What Exactly Is UL 94V-0? | Flame-Retardant Products - Flexaust Blog

You have most likely heard of the UL 94V-0 standard but do you really know what it is? We offer a wide variety of hoses that meet or exceed UL 94V-0 requirements, but we have found that not everyone understands the importance of this rating.

Underwriters Laboratories, now called UL, is an independent safety science company that tests, validates, inspects, certifies, audits, advises, and trains customers on compliance and regulatory issues. They are a global company that collaborates to establish standards for safe products and safe living and working conditions.

UL-94 is the Standard for Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances. Within this standard, materials are subjected to various burning tests to see their performance in flammable conditions. Flammability UL 94 V method “evaluates both the burning and afterglow times after repeated flame application and dripping of the burning test specimen” in a vertical burning test.

To attain the UL 94V-0 standard, samples must have met the following criteria:

• Burning combustion is not sustained for more than 10 seconds after applying controlled flame.
• Total flaming combustion time for 5 samples does not exceed 50 seconds.
• None of the samples burned up to the mounting clamp by either flaming or glowing combustion.
• None of the samples dripped flaming particles that result in the ignition of the surgical cotton below them.
• Samples did not exhibit glowing combustion for more than 30 seconds after removing the second controlled flame.

Flame Retardant vs. Flame Resistant vs. High-Temperature Hoses

Flexaust’s extensive product line includes a selection of UL 94V-0 rated flame retardant, flame resistant, and high temperature hoses in a variety of sizes, materials, and designs.

Although these three categories seem to be the same, each is specifically designed to withstand a certain level of heat and flame exposure. To ensure you select the right material for your application, it is particularly important to understand the differences between flame retardant, flame resistant, and high-temperature hoses.

Flame Resistant

Flame resistant materials offer fire protection for short periods and can prevent flames from spreading during an active fire. They are not ideal for extended exposure to heat, as they will break down over time.

Flame Retardant

Flame retardant materials are added to or combined with materials that would otherwise be combustible. They are more capable of withstanding direct contact with fire than flame resistant materials, and will retain their shape and composition when exposed to high levels of heat.

High-Temperature Hoses

High-temperature materials are flame resistant and designed specifically to withstand heat over extensive periods. They are critical for applications in harsh and high temperature conditions where heat exposure could cause other materials to warp or combust.

Flame-Retardant Hose Solutions From Flexaust

Hose Materials Listed as UL 94V-0 Flame-Retardant

Flexaust’s portfolio of UL 94V-0 listed flame-retardant hoses include an assortment of 13 standard products composed of coated polyester fire-retardant fabric and plastic materials including neoprene polyester, PVC polyester, acrylic polyester, and PVC.

Coated Fabric

• SD-W
• SD
• FSP-5
• FSP-2
• FSP-1
• FSP Bridge
• CWS
• CWGP
• CWC-W
• CW-325-W
• CW-325

PVC

• R-2 (Blue)
• R-3 (Blue)

Polyurethane

• Flx-Thane SE

Hose Materials Flame-Retardant to UL 94V-0

Although some hoses are not UL 94V-0 registered and tested products, there are other hoses flame-retardant to our standard with many common uses and needs. These hoses are heavily used in shipyards – where UL 94V-0 registered hoses are not strictly required. These include:

• TR-FR: A hose with smooth interior to maximize airflow and offered with the ability to color code for different departments and applications. These are used for ventilation.
• EF-FR: A hose also with smooth interior to maximize airflow and is eco-friendly. This hose has better tensile strength than TR-FR, while TR-FR has a higher temperature range.
• Additional Hoses:
  • PV-FR
  • FX-180SF
  • FX-180
  • FX-400
  • FX-550
  • AWP-W

If you require a UL listed hose, you should only choose from the hoses listed directly under the Hose Materials Listed as UL 94V-0 Flame-Retardant section. However, if your industry does not require a UL flame-retardant listed hose, you have more flexibility in your choice. You have option to choose any hose listed on this page, as hoses not UL listed are still hold flame-retardant qualities to Flexaust’s standards.

For example, in an industrial application of shipyards, some purchasing agents are required to order a UL listed hose. For shipyards, CWGP or its lighter weight CWS hose is commonly sourced. If purchasing agents are not required to have a UL listed flame-retardant hose, they have more flexibility and have the option to source a TR-FR hose. Another common product for shipyard applications.

Hose Wall Thickness and Length Options

Our broad selection hoses with UL 94V-0 flammability rating are available in a variety of wall thicknesses, diameters from 1" to 48" and lengths up to 50 feet. Whatever your application, Flexaust has the hose material, thickness, and length you need for reliable fire resistance.

Industrial Applications

Flexaust’s flame-retardant hoses enhance the safety of both workers and equipment in a variety of industrial applications, including:

• Shipyards
• Ventilation
• Automotive Equipment
• Agricultural Machinery
• Chemical Processing Equipment
• Woodworking Tools and Equipment
• Welding

Contact Us for Your UL 94V-0 Rated Flame-Retardant Hose Needs

For reliable and safe operation of equipment in high temperature applications, it is essential to have the correct hose material and design for your needs. The experts at Flexaust have the knowledge and experience necessary to ensure you have the ideal UL 94V-0 registered and non-registered flame-retardant hoses to keep your personnel, equipment, and facility operating safely. In addition to our reliable UL 94V-0 rated selection of hoses, we offer a variety of industrial hoses, accessories, and attachments to meet the specialized needs of any operation.

To learn more about how our line of flame-retardant hoses can benefit your operations, contact us today or request a quote.