Fire main equipment

Fire safety systems contain many components that work together in a complex way to protect lives and property. For that collaboration to work, each component needs to function properly on its own, including products that supply water to the suppression systems.

UL is a one-stop provider of 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 UL advantage

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, including product listing in the appropriate 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 an invaluable resource used by thousands of regulatory authorities, building owners and insurance companies, and are available in hard copy or online.

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