GRP Fire Classification – What Does R30 Mean?
Fire requirements need to be separated into two areas: how a product behaves in a fire, and how long a complete structure retains its function during a fire. A product classification to EN 13501-1 is therefore not the same as fire resistance R30 to EN 13501-2.
The key points in 30 seconds
- EN 13501-1 describes how a construction product reacts to fire — for example its contribution to fire growth, smoke production and whether burning droplets occur.
- EN 13501-2 describes the fire resistance of building elements and structures.
- R30 means that a load-bearing building element has been verified to retain its load-bearing capacity for a classification period of 30 minutes.
- A GRP product classified B-s1,d0, for example, is therefore not automatically an R30 structure.
Two different types of fire performance
Reaction to fire
Reaction to fire describes how a product contributes to the ignition and growth of a fire. The classification may cover:
- contribution to fire growth
- flame spread
- heat release
- smoke production
- burning droplets or particles
Example classes: A1, A2-s1,d0, B-s1,d0 and Bfl-s1.
Fire resistance
Fire resistance describes how long a building element or structure retains a defined function under defined fire exposure. Common designations are:
- R – load-bearing capacity
- E – integrity
- I – insulation
Examples: R30, EI30 and REI60.
A product classification to EN 13501-1 cannot be used as evidence that a complete structure achieves a class to EN 13501-2.
What do the Euroclasses mean?
Euroclasses to EN 13501-1 describe a product's reaction to fire. The first letter indicates the product's contribution to fire growth. The scale runs from A1 to F.
- 1/7A1
No contribution to fire.
- 2/7A2
Very limited contribution to fire.
- 3/7B
Very limited contribution to fire growth.
- 4/7C
Limited contribution to fire growth.
- 5/7D
Acceptable performance under certain test conditions, but a greater contribution than class C.
- 6/7E
Meets a basic level under short exposure to a small flame.
- 7/7F
Performance not determined, or the class E criteria were not met.
The classes alone do not show whether a product is suitable for a given project. The end-use application, method of installation and the classification report must be checked.
How to read a fire classification
The designation B-s1,d0 consists of three parts.
The product's main class for contribution to fire growth.
The lowest class for smoke production in the s-system, meaning limited smoke production according to the classification.
No burning droplets or particles are recorded within the criteria and the period that apply to the classification.
The classification applies only to the product, configuration, thickness, surface and end-use application covered by the test and classification report. The correct wording is “no burning droplets or particles according to the class d0 criteria during the test”.
Examples of common classes
A1
The product makes no contribution to fire under the classification system.
- A1 is the highest reaction-to-fire class. It is used for products that meet the requirements for non-combustible materials under the relevant test.
- A1 is not normally combined with additional smoke or burning-droplet classifications.
- The class may occur for certain mineral materials, glass and metals, depending on composition and configuration.
A2-s1,d0
Very limited contribution to fire, limited smoke production and no burning droplets according to the test.
- A2 describes a very limited contribution to fire.
- s1 describes limited smoke production.
- d0 means the criteria for no burning droplets or particles were met.
A2 is not identical to A1.
B-s1,d0
Very limited contribution to fire growth, limited smoke production and no burning droplets according to the classification.
- B is the product's main class.
- s1 refers to smoke production.
- d0 refers to burning droplets or particles.
A class B product can be combustible. The class does not mean the product is a non-combustible material, and it does not state that a complete structure achieves R30.
Bfl-s1
Classification for a flooring product with limited contribution to fire growth and limited smoke production.
- fl means flooring and shows that the product has been classified as a flooring product.
- s1 describes smoke production.
- Flooring products are tested and classified under specific conditions.
Bfl-s1 and B-s1,d0 are not interchangeable. They apply to different product categories and test conditions.
What do s and d mean?
| Designation | What it covers | Simplified explanation |
|---|---|---|
| s1 | Smoke production | Limited smoke production according to the classification criteria. |
| s2 | Smoke production | Greater permitted smoke production than s1. |
| s3 | Smoke production | The product does not meet the s1 or s2 criteria, or no limitation has been determined. |
| d0 | Burning droplets or particles | The d0 criteria were met during the test. |
| d1 | Burning droplets or particles | Limited occurrence according to the classification criteria. |
| d2 | Burning droplets or particles | The d0 or d1 criteria were not met, or performance has not been determined at a higher level. |
These are simplified explanations. The exact classification and test method are given in EN 13501-1 and in the product's classification report.
What does R30 mean?
R stands for load-bearing capacity.
R30 means that a load-bearing building element has been classified as retaining its load-bearing capacity for 30 minutes of defined fire exposure.
R30 does not apply to the material alone. The classification refers to a building element or structure in a defined configuration.
For a GRP platform, walkway or staircase, the assessment may need to cover:
- grating or panel
- load-bearing profiles
- columns and beams
- supports
- fixings
- connections
- clear span
- load during fire
- bracing
- any fire-protective cladding
- fire exposure and exposed sides
Class B to EN 13501-1 does not mean R30.
Example: the same product question – two different answers
“Is your GRP grating fire classified, and does it achieve R30?”
Answer part 1 – the product's reaction to fire
Certain products may hold a documented classification to EN 13501-1, for example B-s1,d0 or another stated class. Always check the classification report for the exact product, dimension, surface, resin system and end-use application.
Answer part 2 – the fire resistance of the structure
R30 applies to the complete load-bearing structure. Answering requires knowledge of the configuration, loading, span, supports, fixings and the verification available for the specific solution.
The R30 question therefore cannot be answered from the product's Euroclass alone.
Can a GRP structure achieve R30?
No general answer can be given for all GRP products and structures. R30 must be verified for the specific building element and configuration. Relevant verification may consist of:
- fire resistance testing of a representative structure
- a classification report to EN 13501-2
- extended application of test results, where permitted
- project-specific fire engineering design
- other verification accepted by the project's responsible fire engineer and structural engineer
Where relevant verification is missing, the structure must not be described or marketed as R30.
What information do we need from the project?
- Which building element does the requirement apply to?
- Is it grating, a staircase, a walkway, a platform or the entire structural frame?
- Where does the fire requirement originate?
- Is there a fire strategy document?
- Is the requirement R, E, I or a combination?
- Which classification period is required?
- Which product and which resin system is intended?
- Which dimensions and clear spans apply?
- How are supports and fixings arranged?
- Which design load applies during fire?
- Which sides may be exposed to fire?
- Is test or classification documentation available?
- Who is the project's fire engineer?
- Who is responsible for the load-bearing structure?
Byggkomposit's role
Byggkomposit can help to:
- identify the product's documented reaction-to-fire class
- obtain available test and classification reports
- check which product and configuration the documentation covers
- compile product data for the project's assessment
- coordinate technical questions with Dura Composites
Byggkomposit does not determine the project's fire requirements and does not assume the responsibility of the fire engineer or the structural engineer. The final fire requirement and the verification of the complete structure are handled by the project's responsible fire engineer and structural engineer.
Wording for quotations and technical documentation
The product's documented reaction-to-fire classification is stated in the attached product or classification documentation. Classification to EN 13501-1 does not in itself mean that the complete structure achieves R30 or any other fire resistance class to EN 13501-2. Any requirement for load-bearing capacity in fire must be verified for the specific structure by the project's responsible fire engineer and structural engineer.
Wording for specification and drawings
Text intended for architects and structural engineers to place on drawings, in specifications or in tender documents.
GRP product with documented reaction to fire classification according to EN 13501-1. The classification applies only to the product, build-up, thickness, surface and end-use stated in the classification report. Any requirement for load-bearing capacity in fire (for example R30 according to EN 13501-2) applies to the complete construction and shall be verified separately for the actual construction by the project's fire consultant and structural engineer. The supplier shall submit the classification report and product documentation for the specified variant prior to production.
Adapt the wording to the project's fire requirements and always state the required class in the specification.
Frequently asked questions
Is class B the same as R30?
No. Class B to EN 13501-1 describes the product's reaction to fire. R30 to EN 13501-2 describes how long a complete load-bearing building element retains its load-bearing capacity.
Is B-s1,d0 a non-combustible material?
No. The class describes a very limited contribution to fire growth, limited smoke production and no burning droplets according to the classification criteria. It must not be described as the same as A1.
What does fl mean in Bfl-s1?
fl stands for flooring and shows that the product has been tested and classified as a flooring product.
Can a GRP product have different fire classes in different configurations?
Yes. Resin system, additives, thickness, surface, product build-up and end-use application can all affect the classification. Always check which variant the classification report covers.
Can Byggkomposit certify that a structure is R30?
Only where relevant verification exists for the complete structure in question. Otherwise the requirement must be assessed by the project's fire engineer and responsible structural engineer.
Can a British Class 0 be compared directly with B-s1,d0?
No. The classifications are based on different test and classification systems and must not be translated directly without relevant testing and documentation.
Product-specific information
Certain products and configurations from Dura Composites hold documented classification to EN 13501-1. The exact class and product scope are stated in the respective product and classification documentation. A stated class should always be linked to product name, variant, dimension, surface, resin system, standard, report number, issuing body and valid product scope.
BS EN 13501-1 is the British implementation of the European standard EN 13501-1. Both are based on the same European standard.
Sources and further reading
- Boverket – Fire safety classes (Swedish) (opens in a new tab)
The Swedish National Board of Housing on fire resistance, classification periods and the designations R, E and I.
- SIS – EN 13501-1 (sök aktuell utgåva) (opens in a new tab)
Swedish adoption of the European standard for reaction-to-fire classification of construction products.
- SIS – EN 13501-2 (sök aktuell utgåva) (opens in a new tab)
Swedish adoption of the European standard for fire resistance classification of building elements.
- RISE – European fire classification according to EN 13501 (opens in a new tab)
Overview of the European Euroclass system and the classification of construction products.
- Dura Composites – Fire Safety: Designing out the Risk (opens in a new tab)
Dura Composites on fire testing, Euroclasses and product-specific fire behaviour.
- Dura Composites – Compliance to British Standards (opens in a new tab)
Information including the B-s1,d0 classification for certain stated products and the difference from older British classifications.
- Dura Composites – d² GRP Grating (opens in a new tab)
Product page with documented fire information for d² Dura Grating. Check the classification report for the exact product scope.
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