There are three types of fire ratings when assigning values to fire safety materials: Class A, Class B, and Class C. Keep reading if you are wondering how many hours of protection a Class A fire rating offers and other specifics about these products.
What Is a Class A Fire Rating?
The Class A, also known as Class 1, fire rating describes the highest quality of fire-resistant building materials. This class has a flame spread index of 25 or lower, which measures a material’s likelihood of spreading flames. Class A materials have the lowest flame spread rating and a maximum smoke development rating of 450. The smoke development rating measures the concentration of smoke as a material burns. A material must have a rating of 450 or lower to fit within the Class A category.
How Many Hours Is Class A Fire-Rated?
You can expect most fire-retardant paints and coatings to last anywhere around 30–120 minutes during a fire. Class A fire retardants are typically rated between this time range, depending on the product. At FireFree Inc., you can find Class A intumescent paint for wood that outlasts ASTM E84 tests like the extended 30-minute burn time. Because Class A intumescent paints are among the highest-rated products for fire protection, they meet many fire safety requirements, including ASTM E-84 standards.
Why Use Class A Fire Paint?
If you are looking for strong fire protection for your construction projects, Class A fire retardant paints are some of the best. Class A fire paint is effective against severe fire exposure, which is ideal for buildings that could sustain damage from wildfires or have high fire risks. Professional and commercial buildings, such as manufacturing centers, have increased risks of fires, which is why designers and contractors should apply Class A paint for fire protection.
Now you know how many hours a Class A fire rating covers and other specifics about the highest fire class rating. If you are interested in learning more about Class A paints and more fire safety materials, browse our selection of highly rated intumescent paints at FireFree Inc. today!