UL 268 7th Edition and VESDA

UL 268 7th Edition: What It Means for VESDA Systems

At ORR Protection, we’ve spent decades designing and deploying smoke detection solutions to protect mission-critical facilities. As a leading installer of VESDA systems, we’re committed to helping our customers stay ahead of evolving technologies. One of the most important new developments in recent years is the implementation of UL 268 7th Edition, which officially took effect on June 30, 2024. This update introduces significant changes directly affecting how all smoke detectors work, and especially the way VESDA systems are designed, installed, and maintained.

What Is UL 268 7th Edition?
UL 268 is the listing standard for smoke detectors used in fire alarm systems. In fact, smoke detectors are tested to meet the standard. The 7th Edition represents a leap forward in detection accuracy and false alarm reduction, largely driven by the need to detect fires from modern materials like polyurethane foam, while minimizing nuisance alarms from sources such as cooking aerosols.

Key additions include:

• New fire detection tests simulating modern fires involving smoldering and flaming polyurethane foam.
• A new nuisance alarm test to reduce cooking-related false alarms in environments like kitchens and breakrooms.
• For air sampling detectors (including VESDA), an introduction to two application modes: Open Area and Special Application, each with different sensitivity and response requirements.
  
  

How VESDA Systems Are Impacted

1. New Compliance Requirements for VESDA-E Systems

To meet the updated standard, VESDA-E detectors now feature Flair™ detection technology. This technology improves detection accuracy while suppressing nuisance alarms.

Depending on the mode of operation:

• Special Application Mode (e.g., for data centers) allows earlier detection without meeting the nuisance alarm resistance requirements.
• Open Area Mode (e.g., commercial spaces) prioritizes nuisance alarm rejection, adjusting detection thresholds accordingly.
  
  

2. Design Considerations and Pipe Network Changes

Under UL 268 7th Edition, transport time and hole sensitivity requirements are no longer one-size-fits-all as they were under the 6th Edition (which allowed up to 120 seconds). Instead, performance criteria now vary by product and application type (Open Area vs. Special Application). Open-Area applications require shorter transport times but allow for higher hole sensitivity thresholds, while Special Applications permit longer transport times but require lower sensitivity thresholds, offering earlier detection. Our design team at ORR Protection has been working with consulting engineers and facility managers to update system layouts and ensure compliance without sacrificing performance.

3. Product Transitions and EOL Notices

Specific VESDA models are being phased out. For instance:

• VLI-880 and VLI-885 will not transition to 7th Edition compliance and have been retired as of mid-2024.
• Our team actively supports customers with lifecycle planning, replacements, and system upgrades where needed.
  
  

Why This Matters

If you're maintaining or upgrading fire protection in a critical environment, the implications of UL 268 7th Edition are far-reaching:

• New installations must use UL 268 7th Edition-listed products starting July 1, 2024.
• Existing systems can remain in place, but detector replacements must comply with the new standard.
  
  

How ORR Protection Can Help

As a longtime VESDA installer, ORR Protection is your trusted partner for navigating these changes. Our team offers:

• Design consulting to meet UL 268 7th Edition requirements
• Product selection and specification support
• Turnkey installation and commissioning
• Training for facilities teams and contractors
  
  

We’re already helping customers across industries — from hyper-scale data centers to power generation facilities and healthcare systems — implement UL 268 7th Edition-compliant VESDA systems.

Need Help Updating Your Fire Detection Strategy?

Connect with ORR Protection. Our experts are here to help you design smarter, detect earlier, and comply fully with the latest code requirements.

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