palonkestävyysluokat

Palonkestävyysluokat are a classification system used in Finland to describe the fire resistance of building materials and components. This system categorizes products based on how long they can withstand fire exposure and maintain their structural integrity or ability to prevent fire spread. The classification is crucial for ensuring building safety and compliance with fire regulations.

The primary purpose of palonkestävyysluokat is to provide a standardized way to assess and communicate the fire performance of construction products. This helps architects, builders, and building inspectors make informed decisions about material selection, ensuring that buildings meet the required safety standards for occupant protection and limiting property damage in the event of a fire. The classes are determined through standardized testing procedures that simulate real-world fire conditions.

There are several palonkestävyysluokat, typically denoted by letters and numbers, such as R, E, and I, combined with time values in minutes (e.g., REI 60). The letter R refers to load-bearing capacity, meaning the component can still support the structural load during the fire. E indicates integrity, meaning the component prevents the passage of flames and hot gases. I signifies insulation, where the component limits the temperature rise on the unexposed side, thus preventing ignition of adjacent materials. The number following these letters indicates the duration in minutes the component can maintain these properties under fire exposure. For example, REI 60 means a component can maintain its load-bearing capacity, integrity, and insulation for at least 60 minutes.