The fact that a drawing specifies fire-rated insulation is not always sufficient for selecting materials. The requirement must be linked to a specific standard, classification, and material quality. For example, cellular polyethylene classified according to UL 94 cannot automatically be considered approved under EN 13501-1. These are two different classification systems with different testing methods and designations.
At Cabseal, we work with cellular rubber, condensation insulation, and cellular polyethylene in grades with varying fire-resistance properties. When the insulation is to be used in a structure subject to fire safety requirements, we therefore start with the classification that is actually required and match it to the documentation for the specific material grade in question.
Right from the startWhen the specification states UL94
UL94 includes several classifications, so it is important to know which class is required. For example, there are designations such as HB and V-classes, including V-0, V-1, and V-2. These describe the material’s behavior under specific test conditions and should not be used as a general measure of how fire-resistant a material is in all structures.
Material thickness is also a factor. A UL94 rating is tied to the conditions and thicknesses for which the material has been tested and documented. Therefore, a rating for a specific grade and thickness should not be automatically applied to another variant.
EN 13501-1 is interpreted differently
EN 13501-1 uses Euroclasses from A1 to F to describe a construction product’s reaction to fire. For certain classes, the main class is also supplemented with designations for smoke emission, s1–s3, and burning droplets or particles, d0–d2.
This means that the entire classification may be relevant when specifying insulation material. For example, if a project requires both limited smoke emission and burning droplets, it is not sufficient to check only the main class.
The Right Quality of Cellular Rubber and Cellular Polyethylene
Cellular rubber and cellular polyethylene come in many grades, and their fire properties can vary even among materials that appear identical at first glance. Therefore, we do not rely solely on the material name when determining whether a fire rating must be met.
At the same time, the insulation must still fulfill its technical purpose. If, for example, the material is to be used as condensation insulation, its moisture and temperature properties must be balanced against fire safety requirements. For thermal insulation, the insulation capacity and the applicable operating temperature must also be taken into account when selecting the material.
Materials we use to manufacture
The Right Materials for the Right NeedsFrom Fire Code Requirements to a Finished Insulation Detail
Once the correct quality has been identified, the material can be processed according to the design—for example, with customized external dimensions, holes, and cutouts. This allows fire safety requirements to be addressed right from the material selection stage, rather than being verified only after the insulation component is complete.
Do you have a drawing or specification that includes UL94, EN 13501-1, or a specified fire rating? Contact us at Cabseal and feel free to send us the documentation—we’ll help you choose the right material grade!
