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Report
Topic: Changes to UL Standards 555 & 555S
March 2002
Underwriters Laboratories, (UL), is an approved testing facility recognized by building codes, engineers and building owners. Over the years, UL and the industry has developed testing requirements and standards to insure public safety. On July 1st, 2002, two of UL’s standards are becoming more rigorous. UL Standard 555 and 555S have incorporated tougher tests to meet the changing codes. The July 1st deadline is the date UL has given manufacturers to comply with these more stringent requirements. Those that have not met the new requirements by July 1, 2002 will lose their right to apply the UL label to their product. Static Curtain Fire Dampers are not affected by the changes in the UL Standards .
We are using this opportunity to slightly re-engineer our products to exceed the new requirements. Many of the changes we have made will be unknown to the installer. Other changes will make our product more user friendly with the installers, engineers, and inspectors. This will give the building owner a better sense of security that his building is a safer place. We, like in the past, will not stop on July 1, 2002 developing newer and better products for the future.
UL has redefined its classification of dampers in the new standards. Dampers will be listed in the directory as “Fire Dampers for use in Static Systems”, “Fire Dampers for use in Dynamic Systems”, “Smoke Dampers “, “Combination Fire and Smoke Dampers”, and “Corridor Dampers”. They have also been assigned into the same category listed as “Fire and Smoke Dampers” (EMNO). Now you will be able to find these dampers in one location when you are looking for them in the UL Building Materials Directory. Below you will see some of the major changes that have been made to these revised standards.
UL 555 (Fire Dampers)
Fire Endurance and Hose Stream Test
Current New
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1˝ Hour Fire Test followed by a 30 psi Hose Stream |
1˝ Hour Fire Test by a 30 psi Hose Stream
No new Changes Proposed |
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3 Hour Fire Test by a 45 psi Hose Stream |
3 Hour Fire Test by a 45 psi Hose Stream
No new Changes Proposed |
Cycling Test
Current New
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1000 cycles if the damper has an actuator. |
20,000 cycles if the damper has an actuator. |
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250 cycles if the damper does not have an actuator. |
250 cycles if the damper does not have an actuator.
No new Changes Proposed |
Dynamic Closure Test
Current New
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Closure against ambient airflow
(no min. airflow and static pressure) |
3 cycles preconditioning closings against ambient airflow and 1 cycle at heated airflow with fusible link release (min. 2400 fpm at 4.5” wg.sp.– rated 2000 fpm at 4” wg.sp.) |
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Unidirectional ratings |
Bi-directional testing required |
UL 555S (Smoke Dampers)
Cycling Test
Current New
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5000 cycles if the damper has a two position actuator. |
20,000 cycles if the damper has a two position actuator. |
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100,000 cycles if the damper has a floating position actuator. |
100,000 cycles if the damper has a floating position actuator.
No new Changes Proposed |
Temperature Degradation Test
Current New
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Operate 3 cycles after a 30 minute exposure to 250°F, 350°F, etc. |
Operate 3 cycles after a 30 minute exposure to 250°F, 350°F, etc., when using correlation method. |
Operation Test
Current New
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Cycle 3 times at ambient airflow
(min. 4” wg.sp. with no min. airflow) |
3 cycles preconditioning closings against ambient airflow and 1 cycle at heated airflow 250°F, 350°F, etc for 15 minutes (min. 2400 fpm at 4.5” wg.sp.. – rated 2000 fpm at 4” wg.sp.) |
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Unidirectional ratings |
Bi-directional testing required |
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Actuators may be field mounted |
All actuators must be factory installed (effective June 2000) |
Leakage Test
Current New
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Leakage Class I, II, III, and IV |
Leakage Class I, II, and III |
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Leakage run at ambient conditions and before operations test |
Leakage run at elevated temperature (250°F, 350°F, etc) conditions and after operations test |
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Leakage data taken at 1”wg and 4”wg |
Leakage data is taken at 4.5”wg. It is then correlated to standard air density. |
There are many other requirements and tests needed to be able to have the right to apply the UL label to the product which are not described here. The items mentioned above are some of the major changes that that have to be met to be able to keep applying the UL label. These new changes require extensive, (and very expensive), amounts of new testing to be done by all concerned. We have had to invest large amounts of money and time in acquiring new equipment to be able to test to these new standards. Leader is committed to continue to provide our customers with the best-engineered product at competitive prices that we can.
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