Fire-resistant glass is a transparent type of glass that maintains normal temperature levels in the space it protects and does not allow heat (generated by fire) to pass through to the other side. Available in various thicknesses, depending on the level of fire protection.
Fire-resistant eyewear means that it has been specifically designed for this purpose, and its durability and performance in fire conditions is determined by testing.
Fire-resistant glazing has different thicknesses depending on where it is applied. It should be known in advance whether the application will be made indoors or outdoors.
The fire resistance categories according to the harmonized standard ELOT EN 13501-2 are:
Category EI (Integrity & Insulation)
Structural integrity & thermal insulation against fire and its radiation.
These goggles act as a heat shield and prevent flames, fumes, toxic gases and radiant heat – which come out during a fire incident – from passing to the other side. When the temperature of the fire reaches a certain degree, the special foam between the layers of glass causes the glass to become opaque. Glazing of this class prevents the temperature from rising above 140°C on average on the insulated side and in no case should the temperature exceed 180°C at any point for a predetermined period of time.
EW Category (Integrity & reduced radiation)
Structural integrity against fire & reduction of its radiation.
The special coating on these glasses protects not only from the flames and fumes that occur during a fire, but also from the radiant heat generated. Glazing of this category reduces the possibility of fire transmission as a result of radiant heat, either through the glazing itself or from its unexposed surface to adjacent objects on the insured side.
E Category (Integrity)
Structural integrity against fire.
Glazing shall remain impervious to flames, smoke and fumes. No flame is allowed to appear on the secured side for a certain preset time.
Fire-resistant glazing and glass windows simultaneously meet requirements in terms of thermal insulation, sound insulation and increased security against vandalism and even bullets.
Depending on the fire resistance time, glass panes of 30 minutes, 60 minutes, 90 minutes and 120 minutes are produced.
For example:
E30 class glasses prevent the transfer of flame and fumes for only 30 minutes while maintaining structural integrity.
Glasses belonging to the EW60 category prevent the transfer of radiant heat, flame and fumes for a period of 60 minutes and protect structural integrity.
Glasses belonging to the EI90 class completely prevent the transfer of flame, fumes, toxic gases, radiant heat and temperature for a period of 90 minutes.
To sum up:
Glazing units belonging to the EI30 class prevent the passage of flame, fumes, toxic gases, radiant heat and temperature completely for a period of 30 minutes.
Glazings belonging to the EI60 class prevent the passage of flame, fumes, toxic gases, radiant heat and temperature completely for a period of 60 minutes.
Glazings belonging to the EI90 class prevent the passage of flame, fumes, toxic gases, radiant heat and temperature completely for a period of 90 minutes.
