In critical environments such as cleanrooms, fire resistance is not only a regulatory requirement, but an essential measure to protect people, products and processes.
This article delves into the fire performance classifications defined in EN 13501-1, their technical parameters and how they are applied in modular building systems to ensure safety and compliance.
Table of Contents
Standard EN 13501-1:
Fire Performance Classification
EN 13501-1 regulates the fire performance of building materials and establishes a classification system based on standardized tests. This system evaluates three main parameters:
- Reaction to Fire (Euroclasses: A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F): Measures the contribution of the material to the development of a fire.
- A1 and A2: Non-combustible or with minimum contribution to fire.
- B to F: Progressive combustibility, from materials with low flammability (B) to materials that burn rapidly (F).
- Smoke Production (S1, S2, S3): Classifies the opacity and amount of smoke generated during combustion:
- S1: Low smoke generation.
- S2: Medium generation.
- S3: High smoke generation.
- Inflamed Droplet Formation (d0, d1, d2): Evaluates the fall of swollen particles:
- d0: No swollen drops.
- d1: Limited drops.
- d2: Abundant drops.
Tests Associated with Classification
The EN 13501-1 classification is based on specific tests:
- EN ISO 1182: Non-combustibility test. Determines whether a material can contribute to fire.
- EN ISO 1716: Determination of the heat of combustion. Evaluates the energy released during complete combustion.
- EN 13823 (SBI): Lateral flame spread test on building materials.
- EN ISO 11925-2: Small flame ignitability test.
These tests provide measurable data on how a material responds to fire, allowing its technical classification.
Interpretation of Classifications
A material classified as A2-S1, d0 meets the following criteria:
- A2: Low contribution to fire.
- S1: Very low smoke generation.
- d0: No swollen drops.
This classification makes it suitable for applications in critical areas such as operating rooms or sterile production areas, where safety compromises are not allowed.
Applications of EN 13501-1 Classifications in Clean Rooms
The choice of material depends on the classification obtained and the specific space requirements. Typical application areas are described below:
1. Materials classified as A1 or A2-S1, d0
- Regulatory recommendation: Mandatory use in critical areas, such as sterile production areas, high containment laboratories or storage of flammable products.
- Technical properties:
- Non-combustible materials or with minimum flame propagation.
- Low smoke production to maintain visibility during evacuations.
- Absence of flaming droplets that could spread the fire.
- Example: Rock wool core panels with treated steel or aluminum cladding.
2. Materials Classified as B-S1, d0
- Regulatory recommendation: Suitable for technical support areas or access corridors with moderate thermal load.
- Technical properties:
- Good fire resistance with low smoke generation.
- No formation of flaming droplets, avoiding vertical fire propagation.
- Example: Sandwich panels with extruded polystyrene core (XPS) combined with fireproof coatings.
3. Materials Classified as C-S2, d1
- Regulatory recommendation: Secondary or low-risk areas, such as cold storage chambers or auxiliary areas.
- Technical properties:
- Moderate fire spread.
- Medium smoke generation and limited droplet formation.
- Example of use: Hybrid materials with treated honeycomb or composite cores.
4. Materials Classified as E or F
- Regulatory recommendation: Not allowed in clean rooms or critical environments due to high combustibility and smoke generation.
Additional Cleanroom Design Considerations
Compatibility with ISO and GMP standards:
Materials must simultaneously meet fire resistance and hygiene requirements, ensuring smooth, non-porous and easy-to-clean surfaces.
Validation of the complete system:
Fire resistance ratings should be verified by testing the entire installed system, not just individual materials.
Risk Assessment:
The risk analysis should consider the thermal load of the area, evacuation routes and proximity to high risk areas such as storage of flammable products.
Conclusion
Fire resistance in modular building systems for cleanrooms is highly regulated to ensure safety in critical environments. EN 13501-1 establishes clear and quantifiable parameters that guide the selection of materials according to the needs of each area. Designing with certified and suitable materials is essential not only to comply with regulations, but also to protect processes and personnel in case of fire.
Proper planning, material selection and validation of the system as a whole are essential to ensure compliance.
