ul v497 pdf
UL V497 is a certified fire-resistant wall assembly design, offering 1-hour and 2-hour fire ratings with glass fiber insulation and steel studs, ideal for commercial and residential projects.
Overview of UL V497 Fire-Resistant Assemblies
UL V497 outlines fire-resistant wall assemblies with 1-hour and 2-hour ratings. Designed for non-load-bearing steel walls, it features 3-5/8″ studs at 16″ o.c., 20-gauge EQ, and glass fiber insulation. The assembly achieves an STC rating of 42 for sound control. It’s accessible from one side, making it suitable for various commercial and residential applications. Compliance with ANSI/UL 263 ensures reliability in fire safety and acoustic performance. This design balances durability, space efficiency, and noise reduction for versatile construction needs.
Importance of UL Certifications in Fire Safety
UL certifications are critical for ensuring fire safety standards. They provide third-party verification that products and systems meet rigorous fire resistance requirements. UL certification builds trust by confirming reliability and performance in real-world scenarios. It ensures materials and assemblies can withstand fire exposure, protecting lives and property. Compliance with UL standards is often mandated by building codes, making certification essential for legal and safety compliance. UL’s expertise in fire testing and certification underscores its role in advancing public safety and confidence in fire-resistant solutions.
Key Features of UL V497 Design
UL V497 offers 1-hour and 2-hour fire ratings, 42 STC rating, steel framing, 20 gauge EQ studs, 16 o.c. spacing, 3-5/8″ stud sizes, and glass fiber insulation.
Fire Rating: 1-Hour and 2-Hour Options
UL V497 provides flexible fire rating options, with designs for both 1-hour and 2-hour fire-resistant assemblies. These ratings ensure the walls can withstand fire exposure for the specified duration, meeting safety standards in various construction projects. The 1-hour rating is achieved with two layers of Type X gypsum board, while the 2-hour option requires additional layers, enhancing fire resistance. This adaptability makes UL V497 suitable for different building requirements, ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
STC Rating: 42 for Sound Transmission Class
The UL V497 assembly achieves a Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating of 42, indicating effective sound reduction. This rating ensures the wall assembly minimizes airborne sound transmission, such as speech and music, making it suitable for environments requiring acoustic privacy. The combination of glass fiber insulation, steel studs, and gypsum board layers contributes to this performance, enhancing noise control in both commercial and residential applications while maintaining its fire-resistant capabilities.
Framing: Steel ౼ Non-Load-Bearing Walls
The UL V497 design specifies steel framing for non-load-bearing walls, utilizing 20-gauge equivalent studs spaced 16 inches on center. This framing system is lightweight yet durable, providing structural support without the need for heavy-duty materials. The steel studs are compatible with the fire-resistant gypsum board and insulation, ensuring both safety and efficiency in construction. This approach is ideal for partition walls in commercial and residential settings, where load-bearing capacity is not required but fire and sound resistance are essential.
Stud Gauge: 20 Gauge EQ
The UL V497 design specifies 20-gauge equivalent (EQ) steel studs for non-load-bearing walls. These studs are 18, 19, or 20 mils thick, ensuring consistent structural integrity and compatibility with fire-resistant materials. The 20-gauge EQ studs are lightweight yet durable, providing reliable support for gypsum boards and insulation without compromising the fire rating. This gauge is optimized for non-load-bearing applications, making it ideal for partition walls in commercial and residential projects where weight reduction is beneficial without sacrificing safety or performance.
Stud Spacing: 16 o.c.
UL V497 specifies studs spaced 16 inches on-center (o.c.), ensuring optimal structural support and fire resistance. This spacing aligns with standard construction practices, providing consistent load distribution while maintaining the integrity of the fire-resistant assembly. The 16-inch spacing is compatible with the 20-gauge EQ steel studs, ensuring proper alignment and installation of gypsum boards and insulation. This configuration meets UL standards for non-load-bearing walls, delivering a balance of strength, efficiency, and compliance for commercial and residential applications.
Stud Sizes: 3-5/8
UL V497 specifies 3-5/8 inch steel studs, ensuring compatibility with 20-gauge EQ steel framing. This size provides optimal structural support and maintains the integrity of fire-resistant assemblies. The studs are spaced 16 inches on-center, aligning with standard construction practices. Their dimensions ensure proper installation of gypsum boards and insulation, contributing to the assembly’s fire resistance. This configuration is designed for non-load-bearing walls, offering a reliable balance of strength and efficiency in commercial and residential projects while adhering to fire safety standards.
Insulation Type: Glass Fiber
Glass fiber insulation is a key component in UL V497 assemblies, enhancing fire resistance and thermal performance. It is installed between steel studs and gypsum boards, providing effective insulation while maintaining the assembly’s structural integrity. This non-combustible material meets fire safety standards and complements the overall design. Glass fiber insulation is optional but highly recommended for improved acoustic and thermal benefits, ensuring the assembly meets both fire and sound transmission requirements efficiently.
Accessibility: One Side
UL V497 assemblies are designed for accessibility from one side, simplifying installation and maintenance. This feature allows for easier construction, particularly in confined spaces like corridors or stairwells. The one-side accessibility ensures that the assembly can be efficiently constructed without compromising its fire-resistance or acoustic performance. This design detail is especially beneficial in commercial projects where space optimization is critical. The single-side access aligns with the use of glass fiber insulation and steel studs, maintaining the assembly’s overall integrity and functionality.
Fire Resistance Ratings and Compliance
UL V497 assemblies comply with ANSI/UL 263 standards, offering 1-hour and 2-hour fire ratings for non-load-bearing steel walls, ensuring adherence to building codes and safety regulations.
ANSI/UL 263 Standards for Fire Resistance
ANSI/UL 263 outlines the test standard for determining fire-resistance ratings of building components, including walls, partitions, and roof-ceiling assemblies. UL V497 assemblies are evaluated under these standards to ensure they meet specific fire-resistance criteria. The testing assesses how materials perform under fire conditions, measuring their ability to withstand flames and heat transfer. Compliance with ANSI/UL 263 ensures that UL V497 designs provide reliable fire protection, meeting safety standards for both commercial and residential applications.
Classification of Fire-Resistant Assemblies
Fire-resistant assemblies like UL V497 are classified based on their performance under standardized fire testing. These classifications ensure assemblies meet specific safety criteria, such as fire endurance and thermal resistance; UL V497 is rated for 1-hour and 2-hour fire resistance, with classification based on materials, design, and test results. This classification helps builders and architects select compliant systems for various applications, ensuring safety and code requirements are met. Proper classification is crucial for maintaining structural integrity during fires.
Regulatory Compliance and Code Requirements
UL V497 assemblies must comply with local building codes and fire safety regulations. They are tested to meet standards like ANSI/UL 263 for fire resistance, ensuring structural integrity during fires; Compliance is verified through rigorous testing and certification processes. Architects and builders rely on UL-certified designs to meet regulatory requirements, ensuring safety and adherence to national and local building codes. Proper documentation and approvals are essential for installation in commercial and residential projects.
Materials and Components
UL V497 assemblies use gypsum board, steel studs, glass fiber insulation, and joint compounds. Fasteners and accessories ensure structural integrity and fire-resistance performance.
Gypsum Board Specifications
The UL V497 design specifies 5/8-inch thick Type X gypsum board for enhanced fire resistance. Two layers are required for 1-hour rated walls, with a setting-type joint compound between them. This configuration ensures optimal fire performance and structural integrity. The gypsum board must meet specific ASTM standards and be installed according to UL guidelines to maintain the assembly’s fire-resistance rating and compliance with safety codes.
Steel Studs and Track Requirements
UL V497 specifies 20 Gauge EQ steel studs, spaced 16 inches on center, with stud sizes of 3-5/8 inches. Non-load-bearing walls must use steel studs and tracks that comply with UL standards. The head of the wall track is 2-1/2 inches, while the base track is 1-1/2 inches, both made of 20 Gauge EQ steel. These specifications ensure structural integrity and maintain the fire-resistance rating of the assembly, adhering to UL guidelines for safe and reliable construction.
Insulation and Joint Compound Details
The UL V497 design incorporates glass fiber insulation as an optional component, enhancing fire resistance. A setting-type joint compound is applied between gypsum board layers, ensuring a secure bond. This combination maintains the assembly’s integrity and contributes to its fire rating.
The insulation is mechanically fastened 24 inches on center, with a maximum glass fiber insulation diameter of 5-1/2 inches, ensuring compliance with UL fire-resistance standards.
Fasteners and Accessories
UL V497 assemblies require specific fasteners to ensure structural integrity and fire resistance. Steel studs with 20-gauge equivalence are used, while #6 self-drilling screws secure the gypsum board. Fasteners must be spaced 24 inches on center for optimal performance. Accessories like joint compounds and sealants are critical for maintaining the assembly’s fire rating. All components must comply with ANSI/UL 263 standards, ensuring reliability and safety in fire-resistant applications. Proper installation of these elements is essential for achieving the desired fire-resistance rating.
Construction Guidelines
UL V497 provides detailed construction guidelines for 1-hour and 2-hour fire-rated walls, ensuring compliance with ANSI/UL 263 standards and optimal performance in fire-resistant applications.
Installation Steps for 1-Hour Rated Walls
For 1-hour rated walls, begin by framing with steel studs (20 gauge EQ) spaced 16 o.c. Install gypsum board on both sides, securing with screws. Ensure joints are sealed with joint compound and tape. Apply two layers of Type X gypsum board, with the second layer offset to avoid joint alignment. Finish surfaces by sanding and painting. Glass fiber insulation may be added between studs for enhanced fire resistance. Ensure all steps comply with ANSI/UL 263 standards and refer to the UL V497 manual for detailed specifications.
Installation Steps for 2-Hour Rated Walls
Constructing a 2-hour rated wall requires additional layers of fire-resistant materials. Begin with steel studs (20 gauge EQ) spaced 16 o.c. Apply three layers of Type X gypsum board on each side, ensuring joints are staggered and sealed with joint compound. Glass fiber insulation is mandatory, filling the stud cavity completely. Finish by taping and sanding all seams, then painting. This assembly meets stringent fire-resistance standards, providing extended protection in commercial and residential applications while maintaining structural integrity and acoustic performance.
Key Considerations for Assembly
Adherence to UL V497 guidelines is critical for achieving fire resistance and acoustic performance. Ensure all materials, including gypsum board, steel studs, and glass fiber insulation, meet specified requirements. Proper sealing of joints and gaps is essential to maintain the integrity of the assembly. Verify stud alignment and spacing (16 o.c.) for structural stability. Compliance with ANSI/UL 263 standards is mandatory, and all components must bear the UL certification mark. Regular inspections during assembly ensure long-term performance and safety.
Benefits and Applications
UL V497 offers space-saving designs with excellent fire and acoustic performance, suitable for both commercial and residential projects, ensuring safety and efficiency in various construction scenarios.
Space-Saving Design Options
UL V497 offers efficient, space-saving solutions with its 1-hour and 2-hour fire-rated wall assemblies. The 1-hour design uses two layers of Type X gypsum board with a setting-type joint compound, providing fire resistance while minimizing wall thickness. This configuration is ideal for projects requiring compact constructions. Steel studs at 16 o.c. and 3-5/8 inches in size further contribute to a streamlined design. Optional glass fiber insulation enhances thermal performance without adding bulk, making it suitable for tight spaces in both commercial and residential settings. Labor-intensive but space-efficient, this design balances functionality and convenience.
Acoustic Performance
UL V497 assemblies deliver exceptional acoustic performance with an STC rating of 42, ensuring effective sound transmission control. This makes them ideal for applications requiring noise reduction, such as commercial spaces, residential areas, and partition walls. The combination of glass fiber insulation, steel studs, and gypsum board contributes to minimizing sound transfer between sides. This design balances fire resistance and acoustic efficiency, providing a versatile solution for environments where both safety and sound control are critical.
Use in Commercial and Residential Projects
UL V497 fire-resistant assemblies are widely used in both commercial and residential projects due to their versatility and safety features. They are ideal for non-load-bearing walls and partitions, offering reliable fire protection for up to 2 hours. In commercial settings, they are often employed in office spaces, retail areas, and public buildings. Residential applications include apartment complexes and single-family homes, where fire safety and sound control are essential. Their design flexibility and space-saving options make them suitable for diverse architectural needs, ensuring compliance with fire safety standards while maintaining structural integrity.
UL V497 represents a reliable and versatile fire-resistant assembly design, offering 1-hour and 2-hour fire ratings for non-load-bearing walls. Its use of glass fiber insulation and steel studs ensures durability and compliance with fire safety standards like ANSI/UL 263. The design’s space-saving features and acoustic performance make it ideal for both commercial and residential applications. UL V497’s certification and adherence to rigorous testing protocols provide peace of mind for architects, contractors, and building owners seeking efficient and safe wall solutions.