B2 fire rating?
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Website design By BotEap.comA B2 fire resistance classification on a product does not mean that the product can be used to stop or protect fire.
Website design By BotEap.comWhen we do a fire risk assessment, we often make comments about how to stop the fire. In recent work, we discussed the need to stop additional fire. The client hired a contractor who used Soudafoam. On the tin he says that the product has a B2 fire resistance classification according to DIN 4102.
Website design By BotEap.comOur client then asked us to update our fire risk assessment as these works had been completed.
Website design By BotEap.comBefore signing this off, we did some more research to establish what a ‘B2 Fire Classification according to DIN 4102’ meant. Din 4102 is the European Classification of construction materials according to their flammability. Classes range from A1 100% non-combustible to B3 Easily combustible. This is what we found:
Website design By BotEap.comClassification Degree of flammability Examples
Website design By BotEap.comA1 100% non-combustible (nichtbrennbar)
A2 ~98% non-combustible (nichtbrennbar)
B1 Hard-to-ignite intumescents (schwer entflammbar) and some high-end silicones
B2 Wood of normal combustibility
B3 Highly flammable (leichtentflammbar) Website design By BotEap.comAs you can see from this, a B2 rating is not acceptable as a fire stopping material and a B1, A2 or A1 rating is needed. The contractors’ supplier thought the B2 rating indicated a 2-hour fire resistance and sold the material to many other contractors who were looking for a fire-stop material. Website design By BotEap.comSearching for more information on Soudafoam on the website http://www.soudalusa.com we found a list of suggested uses; Thermal insulation, sound insulation and various other uses are recommended. There are no comments on fire insulation. Website design By BotEap.comThe B2 Fire Rated statement is obviously correct, but when searching for Soudafoam on the web, you come across an ad like this Website design By BotEap.comSoudafoam 1Kb2 Fire Resistant Spray Foam Website design By BotEap.comI think most people would assume that the product has good fireproof values. Website design By BotEap.comTo make matters worse, foam with the correct A1/A2/B1 rating is no more expensive than Soudafoam. Website design By BotEap.comSelling something with a ‘B2’ fire rating when the facts are correct is very misleading. â�¨â�¨ I posted this comment as a discussion within the ‘Fire Risk Assessors and Consultants Group UK’ on LinkedIn. I received a very interesting response from Gordon Alexander of Gordon Alexander Associates which I copy in full:â�¨ Website design By BotEap.comBe very aware of the use of PU foams. They must be tested to BS 476: Parts 20/22, BS EN 1366-4 in the case of linear gaps and BS EN 1366-3 for service penetration seals. There is a big difference between fire reaction polyurethane foams like B1 B2 etc. and fire resistant polyurethane foams. Take a look at the ASFP Advisory Notice on the Use of Polyurethane Foams and make sure they are applied as tested. I have had many problems with this, particularly with fire door installations. Using penetration foam to seal doors is not a compatible installation…and vice versa of course. When used in door installations the backing should, in many cases, be mineral wool topped with at least 10mm of intumescent sealant and all in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and installed to test data. You can’t just ‘hit’ a foam load, particularly B2. Website design By BotEap.comI hope these comments are useful and help ensure that the right materials are used in the right circumstances.
A2 ~98% non-combustible (nichtbrennbar)
B1 Hard-to-ignite intumescents (schwer entflammbar) and some high-end silicones
B2 Wood of normal combustibility
B3 Highly flammable (leichtentflammbar) Website design By BotEap.comAs you can see from this, a B2 rating is not acceptable as a fire stopping material and a B1, A2 or A1 rating is needed. The contractors’ supplier thought the B2 rating indicated a 2-hour fire resistance and sold the material to many other contractors who were looking for a fire-stop material. Website design By BotEap.comSearching for more information on Soudafoam on the website http://www.soudalusa.com we found a list of suggested uses; Thermal insulation, sound insulation and various other uses are recommended. There are no comments on fire insulation. Website design By BotEap.comThe B2 Fire Rated statement is obviously correct, but when searching for Soudafoam on the web, you come across an ad like this Website design By BotEap.comSoudafoam 1Kb2 Fire Resistant Spray Foam Website design By BotEap.comI think most people would assume that the product has good fireproof values. Website design By BotEap.comTo make matters worse, foam with the correct A1/A2/B1 rating is no more expensive than Soudafoam. Website design By BotEap.comSelling something with a ‘B2’ fire rating when the facts are correct is very misleading. â�¨â�¨ I posted this comment as a discussion within the ‘Fire Risk Assessors and Consultants Group UK’ on LinkedIn. I received a very interesting response from Gordon Alexander of Gordon Alexander Associates which I copy in full:â�¨ Website design By BotEap.comBe very aware of the use of PU foams. They must be tested to BS 476: Parts 20/22, BS EN 1366-4 in the case of linear gaps and BS EN 1366-3 for service penetration seals. There is a big difference between fire reaction polyurethane foams like B1 B2 etc. and fire resistant polyurethane foams. Take a look at the ASFP Advisory Notice on the Use of Polyurethane Foams and make sure they are applied as tested. I have had many problems with this, particularly with fire door installations. Using penetration foam to seal doors is not a compatible installation…and vice versa of course. When used in door installations the backing should, in many cases, be mineral wool topped with at least 10mm of intumescent sealant and all in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and installed to test data. You can’t just ‘hit’ a foam load, particularly B2. Website design By BotEap.comI hope these comments are useful and help ensure that the right materials are used in the right circumstances.