What effect does placing wire in tempered glass have on it under fire conditions?

Tempered glass is manufactured through a process of extreme heating and rapid cooling, which makes it much stronger than regular glass. When wire is embedded within tempered glass, it primarily serves the purpose of enhancing its structural integrity. In fire conditions, if tempered glass does break due to thermal stress or impact, the wire mesh holds the broken pieces in place, reducing the risk of injury from sharp shards.

This characteristic is crucial in maintaining safety during a fire situation because it prevents the glass from shattering into small, dangerous fragments that could cause harm to occupants or emergency responders. The wire does not prevent the glass from breaking entirely, as intense heat can still compromise its structural integrity. However, it does ensure that when it does fail, the glass remains more manageable and contained, which is vital in ensuring safety around the broken glass.

In contrast, the other options suggest outcomes that do not accurately reflect the properties of tempered glass with wire reinforcement. For instance, while the wire can help mitigate the effects of breakage, it does not prevent breaking from occurring under extreme fire conditions.