An Introduction to Fire Safety Ratings
Fire safety ratings for insulation are a critical part of the building process, as they determine the performance and reliability of products used in construction. Fire-rated insulation is an essential element in improving building safety, preventing the spread of fire and smoke and saving lives. It works by providing a barrier between combustible materials, like wood or paper, and the atmosphere, and helps to slow down or even stop fires from spreading through walls or ceilings.
Assessing Fire Safety EU
The most common method used to assess insulation’s fire safety rating is BS EN 13501-1, which is recognised throughout Europe as well as in many other parts of the world. When classifying a material, a meticulous 5 test assessment is used to assess the material on heat levels, combustibility, smoke release, and flame spread. The classification depends on three ratings:
The Three Classification Ratings:
First Classification: Combustibility
A fire safety rating of Class A1 means that the material has been tested and found to be non-combustible, making it suitable for use in areas where there is a higher risk of fire. Class B, C, D and E ratings indicate increasing levels of combustibility in materials, but these types of insulation may still be suitable for use in certain circumstances where there are appropriate risk management strategies in place.
The classification for linear pipe thermal insulation materials are followed by the abbreviation ‘L’ (i.e. A1fl), and flooring materials are followed by ‘fl’ (i.e. A1fl).
Second Rating: Smoke Emission
A rating of S1 means the quantity/speed of emission is absent or weak, S2 means the quantity/speed of emission is average, and S3 means the quantity/speed of emission is high.
Products with an overall rating of E or F are not provided with smoke emission classifications.
Third Classification: Flaming Particles
A rating of D0 means there are no flaming particles, D1 means there are a low amount of flaming particles, and D2 means there are a high amount of flaming particles.
A1 rated products are not given smoke emission or flaming particle ratings due to the assumption that they do not contribute to the growth or spread of a fire.
Insulation Kings’ Fire-Rated Products
Here at Insulation Kings, we offer a range of Class A1 products in a variety of different sizes. These products are completely safe for construction, and are not combustible nor contribute to the development of smoke or flaming particles. These products include:
- KNAUF – DRYWALL - Fire Panel
- ROCKWOOL RWA45
- ROCKWOOL Flexi
- ROCKWOOL Twin Roll
- Xtratherm PIR
- IKO PIR
- KNAUF Hardie Backer
- Superglass Handy Pack 044
- Superglass Multi Roll 44
Looking for more information on fire ratings? Don’t hesitate to get in touch today for specialised advice and assistance from our team.
DISCLAIMER: The contents of this guide are intended for information purposes only. Insulation king shall not be liable, answerable or accountable for any loss or damage resulting from the advice given
