September 12, 2012 – UL has recently conducted research on an array of current products and systems originally certified under UL 2196, Tests for Fire Resistive Cables, and ULC-S139, Standard Method of Fire Test for Evaluation of Integrity of Electrical Cables, and determined that they no longer consistently achieve a two-hour fire-resistive rating when subjected to the standard Fire Endurance Test of UL 2196 or ULC S139. Consequently, UL and ULC will not be able to offer certification to the currently existing program related to these standards.

As a result, manufacturers are no longer authorized to place the UL mark or ULC mark on the following products:

• UL Classified Fire Resistive Cable (FHJR)
• ULC Listed Fire Resistant Cable (FHJRC)
• UL Listed cable with ‘-CI’ suffix (Circuit Integrity)

Furthermore, UL has removed from its certification directory all Electrical Circuit Protective Systems constructed with Fire Resistive Cable (FHIT).

For buildings currently under construction, UL says it recognizes this change may cause some complications. UL began certifying these systems under the above referenced standards in 2000. To date, UL is not aware of any field failures with currently installed systems. However, if building owners have additional questions pertaining to the adequacy of installed systems and the code requirements at the time of construction, UL recommends they consult with the building designer or a fire protection engineer.

UL will provide research findings to the relevant technical committees (UL 2196 Standards Technical Panel and the ULC Committee on Fire Tests) and will work with these bodies to determine appropriate next steps. Stakeholders who would like to participate in the standard development activities are encouraged to contact the relevant standard committees. Prior to the technical committees’ recommendations, UL will work with customers on an individual basis to determine interim alternatives.

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