Thermal Barrier Testing and Certification

Overview

A thermal barrier is a material or product that prevents or delays the ignition of a flammable surface, such as foam plastic insulation or metal composite material, in the event of a fire. When a foam plastic insulation is left exposed within the interior of a building, it’s required to be separated from the interior of the building by an approved thermal barrier in accordance with chapter 26 of the 2018 International Building Code. Thermal barrier products can range from rigid boardlike systems to spray coating materials and may include other types of heat and fire shielding technologies.  

To meet the requirements of NFPA 275, standard method of fire tests for the evaluation of thermal barriers, the thermal barrier is evaluated for two separate conditions. The first test is a temperature transmission fire test in accordance with the fire endurance test of UL 263. To comply with the integrity fire test portion of NFPA 275, a second evaluation is conducted in accordance with FM 4880 - Flame Retardants, UL 1040 – Standard for Fire Test of Insulated Wall Construction, NFPA 286 or UL 1715 - Fire Test of Interior Finish Material. 

Benefits

If you’re an architect or part of the regulatory community, finding a UL Certified thermal barrier that meets regulatory compliance is an easy way for you to have confidence in the safety of your project and community at-large. Your stakeholders can rest easily knowing the thermal barrier selected was tested and certified by UL Solutions. All certified thermal barrier systems are posted to Product iQ™ in the fire resistance directory for quick reference, while highlighting the certification allowances and limitations.  UL Product iQ™ is our database of safety certification information that allows you to verify the UL Certification of a product, locate guide information, and search for alternative products that can be trusted. Certified companies are part of UL Solutions Follow-Up Services, which audits the thermal barrier production facility for quality and consistency of the thermal barrier material to determine continued compliance with our requirements.

Why UL Solutions

• Our goal is to help you rapidly develop and launch safer, superior products, and meet the shifting requirements of a changing world. 
• We offer global testing and certification solutions for acceptance in North America, Latin America, Europe, Middle East and Asia. We continue to extend our capabilities and services to meet your increasing needs.
• Our long-standing history in certification and standards development makes us a trusted thought leader. Stakeholders rely on us for research, knowledge and technical solutions to address safety issues and advise on new technologies.
• Our compliance system helps ensure compliance and reduce liability and risk across the entire supply chain.
• Our Follow-up Services (FUS) program helps manufacturers gain a competitive edge based on quality, reputation and service, making it more difficult for manufacturers that produce counterfeit or inferior products to survive.
• Comprehensive factory and market surveillance programs help to ensure a more compliant supply chain, fair competition in the marketplace, and reduce the risk and costs associated with unsafe products while helping to protect brand reputation and the integrity of the UL Mark.
• Our anti-counterfeiting program leverages law enforcement expertise with a fully dedicated Global Security and Brand Protection team who work with authorities and global customs agencies combatting counterfeiting.
• The use of the holographic label system sets us apart by establishing a unique identifier for customs, regulators, buyers, retailers and consumers.
• Some product categories have the option for an additional on-demand promotional opportunity to include a direct link to your company website, product page, brochure, data sheet or flyer through UL iQ^TM  databases.