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Fireguard® vs. UL 2085 Tanks: Understanding the Difference

Quick Takeaways

  • UL 2085 = a safety standard for protected tanks
  • Fireguard® = one type of UL 2085-compliant tank design
  • UL 2085 tanks are often required for higher-risk or space-constrained environments
  • Multiple tank designs, not just Fireguard®, can meet UL 2085 requirements

Working with your local authority on a site plan? You may have been told: “You need a Fireguard® tank.”

Here’s the reality: What they’re really asking for is a UL 2085-approved protected tank.

“Fireguard®” has become shorthand in many specs, but it’s not the requirement. The UL 2085 standard is.

Understanding that difference matters. It can open up your options, clarify compliance, and help you choose the right fuel tank solution for your site, not just the most familiar name.

Let’s break it down in simple terms.

What Is UL 2085?

UL 2085 is a safety standard created by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) for ‘Protected Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids.’

The standard defines how a tank must perform under extreme conditions, particularly fire and physical impact.

To meet UL 2085 requirements, tanks must include the following features:

  • Secondary containment
  • 2-Hour fire resistance 
  • Ballistic protection 
  • Impact protection 
  • Thermal insulation

In short: UL 2085 is a performance-based standard focused on enhanced safety and protection. For a tank to be UL 2085-approved, it must meet this standard and pass a series of performance tests. 

What Is a Fireguard® tank?

Fireguard® refers to the Steel Tank Institute’s specific tank design that is built to meet UL 2085 requirements. Manufacturers who produce Fireguard® tanks do so under license from STI. Because of this, Fireguard® tanks are UL 2085-listed. But UL 2085 approval applies to other tank designs too, not just Fireguard®.

As per these design requirements, Fireguard® tanks should :

  • Include inner and outer steel tanks built to UL standards
  • Include an interstitial space for leak detection 
  • Tested to California Air Resources Board (CARB) requirements
  • Compatible with a wide range of fuels, such as biodiesel 

You can read more about Fireguard® tanks over on the STI’s website, and details about the UL 2085 in our guide. 

Why the Distinction Matters

Understanding the difference between UL 2085 and Fireguard® helps avoid a common misconception:

  • UL 2085 is not a brand or product – it’s a certification standard
  • Fireguard® is just one design that meets that standard

There are multiple UL2085-compliant tank options available, each with different construction methods, materials, and features.

What Are Your Options Within UL 2085?

It’s important to remember that UL 2085 isn’t tied to a single manufacturer or design.

There are multiple approaches to building a compliant protected tank, including different construction methods, insulation types, and configurations depending on the application.

For example, Western Global’s FirePro fuel tanks are built to meet the UL 2085 standard while supporting different site requirements and use cases.

Why choose a FirePro fuel tank?

Within the range of UL 2085 options, solutions like our FirePro tanks are often chosen for their practical, jobsite-ready design, including:

  • Lockable equipment cabinet for built-in security and cleaner site organization
  • Pre-installed accessories that reduce setup time and simplify deployment
  • Compact, all-in-one footprint, ideal for space-constrained or mobile applications
  • Flexibility for temporary or permanent use, especially on construction and industrial sites

It’s a good example of how UL 2085 solutions can go beyond compliance, delivering protection plus day-to-day usability.

When Is a UL2085 Tank Required?

Not every installation requires a UL 2085 tank, but in certain scenarios, it may be required or strongly recommended.

  1. When Fire Codes Demand Higher Protection
  • Codes such as NFPA and the International Fire Code recognize UL 2085 tanks as compliant options for aboveground fuel storage, particularly where higher protection is needed.
  1. When Space Is Limited
  • UL 2085 tanks are often used where setback distances are restricted, such as urban or congested sites.
  1. In Higher-Risk Environments
  • Sites with increased exposure to hazards like vehicle traffic, public access, and sensitive operations may require the added protection these tanks provide.
  1. When Regulations or Authorities Require It
  • Local jurisdictions may mandate UL 2085 tanks depending on the application, location, or risk profile.

Fuel storage: the bottom line for UL 2085

When evaluating fuel storage tanks, start by determining whether your site requires a UL 2085 protected tank. Then, evaluate the different designs available that meet that standard.

This ensures you’re making a decision based on:

  • Compliance requirements
  • Site conditions
  • Operational needs

— not just product familiarity.

Extreme protection for extreme environments

Our FirePro Fuel Tank offers unrivalled protection, having been rigorously tested to UL 2085 requirements and backed by an 8-year warranty. Manufactured with Western Global’s renowned tank design and pre-installed with your choice of accessories, the FirePro is a high performance solution for any jobsite. Learn more about our fire-rated fuel tank today. 

 

Download our Quick Reference Sheet: FireGuard®+vs.+UL2085-+Western+Global.pdf

Authored by

Sydney Talbot

Product Manager - Western Global

Experienced in the Fuel Distribution industry, Sydney understands customer needs and how WG products can help them achieve their goals. She is hands-on in Product Development, Product Marketing, and Sales Enablement. You can find Sydney on LinkedIn.

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