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Fire Protection

Building codes require metal building construction to be fire rated in certain situations. To address these requirements, MBMA conducted fire tests at UL (Underwriters Laboratory), Intertek (Omega Point) and FM Global (Factory Mutual) that resulted in fire protection details that are UL listed. Details address roof/ceiling, wall, column, joint, and wall continuity systems.

The following table summarizes all the MBMA/UL tested fire-resistance rated assemblies and includes hyperlinks that will take you to UL's website, UL Product iQ. Access to UL Product iQ and its Fire-Resistance Ratings is free, but requires registration. (Please note these links will take you away from the www.mbma.com website).

CONSTRUCTION TYPE UL RATED ASSEMBLY HOURS DESCRIPTION
Column Built-up I-shape X524 1, 2 Gypsum Board
Light-gauge channel X530 1, 2 Gypsum Board
Pipe X531 1.5 Gypsum Board
Roof Ceiling P516 1 Gypsum Board
P265 1, 1.5 Acoustical Tile
P268 1, 1.5 Acoustical Tile
Wall Load Bearing U425 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2 Gypsum Board
U489 1, 1.5, 2 Gypsum Board
Non-Load Bearing U419 1, 2, 3, 4 Gypsum Board
V421 1, 2 Gypsum Board with girts at 48-in. max o.c. spacing
W404 1 Gypsum Board with girts at 90-in. max o.c. spacing and mineral wool, option for rigid foam board
W413 2 Gypsum Board with girts at 90-in. max o.c. spacing, option for rigid foam board
W447 / ULC U421 1, 2 Gypsum Board with girts at 48-in. max o.c. spacing
Joints, Compressed Insulation System Purlin - Inside Wall HW-D-0488 1 Gypsum Board and fire caulk with rated roof ceiling
Purlin - Perpendicular to Wall HW-D-0489 1 Gypsum Board and fire caulk with rated roof ceiling
Purlin - Parallel to Wall HW-D-0490 1 Gypsum Board and fire caulk with rated roof ceiling
Joints, Cavity Filled Insulation System Purlin - Inside Wall HW-D-0926 1 Gypsum Board and fire caulk with rated roof ceiling
Purlin - Perpendicular to Wall HW-D-0927 1 Gypsum Board and fire caulk with rated roof ceiling
Purlin - Parallel to Wall HW-D-0928 1 Gypsum Board and fire caulk with rated roof ceiling
Wall Continuity-Joint, Compressed Insulation System Purlin - Inside Wall CJ-D-0005 1 Gypsum Board and fire caulk with non-rated roof
Purlin - Perpendicular to Wall CJ-D-0006 1 Gypsum Board and fire caulk with non-rated roof
Purlin - Parallel to Wall CJ-D-0007 1 Gypsum Board and fire caulk with non-rated roof

Wall Continuity-Joint, Cavity Filled Insulation System

Purlin - Inside Wall CJ-D-0029 1 Gypsum board and fire caulk with non-rated roof
Purlin - Perpendicular to Wall CJ-D-0030 1 Gypsum board and fire caulk with non-rated roof
Purlin - Parallel to Wall CJ-D-0031 1 Gypsum board and fire caulk with non-rated roof


fire protection alternatives cover

The fire protection assemblies for metal building frames have historically been gypsum board enclosures, such as those listed in the above table, including UL Design No. X524. However, an MBMA study determined that it is also feasible to use other common materials such as spray-applied fire resistive materials (SFRM) or intumescent coatings. More information about these alternatives is available.



MBMA also published the Fire Resistance Design Guide for Metal Building Systems. This guide contains the most complete and up-to-date information on the subject of fire resistance for metal building systems. For more information about this guide, please click here.