3M™ Novec™ 1230 Fluid Fire Wire – Spring 2020

If a fire suppression system fails to discharge or operates incorrectly during a fire, there’s no second chances. That’s why specifying a trustworthy fire suppression system matters – one that has been rigorously and independently tested to perform to specifications. Across the industry, it’s a mark of quality when a system is UL Listed or FM Approved, indicating that independent testing and system validation has taken place.

For more than 100 years, UL has tested and certified products for quality and performance. In order to earn the right to be UL Listed, a fire suppression system manufacturer has to invest in a detailed end-to-end process including:
 

• Evaluating prototype designs prior to manufacturing
• Ensuring that each and every component, from valve to cylinder to nozzle, meets UL standards for quality and performance
• Conducting independent laboratory analysis of the agent and the system mechanism
• Fire testing to demonstrate extinguishing performance
• Reviewing all labels to ensure compliance with UL standards

Similarly, earning FM Approval requires an evaluation, sampling and testing process for both the agent and the system. And the process isn’t a one-off – ongoing compliance audits of the manufacturing facility are required in order to maintain FM Approved Status.

That’s why UL Listings and FM Approvals matter: they demonstrate to your customer that the system manufacturer has made a commitment to quality and consistency in the system and the agent. Because every component must be approved, the customer has the OEM’s assurance that nothing – not even the label – has been substituted for a non-approved component. When you specify a fire suppression system, include a requirement for the system to be UL Listed or FM Approved to ensure that your customer receives a system accredited and approved with the highest level of performance and quality.