With effect from 31 December 2024, compliance with SANS 10400-T: 2024 Ed 5 Fire protection, the change-over from SANS 428 to SANS 53501-1, is required for both manufacturers and specifiers. 

The new testing offers a more stringent and specific way of classifying insulation products. A key reason for the change is that with a harmonised classification system, South Africa can compete in the international arena. However, each country still has its own building regulations for applications.  

The executive director of the Thermal Insulation Products and Systems Association South Africa (TIPSASA), Des Schnetler, explains what the ratings express and advises how specifications should now be done.  

New fire classification ratings 

The SANS 53501-1 (BS EN 13501-1) classification comprises of three ratings: 

1. Main Euro class rating: 

• Denoted by the letter A1, A2, B, C, D, E or F.  
• A1 is the highest level of performance, while F is the lowest.  
• A1 products are classified as non-combustible.  
• A2 products are classified as limited combustibility. 
• B to F are classified as combustible in ascending order. 

2. Smoke emission during combustion: 

• This is indicated by a rating of s1, s2 or s3, from the lowest (best) to the highest (worst) performance.  

3. Level of flaming droplets/particles during combustion:  

• This is indicated by a rating of d0, d1 or d2, from the lowest performance to the highest. 
• E-rated products receive a d2 flaming droplet classification.  
• A1-rated products are not given smoke emission or flaming droplet ratings, on the assumption that they make no contribution to fire growth or spread. 

What to specify? 

Ensure that the material specified is: 

• In compliance with the application of the South African National Building Regulations SANS 10400. 
• In compliance with the relevant South African National Standard (SANS), i.e. product standard at the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). 
• Appropriate for the intended building occupancy class in accordance with SANS 10400-A:2022 Edition 4 General principles and requirements. 
• In compliance with the fire safety requirements given in SANS 10400-T:2024 Edition 5 Fire protection. 
• Complies with the recommended R-value for the relevant energy zones in accordance with SANS 10400-XA: 2021 Edition 2 Energy usage in buildings. 

No deviations 

In accordance with the National Building Regulations, to be specific Regulation A25 (5): “Any person who, having obtained approval in terms of the Act for the erection of any building, deviates to any material degree from any plan, drawing or particulars approved by the local authority shall, except where such deviation has been approved, be guilty of an offence.” 

“Contractors are not allowed to change specifications for something similar or cheaper,” warns Schnetler. “Beware of specifying Product X or similar approved, as they may have different fire classifications. It must be equal or better.” 

While the same “type” of insulation product, manufactured by Company A, may have a fire classification of C-s2, d0, the insulation product manufactured by Company B may have a fire class: D-s3, d3. “Be sure to specify the fire classification required for the building occupancy class,” advises Schnetler. 

How do you specify now? 

1. Determine the building occupancy class and whether it is one storey, two storeys, three storeys or more. 
2. Specify the thermal insulation product and the required reaction to fire classification in accordance with Table 5 in SANS 10400-T:2024. 

The long-awaited implementation of updated SANS 10400-T:2024 Ed 5 Fire protection, regarding thermal insulation products, is effective after 31 December 2024. 

For more information, contact TIPSASA: 

Tel: +27 861 000 334 

Email: info@tipsasa.co.za 

Website: https://tipsasa.co.za/