ULTRA NT SCIF Barrier Installation Instructions

Installation instructions for ULTRA NT SCIF Barrier – SOLID & PERFORATED, based on the technical data and installation package revised October 12, 2026. The installation methods and illustrated details on this page apply to both SOLID and PERFORATED. Follow the construction sequence below and review the details for every applicable interface.

Approved project details govern. The design team defines shielding boundaries, performance requirements, assemblies, accessories, grounding and acceptance criteria. These schematic methods support installation of the selected SOLID or PERFORATED membrane within that design; they are not tested assembly ratings or a SCIF accreditation certificate.

View Illustrated Installation Details

Essential installation dimensions

• Sheet laps: 6 inches minimum finished overlap.
• Wall returns: extend membrane 12 inches onto the floor and 12 inches onto the ceiling shielding plane.
• Seam tape: the guide illustrates 2-inch conductive-adhesive tape centered over the exposed lap edge, approximately 1 inch on each sheet. Use wider approved tape where geometry requires full contact.
• Roll size: 48 inches × 125 feet, 500 square feet nominal. Allow for overlaps, returns, cuts, folds and waste.
• Inspection: resolve defects before covering the shielding.

1. Prepare the design and supported assembly

1. Confirm shielded surfaces, backing, approved accessories and all hardware and service interfaces on approved shop drawings.
2. Prepare clean, dry, smooth supporting surfaces. Remove debris and sharp projections and resolve moisture conditions.
3. Install on the approved backing, typically between gypsum-board layers. Coordinate fire resistance, acoustics, moisture control and structural support as separate assembly functions.
4. Use compatible adhesive and approved temporary attachment. Keep mating foil faces and tape contact surfaces free of construction adhesive and contamination.
5. Prepare a representative mock-up of a lap, conductive tape, corner, floor/ceiling return and penetration before repeating the method.

2. Measure, cut and tape sheet seams

Allow both 12-inch wall returns when measuring sheets. For example, an 84-inch straight wall height requires 108 inches of material where this return arrangement applies. Add any further allowance required by the approved geometry.

1. Install the first sheet flat against its backing. Lap the next sheet at least 6 inches and measure the finished overlap before taping.
2. Apply the specified conductive tape continuously over each exposed lap edge without stretching. Press the full width and the step at the lap.
3. Eliminate bubbles, channels, wrinkles, tenting and lifted edges. Tape must contact both sheet faces.
4. Maintain 6-inch minimum horizontal course laps. Prefer staggered vertical joints; seal every exposed seam edge and T-junction.
5. Establish tape-end splice dimensions in the approved mock-up. Do not butt-joint tape ends.

Optional Z-fold seam

The Z-fold is a proposed supplemental method requiring NBS and project RF designer approval of fold dimensions, laminate suitability, tape width and junction treatment before use. It is not a tested seam assembly in the MET report.

Mark the approved fold-leg width F and 2F from the raw edge, form two opposite-direction bends without scoring or cutting, and gently flatten the return. The fold consumes 2F of sheet width; add this allowance to preserve at least 6 inches of finished overlap. Conductive tape remains required across the exposed folded edge. Close seam ends and fold pockets using the approved method. See package pages 31–32.

3. Continue shielding through corners, floors and ceilings

• Inside/outside corners: carry membrane continuously around bends where practical without bridging voids or pulling tight over sharp edges. Put 6-inch sheet laps on accessible flat faces and tape exposed edges.
• Three-way corners: prefer intact folds. The illustrated method covers necessary relief cuts with a formed patch extending at least 6 inches beyond every cut and tapes all exposed patch edges. Validate the method in the mock-up.
• Concrete floors: use the approved smooth, dry slab and moisture/floor system. Turn wall foil 12 inches onto the slab; where floor shielding is required, lap floor sheets at least 6 inches onto the return and tape. Inspect before protection and finish layers.
• Wood floors: prepare stable, smooth sheathing with no protruding fasteners or unsupported membrane over gaps. Connect floor membrane to the 12-inch wall return with a 6-inch minimum lap and tape; protect with the designed underlayment.
• Flat ceilings: extend wall foil 12 inches onto the designated shielding plane. Overlap supported ceiling membrane at least 6 inches onto the return and tape. A suspended acoustic tile ceiling is not automatically the shielding boundary.
• Pan decks: maintain the approved continuous supported shielding plane. Do not terminate foil at an open rib or flute. If membrane follows the deck profile, obtain separate closures for every rib end, seam and support.

4. Complete hardware and service interfaces

Follow component-specific instructions and maintain a continuous approved conductive connection between membrane and the selected shielding hardware.

• RF doors: connect continuously to the designed frame flange/clamp at jambs and head and continue into the threshold bond. Keep RF contacts, gaskets and latches clear.
• Thresholds: bond the floor shield to the door supplier’s designed threshold interface and protect the connection during finish work.
• RF windows: complete all four perimeter connections and frame-corner bonds.
• Pipes/sleeves: use approved collars, flanges or penetration assemblies at the shielding plane with complete perimeter contact. Provide separate fire/acoustic seals and the specified service countermeasure.
• Power/signal entries: install approved filters or entry hardware at the boundary, bond their housings and record every penetration.
• RF vents: connect membrane to the approved vent/waveguide flange. Coordinate airflow, duct attachment, access, fire/smoke and acoustic requirements.

Tape or conductive caulk alone does not replace required RF doors, filters, waveguides or service countermeasures.

5. Repair, protect and bond the membrane

• Tears/cuts: clean and flatten the surrounding foil. The illustrated repair method uses matching membrane of the same product type extending at least 6 inches beyond every damaged edge, with all exposed patch edges taped. Obtain project approval of the repair method and record its location.
• Obstructions: resolve whether a structural member lies inside or crosses the envelope. Use supported wraps or designed collars; finish floor and ceiling transitions and place laps on accessible faces.
• Fasteners/supports: use the approved attachment schedule and puncture treatment. A screw or staple is not assumed to restore an RF seal. Repair tears and enlarged holes.
• Movement: use an engineered flexible RF connection sized for expected travel and approved terminations.
• Grounding/bonding: follow the electrical engineer’s approved design and project security direction for contacts, clamps, straps, conductors, bus bars and verification. Do not add separate ground rods or disconnect protective grounding based on these sketches.

6. Inspect, test and close out

1. Before concealment, measure overlaps and returns and inspect every taped seam, corner, T-junction, repair, deck closure, threshold, hardware flange and bonding point.
2. Repair tears, openings and lifted tape before covering the work. Document inspections and deviations under project security rules.
3. Perform project-defined continuity and bonding checks. A DC continuity check does not prove RF attenuation.
4. Test the completed enclosure at the specified frequencies, polarities, locations and acceptance limits, including applicable doors, vents and penetrations. Correct deficiencies and retest.
5. Provide as-built shield boundaries, accessory/penetration records, inspections, repairs, grounding results and the final RF report. Control future penetrations and changes.

Accessory selection

• Conductive seam tape: 3M 3302 conductive aluminum tape or 3M 1170 EMI shielding tape, as approved for the project.
• Attachment adhesive: 3M Super 77 is listed in the guide; verify substrate and assembly compatibility and follow product handling instructions.
• Auxiliary tape: 3M 1520-CW is non-conductive; do not substitute it for conductive seam bonding.
• Penetrations/bonding: use the approved conductive sealants, collars, flanges, hardware and conductors required by the design.

Open Separate Installation Details Page

Illustrated installation details — SOLID & PERFORATED

View the construction details directly below. These installation methods apply to both SOLID and PERFORATED; drawings reproduced from the SOLID package retain their original labels. Use the selected product’s test report for its shielding performance.

Click any detail in the index to open its drawing, installation actions and inspection checks in one click. Select the image to open a larger view. Approved project details govern.

Open all installation details in the complete technical package (PDF)