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* Cover Plates
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* Escutcheons
* Adjustable (Recessed)
* Extension Tubes
* One Piece
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* Reliable Escutcheons
* Senju Escutcheons
* Tyco Escutcheons
* Victaulic Escutcheons
* Viking Escutcheons
* Trim Rings
* Spare Head Cabinets
* Guards and Shields
* Standard Head Guards
* Water Shields and Baffles
* Paint Covers
* Installation Tools
* Wrenches
* Cover Plate Tools
* Escutcheon Tools
* Shut off Tools
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* Flexible Drops
* System Components
* Drywall Access Doors
* Pre-Assembled Risers
* Sprinkler Extensions
* Cleaning Tools
* Fire Hose and Hydrants
* Hose
* Double Jacket Hose
* Rack and Reel Hose
* Single Jacket Hose
* Hose Adapters and Reducers
* Hose Nozzles
* Hose Valves and Caps
* Hydrant Caps
* Hydrant Storz
* Mounting and Storage
* Covers
* Pin Racks
* Reels
* Wrenches
* Fire Signs
* Fire Extinguisher Signs
* Decals and Stickers
* FDC Signs
* Aluminum Plates
* Aluminum Signs
* Brass Plates
* Chrome Plates
* Sprinkler Signs
* Aluminum Signs
* Decals and Stickers
* Egress and Exit Signs
* Pipe Markers
* Decals and Stickers
* Wrap Around Pipe Markers
* Sign Chain
* Pipe
* Black Iron Fittings
* Bushings
* Nipples
* Square Head Plugs
* CPVC Fittings
* Adapters and Reducers
* Bushings
* Caps
* Couplings
* Elbows
* Tees
* Gaskets and Flanges
* Grooved Fittings
* Adapters and Reducers
* Caps
* Couplings
* Elbows
* Mechanical Tees
* Tees
* Hangers and Fasteners
* Beam Clamps
* Fasteners and Drivers
* Riser Clamps
* Swivel Rings
* Paint Markers
* Sealants and Greases
* Coupling Grease
* CPVC Glue
* Cutting Oil
* Sealant and Seal Tape
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* Tools
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* Supervisory Switches
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* Bleeder Valves
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* Pitot Blades and Handles
* Pitot Gauges and Flow Test Kits
* Playpipe
* Sight Glass
* Test Caps
* Gauges
* Hydrostatic Test Pumps
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* Smoke Detector Testing Kits
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#242 – UL LISTED AND FM APPROVALS: WHICH LISTINGS MATTER FOR FIRE PROTECTION
UNDER NFPA 13?
December 13, 2022August 5, 2019
LISTINGS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL ESSENTIAL SYSTEM COMPONENTS BUT ACCEPTANCE OF
SPECIFIC APPROVALS—UL LISTED, FM APPROVED, OR OTHERWISE—IS DETERMINED BY LOCAL
CODE OFFICIALS
“UL listed” and “FM approval”—along with their lesser-mentioned cousin,
“certified”—are terms that circulate freely in the world of fire protection.
Fire pumps, fire sprinklers, pipes, extinguishers, and a vast array of other
products regularly undergo rigorous, third-party testing according to the
standards of groups like FM Global and UL (formerly known as Underwriters
Laboratories). But for many consumers, what remains unclear is the matter of
which certifications to use and when they’re required.
In this article, we bring some clarity to the subject of listings and approvals.
We explain what terms like these mean and who decides when a particular
organization—be it UL, FM Global/Approvals, or another group—has the credibility
needed to certify specific types of fire protection products. Finally, we
present readers with an overview of products requiring these certifications in
NFPA 13: Standard for the Installation of Sprinkler Systems.
UL-listed and/or FM-approved residential and commercial fire sprinkler heads,
check valves, hose angle valves, CPVC pipe, pipe hangers, and fire extinguishers
are just part of our vast catalog of certified equipment—just take a look.
UL LISTED AND FM APPROVAL ACT AS INDUSTRY SYNONYMS FOR “LISTED” OR
“CERTIFIED”—BUT THE DIFFERENT TERMS HAVE DISTINCT DEFINITIONS UNDER NFPA CODES
AND STANDARDS
Manufacturers, retailers, and consumers often describe fire protection products
as “UL-listed,” “FM-approval,” and even “UL and FM approved.” But as Bruce Rose
at CUI Insights notes, there’s really no such thing as “UL-approved”—and for
good reason. “[I]f you look at their website, the only mention of ‘approvals’ is
in examples of incorrect terms. UL avoids the word as a way of indicating that
it really is the manufacturer’s responsibility to ensure safety and that UL only
acts as an auditor[.]”
While this shorthand is popular (including, at times, in our own products),
there’s another good reason to understand the difference between “listed” and
“approved:” the NFPA draws a sharp distinction between those products or
installations that are listed and those that are approved.
> From the 2019 edition of NFPA 13
>
> 3.2.1* Approved. Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction.
>
> 3.2.3* Listed. Equipment, materials, or services included in a list published
> by an organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and
> concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic
> inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic
> evaluation of services, and whose listing states that either the equipment,
> material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested
> and found suitable for a specified purpose.
>
> A.3.2.3 Listed. The means for identifying listed equipment may vary for each
> organization concerned with product evaluation; some organizations do not
> recognize equipment as listed unless it is also labeled. The authority having
> jurisdiction should utilize the system employed by the listing organization to
> identify a listed product.
Code officials decide what’s approved, but it takes third-party evaluation to
make a product listed. Based on tests assessing durability, longevity, and
proper function—along with audits of manufacturers’ processes—listings from
organizations like UL and FM Approvals provide stakeholders with a measure of
confidence in products’ performance that’s not otherwise possible.
And here’s where it gets even more confusing: FM Approvals (the name of the
independent testing branch of the FM Global insurance company) spurs the
description “FM Approved.” This is NOT an “approval” according to the NFPA
definitions above, as only the authority having jurisdiction can approve
something (more on who that authority is in a second).
Thus, when you see either “UL listed” or “FM approved,” it essentially means it
was tested by the safety organizations for a specific application and “listed,”
aka “certified.”
UL’s services boost consumer confidence and promote a safer world. Source: UL
ARE ALL LISTINGS EQUAL? ONLY IF THE AHJ SAYS SO
A wide variety of organizations test and attest to the suitability of fire
protection equipment. But even listed equipment must be “acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction,” or AHJ (NFPA 13 2019, 3.2.3). But who—or what—is
an AHJ?
> From the 2019 edition of NFPA 13
>
> 3.2.2* Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). An organization, office, or
> individual responsible for enforcing the requirements of a code or standard,
> or for approving equipment, materials, an installation, or a procedure.
According to the NFPA 13 Handbook, the AHJ is often a fire marshal or building
code official. But the term can cover a variety of public and private people or
entities tasked with enforcing standards. In some instances, even an insurance
company or corporate safety officer could be an AHJ.
Applied haphazardly, AHJs’ authority to decide which listings are acceptable—and
which aren’t—could cause some rather arbitrary problems. However, while some
contractors claim to have encountered this exact problem, Michael Johnston at
Electrical Contractor suggests that AHJs in the world of electrical work, for
example, often rely on lists of testing laboratories—published by the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)—for the sake of
“consistency.”
Those lists are provided as part of OSHA’s Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratory (NRTL) program. The NTRL “[r]ecognizes private sector organizations”
that evaluate products for compliance with various standards. In fact, federal
regulations require some products to have approval from an NRTL, including:
* Automatic fire sprinkler systems
* Portable fire extinguishers
* Fire doors (self-closing and not)
* Fixed extinguishing systems
* Automatic fire detection devices and equipment
In the world of fire protection, thankfully, an authority having jurisdiction is
often your local or state fire official or government inspector, and they
usually put great stock in items that are tested and listed by UL, FM, and other
companies recognized by the Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory program.
A handful of nationally recognized testing laboratories, including UL and FM,
are responsible for a wide variety of listed fire protection products
OSHA’s list of NRTLs, then, is a likely starting point for local fire officials.
The quick-reference guide below provides a current list of laboratories that
test fire equipment ranging from fire sprinklers to amplifiers for fire alarms.
While our list is extensive, it isn’t comprehensive—a single laboratory may be
recognized for work with hundreds of standards. For more options, check out the
current list of NRTLs available at OSHA.
Otherwise, review this select list:
Fire Protection Products in the OSHA list of Nationally Recognized Testing
Laboratories (August 2019)
Testing Laboratory
Products
CSA Group Testing and Certification
Source: Wikipedia
* Fire pumps and electrical accessories
* Control units, cables, and amplifiers for fire alarm and protection systems
FM Approvals
Source: New Pig
* Automatic and ESFR fire sprinklers
* Plastic pipe and fittings for fire protection service
* Foam, dry chemical, and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
* Heat detectors
* Fire alarm control panels, signaling devices, and detection products
Intertek Testing Services NA, Inc.
Source: OSHA NRTL
* Thermoplastic pipe and gasketed joints for fire protection service
* Foam and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
* Fire doors
* Alarm valves for fire protection
* Detectors, boxes, and accessories for fire alarm systems
* Foam fire extinguishers
* Fire pumps and controllers
NSF International
Source: Wikipedia
* PVC and thermoplastic pipe and fittings for fire protection service
QAI Laboratories, LTD
Source: QAI
* Fire door assemblies
Southwest Research Institute
Source: Wikipedia
* Plastic pipe for fire protection service
* Fire doors and dampers
* Flame arrestors
Underwriters Laboratories Inc.
Source: UL
* Fire sprinklers, including residential and ESFR
* Sprinkler system pipe (metal, thermoplastic, and underground), flexible
fittings, and adjustable nipples
* Alarm, pressure-reducing, check, and fire pump relief valves
* Fire alarm system signaling, power, amplification
* Dry chemical, foam, and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers
* Fire doors
* Fire pumps and accessories
* Indicating pressure gauges for fire protection
NEARLY ALL ESSENTIAL FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEM COMPONENTS NEED LISTINGS, AND THOSE
THAT DON’T HAVE TO MEET OTHER STANDARDS
One overarching rule guides NFPA 13’s requirements for system components and
hardware: listings are required for any product that impacts a sprinkler
system’s ability to control fires.
> From the 2019 edition of NFPA 13
>
> 7.1.1.2 Unless the requirements of 7.1.1.3, 7.1.1.4, or 7.1.1.5 are met, all
> materials and devices essential to successful system operation shall be
> listed.
>
> 7.1.1.2.1 Valve components (including valve trim, internal parts, gaskets, and
> the like) shall not be required to be individually listed.
>
> 7.1.1.3 Equipment as permitted in Table 7.3.1.1 and Table 7.4.1 [select
> aboveground pipes and fittings discussed below] shall not be required to be
> listed.
>
> 7.1.1.3.1 Nonmetallic pipe and fittings included in Table 7.3.1.1 and Table
> 7.4.1 shall be listed.
>
> 7.1.1.4 Materials meeting the requirements of 17.1.2, 17.1.6.2, 17.1.6.3, and
> 17.1.7.3 shall not be required to be listed.
>
> 7.1.1.5* Components that do not affect system performance shall not be
> required to be listed.
The NFPA 13 Handbook clarifies that “system performance” pertains only to a
sprinkler system’s ability to discharge water as designed. Thus, signs, drains,
and pressure gauges don’t need to be listed—but fire sprinklers and pipe hangers
do. That said, NFPA and local governments also prescribe specific requirements
for signs, drains, and pressure gauges; thus, any component used in a system
must meet these enforced standards, and the local requirements (specified in
fire codes) dominate.
Because this fire sprinkler points down, the spur-shaped deflector should be
convex rather than concave. That’s a tell-tale sign that this is an upright fire
sprinkler—which isn’t listed for this use. Source: Fire Protection Deficiencies
Before we get to NFPA 13’s listing requirements, it’s worthwhile to remember
that listed products stay listed only when properly installed. In the example
above, the fire sprinkler—which may otherwise be perfectly fine—isn’t listed for
use in the pendent (hanging) orientation. The deflector, which distributes water
as it flows from the pipes, won’t give the water the proper shape, putting areas
nearby at risk.
WHETHER THEY’RE UL LISTED, THEY HAVE AN FM, APPROVAL, OR THEY’RE BUILT TO NFPA
SPECIFICATIONS, PIPES MUST MEET RIGOROUS STANDARDS IN NFPA 13
UNDERGROUND PIPES AND FITTINGS (PRIVATE FIRE SERVICE MAINS)
Underground pipes for fire service mains are a good example of an “either-or”
scenario. These underground pipes must either meet one of several manufacturing
standards listed in section 6.1.1.1 or they must be listed.
If it doesn’t meet the specific manufacturing standards in 6.1.1.1, a pipe
otherwise listed specifically for use as part of a fire service main may be used
instead, so long as it’s installed in accordance with its listings (6.1.1.2,
6.1.1.2.1). Likewise, the underground fittings listed in section 6.2 may comply
with either specific manufacturing guidelines for cast iron, ductile iron, or
malleable iron, or be specifically listed for this use. FM Global offers
approvals (listings) for both underground fittings and pipes, including those
made from iron, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and polyethylene.
ABOVEGROUND PIPES AND FITTINGS
All aboveground pipe and tube must meet or exceed certain standards for metallic
piping or, in the case of CPVC, nonmetallic piping.
CPVC pipe, however, must also be listed for installation in sprinkler systems
(7.3.2.1), as must other types of nonmetallic pipe (7.3.2.1.1).
Select types of steel, brass, and copper pipes do not require
sprinkler-system-specific listings if they are made in accordance with the
standards of table 7.3.1.1. However, all metallic pipes not meeting the
standards presented in table 7.3.1.1 must be listed (7.3.3.1).
Aboveground metal pipes are listed either to UL 852 or, in the case of steel
pipe, to FM 1630. Similarly, thermoplastic pipes, including CPVC, are listed to
UL 1821 or to FM 1635.
Thermoplastic CPVC couplings are one of many fittings that require listings
under NFPA 13.
Devices connected to these pipes also require listings under NFPA 13, including:
* Nonmetallic pipe fittings (7.4.3)
* Fittings connecting threaded steel pipes, when those pipes have wall
thicknesses less than Schedule 30 or Schedule 40 (7.5.1.2)
* Welded fittings not meeting standards provided in table 7.4.1 (7.5.2.3.1)
* Joining methods not specifically described in NFPA 13 (7.5.5.1)
One notable exception to these listing requirements is the grooved coupling,
which must only be “dimensionally compatible” with pipes, valves, or fittings
(7.5.3.1). However, listings are required when those couplings don’t comply with
the standard dimensions provided in ANSI/UL 213 (7.5.3.1.1).
Finally, grooved couplings must always be listed when used with dry pipe systems
(7.5.3.2). The reason: due to reduced fire endurance and increased exposure to
temperature extremes, grooved couplings serving dry pipe systems tend to degrade
faster than their counterparts on wet-pipe systems.
MANY OTHER PARTS REQUIRE LISTINGS, INCLUDING FIRE SPRINKLERS, ACCESSORIES, AND
VALVES
FIRE SPRINKLERS
The standard for most fire sprinklers is UL 199, Automatic Sprinklers for Fire
Protection Service. But sprinklers may be approved for more specific
applications, including:
* Control mode sprinklers, which produce large droplets at low pressures. These
are often approved (listed) under FM 2000
* Residential sprinklers (UL 1626, FM 2030), used in settings ranging from
apartment complexes to family homes
* Early-suppression fast-response (ESFR) heads, listed in accordance with UL
1767 and/or FM 2008
The following fire sprinkler accessories also require listings:
* Nonmetallic hole-covering plates or escutcheons for fire sprinklers (2019
edition of NFPA 13: 7.2.6)
* Escutcheons for recessed, flush, or concealed sprinklers (7.2.6.2)
* Fire sprinkler cover plates (7.2.6.3)
It’s worth noting that metallic escutcheons don’t require listings for
non-recessed pendent or horizontal sidewall sprinklers—but all other types do.
VALVES
Valves that let contractors test the system or drain water during renovations
don’t need to be listed (16.9.1.1). However, valves designed to control water
supplies do (16.9.3.1.1 – 16.9.3.1.2). According to section 16.9.3.2, these
valves—called listed indicating valves—always require third-party listings, with
one exception: wrench-operated outdoor valves installed under a road box.
Other types of valves requiring listings include:
* Alarm (check) valves
* Dry pipe valves
* Pressure reducing valves
* Deluge valves
* Preaction valves
SO MANY LISTINGS, SO LITTLE TIME
We’ve barely scratched the surface of the listings required by NFPA’s various
standards—to say nothing of the range of certifications offered by third-party
organizations. Organizations like FM Approvals and UL have had more than a
century to define what makes some products more reliable, effective, and safer
than others, and their influence can be felt throughout the fire protection
industry.
When in doubt about what’s appropriate, contact your local authority having
jurisdiction and a professional fire protection installer.
If you’re looking for listed and approved fire protection products, take a look
at QRFS’s selection. We carry a variety of products tested to rigorous
standards, including:
* Residential fire sprinklers
* Commercial fire sprinklers
* Brand-name recessed escutcheons
* Hose angle valves
* CPVC pipe fittings
The Victaulic V3405 is just one of many UL-listed and FM-approved fire
sprinklers in stock now.
BROWSE OUR SELECTION OF FIRE AND LIFE SAFETY EQUIPMENT.
Questions about listing, approvals, or anything else? Looking for a listed
product you didn’t see here? Call us at +1 (888) 361-6662 or
email support@qrfs.com.
This blog was originally posted at blog.qrfs.com. If this article helped you get
a handle on listings, check us out at Facebook.com/QuickResponseFireSupply or on
Twitter @QuickResponseFS.
Categories Contractor Tools, Fire Sprinkler Regulatory, Fire Sprinkler System
Components, Fire Sprinkler Systems, Valves
15 THOUGHTS ON “#242 – UL LISTED AND FM APPROVALS: WHICH LISTINGS MATTER FOR
FIRE PROTECTION UNDER NFPA 13?”
1. Reza
August 4, 2020 at 8:27 pm
Dear
I need Criteria for galvanized connections of fire extinguishing system in
UL or FM
Reply
* QRFS Team
August 7, 2020 at 11:57 am
Reza,
Thanks for reaching out. For code questions like this, we recommend
submitting your question through QRFS Ask A Pro. Click the link to submit
your question with some information about your building or system, and a
fire protection professional will provide a detailed answer based on
standards and codes. Our pros include AHJs, contractors, engineers, and
code experts with 150+ years of combined experience!
Reply
2. Virgie Canlapan
September 10, 2020 at 6:58 am
I am looking for ULFM approval for Giacomini Valves.
Reply
* QRFS Team
September 11, 2020 at 12:28 pm
Virgie — If you go to Giacomini’s website and click on their fire
protection valves page, select the valve you are looking for, go to that
page and click “Technical Documentation” below the picture. The UL listing
and FM approvals should be at the bottom-left of the first page, such as
on this one.
Reply
3. Engr. S. Saleem
September 25, 2020 at 3:42 pm
Hi We are looking for UL and FM Listed Fire pump ONE SET with following info
3 Vertical Turbine electric fire pump
Flow: 1500 GPM
Head: 9 bar
Speed 1750 rpm
Fluid : Water
Jokey Vertical Multistage pump rated for 1500 GPM, 11.5 bar
Reply
* QRFS Team
October 2, 2020 at 12:12 pm
Thanks for reaching out. Unfortunately, we do not sell fire pumps.
Reply
4. uma mageshwari
May 26, 2021 at 10:54 am
We have a requirement of hydrant valves
Reply
* QRFS Team
May 28, 2021 at 4:09 pm
Uma — Please let us know specifically what you need. Also, you can contact
QRFS customer support via email to get a quicker response. Thanks!
Reply
5. Vinod Jhun
October 22, 2021 at 8:06 am
What is the process for FM approval for accessories for fire protection?
Reply
* QRFS Team
October 22, 2021 at 6:34 pm
Vinod – Generally speaking, a manufacturer submits a piece of equipment to
FM Global (or UL) for testing for a specific purpose and pays for the
process. This can be a somewhat expensive endeavor.
Reply
6. Columbus
November 24, 2021 at 12:06 am
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching
for website
Reply
7. Kowalski
March 14, 2022 at 1:42 pm
Our company’s management is trying to decide if they can use a fire pump
which doesn’t have FM approval. WE have a plant full of flammable liquids so
fire protection is important to our insurer, and we’ve heard of some
insurers being increasingly strict lately to the point they refuse to renew
coverage when issues linger too long. There’s concern among our engineers
the property insurance carriers won’t accept the pump so it could require a
higher premium. Speaking with an engineer from one of the carriers, I got
the impression UL listing was more important to him than FM, but I have no
reason to think his opinion represents the entire insurance profession. Any
thoughts on insurability of the specific listings described in the article?
Reply
* QRFS Team
March 14, 2022 at 7:58 pm
Kowalski — Generally speaking an FM Approval or UL Listing are both
regarded as valuable and sufficient, as long as one or the other is
specific to the equipment and its intended function. But insurance
carriers have their own specific requirements—and it’s best for you to
consult individual potential carriers to review their preferences and
mandates.
Reply
8. Niranjan Tiwlekar
October 31, 2022 at 10:32 am
Does Gas Based Fire Suppression System with Mixed Up Components (Gas is FM
Approved & Cylinder-accessories are UL listed) qualify for FM Global
Insurance? What will be implications for this FM Insurance process.
Reply
* QRFS Team
October 31, 2022 at 4:16 pm
Niranjan — Unfortunately, we don’t know the answer to this question.
Contacting FM Global is your best bet!
Reply
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