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Fire Main Equipment

Fire main equipment, such as hydrants, indicator posts, meters, ductile iron pipe and fittings, and PVC pipe and fittings, are evaluated and tested to determine their suitability and durability for use in fire safety service systems.

The myriad components in today's fire safety systems work together in a highly complex way to carry out their mission to protect lives and property. But in order for them to work together, they all need to be functioning properly individually, including products that supply water to the suppression systems.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc.® is your one-stop provider for research, testing, certification and standards development for all types of fire main equipment. UL evaluates products such as hydrants, indicator posts, meters, ductile iron pipe and fittings, and PVC pipe and fittings to determine their suitability and durability for use in water-based fire suppression systems. Pipe and fittings are subjected to performance tests, such as leakage and hydrostatic pressure. PVC pipe is also subjected to deflection, impact and flattening tests. Hydrants and indicator posts are operated, cycled and pressure tested.

Test Standards

UL standards cover Listing programs for the following types of fire main equipment:

  • UL 246 - Hydrants for Fire-Protection Service
  • Subject 327 - Outline of Investigation for Turbine Type Flow Meters
  • Subject 327A - Outline of Investigation for Inferential Type Residential Water Flow Meters
  • UL 789 - Indicator Posts for Fire-Protection Service
  • UL 1285 - Pipe and Couplings, Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), for Underground Fire Service
  • UL 1821 - Thermoplastic Sprinkler Pipe and Fittings for Fire-Protection Service

Fire main equipment is to be installed in accordance with the standards for Installation of Sprinkler Systems, NFPA 13; Installation of Standpipes and Hose Systems, NFPA 14; and/or Installation of Private Fire Service Mains and their Appurtenances, NFPA 24.

The value of UL

UL has been a trusted leader in testing products and writing safety standards for more than 100 years. Its testing and certification services offer several advantages to both manufacturers and users of fire suppression equipment. One advantage is product listing in an applicable UL Product Directory. UL directories contain a list of companies that have demonstrated compliance with UL requirements and applicable standards and are authorized to use a UL Mark. The directories are considered an invaluable resource by thousands of regulatory authorities, building owners and insurance companies, and are available in hard copy or online at www.ul.com.

UL can also help you reduce time to market by offering efficient and flexible services from an industry leader in fire safety certification. It offers comprehensive, state-of-the-art testing facilities and a highly experienced technical staff with extensive code knowledge. This is why the UL Mark is immediately recognized and respected by professionals in fire safety around the world.

To start the submittal process or access more information:

  • Contact UL Customer Service at 1-877-854-3577.
  • Learn how to submit a product for testing.
  • Begin the product submission process.