Insulation classified A1 or A2, s1-d0 according to the Euroclass system, can reduce the risk of fuelling a fire

The European Reaction to Fire Classification of construction products and building elements (EN 13501-1:2018), or Euroclass system is widely used across Europe and the UK to evaluate the reaction to fire of construction products and building materials. Materials tested using this system can be classified from A1 to E based on how they behave when exposed to fire . There is also F Class – materials classified as F are either untested or do not meet the criteria.

Euroclass A1 is used for materials that are non-combustible. This means they will not contribute to development or fire spread in any significant way – and they will not ignite, produce flames, smoke, or flaming droplets when exposed to fire. Many Isover glass mineral wool products, such as Isover Acoustic Partition Roll, Isover Spacesaver Loft Insulation, Isover Cavity Wall Slab, and Isover Timber Frame Insulation achieve Euroclass A1 reaction‑to‑fire classification

Euroclass A2-s1, d0 materials are classified as having very limited contribution if exposed to fire. Euroclass A2-s1, d0 products will also be assessed for additional criteria, such as the likelihood for smoke production (s1-3) or any character change (d0-d2), when exposed to fire. There are three smoke intensity levels s1 - s3 with s3 being the worst, and three classes for character changes such as the tendency to produce burning droplets, particles,. d0 - d2 with d2 being the worst. The additional criteria for a product to produce smoke and flaming droplets or particles is valid for products rated Euroclass A2 - D. Isover offers a range of Euroclass A2-rated insulation products suitable for various applications such as Isover Climcover Roll Alu2.

Being non-combustible, mineral wool can help reduce the risk of contributing to a fire or increasing the fire load. Let’s look at more benefits and related products.

There are two key provisions often discussed in relation to insulation and fire safety:

1. Reaction to fire
2. Fire resistance.

It’s important to understand the difference between these two descriptions when specifying products for fire safety applications.

Reaction to fire evaluates how a material contributes to fire development and spread. A product's performance is critical in the early stages of a fire.

Fire resistance measures the ability of a complete system to resist fire penetration and maintain performance over a defined period. Fire resistance becomes essential once a fire is established, by helping to contain its spread.

Get to know fire-rated insulation better with these articles written by our development teams and insulation specialists.

Mineral wool insulation products can contribute to the fire resistance performance of a system , for example when used in various British Gypsum GypWall systems . The following selection from Isover includes products that have been tested and classified under relevant acoustic and thermal performance.

Designed to be used in demanding industrial applications, ULTIMATE™ slabs and wired mats are next-generation mineral wool products tested to the relevant British and European fire resistance standards and offer up to two hours of fire protection.