UL 2085 is required when a protected aboveground storage tank is required by the adopted fire code, authority having jurisdiction, project specification, insurer, or owner. In many cases, this applies to aboveground tanks used to store flammable or combustible liquids in locations where enhanced fire protection, impact resistance, secondary containment, or reduced separation distances are needed.
UL 2085 is not automatically required for every aboveground storage tank. Some installations may allow a UL 142 tank or another listed tank system when approved by the authority having jurisdiction.
UL 2085 covers shop-fabricated, aboveground, atmospheric protected tanks intended for stable flammable or combustible liquids with a specific gravity not greater than 1.0, when compatible with the tank’s materials and construction.
Who/What This Applies To
UL 2085 applies to shop-fabricated, aboveground, atmospheric protected storage tanks used for stable flammable and combustible liquids.
This commonly includes tanks used for:
- Motor fuels
- Diesel fuel
- Gasoline
- Jet fuel
- Generator fuel systems
- Fleet fueling
- Commercial, industrial, institutional, and aviation fuel storage
- Installations where fire exposure, impact protection, or secondary containment are major design considerations
UL 2085 tanks are often used where an owner, engineer, fire code official, or project specification requires a “protected” aboveground tank rather than a standard aboveground tank.
When It Is Required
UL 2085 may be required when:
- The adopted fire code requires a protected aboveground tank.
- The authority having jurisdiction requires UL 2085 for the specific installation.
- The tank stores Class I, Class II, or Class IIIA motor fuels in an aboveground dispensing application where the applicable fire code requires a protected tank.
- The project specification calls for a UL 2085 listed protected tank.
- The installation needs to meet separation distance, fire exposure, or site safety requirements.
- The tank is located near buildings, property lines, public ways, dispensing areas, traffic areas, or other exposures.
- The owner, insurer, engineer, or facility standard requires additional fire protection or secondary containment.
- A protected tank is needed to satisfy local permitting or plan review requirements.
The International Fire Code includes provisions for aboveground tanks used for outdoor motor fuel storage and dispensing, including requirements for certain Class I, II, and IIIA liquids to be listed and labeled as protected aboveground tanks in accordance with UL 2085, with exceptions where other Chapter 57-compliant tanks are approved by the fire code official.
What Is Required
When UL 2085 is required, the tank must generally be:
- Listed and labeled as a UL 2085 protected aboveground tank
- Designed for aboveground atmospheric storage
- Suitable for the stored liquid
- Installed in accordance with applicable fire code requirements
- Installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions
- Equipped with required normal and emergency venting
- Provided with required spill control, overfill prevention, and leak detection features
- Located according to applicable separation distance requirements
- Protected from vehicle impact when required
- Reviewed and approved through the applicable permitting or plan review process
For STI/SPFA FIREGUARD® tanks, STI/SPFA identifies UL 2085 listing, ballistics and impact protection per UL 2085, NFPA 30 and 30A compatibility, IFC compatibility, CARB Standing Loss Control testing, and STI Standard F941 as part of the FIREGUARD® protected tank system.
Documentation/Process Considerations
Before selecting or installing a UL 2085 tank, confirm:
- The adopted fire code edition for the project location
- Local amendments or state-specific requirements
- The stored liquid classification
- Tank capacity
- Indoor vs. outdoor location
- Fuel dispensing vs. storage-only use
- Required separation distances
- Emergency venting requirements
- Spill and overfill prevention requirements
- Secondary containment expectations
- Vehicle impact protection requirements
- Whether the AHJ requires plan review, permits, inspections, or specific documentation
Typical documentation may include:
- Tank listing information
- Manufacturer drawings
- Project specifications
- Installation instructions
- Site plan
- Venting calculations
- Spill and overfill prevention details
- Foundation or support details
- Inspection records
- Permit approvals
- AHJ correspondence
Common Mistakes/Gray Areas
A common mistake is assuming UL 2085 is required for every aboveground storage tank. It is not. UL 2085 is required when the code, AHJ, project specification, insurer, or owner requires a protected aboveground tank.
Another common mistake is treating UL 142 and UL 2085 as interchangeable. UL 142 applies to steel aboveground tanks, while UL 2085 applies to protected aboveground tanks with additional performance criteria for fire exposure and physical protection.
A third gray area is relying only on national model code language without checking local amendments. The final requirement often depends on the adopted code edition and the authority having jurisdiction.
It is also important not to assume that a tank labeled “fire-rated,” “double-wall,” or “protected” is automatically equivalent to a UL 2085 listed tank. When UL 2085 is required, the tank should be listed and labeled accordingly.
FAQs
Related Resources
FIREGUARD® Protected Aboveground Storage Tanks
UL 142 vs. UL 2085 Aboveground Storage Tanks
Aboveground Storage Tank FAQ
STI Standard F941 for Protected Aboveground Storage Tanks
Selecting an Emergency Vent for Shop Fabricated UL 142 & UL 2085 Aboveground Storage Tanks
STI/SPFA Member Directory
Need a protected aboveground storage tank?
Explore FIREGUARD® UL 2085 listed tanks or connect with an STI/SPFA member fabricator.
