What is the primary characteristic that distinguishes Class C bulkheads?

The primary characteristic that distinguishes Class C bulkheads is their function in fire protection, particularly their ability to prevent the passage of flame and smoke. Class C bulkheads are specifically designed to provide a barrier that can significantly delay the spread of fire and smoke between different areas of a structure or vessel.

One of the critical elements in fire safety is ensuring that smoke does not freely circulate through areas where it could pose a danger, and Class C bulkheads are engineered to control this. Their design focuses on effectively containing smoke and flames, thus enhancing the overall safety during a fire event. In this context, the incorrect options do not encapsulate the primary function of Class C bulkheads. For example, a characteristic that allows unrestricted passage of smoke contradicts their purpose, while attributes related to durability or minimal protection do not accurately reflect their intended fire resistance capabilities.

Overall, Class C bulkheads must be constructed to provide significant protection against both flame and smoke, ensuring that safety is maintained in the event of a fire.