Fire-Rated Dividing Walls & Panel Systems

The requirement for fire rated walls and fire-resistant panels is an aspect that needs to be understood early in the design process. This ensures that every element of your fire rated wall is designed in line with the manufacturer’s requirements and regulations – the key to achieving a fire rating or fire resistance.

Fire rated walls are frequently used in warehouses to create dividing walls (also referred to as partition walls) between areas within warehouses to create separate units, storage areas, office spaces and more. Fire rated and resistant walls are available with a range of fire ratings from 30 minutes to 4 hours dependent on your requirements.

When Would A Warehouse Need A Fire-Rated Partition Wall?

Understanding why you need a fire-rated dividing wall within your warehouse will help you understand the fire rating required. There are a range of reasons that could dictate the requirement for fire rated and fire resistant walls:

• Building regulations and requirements – to adhere the building regulations a fire rating may be necessity for dividing walls within your warehouse. Not adhering to these regulations could result in fines, rebuilds, and not being in line with insurance requirements…
• Insurance – fire rated panel systems are designed to be in line with insurance requirements, for example for approval by the Loss Prevention Certification Board (LPCB) and LPS standards. If your dividing walls are not in accordance with these, in the case of a fire or accident that your insurance may not cover damages or costs.
• Product and personnel protection – the requirements for fire-rated walls can also be simply to protect your products and personnel for as long as possible in the event of a fire. This is particularly prevalent in industries which store high value goods.
• Requirements of industry or business – some businesses and industries will dictate the requirement for fire rated walls. For example, businesses which utilise cleanrooms will often advise the need for fire-rated panels.

Fire Rated Wall Solutions From MTCSS

Fire rated and fire resistance have differing definitions – fire rated walls are built from a different type of panel to fire resistant walls, and they have a different construction process in adherence with manufacturer regulations and guidelines.

Fire Rated Walls

Fire rated panels are rated for between 90 minutes and 4 hours, constructed from composite panels for non-load bearing internal walls and ceilings. Fire rated panels are tested for performance for internal firewalls and protected zones:

• Euroclass A2-s1, d0 Reaction to Fire when tested and classified to BS EN13501-1 when specified with Colorcoat Prisma by Tata Steel
• Up to 4 hours fire resistance (to EN-13501-2)

Fire Resistant Walls

Fire resistant panels can be used for internal and external applications, offering a fire resistance rating from 30 minutes to 80 minutes. They have been subject to rigorous testing and are insurer approved to FM and / or LPCB standards.

The fire resistance classification of fire resistant panels is dependent on the panel thickness and assembly.

When installing fire walls and fire resistant walls – it’s also important to consider your access options. Fire rated doors can be used both internally and externally within warehouses offering a fire rating between 60 minutes and 240 minutes, tested to BS 476 parts 20 & 22 and BS EN 1634.

If you are considering whether you require a fire rating dividing wall or a fire-resistant partition wall within your warehouse, the MTCSS team are here to help. We can work with you to understand the individual requirements of your business and industry.

Get in touch with the MTCSS team by calling us on 01886 833381, email us at sales@mtcss.flywheelsites.com, or fill in an enquiry form here.