Underwriters Laboratories (UL) has informed FlexHead Industries that its products have been listed under the new UL standard for flexible fire sprinkler connections,UL 2443 Flexible Sprinkler Hose with Fittings for Fire Protection Service. FlexHead products are currently the only flexible connections that meet this comprehensive new standard. FlexHead Industries invented this technology more then 20 years ago.

The increasing popularity of flexible fire sprinkler connections prompted UL to recognize the need for, and subsequently develop, specific standards for testing these types of products. Previously, these products were listed under the broader standard UL 1474 Adjustable Drop Nipples. This new, more stringent standard addresses characteristics that are unique to flexibles.

As part of its listing process, UL will determine and publish on its website equivalent length values related to the friction loss along with the maximum number of bends and the minimum bend radius allowed for each UL Listed product. This will eliminate any confusion as to how to properly install and incorporate these products into the overall hydraulic calculation for the sprinkler system while providing building owners, contractors, engineers and AHJ’s with pertinent information related to the UL Listing.



FlexHead products already had all of the most essential attributes needed to meet this new standard. These include fully-welded stainless steel, braided hoses with a full one-inch inside dimension having excellent friction-loss values along with a fully integrated bracketing system.

“We’re proud of the fact that we had to make virtually no changes to our product to obtain a listing under the new UL standard,” said FlexHead Industries’ president Norman J. MacDonald III. “The FlexHead product you buy today is essentially that same high-quality product we’ve been manufacturing all along. The reason for this is that we strive to make the highest quality product as these devices are used to protect life and property.”