Decoding UL type designations
Designation types provide a reference to explain which classified gypsum board products are approved for specific UL fire-rated systems
Understanding the differences in gypsum core types is a critical component to maintaining fire and safety standards. One key element in determining which drywall products meet specific code requirements is the UL type designation.
In this article, we’ll review common UL designation types used to identify the gypsum board products manufactured by Gold Bond Building Products, LLC, an affiliate of National Gypsum Company. These UL core type designations are stamped on the back of every UL classified Gold Bond gypsum board product.
What are UL type designations?
Created by Underwriters Laboratories, UL type designations are used to identify UL classified fire-rated gypsum panels based on their specific fire-resistant properties and compositions. These designations help architects, builders and code officials understand a gypsum board product’s fire-performance characteristics, ensuring they choose materials that meet the fire-safety requirements for specific building applications.
UL type designations identify which products meet the fire-resistance performance across different manufacturers’ products. Each UL classified gypsum board type undergoes rigorous fire testing to meet specific time-based assembly ratings (e.g., 1-hour, 2-hour) for fire resistance. These designations ensure products are suitable for each fire-rated assembly specified by building codes.
A quick reminder on Type X versus Type C gypsum board
The gypsum board used in fire-rated assemblies can be described as either Type X or Type C.
- Type X gypsum board is defined by ASTM C1396,Standard Specification for Gypsum Board, and has a different definition for each board thickness: 1/2", 5/8" and 1".
- Type C gypsum board is not defined in any ASTM standard. Type C products are Type X products with special additives and have a “C” in their trade names to designate they have increased fire resistance.
Gold Bond manufactures more than two dozen Type X and Type C fire-resistant drywall products. However, because UL does not primarily list brand names in their designs, it’s crucial to understand what products correspond to which UL designation type.
UL Type Designations: Type FSW and Type FSW-6
Type FSW and Type FSW-6 are UL type designations that identify Gold Bond® gypsum board products with specific fire- and moisture-resistant properties that are suited to meet code requirements in commercial and residential applications.
Type FSW Core: The UL type designation FSW, which stands for “fire-shield wallboard,” is assigned to several Gold Bond gypsum board products. These products share similar fire-resistance properties, allowing them to meet code requirements for various commercial and residential applications.
Gold Bond gypsum board products stamped with the FSW designation include:
- 5/16" Gold Bond® XP® Fire-Shield® Gypsum Board
- 5/8" Gold Bond® Fire-Shield® Gypsum Board (Type X)
- 5/8" Gold Bond® XP® Hi-Abuse® Gypsum Board (Type X)
- 5/8" Gold Bond® XP® Hi-Impact® Gypsum Board (Type X)
- 5/8" Gold Bond® XP® Fire-Shield® Gypsum Board (Type X)
- 1" Gold Bond® Shaftliner XP® (Type X)
Type FSW-6 Core: The UL type designation FSW-6 is assigned to Gold Bond glass mat drywall products that are specially engineered for areas that demand extra protection from moisture, making them ideal for exterior and high-humidity interior applications.
Gold Bond drywall products stamped with the FSW-6 designation include:
- 5/8" Gold Bond® eXP® Sheathing (Type X)
- 5/8" Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® Fire-Shield® Gypsum Panel (Type X)
- 5/8" Gold Bond® eXP® Tile Backer (Type X)
- 5/8" Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® IR Gypsum Panel (Type X)
- 5/8" Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® AR Gypsum Panel (Type X)
- 5/8" DEXcell FA® Glass Mat Roof Board
UL Type Designations: Type FSW-C and Type eXP-C
Type C gypsum board was developed as an enhanced Type X to reduce the number of layers of standard Type X gypsum board required in multilayered, fire-rated assemblies. Type C is used most often in horizontal applications, including roof-ceiling, floor-ceiling and horizontal shaftwall assemblies.
Type FSW-C and Type eXP-C are the UL type designations that identify Gold Bond gypsum board products that are formulated with special additives to improve their fire resistance beyond standard gypsum boards.
Type FSW-C Core: This core type enhances the fire-resistant properties of XP and Fire-Shield boards, making them suitable for more demanding fire-rated wall assemblies.
Gold Bond gypsum board products stamped with the FSW-C designation include:
- 1/2" Gold Bond® Fire-Shield C™ Gypsum Board (Type C)
- 1/2" Gold Bond® XP® Fire-Shield C™ Gypsum Board (Type C)
- 5/8" Gold Bond® Fire-Shield C™ Gypsum Board (Type C)
- 5/8" Gold Bond® XP® Fire-Shield C™ Gypsum Board (Type C)
Type eXP-C Core: Products such as eXP® Interior Extreme® Fire-Shield C™ with the eXP-C core offer moisture resistance with the added fire protection needed in UL fire-rated designs.
Gold Bond drywall products stamped with the eXP-C designation include:
- 1/2" Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® Fire-Shield C™ Gypsum Panel (Type C)
- 5/8" Gold Bond® eXP® Interior Extreme® Fire-Shield C™ Gypsum Panel (Type C)
Why understanding UL type designations matters
Whether you’re an architect specifying materials, a construction manager overseeing compliance or a building inspector ensuring code adherence, understanding the UL type designations can help you identify the right fire-rated gypsum board products.
These UL type designations can be found in the Gypsum Associations’ GA-605 publication — a helpful resource for architects, builders and code officials that identifies the various UL classified gypsum board products.
Need additional support? Contact the technical experts on National Gypsum’s Construction Services team at 1-800-NATIONAL.
