Paloluokitus

Paloluokitus is the system used to classify and communicate the fire performance of construction materials, products, and assemblies. It serves to inform designers, authorities and builders about how a component behaves in a fire and what level of protection it provides in terms of safety and containment.

Fire performance is typically assessed in two areas: reaction to fire and fire resistance. Reaction to fire describes how easily a material ignites, whether it contributes to flame spread, and the amount of heat and smoke released. Fire resistance measures how long a component can withstand fire while preserving its intended function, such as structural integrity and enclosure continuity. Classifications are usually expressed with a combination of letters and numbers; reaction to fire classes range from non-combustible to highly combustible (for example, A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F in EU schemes), while fire resistance is presented as time-based ratings (R, E, I) indicating the required performance duration in minutes, such as 30, 60 or more.

In practice, paloluokitus is governed by European standards such as EN 13501-1 for reaction to fire and EN 13501-2 for the fire resistance of building elements. National adaptation, including in Finland, aligns with these frameworks and is reflected in building regulations, procurement specifications, and certification labeling. Materials and assemblies receive documented classifications that help ensure compliance with safety requirements and support decision-making during design, construction, and inspection.

Limitations include variability in real-world fire conditions and the fact that classifications may not capture all hazards, such as toxic gas production or long-term durability after exposure.