NFPA 18-2021 PDF

Full title and description

NFPA 18-2021 — Standard on Wetting Agents. This NFPA consensus standard provides requirements for the performance, testing, labeling, supply, and application of wetting agent concentrates and wetting agent solutions used to improve water’s effectiveness in fire control and extinguishment for Class A and Class B fires.

Abstract

This standard addresses qualification tests, methods of evaluation, and general rules for the application and use of wetting agents and wetting agent solutions as related to fire control and extinguishment. It includes definitions, uses and limitations, performance and test methods for concentrates and solutions, Class A and Class B extinguishment tests, supply and fixed system requirements, packaging/labeling, and inspection and maintenance provisions.

General information

• Status: Current (active NFPA standard, 2021 edition).
• Publication date: 2021 edition (NFPA publication, listed with 2021 edition year; publisher listing shows publication availability mid‑2020 for the 2021 edition).
• Publisher: National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
• ICS / categories: Fire protection; firefighting agents and equipment; testing and conformity assessment; hazardous materials control.
• Edition / version: 2021 edition (revises the 2017 edition).
• Number of pages: Edition and vendor listings report short-format page counts (commonly shown as approximately 16–24 pages depending on format and vendor).

Scope

NFPA 18-2021 covers qualification tests, methods of evaluation, and general rules for acceptance and application of wetting agent concentrates and wetting agent solutions used for fire control and extinguishment. The scope includes performance requirements, Class A and Class B fire extinguishment tests, compatibility and concentration limits, health/safety/environmental considerations, supply systems (including fire‑department and fixed systems), packaging, labeling, and inspection/testing protocols.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and administrative provisions governing application and retroactivity.
• Requirements and test methods for wetting agent concentrates and solutions, including viscosity and corrosion-rate considerations.
• Class A fire extinguishment tests (wood crib, deep‑seated fire, penetration) and Class B fire extinguishment test requirements and listing criteria.
• Supply and system requirements for wetting agent storage, fire department supply, and fixed systems.
• Packaging, labeling, storage, and shelf‑life requirements for concentrates and solutions.
• Inspection, testing, and maintenance requirements for fixed extinguishing systems using wetting agents.
• Health, safety, and environmental considerations and limitations for use and disposal.

Typical use and users

This standard is used by fire departments, authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), manufacturers of wetting agents and firefighting equipment, testing and listing laboratories, insurance and risk‑assessment professionals, and facility safety personnel to evaluate, specify, procure, test, and apply wetting agent products and related systems.

Related standards

Related and complementary NFPA standards include NFPA 18A (Standard on Water Additives for Fire Control and Vapor Mitigation, 2022) and other NFPA codes/standards covering fixed extinguishing systems, firefighting foam/usability, and testing/listing protocols. NFPA 18-2021 revises the prior NFPA 18-2017 edition.

Keywords

wetting agents, wetting agent concentrates, wetting agent solutions, fire control, Class A fires, Class B fires, extinguishment testing, viscosity, corrosion rate, packaging, labeling, inspection, NFPA 18, water additives.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: NFPA 18-2021 is the National Fire Protection Association standard that sets performance, testing, supply, packaging, labeling, and use requirements for wetting agents and wetting agent solutions used to enhance water‑based fire control and extinguishment.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers qualification and performance tests, Class A and Class B extinguishment tests, compatibility and concentration limits, system and supply requirements (including fixed systems and fire‑department supply), packaging/labeling, and inspection, testing, and maintenance procedures, plus health/safety and environmental considerations.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fire service personnel, AHJs, wetting agent manufacturers, testing/listing laboratories, insurance and risk professionals, and facility safety/operations staff.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2021 edition is the current NFPA 18 edition (it revises the 2017 edition). Users should check for any amendments or newer related standards (for example NFPA 18A was published in 2022 for water additives).

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is part of NFPA’s body of fire protection standards and is closely related to NFPA documents that address water additives and extinguishing agents; NFPA publishes companion standards and documents addressing testing, listing, and system requirements.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Wetting agents, wetting agent concentrates, wetting agent solutions, Class A, Class B, extinguishment test methods, viscosity, corrosion rate, packaging, labeling, inspection, NFPA 18.