Dear Joslyn: Fire Rated Material

Dear Joslyn,

I am designing an electrical cover for a customer. I need a material that won’t catch fire or burn a hole in my customer’s pocket. What do you suggest?

-Mr. Burns

Dear Mr. Burns,

All plastics are assigned a flammability standard by the Underwriters Laboratories (aka UL). These standards are based on how each material burns in different orientations and thicknesses. In the reference guide below, we’ve listed the classifications, material options and a general idea on cost. We hope this helps you find a match!

-Joslyn Manufacturing

 

UL 94 Rating: HB

Definition

Flame applied once to material in a horizontal position, burn rate is < 40mm/min for materials 3-13mm thick or < 75mm/min for materials < 3mm thick, flame is extinguished before the first mark, and it is the lowest UL flame rating.

Types of Material

ABS, HDPE, HIPS, LDPE, PET, TPO

Estimated Cost

$

 

UL 94 Rating: V-1

Definition

Material tested in a vertical position and is able to self-extinguish within 30 seconds. Test indicates if particles not on fire dripped onto cotton batting below.

Types of Material

ABS/PVC Blends

Estimated Cost

$$

 

UL 94 Rating: V-0

Definition

Material tested in a vertical position and is able to self-extinguish within 10 seconds. Test indicates if particles not on fire dripped onto cotton batting below.

Types of Material

Acrylic, Kydex

Estimated Cost

$$

 

UL 94 Rating: 5VB

Definition

Material tested in a vertical position. Surface burn (up to 5 times). Material is able to self-extinguish within 60 seconds and does not drip flaming particles. Burn through (holes) permitted.

Types of Material

Acrylic/PVC Blends, PC, PVC

Estimated Cost

$$$

 

UL 94 Rating: 5VA

Definition

Material tested in a vertical position, surface burn (up to 5 times), material is able to self-extinguish within 60 seconds and does not drip flaming particles, burn through (holes) not permitted, and is the highest UL flame rating.

Types of Material

ABS/PVC Blends, Kydex T & V103

Estimated Cost

$$$

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