Testing and facilities

In-depth, research-based product testing standards and rigorous testing ensure robust products.


We test and Approve property loss prevention products with one overarching goal in mind: to verify that they work each and every time they are used. Products with the FM APPROVED certification mark adhere to the highest standards in quality, technical integrity and performance.

To that end, our testing process is rigorous. It requires state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories. The FM Research Campus has the finest research and product testing laboratories in the world. Each of our laboratories focuses on a unique aspect of property loss prevention, and all of our facilities are designed with property loss prevention products and emerging industry trends in mind.

We put products to the absolute test—to verify they will perform whenever they are called upon to do so.

  • Two People Talking In Front Of A Fire Demonstration

    FM Research Campus

    The world-class, 1,600-acre, (648 ha) state-of-the-art FM Research Campus in West Glocester, RI, USA is where
    FM Approvals tests products against our own research-based, robust product testing standards.

    Learn more
  • Slope Test

    Building materials testing

    If a fire occurs, what prevents the materials from being consumed and the fire from moving throughout the structure? In the Fire Technology Laboratory, we set products on fire to verify that the fire will not spread out of control. We conduct various small-, intermediate- and full- scale tests to evaluate the effects of fire on the products being evaluated.

  • Electrical Systems Testing

    Electrical systems testing

    FM Approvals’ operates a series of application specific electrical test laboratories to support the testing and certification of equipment for use in hazardous (classified) locations, gas detection products and fire alarm systems. These facilities are supported by experienced personnel and state of the art equipment. Whether its explosion safety, gas detection performance or fire alarm and signaling performance testing, FM Approvals has the capability to evaluate your product against the most rigorous global standards and give you the confidence you need that the product will perform when it counts.

  • Fire Protection Testing

    Fire protection testing

    The 180,000-square-foot Fire Technology Laboratory is the centerpiece of the FM Research Campus and the largest facility of its type in the world. Here, we replicate warehouse-size fires to test automatic sprinklers and create mock-ups for special-protection fire extinguishing systems and water-mist systems, among other products. We also conduct intermediate- and small-scale burn testing.

  • Why use FM Approved products?

    Certification Benefits series is designed to help manufacturers, end users, regulators, and code and industry officials understand the benefits of using FM Approved products.

  • Products we certify

    Learn more about the types of products we test and certify, including fire protection, building and cleanroom materials, equipment for use in hazardous locations and flood mitigation products.