Why A1? The Fire Curtain Fabric Setting a New Global Standard

What does an A1 rating actually mean?

Construction products are classified for their reaction to fire under BS EN 13501-1. The Euroclass scale runs from ‘A1’ at the top through to ‘F’ at the bottom.

The classification considers how a material behaves when exposed to fire, including whether it ignites, spreads flame, releases heat or contributes to fire growth.

An A1 classification confirms that the material:

• Is classified as non combustible
• Makes no significant contribution to fire
• Sits above every other classification on the Euroclass scale
• Does not produce flaming droplets or particles
• Does not require the additional smoke classifications applied to lower Euroclasses

This is an important distinction when comparing products. A fabric may form part of a fire resistant system without the fabric itself achieving the highest reaction to fire classification.

Reaction to fire versus fire resistance

When specifying a fire curtain, it is important to understand that reaction to fire and fire resistance measure two different things.

Fire resistance testing may confirm that a curtain can maintain its integrity for a defined period, but it does not automatically mean the fabric is non-combustible.

Our FireMaster® A1 provides assurance at both levels: proven performance from the complete fire curtain assembly and an A1 classification for the curtain fabric itself.

Why does A1 matter when specifying a fire curtain?

The materials selected for a building can influence how a fire develops and spreads. While a fire curtain’s primary purpose is to form a protective barrier, the behaviour of its fabric should also be carefully considered.

Specifying A1 fabric helps ensure that the curtain material will not make a significant contribution to the fire it is designed to contain. It provides a stronger specification and an additional level of reassurance for architects, fire engineers, contractors, building control professionals and clients.

This can be particularly important in:

• High rise and complex buildings
• Protected escape routes
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Hotels and residential developments
• Transport hubs and public buildings
• Large atria and open plan spaces
• Prestigious, high value developments
• Projects with demanding fire strategies

A1 classification does not, on its own, make an installation compliant. Compliance must be considered across the complete curtain system, its installation and the building’s wider fire strategy. However, specifying A1 fabric strengthens the supporting evidence and removes uncertainty about how the curtain material will react when exposed to fire.

More than an A1 classification

FireMaster A1 fabric also features a tightly interlaced Panama weave, creating a more consistent surface and helping to reduce the fabric’s permeability.

Where smoke control is required, it is important to consider the performance of the complete curtain system rather than the fabric in isolation. This includes the curtain material, side guides, smoke seals and surrounding construction. FireMaster A1 systems can be specified with tested smoke-control performance in accordance with BS EN 1634-3.

Depending on the selected system and application, FireMaster A1 can also provide:

• Up to 180 minutes of fire integrity
• Up to 30 minutes of radiation control
• Compliance with BS 8524-1 and BS EN 1634-1
• Smoke-control options tested to BS EN 1634-3
• Bespoke sizes and configurations
• Integration with solid and suspended ceilings

Why specify FireMaster A1?

Coopers Fire is the only company in the world able to offer an A1 classified fire curtain fabric, giving specifiers access to a level of material performance unavailable from any other fire curtain manufacturer.

For designers, this provides greater confidence in both the system and the fabric from which it is manufactured. For contractors and clients, it provides additional reassurance that the selected solution has been designed to support a robust and considered fire strategy.

When the purpose of a fire curtain is to contain fire, why specify a fabric that could contribute to it?

Choose the highest reaction to fire classification. Choose FireMaster A1.

To learn more about FireMaster A1 or discuss the requirements of your next project, contact the Coopers Fire sales team.