Are you aware of the new UL 217 8th Edition? It is quickly approaching and here is all the information you need to be prepared.
What is the UL 217 8th Edition Smoke Alarm Update?
An update to the UL standard will go into effect June 30, 2024, for all manufacturers of smoke and combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Alarms produced after this date must be compliant to the performance requirements as specified in the UL 217 8th edition Standard for Safety for Single and Multiple Station Smoke Alarms. The implementation date applies to the date of manufacture and does not prohibit the continued sell-through of any inventory on hand at our BRK distribution center or in stock at electrical distributor locations at the time of the transition. Alarms manufactured prior to the transition date can continue to be installed in compliance with local building code requirements and job site specifications.
Why the Update?
Research by re industry experts found that re dynamics in a home have changed over the last several decades. According to UL, newer synthetic materials in the home, more open layouts and lighter construction materials all burn hotter and faster. This research led the industry experts and UL to create new performance requirements for certain types of flammable material res, such as polyurethane foam. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), nuisance alarms are a leading reason for disconnected smoke alarms. To enable manufacturers to produce more responsive alarms that do not cause nuisance alarms during cooking, UL conducted a research project to develop data on smoke characteristics during normal cooking events. This research led to new test requirements for nuisance alarm tests.
For more information and if you have any questions about the update please contact George Pickett and Associates!