This page explains commonly referenced fire safety classifications for acoustic, soundproofing, and insulation materials supplied by Aural Exchange and clarifies how these ratings must be interpreted under Indian building and fire regulations. Fire ratings describe how materials behave under controlled laboratory conditions. They do not themselves constitute regulatory approval for use in any specific project.
What Fire Safety Classifications Actually Measure
Fire safety classifications evaluate a material’s reaction to fire, including:
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Ignitability
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Flame spread
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Heat release rate
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Smoke generation
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Flaming droplets or particles
They do not represent system-level fire resistance and do not replace project compliance obligations.
Common Fire Test Standards
Fire Test Standards for Mineral Wool & Glass Wool
Common standards used to evaluate non-combustibility and fire behaviour of mineral-based insulation products:
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EN ISO 1182 – Non-combustibility test
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BS 476 Part 4 – Non-combustibility
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EN 13501-1 – Reaction to fire classification (typically A1 or A2)
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ASTM E84 – Surface burning characteristics (reference use)
Flammability of Plastic & Polymer Materials
Used primarily for polymers, foams, insulation products, membranes, acoustic materials, and plastic components.
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UL94 V-0 – Self-extinguishing ≤10 seconds, no flaming drips
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UL94 V-1 – Self-extinguishing ≤30 seconds, no flaming drips
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UL94 V-2 – Self-extinguishing ≤30 seconds, flaming drips permitted
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UL94 HF-1 – Highest horizontal foam classification
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UL94 HF-2 – Moderate horizontal fire resistance
European Reaction-to-Fire Classification System (EN 13501-1)
EN 13501-1 is the European harmonised classification system used to describe the reaction-to-fire performance of construction products and building materials when tested under standardized laboratory conditions.
Under this system, materials and products are classified from:
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Euroclass A1 – Non-combustible
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Euroclass A2 – Limited combustibility
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Euroclass B, C, D, E – Increasing levels of combustibility and contribution to fire growth
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Euroclass F – No defined performance determined under the Euroclass framework
In addition to the main classification, supplementary performance indicators are used:
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s1 / s2 / s3 – Smoke production (s1 being lowest)
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d0 / d1 / d2 – Flaming droplets or particles (d0 being none observed)
The assigned Euroclass rating reflects the behaviour of the tested product only under the specific test conditions and installation configuration used during testing. It does not constitute regulatory approval, does not represent full system fire resistance, and does not guarantee acceptance by local authorities for any particular project or occupancy.
Fire Test Standards for Gypsum Boards & Systems
Standards commonly referenced for gypsum-based boards and ceiling/wall systems:
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EN 13501-1 – Reaction to fire classification (typically A2-s1,d0)
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BS 476 Part 6 – Fire propagation
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BS 476 Part 7 – Surface spread of flame
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IS 3808 – Fire resistance of building elements
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ASTM E84 – Surface burning characteristics
How These Ratings Are Applied in Indian Projects
Material suitability must be evaluated against:
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National Building Code of India (NBC)
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State Fire Service Rules
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Local Municipal Bye-laws
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Approved fire strategy and evacuation design
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Conditions of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
A product suitable for one occupancy (for example, an office) may be restricted in another (for example, a hospital, cinema, restaurant, mall, or high-rise building).
High-Risk Occupancy Guide
Hospitals & Healthcare
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Preference for non-combustible materials
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Very low smoke production
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Strict material control
Cinemas, Auditoriums & Theatres
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Low flame spread
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Low smoke production
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Controlled use of foams and fabrics
Malls & Public Assembly
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Non-combustible cores
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Strict finish control
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Often system-level fire testing
Restaurants & Kitchens
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Non-combustible finishes
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Fire-retardant acoustic treatments
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High scrutiny from fire authorities
High-Rise Buildings
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Non-combustible assemblies
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Low smoke materials
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Strict NBC enforcement
Client Responsibility for Compliance
The building owner or occupier, assisted by their architect, fire consultant, and MEP consultant, is solely responsible for:
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Evaluating material suitability
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Ensuring NBC and regulatory compliance
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Integrating materials into the approved fire strategy
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Securing Fire NOCs and statutory approvals
Aural Exchange’s Role
The fire performance information, classifications, and technical descriptions provided on this page are supplied strictly for general reference and educational purposes only.
Aural Exchange acts solely as a materials supplier. Aural Exchange does not act as a fire consultant, architect, engineer, contractor, installer, approval authority, or regulatory body, and does not undertake any responsibility for design, execution, supervision, statutory compliance, or project approvals of any kind.
Fire test classifications, standards references, and material descriptions reflect performance under specific laboratory test conditions only. They do not constitute project approval, regulatory clearance, code compliance, or acceptance by any authority. Final determination of material suitability, compliance with the National Building Code of India (NBC), state fire regulations, municipal bye-laws, insurer requirements, and conditions imposed by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) rests solely with the building owner, occupier, or their appointed professional consultants.
The customer, architect, consultant, contractor, and/or end user remains fully responsible for:
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evaluating the suitability of materials for the specific building, occupancy type, and installation location
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ensuring full compliance with all applicable fire safety laws and regulations
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securing all required Fire NOCs, permits, and statutory approvals prior to installation or use
Aural Exchange shall not be liable for any rejection, non-approval, penalty, delay, loss, damage, or liability arising from regulatory interpretation, authority decisions, project design, installation methods, workmanship, or the use of any product beyond its tested or intended scope.
To the maximum extent permitted under Indian law, Aural Exchange’s total liability arising from any fire-related representation, material supply, or information provided on this page shall be strictly limited to the invoice value of the products supplied. Aural Exchange shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or third-party losses, including loss of profit, project delays, penalties, business interruption, property damage, or personal injury.
By using, specifying, purchasing, or installing any product supplied by Aural Exchange, the customer acknowledges and accepts full responsibility for regulatory compliance, statutory approvals, and fire safety obligations applicable to the project.