UL 2043: Critical Safety Standard for Air Handling Spaces

What IS UL 2043?

UL 2043 is a critical safety standard developed by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) that specifically evaluates materials used in air handling spaces, such as those found in data centers, commercial buildings, and other infrastructure with complex cable management systems. The key objectives of UL 2043 are to:

Assess materials for fire and smoke generation in air handling spaces
Ensure minimal risk during potential fire events
Protect critical infrastructure and human safety

UL 2043 testing criteria

UL 2043 involves rigorous testing with specific performance metrics:

Heat Release Test
– Maximum Peak Rate of Heat Release: 100 kW
– Maximum Total Heat Release at 10 Minutes: 2.0 MJ
Smoke Generation and Flame Spread Test:
– Maximum Peak Normalized Optical Density: 0.50 m²/s
– Maximum Average Normalized Optical Density at 10 minutes: 0.15 m²
– Minimal flame propagation requirements
– Limited smoke emission criteria

Halco’s fire retardant hook and loop compliance

Based on testing conducted by an independent laboratory, Halco’s fire retardant back-to-back hook and loop tape demonstrates exceptional performance:

Peak Heat Release: 18.6 kW (well below 100 kW limit)
Total Heat Release at 10 minutes: 1.8 MJ (within 2.0 MJ limit)
Peak Normalized Optical Density: 0.0 m²/s (below 0.50 m²/s limit)
Average Normalized Optical Density at 10 minutes: 0.0 m²
Compliance: Fully meets UL 2043 requirements

In short, the performance of Halco’s fire retardant hook and loop was exceptional. The specific comment by the laboratory testing manager was: “We tested and it did great, no smoke, and very low heat. It passes.”

Why UL 2043 Matters

In critical infrastructure like data centers, network closets, and other air handling spaces, material safety is paramount. UL 2043 compliance ensures that cable management solutions will not contribute significantly to fire spread or smoke generation during an emergency.

Meeting NEC 300.22 (C) and (D) Requirements

UL 2043 certification is a critical component for meeting National Electrical Code (NEC) Section 300.22(C) and (D) requirements, which govern wiring and materials used in:

Section 300.22 (C) – Ventilation Ducts: Materials used within ducts that transport environmental air
Section 300.22 (D) – Other Spaces Used for Environmental Air: Materials in plenum spaces and other air-handling areas

By achieving UL 2043 certification, Halco’s fire retardant hook and loop products demonstrate compliance with these stringent NEC requirements, making them suitable for use in plenum spaces and air-handling environments.

Implications for Data Centers and Infrastructure

By meeting UL 2043 and NEC 300.22 (C) and (D) standards, Halco’s fire retardant hook and loop tape provides:

Enhanced safety for critical infrastructure
Compliance with building and electrical codes
Reduced risk in high-stakes environments

Note: Always consult with a professional and refer to the full UL 2043 standard for comprehensive safety requirements.

A specialist connects the wires in the server room of the data center.

Request Your Free Sample

Discover the benefits of Halco’s UL 2043 compliant flame-retardant materials. Contact us today to learn more or request a free sample for your electrical or cable management project.