| Author |
Message |
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec
Post Number: 760
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2012 - 09:50 am: |    |
A Brazilian manufacturer of PVC ceiling and soffit panels has contacted our office requesting assistance in applying for UL approval of their products. To us this beyond our knowledge and expertise. perhaps one of my fellow specwriters can assist or direct them to someone who can.
This is what I know:
The manufacturer is ARAFORROS, THEIR WEBSITE IS WWW.ARAFORROS.COM.BR
FROM THE MANUFACTURER:
"The panels are supplied in pieces aprox. 19ft long X 8" wide. The panels are put together by the " tong and groove " system, using revet or screw. Same system that is used in the US and Europe for installation of soffits ( outside areas )"
"Quality assurance system in compliance with all Brazilian standards ( NBR 14285 )
Cost effectiveness : High tecnology equipment, Production volume allow us have competitive price . Our factory is located close to the main production park of raw material ( PVC resin ) in Brazil.
Our company exports to many cotuntries in South and Central America and Africa. We are leader supplier in the Northern and Northeastern regions in Brazil."
aRAFORROS INITIALLY IS LOOKING TO SELL THEIR PRODUCT IN FLORIDA, SO WE HAVE SUGGESTED THEY CONTACT THE HEAD OF MIAMI-DADE PRODUCT APPROVAL.
Thanks. |
ken hercenberg
Senior Member
Username: khercenberg
Post Number: 148
Registered: 12-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2012 - 12:03 pm: | |
Probably cheaper and easier to get an ICC-ES Report but I wonder if it's needed. UL is more for assemblies though they do have product classifications as well. Are they planning on providing fire-rated ceiling assemblies?
I would think they'd be better served in establishing flame spread and smoke development ratings based on ASTM E84. At least that's what I normally see from other PVC ceiling manufacturers. No need to pay for a UL test if that's all that is needed. |
Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI, SCIP
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec
Post Number: 761
Registered: 05-2003
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2012 - 12:15 pm: | |
Thanks Ken, the manufacturer's rep mentioned UL, I have not investigated what is needed, I will direct them to ASTM for more information, still wonder if anyone does this as a service, perhaps a manufacturer reads this forum and can respond. |
Mark Gilligan SE,
Senior Member
Username: mark_gilligan
Post Number: 449
Registered: 10-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, January 26, 2012 - 04:49 pm: | |
Why do they want UL approval?
UL approval is not required by the building regulations although in some cases compliance with UL standards, as seperate from UL approval, can be used as proof of code compliance. I would suspect that the UL testing would be comparable to ASTM E84 with the exception that UL does the test.
If they want UL approval because it helps marketing that is another thing.
If the manufacturer wants UL approval they should contact UL directly. Both UL and ICC-ES will require that they pay yearly licensing fees. |
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