Fire Resistance of Ceiling tiles.

[Dinnertime Dave]

Looking at a ceiling tile in a property. The label is in German but states that the tile conforms to A2-S1, d0.

 I know it's non combustible and does not produce droplets, but does it provide me with 30 minutes fire resistance.  

Also, it isn't clipped with the construction company saying they don't need clipping anymore - Dinosaur.

[Tom Sutton]

Your example appears to have been tested by "EN 13501-1: Reaction to Fire" standard which I think is equivalent to surface spread of flame test and meets a class O standard. To measure the fire resistance you need "EN 13501-2: Fire Resistance" but check out http://www.frocc.org/pdf/regulation/Regulatory_guide_Rockwool.pdf and http://www.owa.de/docs/pdf/DS_500_EU_Fire_resistance_EN13501_070908.pdf it is not easy but hopefully somebody can help.

[colin todd]

Suppers, it is not necessarily non- combustible but it will be acceptable where, in the UK, we would want limited combustibility.

[Dinnertime Dave]

The property is a very large timber framed extra care scheme. I Picked up as part of the FRA the lack of fire resistance above the false ceiling around the kitchen and laundry.

The property is 4 years old and classed as a latent defect and gone back to the developers to put right. However, to put it right retrospectively would involve a great deal of disruption and cost. The solution offered is to replace the existing suspended ceiling with a fire resistant suspended ceiling. Waiting for certification but noticed the discarded packaging stating the standard in the OP.

15 years of inspecting, trust no one.

[Phoenix]

Have you checked the fire resistance of the framework that holds the tiles up?

[Dinnertime Dave]

Have you checked the fire resistance of the framework that holds the tiles up?

Yes, I'm waiting for certification on the complete system as fitted.

[colin todd]

Suppers, I would be very careful.  True FR ceilings are as rare as nice, polite, reasonable and intelligent LFEPA I/Os.  I have come across two or three of each in my 41 years in fire safety, but the theory of what should be is very different from the practice.  Also, from which side are you looking for FR?

[Fishy]

Looking at a ceiling tile in a property. The label is in German but states that the tile conforms to A2-S1, d0.

 I know it's non combustible and does not produce droplets, but does it provide me with 30 minutes fire resistance.  

Also, it isn't clipped with the construction company saying they don't need clipping anymore - Dinosaur.

A2 isn't non-combustible - it's a material of limited combustibility - and no, I'm afraid that it gives no indication whatsoever as to whether the ceiling has any fire resistance or not (from whichever direction).

[Tom Sutton]

EN 13501-2: Fire Resistance, is the standard for fire resistance and for 30 mins FR, it would be labeled REI 30. The F is stability, the R is integrity  and the I is insulation.

[Fishy]

EN 13501-2: Fire Resistance, is the standard for fire resistance and for 30 mins FR, it would be labeled REI 30. The F is stability, the R is integrity  and the I is insulation.

Sorry to correct you, Tom - it's not quite that simple in Euroclass world!  Firstly R = Load-bearing capacity; E = Integrity and I is insulation, but you wouldn't want 'R' from a ceiling alone - that would only apply if it were part of a floor construction.  

Ceilings that provide fire separation in their own right would be either 'E' or 'EI' rated and should also be classified (and specified) according to the direction of exposure (either from below, or from above, or both).  So a typical "Euroclass" for a 60 minute fire resisting ceiling might be EI 60 (a↔b) - meaning it gives 60 mins integrity and insulation from both above and below.   On the other hand, EI 60 (a←b) indicates a ceiling membrane which is capable of providing 30 min integrity and thermal insulation performance from the underside only.  Really important for anyone specifying these installations against the Euroclasses to quote the full classification.

If you think that's complicated, try linear gap seals - typical performance specification / classification: "EI 30 - H - M 100 - B - W 30 to W 90"!

[Tom Sutton]

No need to say sorry I learn from being corrected and I think many others will as well. I thought our standards were complicated but the EN are in a league of their own and hopefully it will answer part of DD, OP.

Also there was a typo the F should have been R but thanks for clearing it up.

[Tom Sutton]

I fully agree with you Fishy but what about suspended ceiling as it has a load bearing capacity element because in a fire it could collapse, therefore should the R be added?

[Fishy]

I fully agree with you Fishy but what about suspended ceiling as it has a load bearing capacity element because in a fire it could collapse, therefore should the R be added?

Not if it's only self-supporting - EI alone is fine if it's only function is to provide fire separation (though the times when you need this should be rare).  If it's intended to support load in service then it isn't a ceiling - it's a floor!

[Tom Sutton]

Thanks Fishy

[Dinnertime Dave]

Thanks for all the replies, really informative and interesting. Still waiting for certification.