All UNIQUE Fire Stop Systems sold on this website have been tested according to UL 1479 Standards. See our UL Systems page for a closer look at the UL documents and ratings for each of our firestop products, the explanation of each of those ratings, and how to choose the correct UNIQUE Fire Stop product for the job.
What Are UL 1479 Standards?
UL standards require successful testing of all approved through-penetration firestops designed for use in breaches in firewalls or floor-ceiling assemblies, or both. The UL 1479 tests required by Underwriters Laboratories determine the ability of a firestop system to stop the spread of fire, smoke, and water through a fire-rated barrier in the event of a fire and for how long a period of time. Building codes require the use of firestop systems tested and approved under the UL 1479 standard, Fire Tests of Through-Penetration Firestops. Alternately, firestop products may be tested in other laboratories using almost identical standards labeled ASTM E814, Standard Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems.
According to the book, Standard for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestops, available for sale at the UL Standards Sale Site, the scope of UL 1479 testing is as follows:
Scope of UL 1479 Testing
1.1 These requirements cover through-penetration firestops of various materials and construction that are intended for use in openings in fire-resistant wall, floor or floor-ceiling assemblies, and membrane-type penetration firestops of various materials and construction that are intended for use in openings in fire-resistive wall assemblies.
1.2 The method of testing penetration firestops as specified by these requirements consists of exposure of test samples to a fire of standard time and temperature and to an application of a hose stream. Ratings are then established on the basis of:
a) The length of time the firestop resists fire before the first development of through-openings or flaming on the unexposed surface;
b) Acceptable limitation of thermal transmission; and
c) Acceptable performance under the application of the hose stream.
1.3 The method of testing also includes optional air leakage tests to determine the rate of air leakage through penetration firestop systems resulting from a specified air pressure difference applied across the surface of the systems.
1.4 The method of testing also includes optional water leakage tests to determine the ability of penetration firestop systems to resist the passage of water under a three foot pressure head. This method does not evaluate the ability of uncured firestop systems to resist such exposure.
1.5 Two ratings are established for each penetration firestop system: an F rating based upon flame occurrence on the unexposed side of the test sample and acceptable hose stream performance; and a T rating based on temperature rise and flame occurrence on the unexposed side of the test sample and acceptable hose stream performance.
1.6 An L rating may also be established for a penetration firestop system. The L rating is based on the amount of air leakage through the test sample.
1.7 A W rating may also be established for a penetration firestop system. The W rating is based on the water resistance of the test sample.
1.8 The method of testing penetration firestop systems containing piping systems for vented (drain, waste or vent) systems and closed (process or supply) systems is differentiated by the capping or non-capping of the piping systems on the unexposed side of the test assembly as described in 5.1.1.2.
1.9 Tests conducted in accordance with these requirements are intended to demonstrate the performance of penetration firestops during exposure to fire, but are not intended to determine acceptability of firestops for use after exposure to fire. These requirements do not cover the ampacity of conductors encased in penetration firestop materials.
1.10 The results obtained from the air leakage tests are expressed in ft3/min (m3/s) per ft2 (m2) of opening. The results are intended to develop data to assist authorities having jurisdiction, and others, in determining the acceptability of penetration firestops with reference to the control of air movement through the assembly.
1.11 These requirements do not cover outlet boxes and fittings for use in and evaluated for fire resistance as part of a fire-resistance-rated floor, floor-ceiling or wall assembly.