Expert certification of cables and duct systems
Wrapping Systems
When builders install electrical cable systems and grease and ventilation duct assemblies, they must ensure that these systems comply with code-prescribed safety standards. Fire-resistive wrapping systems provide hourly fire-resistive ratings ensuring that cables and duct systems will remain functional during fire exposure and prevent fire from spreading.
For electrical cables with fire-resistant jacketing, UL tests their functionality during exposure to fire by applying voltage and current to the cable and monitoring their electrical and visual performance. When cable jacketing is not designed to provide fire resistance, cables are placed within a fire-resistive barrier or installed within an hourly rated fire-resistive assembly.
For grease duct enclosure assemblies, UL experts evaluate their ability to contain an internal fire or repel an external fire during predetermined test exposures according to standard requirements.
UL ratings help builders specify cables and duct assemblies that comply with rigorous fire safety Standards.
Products and standards
UL tests and certifies electrical cables and ducts systems to the current editions of the following Standards:
- UL Outline of Investigation SU 1724, Fire Tests For Electrical Circuit Protective Systems
- ASTM E1725, Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Fire-Resistive Barrier Systems for Electrical System Components
- UL 2196, Tests for Fire-Resistive Cables
- UL 2221, Tests of Fire-Resistive Grease Duct Enclosure Assemblies (ASTM E2336)
- ISO 6944, Fire Resistance Tests--Ventilation Ducts
The UL advantage
For more than 30 years, UL has conducted comprehensive tests to assess the fire-resistant qualities of wrapping systems used to encase cables and ducts. UL's technical expertise specialized testing facilities and comprehensive service offering mean that products can be tested more efficiently by a single knowledgeable source. UL Listed products appear in a UL product directory referenced by more than 2,500 authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs) each year. Every day, thousands of building inspectors across the United States rely on this important resource to help them make product acceptance decisions. UL directories include guide information that offers design alternatives for assemblies, organized according to product categories. This information tells the contractor community what materials and systems have been certified for specific applications. Manufacturers, builders and inspectors can also discuss technical requirements with UL's expert staff.
Broad-based service portfolio
In addition to its comprehensive tests for electrical cables and duct systems, UL works with manufacturers of firestop and joint systems to evaluate their compliance with the current editions of applicable Standards. During the product development cycle, UL engineers help manufacturers match product components to existing Standards and address specific design and performance challenges. UL engineers can also help resolve system performance issues that arise with products in the field. By collaborating with UL, manufacturers can streamline the testing and certification process, control testing costs, accelerate time-to-market and ensure that all systems meet the highest industry standards.
