UL 723
Full Name
UL 723 – Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
Scope
UL 723 is a standardized test method designed to evaluate the surface burning behavior of building materials. It is also known as ASTM E84 and is widely used in North America to assess the fire performance of interior finishes and other exposed surfaces.
Test Methodology
The test utilizes a 25-foot tunnel (Steiner Tunnel) where a sample of the material is exposed to a controlled flame. The flame spread and smoke development of the material are measured and compared to reference standards, namely red oak (with a flame spread index of 100) and fiber cement board (with a flame spread index of 0).
Key Parameters Measured
- Flame Spread Index (FSI): indicates how quickly flames spread across the surface of the material compared to the reference standards.
- Smoke Developed Index (SDI): measures the amount of smoke produced by the material when burning compared to the reference standards.
Significance
UL 723 test results are crucial for:
- Building code compliance: many building codes require specific flame spread and smoke developed ratings for interior finishes and other building materials to ensure fire safety.
- Material selection: architects, designers, and builders use UL 723 data to select appropriate materials that meet fire safety requirements and minimize fire hazards.
- Product development: manufacturers use UL 723 to assess and improve the fire performance of their products.
Limitations
It is important to note that UL 723 is a small-scale test and may not fully represent the fire behavior of materials in real-world scenarios. Additional factors, such as the material’s thickness, orientation, and interaction with other building components, can also influence fire performance.
Resources
Keywords
fire resistance rating; fire endurance; hose stream test; temperature rise; fire containment; structural integrity; firestop systems; joint systems; through-penetration firestop; perimeter fire containment systems; construction joints; building elements; fire test; fire exposure; fire protection; compartmentation; fire barriers; fire-rated assemblies; protected steel; combustible materials; noncombustible materials; building materials; fire scenarios; fire tests of door assemblies; fire tests of window assemblies; fire damper; dynamic pressure test; fire door assembly; positive pressure test