API 607 vs API 6FA: Fire Test Standards

Quick Answer

API 607 is a fire test standard for quarter-turn valves (ball valves, plug valves, butterfly valves); it tests a prototype valve’s ability to maintain a seal during and after a fire. API 6FA is a fire test standard for all valve types used in pipeline and production service. API 6FA has been withdrawn and its requirements incorporated into API 607 (6th edition onward). Current practice references API 607 for fire-safe valve qualification across all valve types.

Evolution of the Standards

API 6FA was originally the fire test specification for API 6D pipeline valves and API 6A wellhead valves. API 607 was originally limited to soft-seated quarter-turn valves. Starting with the 6th edition of API 607, the scope was expanded to cover all valve types, and API 6FA was withdrawn. Projects referencing API 6FA should now use API 607.

Specifications Table

Feature	API 607 (current)	API 6FA (withdrawn)
Status	Active (current edition)	Withdrawn; merged into API 607
Valve types	All types: ball, gate, globe, plug, butterfly, check	All types (pipeline and production)
Test medium	Water (internal), fire exposure (external)	Water (internal), fire exposure (external)
Fire temperature	760 deg C +/- 55 deg C (1400 deg F +/- 100 deg F)	760 deg C +/- 55 deg C
Fire duration	30 minutes	30 minutes
Pressure during fire	Rated pressure or specified test pressure	Rated pressure
External leakage (during fire)	Limited (per acceptance criteria)	Limited
Seat leakage (during fire)	Limited (per acceptance criteria)	Limited
Post-fire test	Operability + low-pressure seat test	Operability + seat test
Test scope	Prototype test (type test, not production test)	Prototype test
Certificate	API 607 fire test certificate	API 6FA fire test certificate
Referenced by	API 608, API 600, API 6D, project specifications	API 6D, API 6A (historically)

Key Differences (Historical)

Before API 6FA was withdrawn, the practical differences were:

Parameter	API 607 (pre-6th edition)	API 6FA
Valve scope	Quarter-turn only (ball, plug, butterfly)	All types
End connections tested	Flanged	Flanged, butt-weld
Acceptance criteria	Defined leakage limits	Defined leakage limits (slightly different methodology)
Industry adoption	Process piping (refineries, chemical)	Pipeline and production

With the current API 607 edition, these distinctions no longer exist. A single fire test to API 607 qualifies the valve design for both process piping and pipeline applications.

Pro Tip

When reviewing vendor fire test certifications, verify the API 607 edition number. Earlier editions (4th, 5th) had different test procedures and acceptance criteria. Most current project specifications require 6th edition or later. The fire test certificate must match the specific valve type, size range, and pressure class being supplied. A fire test on a 6” Class 150 ball valve does not automatically qualify a 12” Class 600 ball valve of the same design.

Fire-Safe Valve Applications

Fire-safe certification is typically required for valves in:

• Hydrocarbon process piping in refineries and petrochemical plants
• Offshore platform topsides and FPSO piping
• Pipeline emergency shutdown (ESD) valves per API 6D
• Tank farm and terminal isolation valves
• Any service where a fire could compromise valve integrity

For valve specification and valve types, refer to the full guides.

Read the full guide to piping engineering