UL 2043:2018-07 Fire Test for Heat and Visible Smoke Release for Discrete Products and Their Accessories Installed in Air-Handling Spaces.
1.1 This is a fire test method for determining the fire performance response of discrete products (including, but not limited to electrical, mechanical, and plumbing equipment) intended to be installed in air handling spaces, such as above suspended ceilings or below floors. These products are subjected to an open flame ignition source and evaluated using a product calorimeter.
1.2 This test may be used to determine fire performance and smoke characteristics of discrete, non-continuous building materials where the Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, UL 723, is not applicable.
1.3 The purpose of this test is to determine the rate of heat release and the rate of smoke release of the burning product samples as they relate to the requirements for fire-resistant and low-smoke-producing characteristics in accordance with the provisions of the following codes: National Electric Code, NFPA 70; International Mechanical Code, NFPA 5000; Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, NFPA 90A.
1.4 This test method does not provide information on the performance of products in other fire or test conditions. This test does not investigate the toxicity of the products of combustion.
1.5 This test does not cover the constructional, electrical, or other performance requirements of the product.
1.6 The Codes noted in 1.3 reference the use of UL 2043 for electrical equipment with combustible outer enclosures. Specifically, the “National Electrical Code” and the “International Mechanical Code” expressly state that electrical equipment with metal enclosures shall be permitted. Consequently, UL 2043 is not intended to apply to electrical equipment with metal outer enclosures unless otherwise specified by end-product-standard requirements.
2 General
2.1 Units of measurement
2.1.1 Values stated without parentheses are the requirement. Values in parentheses are explanatory or approximate information.
2.2 Undated reference
2.2.1 Any undated reference to a code or standard appearing in the requirements of this standard shall be interpreted as referring to the latest edition of that code or standard.
PERFORMANCE
3 Test Equipment and Instrumentation
3.1 General
3.1.1 The apparatus includes the following main components: an ignition source, a steel angle frame enclosure, a collection hood and exhaust duct, velocity, and temperature measuring instrumentation, gas sampling and analysis equipment, smoke measuring instruments, and a data acquisition system.
Note: Standard Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry Fire Tests, ASTM E2067, provides guidance for acceptable test equipment and instrumentation.
3.1.2 The test building in which the test apparatus is located is to have vents for the discharge of the combustion products and have provision for fresh air intake.
3.2 Ignition source
3.2.1 The propane gas burner used as the ignition source is to have dimensions of 12-1/2 by 12-1/2 by
4 inches ±1/4 inch (318 by 318 by 102 mm ±76 mm). The burner is to be constructed of nominal 1/4 inch (6.4 mm) steel with a nominal 1/2 inch (12.7 mm) diameter steel gas inlet pipe. The pipe is to extend into the burner 5 inches (127 mm) nominal and a 6 inch (152 mm) nominal metal diffuser plate is to be positioned over the outlet of the gas pipe. A fine mesh metal screen is to be placed on top of the diffuser plate. The burner field is to be filled with silica sand. The ignition source is illustrated in Figure 3.1.UL 2043 pdf download.