UL V497 is a fire-rated wall assembly designed for 1-hour fire resistance‚ suitable for load-bearing applications in commercial and residential constructions‚ ensuring safety and structural integrity.
1.1 Overview of UL V497
UL V497 is a fire-rated wall assembly designed to provide 1-hour fire resistance‚ suitable for load-bearing applications in commercial and residential constructions. This assembly typically consists of gypsum board installed on steel studs‚ with specific construction features to ensure fire resistance and structural integrity. It is widely used in projects requiring fire-rated partitions‚ shaft walls‚ and chase walls. The design is tested and certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) to meet fire safety standards‚ ensuring it can withstand fire exposure for a specified duration. UL V497 is recognized for its reliability in preventing fire spread and maintaining structural stability in critical building applications.
Documentation for UL V497‚ including detailed specifications and CAD files‚ is available on the UL website‚ providing architects and contractors with essential resources for implementation. This assembly is a key component in fire-safe building design‚ offering a proven solution for fire-rated wall systems.
1.2 Importance of UL V497 in Fire Safety
UL V497 plays a critical role in fire safety by providing a 1-hour fire-rated wall assembly that prevents the spread of fire and smoke in buildings. This assembly is essential for protecting occupants and maintaining structural integrity during fires. Its certification by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) ensures compliance with rigorous fire safety standards‚ making it a reliable choice for architects and builders. UL V497 is particularly important in commercial and residential constructions where fire-rated partitions and shaft walls are required. By withstanding fire exposure for a specified duration‚ it helps ensure the safety of people and property. This design is widely recognized for its effectiveness in fire-resistant construction‚ making it a key component in modern building codes and safety regulations.
Design Specifications of UL V497
UL V497 specifies a 1-hour fire-rated wall assembly‚ typically featuring gypsum board‚ steel studs‚ and fire-resistant materials‚ designed for load-bearing applications with precise construction requirements.
2.1 Construction Features of UL V497
The UL V497 assembly typically includes 2.5-inch steel studs and tracks‚ with 5/8-inch fire-resistant gypsum board installed on both sides. The construction requires a double layer of gypsum on one side‚ ensuring enhanced fire resistance. Steel studs are spaced at 24 inches on center‚ with fasteners spaced 8 inches apart on the gypsum board. Joints between gypsum panels must be taped and finished with joint compound for a seamless surface. Additionally‚ bead and trim accessories are used to reinforce edges and corners. The assembly is designed to maintain structural integrity under fire conditions‚ with a 1-hour fire rating. Proper installation adheres to UL guidelines‚ ensuring compliance with fire safety standards.
2.2 Load-Bearing Capacity and Limitations
UL V497 is designated as a load-bearing assembly with a maximum allowable superimposed load of 30 psf (pounds per square foot). The assembly must not exceed this load to maintain structural integrity under fire conditions. Axial loads are limited to 10‚000 pounds per linear foot of wall‚ ensuring the studs can handle the weight without buckling. Deflection is restricted to prevent damage to the gypsum board and compromise of the fire barrier. The assembly is not suitable for axial loads exceeding these limits or for walls requiring lateral load resistance. Proper installation is critical to meet these specifications and ensure compliance with fire safety standards. Exceeding these limitations voids the UL certification and compromises fire resistance.
Materials Required for UL V497 Assembly
Key materials include 5/8-inch fire-rated gypsum board‚ 2-1/2-inch steel studs‚ and a steel track system‚ ensuring a robust and fire-resistant structure.
3.1 Gypsum Board Specifications
The UL V497 assembly requires 5/8-inch fire-rated gypsum board‚ which must meet ASTM standards for fire resistance and structural integrity. The boards should be installed with screws spaced no more than 8 inches on center‚ ensuring a secure and even fastening. Joints between boards must be sealed with fire-rated tape and caulk to maintain the fire rating. The gypsum board is a critical component‚ providing both thermal insulation and structural support. It is essential to use boards that comply with ASTM C1396 and C1629 standards to ensure proper fire performance. Proper installation of the gypsum board is vital to achieving the desired fire rating and load-bearing capacity of the assembly.
3.2 Steel Studs and Track System Requirements
The UL V497 assembly requires steel studs with a minimum thickness of 0.0149 inches‚ manufactured to ASTM A653 standards. These studs must be coated with zinc for corrosion resistance. The track system should be 1.25 inches wide and designed to support axial loads without buckling. Studs are typically spaced 16 inches on center‚ ensuring uniform load distribution. The track must be securely fastened to the floor and ceiling using appropriate fasteners‚ such as screws or welds‚ to maintain structural integrity. Proper alignment and spacing of studs and tracks are critical to achieving the desired fire rating and load-bearing capacity. Compliance with ASTM C955 standards ensures the steel components meet the necessary performance criteria for fire-rated assemblies.
Fire Rating and Resistance
UL V497 provides a 1-hour fire rating‚ ensuring load-bearing walls withstand fire exposure while maintaining structural integrity‚ meeting ASTM fire resistance standards for safety and reliability.
4.1 1-Hour Fire-Rated Wall Assembly
The UL V497 assembly is specifically designed to provide a 1-hour fire rating‚ ensuring that load-bearing walls maintain structural integrity during fire exposure. This assembly typically includes components like 2;5-inch steel studs‚ 5/8-inch fire-resistant gypsum boards‚ and specialized sealants. It is tested in accordance with ASTM E119 standards to verify its ability to withstand flames and heat for a full hour. The 1-hour rating ensures that the wall can effectively contain a fire within a designated area‚ providing critical time for evacuation and firefighting efforts. This assembly is widely used in commercial and residential constructions where fire safety is a top priority. Its design and materials are optimized to resist fire penetration and maintain load-bearing capacity‚ making it a reliable choice for fire-rated wall systems.
4.2 Surface Burning Characteristics
The UL V497 assembly is classified for its surface burning characteristics‚ ensuring minimal flame spread and smoke development. Tested in accordance with ASTM E84‚ it meets rigorous standards for fire performance. The assembly’s components‚ including gypsum boards and steel studs‚ are designed to limit the spread of fire across surfaces. This classification is crucial for maintaining safety in both commercial and residential environments. The surface burning characteristics of UL V497 make it an ideal choice for applications where fire containment and low smoke generation are essential. This feature complements its 1-hour fire rating‚ providing a comprehensive fire-resistant solution.
Applications of UL V497
UL V497 is widely used in commercial and residential projects‚ ideal for fire-rated partitions and shaftwall assemblies‚ ensuring safety and structural integrity in various building environments.
5.1 Commercial Applications
UL V497 is extensively used in commercial settings due to its 1-hour fire-rated performance‚ making it ideal for load-bearing walls and partitions in office buildings‚ retail spaces‚ and healthcare facilities. Its durability and fire resistance ensure compliance with safety regulations‚ while its moisture-resistant properties enhance long-term structural integrity. This assembly is particularly suitable for high-traffic areas‚ offering a reliable barrier against fire and smoke. Its design flexibility allows integration into various commercial environments‚ ensuring both safety and aesthetic compatibility. UL V497 is a preferred choice for architects and contractors seeking to meet stringent building codes while maintaining cost efficiency and performance in demanding commercial applications.
5.2 Residential Applications
UL V497 is also suitable for residential projects‚ offering a reliable fire barrier for load-bearing walls and partitions in multi-family housing‚ townhouses‚ and single-family homes. Its 1-hour fire rating enhances safety in areas prone to fire hazards‚ such as garages or rooms with fireplaces. The assembly’s moisture-resistant properties make it ideal for basements and areas exposed to humidity. Homeowners benefit from its structural integrity and noise reduction capabilities‚ creating a safer and more comfortable living environment. UL V497’s versatility and compliance with building codes make it a practical choice for residential construction‚ ensuring durability and peace of mind for homeowners while meeting local fire safety regulations.
Related UL Designs and Assemblies
UL V497 is part of a series of fire-rated assemblies‚ including UL Design No. V438 and V488‚ offering similar fire resistance ratings for various load-bearing and non-load-bearing applications.
6.1 UL Design No. V438
UL Design No. V438 is a non-load-bearing fire-rated partition assembly‚ offering 1- to 4-hour fire resistance. It is often used in commercial settings for interior walls and partitions‚ providing excellent thermal and smoke barriers. This design is compatible with various materials‚ including gypsum board and steel studs‚ ensuring flexibility in construction. While it shares similarities with UL V497 in fire resistance‚ V438 is specifically designed for non-load-bearing applications‚ making it ideal for dividing spaces without structural requirements. Its certification ensures compliance with fire safety standards‚ making it a reliable choice for architects and contractors seeking to meet building codes effectively.
6.2 UL Design No. V488
UL Design No. V488 is a fire-rated shaftwall assembly‚ offering 1- to 4-hour fire resistance ratings. It is specifically designed for load-bearing applications‚ making it ideal for high-rise buildings and commercial spaces requiring robust fire protection. This design incorporates materials like gypsum board and steel studs‚ ensuring structural integrity and fire resistance. Unlike UL V497‚ V488 is tailored for shaftwall constructions‚ providing a reliable barrier against fire and smoke in vertical shafts and stairwells. Its certification by UL ensures compliance with stringent fire safety standards‚ making it a preferred choice for architects and contractors in demanding environments. V488’s versatility and durability ensure it meets the needs of modern construction projects while maintaining safety and performance.
Testing and Certification Process
UL V497 undergoes rigorous fire resistance testing per ANSI/UL 263‚ ensuring compliance with safety standards. Certification involves evaluating the assembly’s performance under extreme conditions to confirm its fire rating.
7.1 Fire Resistance Testing Methods
Fire resistance testing for UL V497 involves subjecting the assembly to high-temperature conditions‚ simulating real-world fire scenarios. The process evaluates the assembly’s ability to maintain structural integrity‚ insulation‚ and combustibility. Testing is conducted in accordance with ANSI/UL 263‚ ensuring the assembly meets rigorous safety standards. The evaluation includes monitoring thermal transmission‚ flaming‚ and smoke production. Specific attention is paid to load-bearing capacity and surface burning characteristics. The assembly must withstand the fire exposure without compromising its fire rating. Detailed test reports are compiled‚ outlining performance metrics and compliance. Certification is granted only if the assembly meets all specified criteria‚ ensuring reliability and safety in fire-rated applications. These methods guarantee UL V497’s effectiveness in fire resistance‚ as documented in the UL Fire Resistance Directory and related PDF resources.
7.2 Certification Process by UL
The certification process for UL V497 involves rigorous evaluation by Underwriters Laboratories (UL)‚ ensuring compliance with established fire safety standards. The assembly undergoes comprehensive testing‚ including fire resistance‚ load-bearing capacity‚ and surface burning characteristics. UL verifies that the assembly meets specific criteria outlined in ANSI/UL 263 and other relevant standards. Once testing is completed‚ UL reviews all data and documentation to confirm compliance. If successful‚ the assembly is granted the UL certification mark‚ indicating its reliability in fire-rated applications. The certification process is transparent‚ with detailed reports and test results available in the UL V497 PDF and Fire Resistance Directory. This ensures that builders‚ architects‚ and regulators can trust the assembly’s performance and safety in real-world scenarios. Regular audits and updates maintain the certification’s validity‚ reflecting UL’s commitment to safety and excellence.
Comparison with Other Fire-Rated Assemblies
UL V497 stands out as a load-bearing assembly with a 1-hour fire rating‚ offering superior structural support compared to non-load-bearing alternatives‚ making it ideal for demanding applications.
8.1 Comparison with Non-Load Bearing Assemblies
UL V497‚ being a load-bearing fire-rated assembly‚ offers distinct advantages over non-load-bearing systems. While both provide fire resistance‚ UL V497 supports structural loads‚ making it ideal for applications requiring both safety and strength. Non-load-bearing assemblies‚ such as partitions‚ are lighter and less robust‚ suitable for dividing spaces without structural demands. UL V497’s design incorporates steel studs and gypsum boards‚ ensuring durability and load capacity‚ whereas non-load-bearing systems often rely on lighter materials. This makes UL V497 a better choice for commercial and residential projects needing both fire protection and structural reliability. Its 1-hour fire rating aligns with safety standards‚ while its load-bearing capability enhances versatility‚ setting it apart from non-load-bearing alternatives in demanding construction scenarios.
8.2 Comparison with Load-Bearing Assemblies
UL V497 stands out among load-bearing assemblies due to its optimized design for 1-hour fire-rated applications. Unlike other load-bearing systems‚ UL V497 combines fire resistance with structural integrity‚ making it suitable for both commercial and residential use. While other assemblies may offer similar fire ratings‚ UL V497 is distinguished by its use of steel studs and gypsum boards‚ which provide a balance of strength and weight efficiency. Additionally‚ UL V497 is specifically designed for ease of installation‚ reducing construction time compared to heavier load-bearing alternatives. Its design ensures minimal compromise on acoustical performance‚ making it versatile for various building requirements. This assembly is particularly favored for its reliability in meeting fire safety standards while maintaining cost-effectiveness‚ setting it apart from other load-bearing solutions in the market.
Resources and Documentation
Access the UL V497 PDF‚ CAD files‚ DWG‚ Acoustical Test Report‚ and Revit files on the UL website for specifications and drawings. Some resources require submission.
9.1 Accessing the UL V497 PDF
The UL V497 PDF is available on the UL website‚ providing detailed specifications and requirements for 1-hour fire-rated wall assemblies. To access the document‚ visit the UL resources section and submit a request. The PDF includes construction features‚ materials‚ and testing details. Additionally‚ CAD files and Revit files are available for design and planning purposes. These resources are essential for architects‚ contractors‚ and engineers to ensure compliance with fire safety standards. The UL Fire Resistance Directory also offers comprehensive information on certified assemblies‚ updated annually to reflect the latest testing and certification data.
9.2 CAD Files and Technical Drawings
CAD files and technical drawings for UL V497 are available to support design and planning. These files‚ including DWG formats‚ provide detailed assembly layouts and specifications. Architects and contractors can access these resources through the UL website or the UL Design Portal. The files include precise measurements‚ material requirements‚ and installation guidelines. Revit models are also offered for integration into building information modeling (BIM) projects. These tools ensure accurate representation of the fire-rated assembly in architectural plans. By using these files‚ professionals can streamline the design process and maintain compliance with fire safety standards. Access to these resources typically requires registration or submission of a request via the UL website.
UL V497 offers reliable fire resistance and structural integrity‚ making it a versatile solution for both commercial and residential constructions‚ ensuring safety and compliance with fire safety standards.
10.1 Summary of UL V497 Benefits
UL V497 provides a reliable 1-hour fire-rated wall assembly‚ ensuring structural integrity and fire resistance. Its load-bearing capacity makes it suitable for diverse applications‚ including commercial and residential constructions. The assembly meets stringent fire safety standards‚ offering peace of mind to builders and occupants. Its design incorporates durable materials‚ ensuring long-term performance and compliance with regulatory requirements. UL V497 is a cost-effective solution for projects requiring fire-rated partitions‚ balancing safety‚ durability‚ and aesthetic appeal. Its certification by UL underscores its reliability‚ making it a preferred choice for modern construction projects. By combining fire resistance with structural strength‚ UL V497 addresses critical safety needs while supporting architectural design goals.
10.2 Future of Fire-Rated Assemblies
The future of fire-rated assemblies‚ including designs like UL V497‚ lies in advancing material innovation and integration of sustainable practices. As building codes evolve‚ there will be a growing demand for assemblies that offer enhanced fire resistance while incorporating eco-friendly materials. Lightweight composite materials and improved gypsum formulations are expected to play a key role. Additionally‚ the use of technology‚ such as Building Information Modeling (BIM) and artificial intelligence‚ will streamline the design and testing processes‚ ensuring compliance and efficiency. The focus will also shift toward creating multi-functional assemblies that provide fire resistance‚ thermal insulation‚ and acoustic performance simultaneously. These advancements will contribute to safer‚ more durable‚ and environmentally responsible construction practices‚ meeting the needs of modern architecture and stricter regulatory requirements.