What is Fire Rated Glass Partitioning?
Fire rated glass partitions are a specialist internal glass system that provide a defined level of fire resistance while still allowing light and visibility through a commercial space. When manufactured and installed as a tested system, fire rated glass partitions contribute to a slower spread of fire, smoke and heat for a specified period of time. It’s fitted in spaces where fire resistance is required under UK Building Regulations or as part of a building’s overall fire strategy. Common installations include:
- Escape routes and corridors
- Compartmentation areas
- Offices and meeting spaces requiring fire separation
- Areas where visibility is required alongside fire protection
Please Note: We’re not fire experts. Whilst we can’t advise on whether your space legally requires fire rated glazing or what rating is needed, we can supply and install certified systems where it’s specified within your plans.
What Does Fire Rated Glass Partition Look Like?
Fire rated glass walls look no different to standard glass partitions! They have a clean, professional appearance, allowing light to pass between spaces whilst the framing system provides the necessary support and fire resistance. This type of glazed partitioning can be designed to integrate neatly with surrounding interiors, offering a balance between safety performance and modern workplace design.
Key Features
Whilst every glass wall is different, fire rated systems typically include:
- Fire rated safety glass, tested to recognised standards
- Framing systems designed to support fire performance
- Compatibility with fire rated glass doors
- Installation in accordance with certified test evidence
All components must form part of a tested fire rated system for the performance to be valid.
Glass Partitioning Fire Ratings Explained
Fire rated glass partitioning is designed to resist fire for a defined period, not indefinitely. Performance is measured by how long the system can maintain its integrity against flames and hot gases, and restrict the transfer of heat to the non-fire side.
The required fire rating depends on the building layout, usage and Building Control requirements and must be confirmed for each individual project. Fire safety glass performance is generally classified in line with BS EN 13501-2 and expressed in minutes.
- Fire integrity (E): Prevents flames and smoke passing through the glass
- Fire insulation (EI): Limits the transfer of smoke and heat
These classifications are denoted in terms of minutes of integrity/insulation. For example, a rating such as 30/30 indicates:
- 30 minutes of fire integrity
- 30 minutes of fire insulation
Higher ratings may be required in certain areas, depending on regulatory requirements.
What About Fire Rated Glass Doors?
If the partition requires access, the doors must also be fire rated and tested as part of the overall system. Fire glass doors are designed with appropriate framing, seals and hardware to help maintain the fire performance of the partition when closed.
Talk to a Glass Expert
Please note that we are glass partitioning experts, not fire experts. You will need to seek the advice of a professional to ensure you’re specifying the correct system for your unique regulations. We recommend you consider the following:
- The required fire rating under Building Regulations
- Whether doors are needed within the partition
- The compatibility of all system components
- The components the partition are being installed into are also fire rated
Fire rated glass partitioning must be installed correctly for the fire performance to remain valid. Installation is carried out by FIRAS certified installers, ensuring the system is fitted in line with the tested specification and certification requirements. This helps confirm the partitioning performs as intended under fire conditions. Upon completion, a fire certification is provided to confirm the installation complies with the required fire rating and has been installed in accordance with the relevant standards.
If you have any more questions or want to discuss things further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we get asked about fire rated office glass partitions. If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, get in touch with our glass experts.
Glass partitions will need to be fire rated if the building design or regulations require it. Whilst we can’t advise on whether your space legally requires fire rated glazing, we can supply and install certified systems where it’s specified within your plans.
No system is truly “fire proof”. Instead, glass partitions can be referred to as “fire rated”, meaning they offer varying levels of protection against a fire for varying periods of time.
Yes, but they must be correctly specified. Fire rated glass partitions can absolutely include fire rated glass doors, but the entire system needs to be tested and certified together.
There’s no visual way to determine is glass is fire rated. You’ll need to consult with a professional to confirm your glass partitions meet the correct compliance requirements.
You don’t decide! This is decided by your building’s controller, architect or authorised person. Unfortunately, we’re unable to advise on what fire rating you need as we are not a building control company. As such, we cannot legally advise – the responsibility sits with you.
Your fire rated glass partition price will vary depending on the size of your project. Generally, fire rated glass walls are more expensive due to the additional safety features and specialised manufacturing process.