When you’re starting a new construction project or maintaining an existing building, it’s important to ensure your materials meet the current fire safety standards. For fire safety protection with a steel structure, you’ll want to ensure your project meets the standards for UL 263.
We’ve outlined what you need to know about UL 263 testing and certifications below.
Table of Contents
What is UL 263?
UL 263 is a standard for fire safety when working with building construction materials. It is a requirement for North American building codes, specifically the American National Standards Institute. Similar to the ASTM E-119, UL 263 is a time-based fire test. The results of the UL 263 test determine the fire resistance and integrity of a steel structure after being exposed to fire.
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When is the UL 263 test required?
The UL 263 test is required before any building materials can be installed, including new construction and renovations. For example, UL 263 standards must be met for any commercial buildings, including hospitals, offices, and schools.
The test determines fire safety for structural steelwork. You will need to ensure your construction materials meet UL 263 requirements when fireproofing is required. These materials may include beams, columns, walls, girders, and any other permanent assemblies of a building.
In order to meet UL 263 standard, you might need to coat your asset with a fire resistant or intumescent paint. These specialty coatings create a protective barrier and work on a variety of materials.
How does it work and what’s the scope?
To conduct the UL 263 fire test, scientists use a test sample of your building materials. They expose the sample to high levels of heat for a specified period (usually 20 minutes to 4 hours, depending on the time period required for the material in question to meet the standard). The testers observe the sample and test for flame penetration, structural failure, and temperature increase.
Specifically, a sample of the test material is left in the furnace for a pre-determined amount of time. At the end of the test, the material is checked for its structural integrity. When steel structures are heated, they may lose strength and bend. As structural integrity is lost, the entire sample may collapse.
The fire rating for the UL 263 is typically between 1 to 4 hours. A longer amount of time that the structural integrity is maintained indicates higher fire resistance.
Here’s a simplified chart of UL 263 fire ratings by material, showing typical fire resistance periods required to meet the standard:
| Material | Typical Fire Ratings |
|---|---|
| Concrete | 1-4 hours |
| Gypsum Wallboard | 1/2-2 hours |
| Masonry (Brick, Block) | 1-4 hours |
| Steel (with fireproofing) | 1-3 hours |
| Timber | Varies widely depending on treatment and thickness |
UL 263 fire ratings
The time in which a material is exposed to fire determines the UL 263 fire rating. The fire rating test involves building materials to be placed in a furnace. The rating is the time that elapses until the material breaks down or collapses.
To standardize these fire rating tests, scientists mathematically measure heat with the time-temperature curve. With this standard time-temperature representation, different materials can be tested under the same fire conditions. In other words, the time-temperature curve provides guidelines to standardize fire safety tests in a furnace. Scientists have used this method since the early 1900s.
Standard time-temperature curve (Image from Węgrzyński & Turkowski, 2018)
What companies do testing?
Many companies do UL 263 testing. They have different turnarounds and procedures, but you have plenty to choose from. Below, we’ll go over some of the companies that do UL 263 fire safety testing.
- VTEC Laboraties offers the UL 263 test. They provide fire safety tests in just two weeks, one of the quickest turnarounds in the industry. Moreover, VTEC Laboratories has been in business for more than 30 years. They are a trusted and reliable testing service.
- Intertek is also a reliable company for UL 263 testing. The company has over 130 years of experience with experts on current fire safety standards.
- Infinita Lab is a fire safety testing option. They work with other labs to better match your needs to the services of a specific lab. Infinita Lab also offers free consultations with no obligation to purchase testing.
- NGC Testing Services has been in business for over 55 years. They are a trusted fire safety testing provider. They offer fire safety testing services for multiple structure types. These include coatings, finishes, doors, windows, and walls.
- ICC NTA is an independent company that has been doing fire safety testing since 1976. They are accredited by ISO 17026, which ensures that their UL 263 testing is rigorous and trustworthy.
- PO-laboratories is another choice for UL 263 testing. They test for fire resistance of structures and coatings. Although PO-laboratories is one of the smaller labs, they are able to rest representative samples.
Where can you get a copy?
You can get a copy of the UL 263 standards at UL Standards & Engagement. Pick up an electronic or hard copy of the standards here. It will cost $505 for a PDF or $631 for a PDF + hard copy combo.