ASTM E84 Fire Rating:
What You Need To Know
Brief
When selecting materials for your home or business, fire safety is not just a priority—it’s a necessity. At HandiSOLUTIONS®, we understand the importance of protecting what matters most, which is why we’re proud that HandiWALL® has earned a top-tier Grade A rating (with an impressive index of 15) in the ASTM E84 Fire Rating Test. But what exactly does this rating mean, and why should it matter to you? Let’s break it down and explore how HandiWALL® offers not only style and durability, but also superior safety in the face of fire risks.
What is the ASTM E84 Test?
The ASTM E84 test (also known as the Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials) measures two key aspects of a material’s reaction to fire:
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Flame Spread – How quickly flames travel across the surface of a material.
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Smoke Development – How much smoke the material produces when exposed to fire.
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The goal of the test is to provide a standardized method for evaluating how building materials will perform in a fire, giving builders, designers, and consumers a clear understanding of fire risks.
How Does The Test Work?
During the ASTM E84 test, a sample of the material (typically 20 feet long) is placed in a tunnel-like chamber. A controlled flame is applied to one end of the sample, and the test monitors how quickly the flame spreads across its surface, as well as the amount of smoke it generates. The test takes place over 10 minutes, and the results are used to assign two values:
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Flame Spread Index (FSI) – A measure of how fast the flames move.
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Smoke Development Index (SDI) – A measure of how much smoke the material emits.
Fire Ratings: What Do They Mean?
After the test, materials are assigned a fire rating based on their flame spread and smoke development performance. These ratings help categorize materials into classes or grades:
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Grade A (Class 1): Flame spread index of 0-25 – Indicates the material has the highest level of fire resistance and produces minimal flame spread.
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Grade B (Class 2): Flame spread index of 26-75 – Materials with moderate fire resistance and more flame spread than Grade A.
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Grade C (Class 3): Flame spread index of 76-200 – Materials that allow flames to spread more quickly and have lower fire resistance.
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Smoke development ratings, measured separately, are typically noted alongside flame spread values. Lower smoke development is better for safety in the event of a fire.
What Does HandiWALL's Grade A Rating Mean?
HandiWALL® achieved a Grade A rating with a flame spread index of 15. This places it well within the most fire-resistant class. For comparison:
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Grade A materials are considered the safest in terms of fire spread.
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An index of 15 shows that HandiWALL® allows minimal flame spread, giving it strong fire resistance.
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Lower smoke production also means HandiWALL® releases fewer toxic fumes in case of fire, which is crucial for safety.
Why is the ASTM E84 Test Important?
The ASTM E84 test gives consumers and professionals an objective way to assess fire risk. When you choose a product with a Grade A rating, like HandiWALL®, you can be confident that it has undergone rigorous testing and has proven to be one of the safest choices in terms of fire performance. This is particularly important for materials used indoors, as they help minimize risks in homes, offices, and public buildings.
Where is ASTM E84 Relevant?
The ASTM E84 fire rating is essential in many building codes and regulations. Materials with Grade A ratings are often required in areas like:
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Commercial buildings
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Schools
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Hospitals
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Public spaces
Even in residential settings, choosing a product with a Grade A fire rating adds an extra layer of safety and peace of mind.
Conclusion
The ASTM E84 fire rating is a vital part of understanding how building materials will behave in a fire. With the Grade A rating HandiWALL® has, with the flame spread index of 15, you’re getting a product that not only meets design and durability needs but also ensures top-tier fire safety performance. This makes it an excellent choice for both residential and commercial applications.