Integrity & Insulation glass: Class EI

Class EI (Integrity & Insulation) is considered as the highest performance classification level for fire compartmentalization offering the maximum level of protection for people and property in the event of a fire. In addition to the integrity performance assessment, it measures the ability of construction products, including fire resistant glass, to limit transfer of heat from the exposed side to the unexposed side so that neither the unexposed surface nor any material near that surface is ignited. Class EI glass also provides a strong barrier to heat for people near to it. 

Class EI (Integrity & Insulation) rated glass is classified in accordance with European standard EN 13501-2, Fire classification of construction products and building elements, to prevent the spread of fire by blocking the transfer of heat for a certain period of time. This time (the classification period) is declared in minutes using specific periods (30, 60, 90, etc…). A Class EI fire-rated glass with a 30 min classification period will be declared as EI30. 

Performance criteria for EI = Integrity plus Insulation rating: 

• No sustained flames on the side of glass not exposed to fire 

• No openings larger than Ø 25 mm or 6 x 150 mm 

• No ignition of cotton insulation 

• No temperature increase on the unexposed side of glass greater than 140⁰C on average or maximum of 180⁰C