What is UL 287 ?

Thermal barriers are an essential part of fire prevention measures in buildings. They are used to separate the building structure from the fire, providing a barrier for the fire to spread. However, not all thermal barriers are created equal. Some may not be able to withstand the fire's effects, which can be dangerous for building occupants and the surrounding area.

UL 287 is a technical standard that provides a standardized testing method to determine the ability of a thermal barrier to withstand and resist the effects of fire. It focuses on thermal barriers intended for use with foam plastic insulation materials. Compliance with UL 287 is essential in guaranteeing the overall fire safety of buildings and protecting the lives of occupants.

UL 287 testing procedure involves a series of tests that thermal barriers must pass in order to be certified as compliant with the standard. These tests include a fire test, a thermal conductivity test, and a smoke development test. The fire test is the most critical, as it is designed to simulate a fire that has been burning for a certain amount of time.

The thermal conductivity test is used to measure the material's ability to transfer heat, which is an essential factor in determining how well a thermal barrier will prevent a fire from spreading. The smoke development test is used to measure the amount of smoke that will be produced when a thermal barrier is burned.

UL 287 provides a recognized standard for thermal barriers, which can be used by building codes and fire inspectors to ensure that thermal barriers meet certain safety criteria and performance standards. It is important to note that compliance with UL 287 is not mandatory, but it is essential for ensuring the overall fire safety of buildings.

In conclusion, UL 287 is an essential technical standard for evaluating the performance of thermal barriers used in construction. It provides a standardized testing method to determine the ability of a thermal barrier to withstand and resist the effects of fire, ensuring that thermal barriers meet certain safety criteria and performance standards. Compliance with UL 287 is essential in guaranteeing the overall fire safety of buildings and protecting the lives of occupants.