paloluokan

Paloluokan is a fire class designation used in Finland to categorize construction materials and structural elements according to their performance in fire conditions. The system serves to help engineers, builders, and authorities ensure that buildings meet defined fire safety requirements. In general, a higher paloluokka indicates greater resistance to fire, better containment of the fire, and longer time before structural failure or unwanted heat transfer occurs. The concept covers both passive fire protection measures and the performance of individual components such as walls, floors, ceilings, doors, and coatings.

Determination of paloluokka is based on standardized fire testing and, where applicable, engineering assessment. Samples are exposed to controlled fire conditions in a laboratory, and their ability to maintain integrity, limit heat transfer, and prevent flame spread is evaluated. The resulting rating is typically expressed as a time-based performance level and may be aligned with European or national standards. While paloluokan focuses on fire resistance of constructions, related classifications describe reaction to fire, smoke production, and other safety aspects, which are considered separately in the overall fire safety assessment.

Application in building design means selecting materials and assemblies that satisfy the required paloluokka for specific locations and purposes, such as fire barriers, exits, and stairwells. Building codes and permit processes specify necessary paloluokat for different occupancies, fire compartments, and threat scenarios, and designers must document compliance through testing data or approved calculations.

Standards and regulation reference Finnish and European standards, with national implementation through SFS standards and the relevant fire safety regulations. The paloluokan concept thus integrates testing, classification, and regulatory compliance to support safe construction practices.