Fire Safety & Testing

All of the spray foam we use has a fire rating of Class 1 according to British Standards guidelines BS476 part 7. The foam has been tested by Warrington Fire Research centre in the following way:

The Part 7 test:

A sample of PU foam, approximately 1m x 0.25m, is placed directly in front of a large scale super hot gas heater, so hot that it would be impossible to stand in front of. The heat source does not give off a flame, but merely heats the foam up to levels found in large scale fires. A naked flame is then introduced to the foam while the inspectors watch carefully, to see if the flame spreads across the foam.

If the flame 'flashes' across the whole surface of the foam, this means that the foam is giving off flammable gasses and would pose a real threat in a fire. If the flame flashes for only a few seconds and travels only a couple of inches or less, the product will pass the test and receive a fire rating of “Class 1”.

The Part 6 test:

A sample of foam is contained within a laboratory 'toaster' style device, and exposed to very high temperatures to see how the foam reacts and measures the heat released with time. If a material passes both the part 7 & the more stringent part 6 tests, it is given a “Class 0” fire rating. See the details of the Pirthane Class 0 application further down on this page.

Non UK foam

A type of foam may exist in the UK that is actually imported from Europe and Canada, that isn’t Class 1 fire rated, and has in fact been tested to German B2 standards (DIN 4102 B2 to be precise). The harsh reality is that this foam may catch fire and combust very easily compared to UK standard Class 1 or Class 0 foams. Though the price may be cheaper, the fact that it is not Class 1 or the higher rated Class 0 means it is technically illegal in the eyes of building regulations. Insurance companies also wouldn’t look too kindly on an inferior B2 rated foam either.

Pirthane O - A World First

Pirthane O insulates to Building Regulations and is easy to install.  It allows fast-track insulation on new and existing buildings.

Pirthane O has a Class O fire rating suitable for building interiors and gives effective condensation control whilst upgrading thermal efficiency.

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

    Insulation of :-
  • Car Parks
  • Concrete Soffitts
  • Roof Internals
  • Air Plenums

ADVANTAGES

  • Class 0 to BS476 Parts 6 & 7.
  • Fast track application; half the installation time.
  • Excellent and permanent adhesion to all substrates, low maintenance costs.
  • Low thermal conductivity at reduced thicknesses; saving space.
  • Does not contain mineral fibres, zero air erosion, no health & safety problems.
  • Penetrations caused by post installation work (ceiling hangers, cable trays etc.) can easily be sealed and repaired.
  • The best fire properties of all spray applied foam insulation.
  • Installed only by Isothane approved & experienced contractors.

Fire test certificates are available on request.