UL Web Based Training for AHJs

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1 Web Based Training for AHJs Complimentary training courses now online by Heather Kile In response to numerous requests from code officials, Underwriters Laboratories () is pleased to announce the launch of two Web-based training courses for Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). The courses are A Code Official s Guide to and Achieving Code Compliance Using Fire Resistance Designs. According to Jim Beyreis, Vice President Technical Training, Global Fire & Security, These courses provide training that will assist AHJs of all experience levels to better understand how certifications and fire resistance designs can help them achieve safe, code compliant installations. A Code Official s Guide to is an hour-long, self-paced course that is a valuable resource for code officials. Get the answers to a number of common questions about and key information, including: An overview of and product safety standards. How products become Listed and what Listing entails. (continued on page 4) In this issue: 2 Balanced Fire Protection 3 Flexible Couplings and Connecting Shafts for Stationary Fire Pumps 5 Dispenser Retrofits Field Modifications 6 Questions & Answers 7 News Briefs

2 The Code Authority 02 -ese Definitions of terms frequently used at Guide Information Descriptive information for each product category that appears in s On-line Certifications Directory and printed product directories. The Guide Information outlines the scope and limitations of s certification of the particular product category, the requirements utilized to evaluate the products, and the Mark by which the products can be identified. Balanced Fire Protection Model building, fire and life safety codes include provisions for a balanced system of fire protection elements to be provided in buildings to protect the lives of occupants and emergency responders. The specific type of protection required by the codes depends on a variety of factors related to the size and type of construction of the building, occupancy classification and other factors. Many of the materials, equipment and systems that model codes require to achieve these fire safety objectives are certified by. These include active protection systems, such as fire detection and notification systems, portable fire extinguishers, automatic sprinkler and standpipe systems, exit illumination and signage equipment and passive fire protection systems, such as building materials, fire-resistance-rated assemblies, opening protectives, roof assemblies and other systems. supports an effective strategy for fire protection in buildings that includes consideration of reduced contribution of fire and smoke from contents, as well as detection, notification, suppression and passive protection. Our participation in model code development activities and other fire safety initiatives demonstrates our support for effective, balanced fire protection systems. Managing Editor

3 Flexible Couplings and Connecting Shafts for Stationary Fire Pumps has been Listing stationary fire pumps and their drivers for a number of years. However, the critical device that is used to connect these two pieces of fire safety equipment had not been Listed until recently. 03 After an extensive evaluation, has investigated and Listed a range of sizes of both flexible couplings and flexible connecting shafts for Clarke Fire Protection Products, Inc. These products are Listed under the product category for Flexible Couplings and Connecting Shafts for Stationary Fire Pumps (QYCA). This category covers flexible couplings and connecting shafts used to connect the shaft of a stationary fire pump to a fire pump driver. These products are intended to be installed and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer s installation instructions; NFPA 20, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection; and NFPA 25, Standard for the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems. The speed and torque ratings for these products are noted in the individual Listings. For flexible connecting shafts rated for a speed range, the rated torque within the specified speed range is to be determined by the use of linear interpolation between the rated torque at the minimum and maximum speeds. As also noted in the individual Listings, these devices are investigated for use with specific driver types including electric motors, engines or both electric motors and engines. A service factor, as referenced in the manufacturer s installation instructions, is to be applied to the calculated end-use application torque. The calculated end-use application torque, as adjusted by the service factor, should not exceed the torque rating of the flexible coupling or connecting shaft at the applicable speed. (continued on page 4) Courtesy of ITT A-C Fire Pump Systems and Clarke Fire Protection Products NFPA 20 Considerations NFPA 20 indicates that the device typically used to connect the pump to the driver is either a flexible coupling or flexible connecting shaft. A flexible coupling incorporates mating power transmission elements that are designed to connect the shafts or other torquetransmission components of the driver and pump. A flexible connecting shaft has two flexible joints and a telescoping element that also connects the pump and driver together. Both of these products permit some angular and parallel misalignment between the pump and driver as specified by the manufacturer. Due to concerns related to the performance of flexible couplings in field installations, NFPA 20 has required the use of Listed flexible couplings since subsequently developed and published the first edition of Subject 448A in While these requirements have been published for many years, no manufacturers pursued Listing of these devices until recently and no Listed products were available for use in these applications.

4 04 Flexible Couplings (continued from page 3) Web Based Training for AHJs (continued from cover) To investigate the ability of these products to perform under adverse field conditions, the requirements in Subject 448A, Outline of Investigation for Flexible Couplings and Connecting Shafts for Fire Pumps were developed, and include starting and endurance tests at the maximum rated torque and speed with alignment conditions that exceed the manufacturer s specifications. Products covered under this category include the complete Listing Mark on the product or the smallest unit container in which the product is packaged. The symbol on the product is the only method provided by to identify products manufactured under its Listing and Follow-Up Service. The Listing Mark includes the symbol together with the word LISTED, a control number, and the product name Flexible Coupling, Flexible Coupling Part, Flexible Connecting Shaft or similar name. by Kerry Bell For more information on flexible couplings and connecting shafts, contact Kerry Bell in Northbrook, IL at ; or at Kerry.M.Bell@ us.ul.com. The information contained on a Mark and how AHJs can best utilize this information. How to effectively use the Certifications Directory and Code Correlation Database during the plan review and approval process. Regulatory support services available from. Achieving Code Compliance Using Fire Resistance Designs is an hour-long, self-paced course that provides a great overview of fire resistance, including information on testing and the role of Fire Resistance Designs in achieving code compliance. Learn about: Fire resistance construction and where it is used. Building code requirements for fireresistance-rated construction. How building assemblies are tested to establish their ratings. How to access and locate construction material rating information in the Online Certifications Directory. Accessing the Web Based Training programs The University online training center can be accessed from s home page by selecting Training from the list of services menu, or by going to As can be seen, the training center contains over 1,500 training courses covering a wide range of disciplines and subjects. To access the two self-paced online courses mentioned above, first select your geographical location, then select courses under the Authority Having Jurisdiction heading. If you need assistance accessing the courses select the Questions/Contact us Link, and feel free to review the Frequently Asked Questions page. These courses were developed by collaboration between s Regulatory Services Department and University. Regulatory Services staff developed the technical content for the courses using input from a wide range of stakeholders. University, an educator of choice for many, is an ideal partner for this collaboration. Their experience with developing and delivering training flexible enough to accommodate varying student needs has supported this outreach opportunity from the beginning. We are pleased to provide these initial Web based training courses for code officials, said Howard Hopper, the Regulatory Services Manager who oversaw course development. We are currently working on the development of additional Web based training programs designed to further meet the educational needs of individuals who have worked closely with for many years on our shared public safety mission. For additional information on these courses contact Howard Hopper at , or Howard.D.Hopper@ us.ul.com.

5 05 Dispenser Retrofits Field Modifications Retrofit Kits are routinely used to upgrade or change the functionality of products. There is no truer example of this than fuel dispenser retrofits. Fuel dispenser retrofits allow fueling station owners to upgrade existing fuel dispensers to the latest technologies or to comply with local vapor recovery regulations. Retrofits allow such adjustments with the advantages of minimized construction effects and station down-time. Compliance with Codes In most cases, installing a dispenser retrofit requires disruption of dispenser circuitry or disassembly of the dispenser, which generally necessitates permits and interaction with the local building official or other AHJ to determine whether the field modified dispenser continues to meet the applicable code requirements. Section 6.3 of the NFPA 30A Code for Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages permits existing listed or labeled dispensing devices to be modified provided that the modifications made are Listed by Report by an approved testing laboratory or as otherwise approved by the authority having jurisdiction. Product certification covered as a Listed by Report includes a report that describes the complete assembly and includes installation instructions. Copies of these reports are available from the Listee. s certification of dispenser retrofits is covered under the product category for Dispensing Devices, Retrofit Assemblies (ERKQ). What type of dispenser modification calls for Listed by Report? Dispenser modifications can vary from changes in graphic decals to the addition of credit card readers. Anytime a modification requires dispenser panels to be removed and/or the dispenser s electrical circuitry to be tapped or interrupted, the AHJ will usually require the modification be evaluated as a Listed by Report. s investigation of dispenser retrofits kits includes witnessing the installation of the retrofit kit using the manufacturer s installation instructions to determine the feasibility of the installation. s evaluation also ensures the modified dispenser continues to: Operate in a safe manner for consumers Meet the applicable requirements of 87, the Standard for Safety of Power- Operated Pumps for Petroleum Dispensing Products. Comply with the applicable electrical requirements of the NFPA 70, National Electrical Code especially wiring techniques required in classified areas The investigation also includes testing of the modified product, such as input test, temperature test, rain test, and possibly other tests, depending on the nature of the modification, to verify compliance with the 87 and other applicable requirements. Important criteria to consider with a field modification As part of the evaluation of a retrofit kit, considers what it will take to install the retrofit kit, and the effects the retrofit kit may have on the dispenser. In some instances physical changes are severe and require the use of power tools to access components. The use of power tools with arcing/sparking components are prohibited in classified areas. The dispenser or dispenser component will need to be moved to a safe location to complete the assembly procedure. Another important consideration is the effects the retrofit has on the dispenser s mechanical and electrical systems. Retrofits may require rewiring of dispenser power circuits or reconnection of fuel lines which need to be carefully evaluated. Special construction criteria and/or site consideration are documented in installation instructions accompanying certified retrofits. by Al Ramirez For more information about dispensing device retrofit assemblies, contact Joe Bablo at or Joseph. Bablo@us.ul.com; or Al Ramirez at or Alfredo.M.Ramirez@ us.ul.com. What kind of retrofits kits exist? Technology and fueling station owner s needs generally drive the development of retrofit kits. Over the years has evaluated and Listed by Report: Payment conversion kits Wireless payment options Tip sensors Vapor recovery kits Display conversions Canopy lighting kits

6 06 Questions & Answers engineers answer questions concerning and its operations, Standards for Safety, product certifications, and the code applications for which products are certified. Can a compact fluorescent (selfballasted) lamp be used in any portable lamp or luminaire that is Listed for use with an incandescent lamp? Are there any wattage considerations? Yes, compact fluorescent (self-ballasted) lamps can be used in any portable lamp or luminaire in which they will physically fit. The lamp wattage of the compact fluorescent (self-ballasted) lamp cannot exceed the maximum replacement incandescent lamp wattage marked on the portable lamp or luminaire. Lists compact fluorescent (selfballasted) lamps under the product category Lamps, Self-Ballasted and Lamp Adapters (OOLR) Guide Information for this category can be found in s Online Certifications Directory at and on page 232 of s 2008 Guide Information for Electrical Equipment (White Book). The OOLR category covers self-ballasted lamps consisting of a ballast, transformer or power supply and an integrated or replaceable lamp, for direct connection to a lampholder. The basic standard used to investigate products in this category is 1993, The Standard for Safety for Self- Ballasted Lamps and Lamp Adapters. also Lists lamps similar to compact fluorescents but employing light-emitting diode (LED) technology. The new product category is Lamps, Self-ballasted and Lamp Adapters, Light-emitting-diode Type (OOLV). At this time, however, the LED products can be found in both categories. These products are intended for connection to lampholders for outlet boxes and lampholders provided in luminaires, portable luminaires and signs. The point-of-supply connection (the lamp base for these products) can be an Edison screw-type as well as other ANSI lamp bases. These products are intended for operation at the voltage marked on the product. If a manufacturer chooses to mark on their products that they are not intended for use in supply circuits controlled by any type of dimmer switch or dimming control device, will still test the combination and consider the test as an abnormal condition. Products in the OOLR category employ various lamp technologies including, but not limited to, fluorescent lamps and high-intensity-discharge (HID) lamps. Devices with an integral lamp are termed self-ballasted; devices with a replaceable lamp are termed adapters. These products are generally for use in indoor, dry locations, unless additionally investigated and marked for damp location applications (not directly exposed to water). Products investigated and marked for wet locations may have additional use or orientation restrictions. These products have been investigated for use in the smaller of a 6- or 8-in. diameter recessed luminaire, if they will physically fit, and are tested and intended for use in totally enclosed, recessed luminaires unless marked and stated not for such use These products are not intended for use in emergency lighting equipment or exit fixtures where brightness is a factor. is in the process of promulgating a new edition of The next edition has numerous changes but, most significantly, includes harmonization with Canadian requirements and additional testing simulating end-of-lamp-life conditions. For additional information on compact fluorescent (self-ballasted) lamps, please contact John Marshall in Northbrook, IL by phone at , ext ; or by at John.R.Marshall@us.ul.com. The owner of an indoor go-cart racetrack is proposing to use Listed 2034 carbon monoxide alarms in the building. The alarms are to be connected to the building s fire alarm system. Are these devices Listed for use in this application? Carbon monoxide alarms investigated in accordance with the Standard for Single and Multiple Station Carbon Monoxide Alarms, ANSI/ 2034 are not Listed for use in the application you described. The requirements in 2034 cover single and multiple station carbon monoxide (CO) alarms intended for protection in ordinary indoor locations of dwelling units, including recreational vehicles, mobile homes, and recreational boats with enclosed accommodation spaces and cockpit areas. does List carbon monoxide detectors for use in applications such as the one you described. These are covered under the Gas and Vapor Detectors and Sensors (FTAM) product category. The gases and vapors for which these detectors have been investigated are described in the individual Listings, together with the extent of the areas protected by individual detectors. These sensors and detectors are intended to be connected to a Listed Emergency Alarm System Control Unit (FSZI), which is used to generate a system alarm signal upon sensing an alarm condition from the gas detector. They can also be connected to a 864 Listed Fire Alarm Control Unit (UOJZ), provided the system complies with the National Fire Alarm Code, Section requirements for combination systems.

7 News Briefs 07 C Gets New Senior Representative Brian McBain has recently joined C s Regulatory Services Department as Senior Regulatory Services Representative. Brian is based in Quebec City, which allows him ready access to regulatory authorities at the provincial and local levels in Ontario, Quebec and the eastern provinces. The combination of his five years of experience in the C Field Services Department and his bilingual fluency strengthens the service he is able to provide regulators throughout eastern Canada. Brian is a graduate of the Fire Protection Technician Program of Algonquin College with more than 16 years of volunteer firefighter experience. He is currently a lieutenant and responsible for training and fire prevention. Brian has completed the NFPA 1001 Level II Professional Firefighter Program and the NFPA 1031 Level I Fire Inspector Program. Before joining C, Brian spent eight years as an inspection manager for the Fire Supression Fixed Systems and Portable Fire Extinguisher Divisions at SimplexGrinnell Fire Protection. Contact Brian at his home office at Brian. McBain@ca.ul.com or at Regulatory Services Welcomes New Member to the Team Jeff Fecteau recently joined Regulatory Services as a Staff Engineer Associate. Prior to joining, Jeff worked with National Electrical Manufacturer s Association (NEMA) as the Midwestern Field Representative. Jeff has been very active with the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI) since becoming a member in After serving as the President for the Central Arizona Chapter of IAEI in 2002 Jeff became the Education Chairperson for the Central Arizona Chapter and maintained that position until he relocated to central Illinois in Jeff has also been very active in Education and Electrical Safety since He taught electrical codes for Glendale Community College, Glendale, AZ. and Gateway Community College, Phoenix, AZ, for eight years, the 2nd year apprenticeship program for the Independent Electrical Contractors Association (IECA) in Phoenix for four years, and numerous seminars for the Central Arizona Chapter of IAEI among others. Jeff is a Certified Building Official (CBO), Certified Electrical Code Official (ECO) and currently maintains twenty-three International Code Council (ICC) inspection certifications and two IAEI inspection certifications. Contact Jeff at his home office at Jeffrey. Fecteau@us.ul.com or at New Photovoltaic Testing Laboratory Opened CEO Keith Williams and San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed attend the opening opened North America s largest photovoltaic (PV) testing and certification facility in San Jose, Calif. This 20,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art facility includes 14 test chambers and two solar simulators that provide indoor and outdoor testing capabilities to evaluate photovoltaic modules and panels, and a wide variety of power systems accessory equipment. The facility will also offer a full portfolio of pre-certification services, including R&D and training. The requirement in the National Electrical Code for PV modules to be certified to standards in the United States, to the Canadian Electrical Code in Canadian markets, and to International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standards for other world markets has increased demand for PV product testing and certification services. The decision to base the testing facility in Silicon Valley enables to partner with the growing community of solar start-ups and existing companies who are bringing new technology, including thin-film PV, concentrated solar power and other cell technologies into mainstream production. Information on s PV services can be found at To date, has Listed hundreds of PV modules and PV related products. Links to certification information on these products are conveniently summarized at html#list.

8 The Code Authority 08 Calendar of Events The Code Authority Published by Regulatory Services Department Underwriters Laboratories Available to assist regulatory authorities W:: ul.com/regulators T:: E:: Managing Editor Howard Hopper T:: E:: Editor Heather Kile T:: E:: Address changes and additions Diane Fonzino E:: All rights reserved. Reprints with permission of Underwriters Laboratories Inc. BDI If you would like The Code Authority to consider publishing your upcoming events, contact Heather Kile, editor, by fax at ; or by at Please type Calendar in the subject line. September IAEI Annual Northwestern Section meeting Portland, OR September International Code Council Annual Conference & Final Action Hearings Minneapolis, MN September IAEI Annual Western Section meeting Rapid City, SD September 28 October 3 79th International IAPMO Annual Education and Business Conference Atlanta, GA October IAEI Annual Eastern Section meeting Lancaster, PA October IAEI Annual Southern Section meeting Alexandria, VA September IAEI Annual Canadian Section meeting Toronto Underwriters Laboratories Inc. 333 Pfingsten Road Northbrook, IL United States of America Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No Northbrook, IL