Stahlin J, CF, and F Series Non-Metallic Enclosures Pass UL 2043 Fire Test for Air Handling Spaces
On March 17, 2016, Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures provided the UL lab at the Northbrook testing facility with samples of the J, CF, and F Series. All three series were subjected to the same flame test described in UL Standard 2043, Fourth Edition.
Each of the Stahlin Non-Metallic enclosures product specimens tested MET all three requirements, which are:
a)Â Â The peak rate of heat release measured during each enclosure tested was 100 kilowatts, or less
b)  The peak smoke release rate measured during each test was 0.21 m² /s, or less
c)  The total smoke released (10 minute test duration) was 75 m², or less
The UL 2043 fire test simulates a rectangular volume of air space similar to an air handling space above an enclosed ceiling. The UL technician suspends the product approximately 24 inches above the live gas burner. The air intake occurs through a 12-inch tall opening located below the walls on all four sides. Exhaust heat and smoke rise into an air exhaust hood in which heat and smoke sensors reside. The flame conforms to a heat release rate of 60 kilowatts.
The test determines the rate of heat release and the rate of smoke release of the burning product samples as they relate to the requirements for fire-resistant and low-smoke producing characteristics in accordance with the provisions of the following codes: National Electric Code, NFPA 70; International Mechanical Code, NFPA 5000; and Standard for the Installation of Air Conditioning and Ventilating Systems, NFPA 90A.
How did Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures pass the UL 2043 test when so many other plastic product manufacturers struggle to meet the same requirements?
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Fourteen ago Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures worked diligently with material suppliers to develop a unique patented Sheet Molding Compound (SMC) formulation and installed an entirely new material processing system. Together---these two investments have given Stahlin an advantage to provide high quality enclosures for environments such as the air handling space.
"Stahlin Non-Metallic in-house SMC formulation and compounding has always been one of our strengths. These new UL 2043 testing results for Stahlin's J, CF, and F Series, provides even more evidence why our enclosures should be specified by engineers that need long term performance in the field," stated Roger Schroder, Engineering Manager, Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures.
Since the 1940's, Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures has engineered and manufactured innovative, reliable enclosures. Today, Stahlin is the leader and pioneer of fiberglass enclosures for outdoor and indoor industrial use. In addition, Stahlin offers one of the largest ranges of product sizes and enclosure options.
Contact Roger Schroder for full testing results: rschroder@stahlin.com
For more information on Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures: http://www.stahlin.com/
