Monthly Archives: May 2017

Why is FM Approval Important?

Many folks often recognize the UL (Underwriters Laboratory) Listing and FM (Factory Mutual) Approvals marks, but few understand what each of these marks means. If you’re a regular follower of the Steven Brown & Associates blog, you’ll know we recently outlined the meaning behind a UL Listing mark. Today we wanted to dive into FM Approval, and exactly what that means in relation to the realm of fire pumps.

Factory Mutual (FM) Global is similar to Underwriters Laboratories (UL) in that they both are focused on safety. FM Approvals is the independent testing division of FM Global, and it focuses on researching and testing all products to ensure that they meet only the highest standards for property loss prevention and safety. Continue reading →

What does it mean to be UL Listed?

Throughout our website you may have noticed reference to our selection of fire pumps meeting the stringent requirements of Underwriters Laboratories (UL). We wanted to elaborate on what this means for anyone who may be unfamiliar with this classification.

First, it’s good to know that Underwriter’s Laboratory is a company that has been in business for a long time. In 1894, William Shields opened the Underwriters’ Electrical Bureau, and on March 24 of that year, the bureau conducted its first test, on non-combustible insulation material. Since then, UL has grown steadily and expanded its services into many different fields.

UL’s focus is strictly on the safety of manufacturers, retailers, consumers and others involved with the products that bear a UL Mark. Approved to perform safety testing by OSHA, UL provides a variety of inspections, training and other services designed at helping to make the world safer.

Aurora LogoIn the realm of fire pumps and engines, our suppliers such as Aurora look to meet and exceed the standards developed by UL. The UL standards outline requirements for these items: Continue reading →