May 7, 2019
Question: I recently inspected a fire door frame that appeared to have a painted, embossed UL Certification Mark on the frame. Is this an acceptable marking method, and if so, what other marking methods does UL allow for these products?
Answer: We have permitted manufacturers who label fire door frames under the UL Certification Program to use an embossed Certification Mark. The embossed mark may be done in different ways. First, the manufacturer may directly emboss the Certification Mark into the framing material in lieu of a separately applied label. Second, an embossed metal label may be attached to the framing material with mechanical fasteners or welding. When the direct embossment method is used, the manufacturer is allowed to use abbreviations to shorten the marking. Regardless of the marking method used, the UL Certifying Label must include the frame type, the UL Certification Mark and a serial number or permanent issue number.
The embossment of the information on the label must be bold enough that it will be easily visible once painted. UL permits and encourages painting of embossed labels so they will not corrode and become illegible once the frames are installed. The painting of an embossed label will not affect the fire-protection rating of the frame or the legitimacy of the UL Label.
Other acceptable methods for providing the UL Label include separately applied Mylar® (decal) or metal labels that include frame type, the UL Certification Mark and a serial number or permanent issue number that is printed directly onto the label substrate. Labels that do not feature raised embossment of the label information should not be painted, as the paint will obscure the information.
Question: I’m inspecting a new building and have observed a UL certified fire door frame without an hourly rating noted on the label. What are the conditions of use of these frames when the hourly fire-protection rating is not included on the label?
Answer: Fire door frames may bear a UL Certification Mark without an hourly fire-protection rating. These frames are intended for use under the following conditions:
- Fire door frames provided with masonry anchors can be used in conjunction with fire doors rated up to 3 hours and installed in masonry walls having fire-resistance ratings not less than the rating of the door.
- Fire door frames provided with steel stud or wood stud anchors can be used in conjunction with fire doors rated up to 1-1/2 hours when installed in steel stud and wood stud walls, steel stud cavity walls, steel stud shaft walls and wood stud cavity walls protected with gypsum board, having fire-resistance ratings not less than the rating of the door nor more than 2 hours.
UL certified fire door frames are covered under product category “Fire Door and Fire Window Frames” (GVTV). Additional information can be located in the Fire Door and Fire Window Frames – Guide Information.