Understanding fire resistance ratings is essential for safety in construction and renovations. Knowing the importance of fire resistance ratings and how different building materials are classified can help you choose safer products.
Modern wall partitions are an innovative and efficient tool for construction and renovations in various industries. However, when creating a space, safety is at the forefront of your concerns — and rightfully so. A National Fire Prevention Agency (NFPA) report showed that fire departments across the states responded to more than 543,000 fire calls in 2021.
SwiftWall® is committed to safety and provides Class A fire-rated temporary walls and reusable modular panel systems so you can build effective and safer spaces.
What Does Class A Fire Rating Mean?
A Class A fire rating is the highest rating a material can receive under the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E-84 burn test and the NFPA 255 Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Products with Class A fire ratings have a flame spread rating of 0 to 25 and a smoke development index of 0 to 450. Achieving a Class A fire rating is highly significant for building and construction and is extremely beneficial to regulatory compliance, fire safety and the market value of the builds.
Understanding Fire Ratings
Fire ratings play a crucial role in construction safety. The International Building Code (IBC) requires test procedures for building materials because fire resistance ratings are critical for building safety.
The fuel source dictates how a fire burns — including how hot it gets, how it spreads and how much smoke it generates. Different tests measure a material’s reaction to fire. Some tests are concerned with measuring a material’s retardancy, which is the ability to prevent or resist the spread of fire, and structural integrity, which measures how the material contributes to the development of the fire.
Fire Rating Classifications
Depending on the test and the metrics, there can be up to seven distinct classes of fire ratings:
- Class A1: An A1 rating means the product is non-combustible and will not contribute to a fire. A1 materials have been put through the most stringent tests to determine their combustibility, flame spread, heat levels and smoke release. Fire-rated Class A products include concrete, stone and brick.
- Class A2: A Class A2 product has limited combustibility.
- Class B: Materials in Class B are highly flame-resistant, with a flame spread rating of 26 to 75. While these products are combustible, they have a minimal contribution to fire. Class B products include materials like birch plywood.
- Class C: These materials have a flame spread rating between 76 and 200. Though combustible, they contribute little to fire and can be effective against medium fire exposure. Fiberboard and plywood are examples of Class C products.
- Class D: Class D materials are combustible. They can resist small flame attacks for extended periods but have a high flame spread rating of 201 to 500. Some polystyrenes fall under the Class D rating.
- Class E: These materials are combustible and contribute a high amount to fire, with a flame spread rating exceeding 500. Vacuum-pressed wood fiberboard is an example of a Class E-rated product.
- Class F: Class F products have either not been tested or are extremely flammable.
In the U.S., there are only three fire rating classes — A to C or I to III. For international fire classifications, there are up to seven fire class ratings, from A1 to F. Some of the main fire rating tests in the U.S. include:
- The ASTM E-84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
- The ASTM E-119 Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
- The NFPA 252 Standard Methods of Fire Tests of Door Assemblies
- The NFPA 255 Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
Some of the main fire rating tests for international testing are covered by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 834 Fire Resistance Tests.
The ASTM E84 Burn Test: Ensuring Safety Standards
Like other fire rating tests, ASTM E-84 considers flame spread and smoke development. The Flame Spread Index (FSI) shows how quickly the flames travel once a fire is initiated, and the Smoke Developed Index (SDI) reveals how much smoke the fire produces over a certain period.
The test involves exposing a sample material to two burners inside a Steiner Tunnel, a 24-by-24-inch steel box with a window for monitoring the sample. Special software helps analyze the flame spread and smoke development precisely.
The FSI ratings for interior walls and ceilings must fall under three classes according to guidelines from The Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) and Section 803.1 of the International Building Code:
- Class A: Class A materials have the lowest flame spread, from 0 to 25.
- Class B: Materials under Class B have a flame spread between 26 and 75.
- Class C: Class C materials have a flame spread rating of 76 to 200.
The Importance of Class A Fire-Rated Temporary Walls
Class A fire-rated building materials help you create safer and more compliant spaces. Modern places often need innovative and adaptable products to construct the right space in various industries, such as health care, educational facilities, retail and airports. Temporary walls and reusable modular panel systems provide an ideal, fire-resistant alternative to traditional walls.
The right modular panel system can help make construction simple, quick and sustainable. Choosing a temporary wall system with a Class A fire rating is essential for compliance and safety while providing a way to install a wall system faster than traditional temporary walls.
Class A Fire-Rated Modular Wall Partitions From SwiftWall®
Safety is always the top priority when constructing a space. While other factors, including quicker and simpler build times, are hugely advantageous, choosing Class A fire-rated partitions should be the first consideration.
SwiftWall® temporary walls and modular panel systems make safety and convenience possible for your project. We know the importance of fire safety and protection, and our wall systems are designed and manufactured up to a Class A fire rating.
Additionally, our temporary walls feature durable panels that are lightweight and reusable. They are easy to assemble and disassemble and have outstanding sound attenuation. We also offer customizable design options suited for various applications across industries.
Contact us today to consult with one of our experts about your specific project needs or to learn more about our product line.
