UL 1685 Test Lab
UL 1685 - Flame Test for Electrical and Optical-Fiber Cables
Though cables are useful, they can be dangerous if their flame retardant and fire resistive capabilities are unknown. Therefore, the wire and cable industry analyzes their cable flame propagation through flame tests. Testing is also beneficial for cable manufacturers, electrical distributors and other users.
VTEC is the leading laboratory for performing the UL 1685 test, providing accurate and comprehensive results within two weeks.
UL 1685 Cable Standards at VTEC Laboratories
Before products can be used, they need to meet industry requirements. The testing services at VTEC will help ensure your compliance. We are the world's leader in commercial testing, inspections, certifications, labeling and listing. VTEC Laboratories is known for:
- Our quick turnaround time: We boast the fastest turnaround time in the industry at two weeks. If you need results sooner, we can complete rush work.
- Partnering with well-known organizations: VTEC conducts safety tests for the United States Navy, and Coast Guard. We have also worked with the building departments of Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Wisconsin and Denver.
- Our compliance with agency standards: VTEC holds several industry accreditations, including A2LA, ISO and ATSM, which means our tests comply with their requirements and can be trusted.
Schedule a free consultation with VTEC Laboratories or learn more about our UL 1685 testing. Call 718-542-8248 or complete our contact form today.
UL 1685 Testing for CSA Cable Standards
UL 1685 is a smoke-release test for electrical and optical-fiber cables to determine their flame growth and smoke characteristics, which qualify them for limited smoke marking. It exposes the cables to a flaming ignition source and then assesses the height to which the cables are damaged and its smoke released. Our testing process involves the vertical-tray flame test, which simulates realistic fire conditions for cable tray and support systems in a vertical test chamber.
The UL 1685 assessment outlines two testing methods.
UL Flame Exposure Test
The UL flame exposure test measures the distance the flame has spread across groups of cables in a steel ladder tray. This tray is mounted on the floor of the vertical test chamber, and cables are added to the center of the tray. A mixture of propane and air is lit on a ribbon burner placed 18 inches from the tray's surface for 20 minutes.
VTEC will deem the cables acceptable if they meet these three criteria:
- The cable char height is 8 feet or less.
- The smoke discharge is less than 95 square meters.
- The peak smoke discharge is less than 0.25 square meters per second.
FT4/IEEE 1202 Flame Exposure Test
This test is similar to the other test method, with a few key differences. The ribbon burner is placed 12 inches above the tray's surface at a 20-degree angle.
The cables will pass if they meet these requirements:
- The cable char height is less than 4 feet, 11 inches.
- The smoke released is less than 150 square meters.
- The peak smoke release is less than 0.4 square meters per second.
Recommended Tests to Pair with UL 1685:
- NES711 - Smoke Index Test
- NES713 - Toxicity Index Test
- Acid Gas Testing
- XRF (X-ray Fluorescence)
- ASTM G21 - Fungal Defacement Test
Learn More About VTEC Services
At VTEC Laboratories, our role as a multi-functional company stems from our more than three decades of experience. Due to our extensive expertise in multiple industries, we provide comprehensive services that meet each field’s unique standards, needs and objectives.
Learn more about our services by contacting us online or calling us at (718) 542-8248.