience.
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This is a common question. The fact of the matter is that the manufacturer cannot test every application and every variation. The testing is usually performed with the intent of generating engineering information to help you make the right decision. Some products have a broader range of applications than others and may not require testing every variable. In general, passive materials (non-intumescent) are less sensitive to variations within the scope of their intended use. Intumescent materials can be more sensitive to the variations in dimensions, numbers, and types of penetrants, etc.

Look for similar applications.
Look for performance in similar size opening with a similar annular space (or indication that the product is not sensitive to annular space variations)
Look for performance with similar types, sizes, and numbers of penetrants.
Ask the manufacturer for a recommendation!
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