Fire Retardant MDF

A request we commonly receive is that for a panel with a 1 hour or ½ hr fire rating.

30 or 60mins relates to the concept of Fire Resistance and typically relates to the ability of an elevation or door to withstand the passage of a fully developed fire for said amount of time.

Euroclass relates to the concept of Reaction to Fire and focuses on initial fire growth phase. A Euroclass rated panel may form part of a fire barrier system requiring 30 or 60 mins Fire Resistance overall. We recommend that suitability of a Euroclass rated panel within the design is based upon 3rd party assessment or independent testing specific to the project in question.

There are 7 Euroclass classifications ranging from A1 to F. In line with the Construction Products Regulation (2013) each Euroclass rating requires testing against the relevant European fire test methods – see table below.

Hanson Plywood offer a range of panels manufactured with an A1 rating (see below). Untreated wood-based panels such as plywood, OSB, MDF & Chipboard typically achieve a Euroclass D or E rating. Fire rated panels can be supplied to a Euroclass B or Euroclass C fire performance as required depending upon regulatory requirements.

Please note: Under EN 622-5, ‘General Purpose’ refers to products suitable for ‘use in non load-bearing applications’.