A blog written by Alfresco Floors

In the UK, building regulations state that any high-rise building above 18 metres (which is potentially being changed to 11 metres), should not have combustible materials within the construction of external walls and specified attachments.

This means that on such buildings, only materials with an A1 or A2 fire rating can be used – by law.

This blog sets out to explore the Euroclass system for fire rating, whilst focussing on the characterises of A1 and A2 rated materials.

Fire Regulations Explained

Before exploring class A1 and A2 in-depth, it’s important to understand the process of fire testing in order for products to pass British Standard tests regarding fire protection – and the subsequent Euroclass rating that the product receives once tested.

The classification system is defined in BS EN 12501-1. It is recognised as the primary standard within the construction industry and involves a combination of up to five rigorous tests. These tests are designed to assess a product on a range of characteristics including heat levels, combustibility, flame spread and smoke release.

Once tested, the product receives an official classification of its fire rating – known as a Euroclass rating. This information is of great use to specifiers and contractors to determine the best fire rated solutions available for their needs.

An Overview Of Fire Classifications: Three Ratings

The BS EN 13501-1 classification comprises three ratings.

1.Euroclass Rating

The first is the Euroclass Rating and the subsequent abbreviations as follows:

-Euroclass rating – which will be the letter A1, A2, B, C, D, E or F
-Flooring materials are followed by the abbreviation ‘fl’ (e.g A1fl)
-Linear pipe thermal insulation products are followed by the abbreviation ‘L’ (e.g. A1L)

2. Smoke Emission During Combustion

The second classification relates to smoke emission during combustion. This is indicated by an s1, s2 or s3 rating – from highest to lowest performance. It’s important to note that smoke emission classifications are not provided for products with an E or F rating.

3.Production Of Flaming Droplets/Particles

This rating is indicated by d0, d1 or d2 from highest to lowest performance. E-rated products receive a d2 flaming droplet classification.

It’s important to note that A1-rated products aren’t given a smoke emission or flaming droplet rating. This is based on the assumption that they make no contribution to fire growth or spread.

A1 and A2 Fire-Rated Materials

When materials are given an A1 or A2 fire rating, it essentially gives them the ‘non-combustible’ seal of approval – meaning that materials with such ratings can be specified for use on high rise developments above 18 metres (potentially soon to be 11 metres).

The most stringent tests – as highlighted above – must be passed in order for construction products to reach a Class A rating.

As we’re aware, A1 rated products – which have been manufactured with materials highlighted Commission Decision 96/603/EC – do not require additional fire safety tests. Examples of these include aluminium, natural stone, concrete and porcelain.

However, these materials are only ‘naturally A-rated’ if they haven’t been treated in any way. For example, applying a powder coating to aluminium may affect the fire performance rating.

Conclusion

As specialists in class A fire-rated solutions, Alfresco Floors is more than happy to help aid the specification with your next project. Explore their case studies to view some of Alfresco Floors most recent projects and be sure to download their latest guide to fire regulations.

For more information on how you can achieve compliance with your next project, call on 020 8977 0904 or visit the Alfresco Floors website www.alfrescofloors.com