assembly. Testing to European standards is somewhat
similar to that of ASTM/UL, although the derived
ratings are termed differently. However, the European
standards evaluate only fire exposure and do not include
a hose stream. This explains why European firestop
systems often use mineral wool boards coated
with a firestop spray or sealant; this approach is not
acceptable under ASTM/UL as it cannot pass the hose
stream test.
L AND W RATINGS
Unlike ASTM E814, EN 1366, or BS 476, the UL 1479
standard includes two test protocols, conducted at
the option of the test sponsor, for evaluating air leakage
(L Rating) and short-term water resistance (W Rating).
The L Rating is used as an indication of smoke
resistance.
60 I ICT TODAY
Always contact the local
authority having jurisdiction
(AHJ).
FM APPROVALS
In some situations, particularly mechanical, electrical
and plumbing (MEP) applications in industrial plants
insured by FM Global, it is necessary to have FM
approved firestop installations. This usually requires two
types of documents: one showing that the manufacturer
is subject to FM’s quality inspection program and one
proving that the firestop system is tested under
UL/ASTM standards.
WHEN THERE IS NO TEST
There will be situations when a manufacturer has
no test for a specific application. In such a case,
an engineering judgment (EJ) is permitted under strict
conditions defined by the International Firestop Council
(IFC). The key to an EJ is that it must be issued by
qualified personnel, usually a company engineer
or a third-party engineering company, but never a sales
person. It must also be based on credible testing. For
example, issuing an EJ for a large plastic pipe based
only on a test for small plastic pipe is not acceptable.
THE UL MARK
Products tested at UL provide a very important piece
of quality assurance through the presence of what is
called the UL Mark. That is the guarantee that the
composition of the product the manufacturer sells
is the same as what was tested. This is achieved through
a series of unannounced and continuous inspections
conducted by UL throughout a manufacturer’s
production facilities worldwide. Even the ISO
certification does not provide such an independent
assurance, and it is a requirement that the CE Mark
in Europe is trying to emulate.