UL 263 Fire Testing Services

Because of local, federal and organizational fire and safety codes, all types of construction materials and building products require a UL 263 fire-resistance rating before they can be installed or used.

The UL 263 test is one of the most helpful materials tests used by fire and flammability test labs to obtain this rating for structural steelwork.

As a fully certified, ISO-accredited laboratory, VTEC Laboratories is exceptionally qualified to conduct UL 263 fire tests of building construction and materials.

Our highly trained staff uses state-of-the-art equipment to evaluate how long your specific test materials can remain intact during a fire event.

What Is the UL 263 Test?

The UL 263 test is the North American Standard for evaluating fire protection in steel structures. It was developed to simulate the types of fires that occur in commercial buildings, such as offices, schools, and hospitals, and follows the same principles found in traditional UL laboratories' fire exposure curves.

This steel fire protection test evaluates a complete assembly's resistance to heat and hose steam in some instances.

These assemblies may include walls, columns, beams, slabs, girders and other structural units that are permanent, integral parts of a finished building. This includes configurations such as a UL 263 wall assembly or a UL 263 floor assembly, depending on the project requirements.

How Do We Conduct the UL 263 Fire Testing Services?

During the UL 263 fire rating process, we install the preconstructed assembly portion in a test furnace. We use a vertical furnace for columns, walls and partitions, and a horizontal furnace for roofs, ceilings and floors.

We ignite a mixture of air and gas and feed it into the furnace during a timed exposure period. Exposure period options include:

• 20 minutes
• 30 minutes
• 45 minutes
• 1 hour
• 1.5 hours
• 3 hours
• 4 hours

The furnace temperature rises in preset increments. After five minutes, the temperature reaches 1,000 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperature gradually increases until it reaches 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit at the 4-hour mark.

For the UL 263 test, the failure points during the exposure period include:

• Flame penetration through the assembly.
• An unacceptable temperature increase on the unexposed side of the assembly.
• Structural failure or collapse of the assembly.

When you choose our UL 263 fire testing services, you will have the option of full-scale testing on a 10-by-10 or 3-by-3 sample.

How Long Does it Take to Conduct a UL 263 Test?

Once we receive all the necessary paperwork and samples, we can complete the UL 263 structural steel fire protection test and deliver a complete report within two weeks — the fastest turnaround time in the flammability testing industry.

Your Trusted UL 263 Test Lab

At VTEC Laboratories, we've been leading the way in standardized materials testing — including flammability testing like UL 263 — for over 30 years.

During that time, we've performed countless standardized UL 263 fire rating tests and delivered timely, accurate results. Business owners, manufacturers and architects trust us for fast, reliable testing services.

Reach out to Us Today

From steel fire protection tests to customized on-site testing, VTEC Laboratories provides the services you need to be in full compliance. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our UL 263 testing services.

You can also request a free quote. We'll reach out to you with all the details as soon as possible.