Stahlin J, CF, and F Series Non-Metallic Enclosures Pass UL 2043 for Plenum Space Compliant Applications
The Situation
In a plenum space compliant application, a metal enclosure is most commonly specified as it can meet the UL 2043 requirements. For a long time, specifying engineers sought additional enclosure options for HVAC building controls.
The need for finding another option developed because although the paint used to protect the metal enclosure is compliant, it is often smoky. Today, there are viable non-metallic enclosure options that have passed UL 2043 testing.
The Challenge
The Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures engineering team believed that the materials used to manufacturer the company’s products could pass testing requirements for UL 2043. Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures’ patented material SolarGuard®, a thermoset resin, is formulated with non- halogenated flame retardant additive.
Non-halogenated additives produce few emissions and the smoke that is released is white and nontoxic.
Since the development of the SolarGuard® formulation, the team had never tested the product line for UL 2043. That is, until a recent customer wanted to view testing results before placing an order. Then, the team quickly worked with the UL testing lab to confirm the compliance of UL 2043.
The Solution
The Stahlin non-metallic enclosures product specimens that were tested MET all three requirements for UL 2043, which are:
a) The peak rate of heat release measured during each enclosure tested was 100 kilowatts, or less.
b) The peak smoke release rate measured during each test was 0.21 m2 /s, or less.
c) The total smoke released (10 minute test duration) was 75 m2, or less.
“Stahlin Non-Metallic in-house SMC formulation and compounding has always been one of our strengths. These new UL 2043 testing results for Stahlin’s J, CF, and F Series, provides even more evidence as to why our enclosures should be specified by engineers that need long term performance in the field,” stated Roger Schroder, Engineering Managet, Stahlin Non-Metallic Enclosures.
