The UL Technical Evaluation Developer Program

What is the UL TEDP?

UL TEDP is a rigorous management program intended for firestop manufacturers who employ personnel that issue engineering judgment (EJ) firestop systems (also known as “Technical Evaluations” or TEs). It is intended to improve the quality of EJs through auditing, education, assessment, and testing.

What does UL TEDP entail?

Each manufacturer applying for UL TEDP develops a quality management system to administers procedures for technical operations governing the issuance of EJs. UL audits the quality management system to verify that operations conform to said procedures. Does the manufacturer have an extensive training program to onboard new engineers who will issue EJs? How does the manufacturer verify the credentials of the designated technical personnel? How are EJs issued to ensure that they are reviewed appropriately? What happens when an EJ is refused?

Additionally, the manufacturer designates a “Manufacturers Authorized Representative” (or a MAR) who has overall responsibility for the personnel employed to issue EJs. The MAR is the liaison to UL who participates in audits. The MAR is accountable for all facets of compliance with the UL TEDP. It is a position of great responsibility and authority.

Both the MAR and the personnel responsible for issuing EJs must pass the UL TEDP Exam, which tests their complete knowledge of firestop test standards, codes, and advanced firestop concepts. There are different modules for penetration firestopping, joints, curtain walls, and protective wraps.

During the auditing process, UL selects, at random, a certain number of EJs that are then fire tested to the applicable standard to verify performance. The number of EJs tested is based on the total number of EJs issued by the manufacturer.

Minor non-conformances may be flagged during an audit for corrective action. However, there are consequences for major non-conformances,
including suspension or expulsion from the program. The industry believes this to be a key piece of the oversight.

Why did UL develop this program?

Reputable firestop manufacturers, inspectors, and contractors within the industry have clamored for greater oversight of the EJ process. The International Firestop Council’s “IFC EJ Guidelines” are considered the global standard for voluntary compliance. While they served the industry well, there was a need for a third-party administered program, and UL stepped up to fill this gap.

Why is the UL TEDP valuable to industry stakeholders?

The UL TEDP has tremendous value for different industry stakeholders. To the manufacturer, it helps with liability by ensuring greater scrutiny of the processes. To the contractor who ultimately selects an EJ for a jobsite condition, it validates their choice of EJ in the absence of a tested and listed system. To the Architect or Owner, it provides greater peace of mind. To the AHJ, the company issuing this EJ cares enough to voluntarily submit to a rigorous third-party quality program.

Is UL TEDP mandatory?

No! It is a voluntary program that shows an additional level of effort expended to ensure quality EJs are the norm. Companies that do not enroll in UL TEDP do not have this extra level of scrutiny applied to their EJs.

How can I ensure that EJs submitted for my projects are issued by UL TEDP certified providers?

Always look for verbiage that indicates that the manufacturer subscribes to the UL TEDP program. Most reputable manufacturers will clearly indicate this once the program is rolled out. If you are in doubt, ask the manufacturer to furnish their certificate as evidence. Architects can also include specification language that requires EJs to be issued by companies that are certified by UL TEDP.

Where will UL TEDP certified companies be listed?

UL will maintain a list of all TEDP certified companies on the UL Product IQ online database, which will be available soon.

Does Specified Technologies Inc. subscribe to the UL TEDP?

Yes! Specified Technologies Inc. is proud to be a part of the UL TEDP.