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Fire grades

Need to know

The M rating classification makes possible the quantification of the capacity of a material to feed fire. This classification is established following a standardized test in which the material is exposed to a radiant heat source, using a device called epiradiator. In this test the flammability of the material, the height of the flames and the duration of ignition are measured. An M0 material is said to be non-combustible. Wood in the natural state is by default and by order classified M3, moderately flammable or M4, easily flammable, depending on the thickness of the material considered and the wood species. Theoretically M3 are hardwoods over 14 mm thick and softwoods over 18 mm thick (see amended order 1983 & D.T.U. Bois Feu 88 replaced by up-to-date versions such as Eurocode 5).

The fireproofing processes used by Protecflam Industries make it possible to obtain with most woods, fabrics, cardboards, rope and fabrics a classification M1 – very difficult to ignite – or M2 – hardly inflammable.

Warning! Since 2002, the M classification has been replaced by a European ranking which measures not only the flammability but also the release of heat, the opacity of the fumes and the propensity of a material to produce incandescent droplets: the Euroclass. The Construction Products Regulation (CPR) requires performance in Euroclass for products related to a harmonized European standard. This is the case of wood panels, paneling, cladding, etc.

Although the real correspondence between the two rankings is not possible, we will associate the new fire rating of Euroclass D in the M3 classification, the Euroclass C in the M2 classification and the Euroclass B in the M1 classification.

On the other hand, for the materials and products of arrangement, the furniture the classification M remains in force as for the fabrics for example.