SAFETY , SECURITY & FIRE PROTECTION
A1 OR A2 ? IS IT JUST A NUMBERS GAME ?
Ecodek ’ s Technical Manager , Michael Roberts , explores if there ’ s a need to chase the A1 fire classification for Polyester Powder .
THE A1 OBSESSION “ The need to improve on fire classifications has led some companies to uncompromisingly chase the A1 classification of non-combustible paint finishes on metal work . There is no doubt that the development of material technology to prevent any further incidents of fire spread on buildings is a must , but have we reached the limits of what is possible with a powder coating paint finish ?”
SETTING STANDARDS “ For specifiers and powder coaters of architectural aluminium , the recognised European Standard is BS EN 12206 . This standard goes hand-in-hand with Qualicoat , the internationally recognised specification for the production of high-quality coatings on aluminium products for architectural applications . These specifications also determine whether your product can be classified as A1 .”
TALKING THICKNESS “ According to AkzoNobel , a leading coating supplier , if you are applying a polyester powder coating to a non-combustible
metal to Qualicoat certified standards , then it cannot be above 25 µ m ( microns ) thick if you are claiming it achieves A1 . Qualicoat states that to meet its Class 1 - 2 coating specification the minimum coating thickness should be 60 µ m and to meet Class 3 is a minimum of 50 µ m - so reaching A1 is unachievable using their certified coating system .”
EDUCATING THE INDUSTRY “ Manufacturers are currently obsessed with achieving A1 status , whilst contractors believe only products achieving such standards are fit for purpose . And this is the problem – a lack of understanding about the difference between the A1 and A2 classifications .
“ A2 products are not sub-standard and by better understanding the differences between the A1 and A2 ratings , those involved in the construction industries will find they have a greater choice of products , without having to compromise on safety or quality .”
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ARCHETECH - PAGE 98