Factory Mutual Insurance
Mission
FM Approvals certifies products and services with a unique focus on:
- Objectively testing property loss prevention products and services and certifying
those that meet rigorous loss prevention standards.
- Encouraging the development and use of FM Approved products and services that improve
and advance property loss prevention practices.
FM Approvals offers certification services to manufacturers of fire protection equipment,
electrical equipment, hazardous location equipment, fire detection, signaling and
other electrical equipment, materials, roofing products and smoke detection. Products
that earn approval are listed in the
Approval Guide. FM Approvals offers worldwide certification and testing
services of industrial and commercial property loss prevention products. Recognized
and respected across the globe, FM Approvals' certification process assures customers
a product has been objectively tested and conforms to the highest international
and most national standards. Outlined below is the five-step process to becoming
FM Approved:
The Approval Process
Step 1: Manufacturer Request
The manufacturer submits a letter, fax or e-mail to FM Approvals requesting Approval
for a product or assembly and provides location, scope of work, model numbers, specifications
and applicable sales literature. For customers seeking Approval of products designed
for use in Hazardous Locations, fill out our application form and request a quote.
Step 2: Proposal Issue and Manufacturer Authorization
A proposal letter is sent by FM Approvals with scope of work, cost estimates, schedule,
required tests and sample needs to customer. For new customers, a one-time contractual
agreement is also mailed for signature (Master Agreement). The manufacturer then
authorizes proposal in writing and submits all requested material and information
identified in the proposal.
Step 3: Review, Testing and First Audit
Drawing or specification to product comparisons is made by FM Approvals. If all
necessary items are received, testing is scheduled and conducted. The investigator
visits the client's facility (if first-time client or new manufacturing location)
to review quality control procedures prior to product approval by FM Approvals.
Step 4: Report, FM APPROVED Mark and Listing
Once testing has been completed successfully, a report is prepared and reviewed
for technical accuracy and quality. Samples are retained and archived as necessary,
returned to the client or disposed of per client's instructions. FM Approvals sends
the final report to the manufacturer. Approval is effective as of date of report.
The manufacturer may then label the product as FM Approved and the product is listed
in the Approval Guide.
Step 5: Follow-Up Audits
Follow-up audits of manufacturing facilities are required in order to maintain FM
Approved status. The frequency of audits is determined in accordance with authorities
having jurisdiction (AHJs) over the installed product.
Approval Guide
The Approval Guide, an online resource of FM Approvals, provides complimentary
access to a fully searchable Web-based database of the most up-to-date information
about 50,000 FM Approved fire protection products, building materials, electrical
equipment and services that conform to the highest property protection standards.
Authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), architects, consulting engineers, facility
managers, and product buyers rely on the Approval Guide to help them make
well-informed decisions about which products and services on the market will best
reduce their property-loss risks.
