If you compare sprinkler datasheets, you will often see two marks side by side: UL Listed and FM Approved. They look similar, and many sprinkler heads carry both. But the marks come from different organisations, focus on different things, and are asked for by different people on a project. This guide explains the difference in plain terms, so buyers, facility managers and contractors can specify the right product.
What does UL Listed mean?
UL Solutions tests products against published standards and lists the ones that pass. For automatic sprinklers the relevant standard is UL 199. A UL Listed sprinkler has been tested for its construction, operation and performance, and the manufacturer is subject to follow-up checks. UL listing is widely used in North America to show that a product meets the requirements of a recognised standard, and building authorities commonly accept it for code compliance.
What does FM Approved mean?
FM Approvals is the product certification body linked to the commercial property insurer FM. Its focus is property loss prevention. According to FM Approvals, its sprinkler standards include application-specific fire testing, and approval testing may include up to 40 different tests covering strength, durability, reliability, resistance to environmental factors and performance under realistic fire scenarios.
The main standards are FM 2000 for automatic sprinklers, FM 2008 for quick response storage sprinklers and FM 2030 for residential sprinklers. FM Approved sprinklers are also grouped by use: storage sprinklers for storage and high-hazard occupancies, non-storage sprinklers for low-hazard occupancies, and special protection sprinklers for special applications such as corrosive atmospheres.
UL Listed vs. FM Approved at a glance
|
UL Listed |
FM Approved |
|
|---|---|---|
|
Issued by |
UL Solutions |
FM Approvals |
|
Main focus |
Safety and performance against a published standard |
Property loss prevention, with application-specific fire testing |
|
Sprinkler standards |
UL 199 |
FM 2000, FM 2008, FM 2030 |
|
Often asked for by |
Building authorities, code-driven projects |
Insurers, owners of industrial and warehouse facilities |
|
Typical projects |
Commercial and residential buildings |
Industrial plants, warehouses, high-value property |
Do I need both?
Not always. The answer comes from your project specification, your local authority and your insurer. For code compliance a UL Listed sprinkler is often enough. If your insurer or client requires FM Approved products, then the sprinkler must carry the FM mark for the application it protects. If you want one head that works for both kinds of project, choose a model that carries both marks.
How to check a certificate
Ask for the certificate, not just a logo on the datasheet.
Match the details. Approvals cover specific models, orientations, K-factors, temperature ratings and finishes. Make sure the model number and SIN on the certificate match the product you are buying.
Check the manufacturer. FM states that only sprinklers supplied by the listed manufacturers are FM Approved, so look the manufacturer up in the FM Approvals online Approval Guide, and check UL's online certifications directory for the UL listing.
Check the application. An approval for non-storage use does not automatically cover storage protection.
Where NONFIR fits
NONFIR supplies FM approved sprinkler heads in upright, pendent and horizontal sidewall versions, in standard response and quick response types (SIN series NF31xx, NF32xx and NF33xx). See the full range on our FM approved sprinkler page and contact our team if you need certificates or help matching a model to your project.
