Understanding Fire Safety Standards: UL Listed vs. UL EN54 Certified Products

All fire detection products designed to protect property and human life are by law, required to be third-party tested under strict test conditions, following a series of set test procedures to prove that they can perform as intended.

Successfully passing these certification standards indicates that the product tested can function within the field as it was designed to, detecting fire to help protect lives and property. Receiving this certification subsequently allows the manufacturer to sell their product within the marketplace.

Two significant certification standards used across the globe are the US-based UL Standard and EN54, the European Standard for fire detection equipment. Both standards represent benchmarks in fire detection technology for the manufacture and design of fire detection devices and systems, as well as laying down the required performance of specific fire detection product types.

For example, when referring to smoke detectors, the current UL standard (that meets NFPA 72 requirements) is UL268, 7th edition, the corresponding EN standard is EN54-7. The standards for heat detectors are UL 521 and EN54-5. There are multiple UL Codes and EN54 Parts that cover all of the major components that make up a fire detection system including sounders, power supplies, short-circuit isolators, flame detectors, CO detectors, and so on.

When installing devices that provide more than one type of detection, “multi-sensors”, it is important to make sure that these types of devices meet the requirements for all the applicable standards required for the specific application. In some cases, devices are not “approved” for all applications they might be used for.

The most common example is the use of ‘indoor’ devices in an ‘outdoor’ environment, but there are other possible limitations as well. A detector may offer a proprietary ‘mode’ which provides a feature the manufacturer feels is beneficial but is not recognised by the standards bodies. This ‘mode’ will be called-out as “not certified” in the Rating Classification section of the certification.

Two of the better-known testing houses that carry out these code of practice tests are UL (Underwriters Laboratories) and BRE (British Research Establishment, whose certification arm is the LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board)).

UL are a globally recognised safety consulting and certification company and any product that acquires a “UL Listing” signifies that it has undergone rigorous testing and meets the specific safety standards recommended by NFPA. These standards are primarily tailored to the North American market, encompassing factors like performance, reliability, and compatibility with local regulations.

BRE primarily test products from the British and European markets to the EN54 European standard governing fire detection and fire alarm systems. The EN54 standard is comprehensive, covering various aspects of fire safety equipment, including control panels, smoke detectors, heat detectors, and alarm devices. Successful testing results in the product receiving its LPCB certificate.

But in recent years there has started to be a cross-over between these testing houses and the standards to which they carry out their tests. For example, UL, in its global capacity, now conducts testing and certification of products based on the EN54 standard, ensuring compliance with European safety regulations for any manufacturer whose products successfully past these tests, regardless of geographical location.

For distinction between “UL Listed” products and those tested by UL to the EN54 standard, pay particular attention to the UL logo printed on the product’s label:

The above logos belong to Underwriters Laboratories and reproduced here for normative use only.

So why this cross-over, why are certain European manufacturers now using UL to obtain their EN54 certification?

This is simply down to manufacturers taking advantage of the shorter waiting times for EN54 testing afforded by UL, compared to other European test houses, who have been running at full capacity for several years.

So, for anyone seeking clarity on this particular aspect of fire detection testing and certification, understanding the difference between “UL Listed” and “UL Certified to EN54” is crucial for

• ensuring the correct products and systems are being specified for the project, based on the specification in play
  
  
• the products and systems have been correctly tested and hold the relevant approval certification for the project and region

So, what sets “UL Listed” and “UL Certified to EN54” products apart?

GEOGRAPHICAL RELEVANCE

UL Listed products are designed with the North American standards in mind, making them ideal for use in the United States, Canada but also within the Middle East region, which closely follows the NFPA standards. Conversely, UL Certified to EN54 products will only align with European standards, designed to meet the requirements of buildings in Europe and other regions, following European directives. Understanding this geographical context is paramount for selecting the right fire detection products for your building and/or project.

REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Both UL Listed and UL Certified products adhere to stringent safety regulations. However, fire safety regulations can be labyrinthine, with subtle nuances varying from one region to another. UL Listed products comply with North American standards such as the NFPA code, ensuring adherence to those regulations. Similarly, UL Certified to EN54 products meet just the European directives and specific codes of practice such as BS 5839. Failure to choose the appropriate certification for the project can lead to regulatory non-compliance, potentially resulting in fines or legal liabilities.

INTEROPERABILITY AND INTEGRATION

Fire detection systems are intricate ecosystems comprising detectors, control panels, and alarm devices. Seamless integration and compatibility between these components are paramount for the effective operation of the whole system, and this is often based on the technology employed and how that technology has been tested. UL Listed and UL Certified to EN54 products both undergo rigorous testing to ensure interoperability within their respective ecosystems, to facilitate smooth integration and enhancing system efficiency.

However, overlooking this aspect and attempting to “mix and match” UL Listed products with those UL certified to EN54 can lead to compatibility issues, undermine the reliability of the fire detection system and potentially negate all certification. All of this could result in a fire system that cannot be commissioned and delays in opening the building.

QUALITY ASSURANCE AND RELIABILITY

Both certification methods prioritise product quality and reliability with all products undergoing stringent testing procedures to assess performance and reliability under various conditions. This ensures that the fire detection system operates effectively when needed, minimising the risk of false alarms or system failures.

Prioritising certified products instils confidence in the reliability and efficacy of the fire detection system, safeguarding lives, and properties against the devastating impact of fire incidents. But care needs to be taken when specifying specific fire detection systems, so that only the appropriate products are installed, matching the original system specification where possible, to avoid issues and delays during installation and commissioning. Most projects will be specified as either an entire UL Listed system and products or as a European standard project, utilising just those systems and devices approved to the EN54 standard.

GLOBAL RECOGNITION

While UL Listed products are primarily recognized in North America, EN54 Certified by UL products enjoy recognition across Europe and other regions adhering to European standards. Opting for products certified under internationally recognized standards enhances credibility and facilitates market acceptance, especially in regions with diverse regulatory frameworks.

MARKET CONFUSION

The overlapping terminology of UL Listed and UL Certified to EN54 standards can contribute to confusion within the fire market. Specifiers and building owners may encounter challenges in discerning between the two certifications, leading to inadvertent misinterpretations or incorrect product selections. This underscores the importance of clarity and education regarding the distinctions between the certifications to avoid misunderstandings and ensure informed decision-making.

In conclusion, knowing the disparity between UL Listed and UL Certified to EN54 standards is indispensable for building owners and fire detection system specifiers. By understanding the geographical relevance, regulatory compliance implications, interoperability, quality assurance, and potential market confusion associated with each certification, stakeholders can make informed decisions tailored to their specific requirements.

Ultimately, prioritising fully certified products not only enhances fire safety measures but also mitigates risks and liabilities associated with regulatory non-compliance or system inefficiencies.