BULLETIN

NOTICE OF UL/ULC STANDARDS CHANGE
THAT MAY AFFECT EXTINGUISHER RATINGS

In 2002, Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and Underwriters Laboratories Canada (ULC) jointly published a “harmonized” Standard for the fire rating tests of hand portable and wheeled fire extinguishers. Prior to this change, the U.S. and Canadian Standards had different test requirements for the Class A rating, the main difference being that the ULC rating Standard specified a larger wood crib for fire tests. In the new harmonized Standard the larger ULC wood crib is the adopted requirement. This change to the Standard has made it necessary for all fire extinguisher manufacturers to undergo retests of many of their current products to establish Class A ratings to the new Standard. The results of this retesting may be that the current Class A ratings on some fire extinguishers might be adjusted lower. For example, an extinguisher that currently carries a 10A UL rating may be reclassified to a 6A rating under the more rigorous bi-national Standard.

Industry compliance to this new Standard is scheduled for August 14, 2007. It is anticipated that all of the fire extinguisher manufacturers will announce their new ratings by this date.

Three important points to understand about this change;

1. Buckeye’s fire extinguishers have not been changed in design or fire fighting capabilities. The extinguishers you have been buying before the August 14th implementation date will be the same as the ones you buy after that date. Ratings may be lower as a reflection of the more rigorous tests but the extinguishing potential will remain the same.
2. The revised ratings will apply to extinguishers manufactured after the implementation date. Existing extinguishers in the field, in your inventory, and in Buckeye’s inventory will still carry the rating of the previous UL Listing.
3. The NFPA 10 Standard will not be changed to reflect the UL/ULC harmonized Standard. All of its current requirements regarding Class A extinguishers remain in effect.

Thank you for your attention to this significant change in the fire protection industry. It is important that you understand the impact this change may have on your customers so that you can continue to effectively serve their fire protection needs. If you should have questions regarding this change please contact your Buckeye sales representative.