Which ULC standard is used to test Fire-Resistance Ratings?

The standard used to test Fire-Resistance Ratings is CAN/ULC S101. This standard outlines the procedures for determining the fire-resistance ratings of various building elements when subjected to specific fire exposure conditions. It includes guidelines on how to conduct the testing and the criteria for evaluating the performance of elements like walls, floors, and roofs in resisting fire and maintaining structural integrity for a specified duration.

Testing according to CAN/ULC S101 typically involves the use of a furnace to evaluate how long a building assembly can withstand fire without failing, giving architects and builders essential data needed to ensure compliance with building codes and enhance safety standards. This standard plays a critical role in helping designers select appropriate materials and designs that meet fire safety requirements set forth in the National Building Code of Canada and other regulatory frameworks.

The other options listed do not pertain specifically to fire-resistance ratings: CAN/ULC S100 relates to general fire testing methods, CAN/ULC S102 deals with the test methods for surface burning characteristics of building materials, and CAN/ULC S103 covers testing methods for the burning behavior of materials. These standards serve different purposes in fire safety assessments and do not address fire-resistance ratings in the same context as CAN/ULC S