Fire Rated Glass Buying Guide

Fire-Rated Glass Buying Guide: A Technical Perspective for Safer Built Environments

In the evolving landscape of architecture and building safety, fire-rated glass has become an indispensable component in modern construction not just as a passive fire protection element, but as a high-performance, design-integrated material that supports both life safety and architectural intent. Choosing the correct fire-rated glass requires a deep understanding of performance classifications, certification standards, application requirements, and tested system compatibility.

This guide provides technical clarity for consultants, specifiers, project managers, and developers seeking to integrate certified fire-resistant glazing solutions into their projects.

Understanding Fire-Rated Glass Classifications

Fire-rated glass is defined by its ability to withstand fire exposure for a designated time without compromising compartmental integrity. Based on European (EN) and American (UL) standards, fire-rated glass is typically categorized into three performance classes:

E – Integrity Only
Prevents the passage of flames and smoke through the glass for the duration of the rating (e.g., E30, E60, E120).
EW – Integrity with Limited Radiation Control
Prevents the passage of flames and reduces heat radiation to a safe threshold (<15 kW/m²), protecting escape routes and adjacent compartments.
EI – Integrity and Insulation
Provides full thermal insulation, ensuring that the unexposed side remains below a temperature threshold (typically ≤140°C on average), ideal for high-risk zones.

These classifications guide the selection process depending on the building type, occupancy, and fire strategy.

Application-Based Selection Criteria

Not all fire-rated glass is suitable for every application. The intended use should define the specification:

Vision Panels in Fire Doors
Requires EI30 to EI120 glass, often in smaller cut-outs, integrated into tested door systems.
Fire-Rated Partitions
Used for compartmentalization in corridors, staircases, and lobbies; often requires large format EI60–EI120 glass with framing systems.
Curtain Wall Façades
Requires tested fire-rated IGUs and anchoring systems designed to maintain structural stability during fire exposure.
Smoke Barriers / Lift Lobbies
EW-class glass may suffice in specific scenarios where radiation control without full insulation is acceptable.

Certified Fire-Rated Products by FG Glass

FG Glass offers a comprehensive range of certified fire-resistant glazing solutions, tested under EN and UL standards, ensuring compliance with global safety regulations:

SCHOTT PYRAN® S – EI120
Clear toughened glass suitable for doors and partitions requiring high insulation.
SCHOTT PYRANOVA® – EI120
Laminated multi-layered glass offering full integrity and insulation, with high optical clarity.
SCHOTT PYRAN® FUSION – EI20 / EW120
Advanced glass for areas requiring both radiation and insulation performance.
SCHOTT PYRAN® PLATINUM / STAR – E240 UL-Rated
Ideal for UL-compliant projects in North America and export markets.
FLAMEBUILD™
FG Glass’s fully integrated fire-rated glazing system, combining certified glass and framing factory-tested for consistency and compliance.

Critical Factors Before Specification

When evaluating fire-rated glass for any project, the following technical considerations must be addressed:

Certification Scope: Only use products tested to EN 1364/1634 or UL 10B/10C with valid test reports or classification documents.
System Compatibility: Fire-rated glass must be used with compatible framing systems and hardware tested as part of a complete assembly.
Glass Size Limitations: Confirm maximum dimensions based on certified tests. Over-dimensioning without retesting is non-compliant.
Thermal Shock Resistance: Ensure suitability for exposed façade applications.
Edge Protection: Laminated glass with intumescent interlayers may require edge protection and careful glazing practices.
Visual Performance: Where aesthetics matter, opt for low-iron variants or anti-reflective coatings for enhanced clarity.

Why Choose FG Glass?

At FG, fire-rated glazing is not a generic offering it is a technical solution engineered for performance, tested for reliability, and delivered with complete documentation support. Our fire-rated glass is:

Certified by international bodies
Supplied with tested framing systems
Available in custom shapes and sizes
Ideal for architectural, commercial, institutional, and industrial applications

Fire-rated glass is not a standalone product it’s part of a life safety system.
Choosing the right solution demands a strategic balance of performance rating, aesthetic intent, application-specific suitability, and code compliance.

For tailored fire-rated glass solutions backed by international certifications and engineering support, connect with the specialists at FG Glass.

Visit: www.fgglass.com
Email: firesafety@fgglass.com