How are fire-resistant ratings tested and verified?

Fire-resistant ratings are usually tested and verified by conducting fire tests in specialized laboratories. The tests usually involve exposing the building materials or products to fire and measuring how well they withstand the heat and flames. The tests evaluate factors such as flame spread, smoke development, and temperature rise, among other things. The standards and protocols for such tests are usually set by regulatory organizations, such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Products that meet the specified criteria for fire safety are certified and given a fire-resistant rating.

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