Fire-resistant access panels
This text deals with a simplified view of the topic of fire-resistant access panels. It is an ideal aid for the general public in the construction industry. This text was consulted with an expert.
Useful information for getting oriented in the regulations on the fire resistance of access panels
This text deals with a simplified view of the topic of fire-resistant access panels. It is an ideal aid for the general public in the construction industry. This text was consulted with an expert.
Which standards govern this topic?
Standard ČSN EN 1634-1+A1 – deals with testing the fire resistance and smoke-tightness of doors, gates and shutters.
Standard 13501-2 – deals with the classification of construction products.
General information
The fire resistance of building structures is the time for which the structures are able to withstand the effects of flame and high temperatures. Verification of fire resistance is carried out by a test or on the basis of calculation, extrapolation and comparison according to test standards and regulations.
It is stated in minutes on the basic value scale: 15, 20, 30, 45, 60, 90, 120 and 180 minutes.
Abbreviations used in the area of fire resistance for access panels
| Abbreviation | Description |
|---|---|
| E | Integrity. |
| I | Insulation capability of the limit temperature on the unheated surface. |
| W | Insulation capability of the limit value of heat flux (radiation). |
| S | Smoke-tightness. |
| C | Self-closing. |
| M | Mechanical resistance: to impact. |
| EW | Limiting fire. Here the amount of radiant heat that is emitted through the shutter is monitored. |
| EI | Preventing fire. It separates the fire side and the calm side. The temperatures of the surfaces of the sides are compared. |
| EI20 | The number indicates the time (in minutes) for which the panel has proven resistance according to a test by an accredited laboratory. The stated panel meets at least 20 minutes. |
| PO | A formerly used abbreviation for the EW criterion. |
| PR | A formerly used abbreviation for the EI criterion. |
| EI1 | Fire resistance in a structure according to DP1. Structures made of non-combustible materials. |
| EI2 | Fire resistance in a structure according to DP1 and DP2. These are structures that contribute to combustion. The criteria for success in the test are stricter than for EI1. |
| EW | Fire resistance that is assessed according to radiation |
| EI120 EW60 |
This panel meets the standard for a structure according to DP1. The minimum values of this panel are: 20 minutes of insulation from the surface temperature and 60 minutes from the limit radiation. |
How do we divide fire closures
We divide fire closures from the point of view of fire-resistance criteria according to ČSN 730810
What symbols are used in the designation of a building structure?
When marking the fire resistance of building structures, the following symbols are used:
- DP1 – do not increase the intensity of the fire within the required fire-resistance time (the essential components of the structures consist of: a) only products of reaction-to-fire class A1, or also products of reaction-to-fire class A2, provided the class A2 products are compact and homogeneous and contain by mass at most 5 % of organic substances (e.g. binders in mineral-fibre insulation), b) or of products of reaction-to-fire class B to F placed inside the structural part between products according to point a) (e.g. thermal and acoustic insulation), in such a way that within the required fire-resistance time the ignition temperature of the substances contained in the products is not reached; the stability and load-bearing capacity of the structural part does not depend on these products. If the temperature according to point b) is not unambiguously determined, it is recommended to consider 180 °C as the ignition temperature. Even if the structure also includes products according to point b) where the resulting reaction-to-fire class of the whole product is class B, this structure may be classified as DP1.
- DP2 – do not increase the intensity of the fire within the required fire-resistance time (the essential components of the structures consist of: a) only products of reaction-to-fire class A1, or also products of reaction-to-fire class A2, provided the class A2 products are compact and homogeneous and contain by mass at most 5 % of organic substances (e.g. binders in mineral-fibre insulation), b) or of products of reaction-to-fire class B to F placed inside the structural part between products according to point a) (e.g. thermal and acoustic insulation), in such a way that within the required fire-resistance time the ignition temperature of the substances contained in the products is not reached; the stability and load-bearing capacity of the structural part does not depend on these products.
- DP3 – increase the intensity of the fire within the required fire-resistance time (they include essential components of structures that do not meet the requirements for structures of type DP1 and DP2).
Description of the properties of the panels
E – Integrity
Loss of integrity occurs through the formation of cracks and openings exceeding certain dimensions, or through ignition of the unexposed surface. At no point may, for example, an opening larger than 25 mm arise, or a crack or gap of width greater than 6 mm and length 150 mm. Furthermore, continuous flaming combustion lasting longer than 10 seconds must not occur on the side facing away from the fire. Neither the amount of radiant heat passing through nor the surface temperatures on the side facing away are limited in any way.
EW – Integrity and limitation of radiation
In addition to the "E – Integrity" property described above, the "W – Radiation" property must also be met. The element meets this fire resistance if the radiant flux (radiation) at a distance of 1 m from the surface facing away from the fire is less than 15 kW/m2. By limiting the radiant flux, the probability of fire transfer and ignition of materials in the neighbouring fire compartment near the fire shutter is reduced.
EI1, EI2 – Integrity and insulation capability
In addition to the "E – Integrity" property described above, the "I – Insulation capability" property must also be met. In this case, on the unexposed surface of the fire-separating element (for example access panels), the temperature must not rise on average by more than 180 °C. At the same time, the temperature must not rise by more than 180 °C at any point. The exception is the milder EI2 classification, where the limit value of the temperature rise of 180 °C is increased to 360 °C. The surface temperature is always assessed directly (i.e. by touch). EI2 may be used in non-combustible structures (DP1).
This text was consulted with an expert.
7 December 2021
České Budějovice