Insulated Metal Panels (IMPs), prefabricated composite building materials, are becoming increasingly common in data center construction because they provide a consistent, repeatable wall assembly supporting modern fast-track builds. However, one persistent challenge can undermine these advantages: cable penetrations.
EZ Path® Fire-Rated Pathway devices deliver a critical advantage. With two new UL Systems specifically tested for IMP assemblies, designers, specifiers, and contractors can now use proven EZ Path® solutions in these increasingly common wall types while maintaining speed, flexibility, and code compliance throughout the life of the facility.
Unlike traditional firestop methods that require repetitive removal and reinstallation every time cables are added or changed, EZ Path® devices are designed for high-change environments, making them especially valuable in data centers, where moves, adds, and changes are constant and maintaining uptime, inspection readiness, and construction schedules is critical.
Specified Technologies is excited to announce two new UL systems for use in IMP assemblies: W-N-3003 using EZ Path Fire-Rated Pathways, and W-N-4001 using EZ Path Cable Tray Retrofit Devices.
UL System W-N-3003 introduces a tested system for routing cable bundles through insulated metal panel (IMP) assemblies using EZ Path® Fire-Rated Pathway devices. Designed for 1- and 2-hour rated IMP wall assemblies, W-N-3003 provides a reliable, UL-certified method for maintaining fire and smoke performance while accommodating future moves, adds, and changes without the need for re-firestopping. The system allows for the use of all EZ Path devices, from 0-100% visual fill, including the new Series 84+, giving designers flexibility to match pathway capacity with project requirements.
UL System W-N-4001 provides a tested system for protecting cable tray penetrations through insulated metal panel (IMP) assemblies using the EZ Path® Cable Tray Retrofit Device. Designed for 1- and 2-hour rated IMP wall assemblies, the system delivers a reliable, UL-certified method for maintaining performance in high-capacity cable tray applications. This system includes cable trays up to 24 inches wide, and cable fills from 25% to 100%, accommodating loaded pathways found in data centers.
With the introduction of UL Systems W‑N‑3003 and W‑N‑4001, Specified Technologies provides tested, code-compliant firestopping systems and solutions purpose-built for IMP assemblies. Together, these systems address both pathway-based and cable tray penetrations, enabling future-ready cable management without compromising fire and life-safety or construction schedules.
By combining EZ Path® technology with UL-tested IMP assemblies, designers and installers can simplify firestopping, reduce rework, and confidently support the scalable, high-change environments that modern data centers demand.