It pays to know your terminology when protecting your home, business, or family from fire. Several different terms describe how the various fire prevention products work.
But do you know exactly what all these phrases mean?
We often see products sold as fire-resistant or fireproof. Both terms are now commonly used in marketing a wide range of items. While the meaning of these terms appears quite clear, there are subtle differences in how the phrases are used to sell different products.
It’s noteworthy that fireproof and fire-resistant items will have very similar properties. In fact, the terms can be used interchangeably to give consumers a quick idea of any fire prevention measures used in the manufacturing process.
So why are some products called fire-resistant while others are more widely known as fireproof? Read on, and we’ll reveal all.
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What Does Fire Resistant Mean?
The term ‘fire resistant’ can describe anything from building materials to products you’d find inside your home that can withstand the effects of fire.
It’s also often used to explain that a product has been treated with chemicals to reduce the risk of an item catching fire or helping it spread.
Fire-resistant items are tested under strict conditions to ensure they can withstand a set heat intensity without breaking down or being set alight. They also need to reduce heat transmission in the event of a fire.
While numerous products are sold with fire-resistant properties, items can also be treated with fire retardants to improve their ability to withstand flames and heat.
So it’s possible to make a product fire-resistant, even if it hadn’t always been that way.
That’s why you should try Komodo’s mini compact fire extinguishers.
What Does Fireproof Mean?
Fireproof refers to anything that can withstand great heat. The name suggests, of course, that a product is entirely resistant to any type of fire and cannot be burned under any circumstances.
Unfortunately, almost any product can be burned when exposed to extreme heat levels for sustained periods.
While the term fireproof does mean that a product will be challenging to burn and can help stop the spread of fire, it’s important to remember that fire will always pose some risk.
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Fireproof and Fire Resistant Products
When it comes down to it, fireproof and fire-resistant have nearly identical definitions and can be used interchangeably. They both refer to a material’s ability to withstand fire and heat.
Terms like fireproof and fire resistant can be used to market products with similar properties, so don’t be too swayed by one term over the other.
If you’re purchasing an item that calls itself either fireproof or fire resistant, you can rest assured that it will have very good fire safety measures built in.
Fireproof products usually have been treated with a reliable fire retardant.
However, they are sometimes also designed to withstand heat and flames, giving the end product even better fire-resistant properties. Look out for both terms to ensure your home or business is well protected from the threat of fire.
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Testing Products for Fire Resistance
Many different products are now marketed as having flame-resistant or heat-resistant properties. However, the level of testing that different products undergo can vary substantially.
If fire resistance is critical, you should go one step further in your research and check how well a product has been tested.
A product's certification or rating should tell you everything you need to know about how it will perform in the event of a fire.
Ratings are usually provided by Underwriters Laboratories. They tend to have a numbered class rating followed by a period of time for which the product has been tested.
- UL Class 125 1-hour: If you see this rating, you’ll know that the product has been tested to ensure its temperature will remain below 125 °F (52°C), even when it's exposed to an external heat source of over 1700°F (926°C) for one hour.
- UL Class 350 1-hour: This rating is similar to the above, but in this case, the product will have been tested to ascertain that its temperature will remain under 350 °F (177°C) for an hour while it's exposed to an external heat source of over 1700°F (926°C).
Several other different fire-resistant certifications and ratings will show for sure whether a product is sufficiently well protected from the threat of flames and heat.
Look out for ratings in the product descriptions or on its labels, or contact the manufacturer if you’d like to learn more about how far its fire-resistant qualities have been tested in a laboratory setting.
A quality manufacturer will be able to provide you with all the information you need.
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Contact Us to Find Out More About Komodo Fire
Protect your property from fire with Komodo fire retardant sprays. Our sprays can be used in a wide range of settings and have been designed to help keep your home or business safe and secure.
You can also check out Komodo’s Mini Portable Fire Extinguisher, which will keep you and your family safe in an emergency.
Click here to see the various emergencies from which the new and ultra-portable Komodo 911 Fire Spray can save you.
Browse Komodo’s fire-resistant products and choose from DIY fire retardant spray kits or ready-to-use solutions for quick and easy fire breaks.
We offer several different options, so you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect set for the job you have in mind.
If you’re unsure which product best suits your needs, don’t hesitate to call our team. We’ll explain how our fire retardant products work and help you choose the best protection for your requirements. Get in touch, and we’ll do the rest.