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Flame Spread/Smoke Developed Performance and Code Compliance
Flame Spread/Smoke Developed Performance and Code Compliance Information Sheet (465KB PDF)
Professionals and owners depend on TRYMER™ polyisocyanurate and STYROFOAM™ extruded polystyrene mechanical insulations to comply with various regulations and building codes. The only way to be sure of that compliance is through third-party testing and inspection. Listings with third-party inspectors assure the user of a consistent product and the confidence that the product has met and will continue to meet the listed performance.
To provide products with the most market and application versatility, Dow maintains flame spread and smoke developed listings for TRYMER and STYROFOAM mechanical insulations at Intertek and Underwriters Laboratories (UL). These products also conform to the requirements of most model codes for use as insulation on mechanical equipment (pipes, tanks, vessels, etc.). Tables 1 and 2 summarize current UL and Intertek flame spread and smoke developed performance data for TRYMER and STYROFOAM mechanical insulations, as well as SARAN™ Vapor Retarder Film and Tape.
TABLE 1
| Rigid Foam Flame Spread and Smoke Developed Performance Rating1 |
| Property |
TRYMER
1800 |
TRYMER™
2000 XP |
TRYMER 2500,
3000, 4000 and 6000 |
STYROFOAM
Mechanical
Insulation |
| Thickness, in (cm) |
up to 6 (15) |
<1.0 (2.5) |
up to 1.5 (3.8) |
2 to 6 (5 to 15) |
up to 6 (15) |
<4 (10) |
| Flame Spread |
25 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
25 |
5(2) |
| Smoke Developed |
450 |
50 |
55 |
450 |
450 |
165(2) |
(1) This numerical flame spread data is not intended to reflect hazards presented by this or any other material under actual fir conditions.
(2) All testing by Intertek except where indicated by a (2), which was tested by Underwriters Laboratories.
TABLE 2
| SARAN™ Flame Spread and Smoke Developed Performance Rating |
| Property |
SARAN 540 Film |
SARAN 520 Film |
SARAN 520 Tape |
SARAN 560 Tape |
| Thickness, mil |
4 |
6 |
2 |
6 |
| Flame Spread |
5 |
5 |
0 |
5 |
| Smoke Developed |
20 |
25 |
20 |
55 |
| Underwriters Laboratories Listing |
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STYROFOAM™ extruded polystyrene insulation products have been tested and classified, in the foam plastic category, by the UL "Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials" (UL 723). STYROFOAM extruded polystyrene insulation was evaluated at various thicknesses up to and including 4 inches (10 cm), and is UL classified over that span. To maintain this listing, The Dow Chemical Company participates in a follow-up inspection program with UL, as described in the following paragraph, taken from Underwriters Laboratories' 2001 Building Materials Directory.
"The Classification Marking of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. on the product is the only method provided by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. to identify Foamed Plastic which has been produced under its classification and follow-up service. The UL Listing Mark on a product means that the manufacturer has demonstrated the ability to produce a product that complies with appropriate requirements regarding reasonably foreseeable risks associated with the product. UL conducts Follow-Up Service as an audit of the means the manufacturer uses to determine continued compliance of the product with UL's requirements."
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| Intertek Listing |
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TRYMER™ insulation has been tested by Intertek using the ASTM E84 "Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials." To maintain this listing, The Dow Chemical Company participates in a follow-up audit program with Intertek, as described in the following paragraphs, taken from Intertek's Quality Control Manual. "The audits shall occur four times per year. All audits shall be on an unannounced basis. This shall remain constant unless discrepancies are noted which, in the opinion of Intertek's Inspector, give reasonable doubt as to the Product's ability to meet the test requirements. Should these doubts arise, additional audits may be deemed necessary. "The qualification testing for the Listed Product(s) consisted of the Tests as shown in the Intertek Directory of Listed Products, Materials & Assemblies. Any use of the Intertek Listing Marks shall be in accordance with provisions set forth by Intertek. Products to be labeled shall successfully pass scrutiny of Quality Control personnel, who shall determine that the product complies with the specifications stated in this Quality Control Manual prior to Labeling."
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| Importance of Listing and Follow-up Service |
| When a rigid polyisocyanurate or extruded polystyrene insulation is specified for a job, Dow encourages you to require verification that the material used is listed by UL, Intertek or a similar third-party testing and inspection company in its official materials directory. This ensures proper insulation performance. The insulation user should also be aware that foam tested and classified at 1" (2.5 cm) does not constitute approval for use at a greater thickness or with multiple layers of the tested (1") thickness. Manufacturers, insurance companies, code inspectors and others are encouraged to report to UL or Intertek complete details concerning features of listed or classified products thought not to be in compliance with the requirements. |
| Building Code Compliance |
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Mechanical insulation is primarily addressed in the International Mechanical Code (IMC). Building codes may vary by local jurisdiction, and the local inspector/code official is the "interpreter" of local codes. Always consult your local inspector/code official for the policies in your specific area.
Based on the fire performance ratings listed, TRYMER™ and STYROFOAM™ mechanical insulation products meet the Class A/Class 1 flame spread and smoke developed performance required by the various building codes. The Class A/Class 1 requirement is a 25/450 flame spread/smoke developed rating. In addition, TRYMER™ 2000 XP insulation at 1" (2.5 cm) and less meets the 25/50 flame/smoke requirements of the IMC, Section 602.2.1 (Materials Exposed Within Plenums). With a 25/50 rating,* TRYMER 2000 XP is suitable for use within air plenums. As little as 1" (2.5 cm)** of TRYMER insulation can meet ASHRAE 90.1 minimum energy requirements for chilled water applications and control condensation up to 87 percent R.H. (relative humidity). Because of its exceptional thermal efficiency compared to many alternative insulation materials, less TRYMER insulation thickness is required to achieve specified k-factor. All grades of SARAN™ Vapor Retarder Film and Tape meet 25/50 or lower, allowing the products to be used as exposed vapor retarders in all areas of a commercial building, including within air plenums.
Contact your local Dow sales representative for additional information related to the code compliance of Dow insulation products.
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