Fire safety is the single most important specification for any aluminum composite panel destined for a building facade. Since high-profile facade fires, regulators and specifiers around the world have tightened requirements, and choosing the wrong core can lead to expensive re-cladding, failed building sign-off or serious safety consequences. This guide explains the fire-rated ACP classes — A2, B1 and B2 — so you can specify the right panel with confidence.
The dominant European standard is EN 13501-1, which rates building products from A1 (non-combustible) down to F (no performance). For aluminum composite panels, the relevant classes are:
Class A2-s1,d0: Non-combustible. Contains no more than 10% combustible material (the aluminum skins). Smoke production is limited (s1) and no burning droplets fall (d0). This is the highest practical rating for composite panels.
Class B-s1,d0 / B1: Limited combustibility. The mineral-filled core resists flame spread but contains some polymer. B1 is the common trade term used in China and Asia; it broadly maps to Class B under EN 13501-1.
Class C / B2: Standard PE-core panel. Combustible core, significant flame spread and smoke. Suitable only for interiors, protected signage and low-risk applications.
The core determines fire behavior. Standard panels use low-density polyethylene (LDPE), which melts and burns readily when exposed to flame. Fire-rated ACP replaces the PE core with a mineral-filled compound — usually around 70% mineral (aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide) blended with a small amount of polymer. When heated, the mineral releases water vapor and forms an insulating char layer that stops flame spread. Building-grade ACP from Feiteng uses these mineral cores and carries EN 13501-1 A2-s1,d0 certification.
Rules vary by country, but a practical guide is:
High-rise buildings above 18 meters: Almost always require A2 or equivalent non-combustible cladding. The UK, UAE, Australia and many EU cities ban PE-core panels on tall buildings.
Mid-rise (2-6 stories): B1 / Class B panels are widely accepted, subject to local fire officer approval.
Interior walls, ceilings and feature surfaces: B2 PE-core panels are usually acceptable, unless the space is a hospital, school or transit terminal.
Signage, shopfronts and temporary structures: B2 is common, but public-facing installations increasingly specify B1.
Never accept a supplier's self-declaration. Ask for the actual fire test report issued by an independent laboratory such as CSTB, Warringtonfire, Intertek or a national fire research institute. The report must state the exact panel construction (thickness, skin gauge, core type) and the EN 13501-1 result. Feiteng provides third-party test reports for its A2 and B1 panels, along with CE, UL and SGS documentation for export markets. Our completed projects include commercial facades where A2 panels were specified to satisfy local building control.
Misconception 1: "All ACP is dangerous." In fact, A2 mineral-core panels perform almost as well as solid aluminum in fire tests and are widely used on landmark buildings globally. The danger comes specifically from cheap PE-core B2 panels installed on high-rises without fire barriers.
Misconception 2: "A2 panels are unaffordable." A2 panels cost 20-40% more than B2, but the cost of re-cladding a completed high-rise is ten times the facade budget. Specifying A2 from day one is the cheaper risk-adjusted choice.
Misconception 3: "The rating is for the panel alone." Fire performance in service also depends on the installation: cavity barriers, fire-rated sealants and fixing systems all matter. Work with a certified facade installer.
For wet-area cladding such as bathroom waterproof fireproof panels, a B1 rating is often sufficient and gives you water resistance plus flame retardancy at a competitive price. Feiteng supplies bathroom-grade panels with antimicrobial coatings and B1 core for hotels, hospitals and public changing rooms.
A2 and B1 panels use specialized mineral core production lines, and not every factory can make them. Feiteng operates dedicated fire-rated lamination lines and stocks common colors in A2 grade for fast dispatch. Standard lead time is 15-25 days for container orders, with samples available within 3 days. Contact our technical team with your project drawings and we will recommend the correct fire rating and provide the test documentation your building control officer requires.
Q: Is B2 ACP still legal to buy?
A: Yes, for interiors and signage. It is banned on high-rise exterior facades in most countries, but it remains a cost-effective option for protected applications.
Q: What is the difference between A2 and B1?
A: A2 is essentially non-combustible with minimal combustible content; B1/B contains a small amount of polymer but resists flame spread. A2 is required for the tallest buildings.
Q: Does fire rating affect price much?
A: A2 runs 20-40% above standard B2. Given the re-cladding risk, this premium is justified for facades.
Q: Can I upgrade an existing PE-core facade?
A: Yes, but replacement is usually the only safe option. Many cities now mandate inspections and removal of non-compliant panels.
Zhangjiagang Feiteng New Composite Materials Co., Ltd. manufactures fire-rated ACP on dedicated mineral-core lamination lines. Our A2-s1,d0 panels are certified by third-party laboratories and ship with full test documentation, CE marking and factory audit reports. We supply fire-rated panels to curtain wall contractors, facade fabricators and distributors across Europe, the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa. Standard lead time is 15-25 days for container orders; samples are available within 3 days. Our engineering team reviews project specifications and recommends the correct core, thickness and coating for each facade application. For building-grade facade requirements, contact our technical sales team today.
Fire regulations for cladding vary significantly by country. In the UK, the Building Building Act 2022 requires all external walls on buildings above 18 meters to be non-combustible (Class A2 or A1). In the UAE, Dubai Municipality mandates Class A for all new buildings. Australia banned PE-core panels on residential buildings above 25 meters after the Lacrosse tower fire. The EU's Construction Products Regulation requires EN 13501-1 classification for all facade products. In the United States, the International Building Code references NFPA 285 testing for combustible cladding assemblies. Specifiers must check local requirements, but a safe global default for high-rise facades is Class A2 mineral-core ACP. Feiteng A2 panels meet these international standards and ship with the documentation needed for building control approval in major markets.
When specifying fire-rated ACP, always request the full technical file: test report, CE declaration of performance, coating datasheet and installation guide. Reputable suppliers provide these documents immediately; suppliers who cannot should be treated with caution. Fire-rated panels are a safety-critical building component, and cutting corners here carries serious legal and financial risk. Talk to Feiteng's engineers for independent advice on the correct fire classification for your project location.
Do not compromise on fire safety. Request documentation, verify test reports, and specify the correct rating for your building height and location. Feiteng is ready to support your project with certified materials and engineering expertise.
Zhangjiagang Feiteng New Composite Materials Co., Ltd.
Address:No.77 Huada Road, Environmental & New Material Industry Park, Bonded Port Zone, Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu, China
Phone:+86 18151586877
E-mail:info@feitengacp.com
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