scope:

This standard sets the fire performance requirements for pipe and duct insulation including preinsulated pipe and evaluates the potential for a horizontal spreading fire in parallel runs of insulated pipes or ducts within a pipe chase or plenum. To qualify for FM Approval as a product of low fire hazard, not requiring automatic sprinkler protection of itself, the insulation material must perform satisfactorily in all tests as outlined in this standard. This standard is not intended to address Approval of pre-insulated ducts, or Fume and Smoke Exhaust Ducts that have been Approved in accordance with Approval Standard 4922.

Pipe and duct insulation that meet the fire performance requirements of paragraph 1.2.1 above, and are categorized for use in pharmaceutical manufacturing and storage area, food preparation and storage areas and similar occupancies or other occupancies that are highly susceptible to smoke damage shall also meet the requirements as outlined in paragraph 4.5 (Duct Insulation) or paragraph 4.6 (Pipe Insulation) of this standard. Pipe and duct insulation in this category produce somewhat higher levels of smoke (when compared to those materials which are evaluated for cleanrooms) but produce less smoke than materials evaluated for fire performance only.

Pipe and duct insulation that meet the fire performance requirements of paragraph 1.2.1 above, and are intended for use in cleanroom occupancies shall also meet the requirements of FM 4910- Cleanroom Materials Flammability Test Protocol. This test protocol evaluates the materials' fire propagation behavior and potential for smoke contamination using two indices: Fire Propagation Index (FPI) and Smoke Development Index (SDI).

This standard is intended to evaluate only those hazards investigated, and is not intended to determine suitability for end use of a product.

The results of tests conducted under the controlled conditions required by this standard shall not be used to describe or appraise performance under actual fire conditions. Actual fire conditions may vary widely.

Purpose 

This standard states Approval requirements for materials which may be used as insulation on the exterior of noncombustible pipes or ducts. If such a material is sufficiently combustible, it may cause a spreading fire along the route of the pipe or duct which it insulates. Mechanical piping systems such as those in heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or refrigeration sometimes need to be insulated for maximum operational efficiency. This standard sets the performance requirements to accurately assess the ability of a material to resist this fire. 

Approval criteria may include, but are not limited to, performance requirements, marking requirements, examination of manufacturing facility (ies), audit of quality assurance procedures, and a follow-up program.