Fire-resistant glass is a key material used in buildings to prevent the spread of flames and smoke. "One-hour fire-resistant glass" refers to its ability to maintain fire integrity for at least 60 minutes under standard fire resistance test conditions (some models also have heat insulation properties).
The core standard for one-hour fire-resistant glass
The fire resistance performance of fire-resistant glass must comply with national standards (such as GB 15763.1-2009) or international standards (such as EN 1364, UL 9), and is mainly divided into two categories:
Integrity (E) : Blocking the penetration of flames and smoke (all fire-resistant glass must meet this requirement).
Thermal insulation (I) : The temperature rise on the backfire side shall not exceed 140℃ (to prevent thermal radiation from igniting other items).
Common certification marks for one-hour fire-resistant glass:
EI 60: It simultaneously meets the requirements of 60-minute integrity and heat insulation (such as cesium-potassium fire-resistant glass).
E 60: Only meets integrity requirements (such as wire-reinforced glass).
2. Common types of one-hour fire-resistant glass
(1) Composite fire-resistant glass (heat insulation type, EI 60)
Structure: Multi-layer glass + transparent fireproof adhesive (such as silicate gel). When heated, the adhesive layer foams and expands, forming a white insulating layer.
Features
It has good heat insulation and a low temperature on the backside.
It has a relatively high light transmittance (about 70% to 85%).
It is suitable for escape routes and fireproof doors and Windows.
(2) cesium-potassium fire-resistant glass (high strength, EI 60)
Process: Ordinary glass is enhanced through chemical ion exchange (cesium-potassium solution), and has strong heat shock resistance.
Features
Its strength is 6 to 8 times that of ordinary glass and it is not easy to break.
It is relatively expensive and is mostly used in high-end buildings.
(3) Wire-reinforced fire-resistant glass (only E 60)
Structure: Metal wire mesh is embedded in the middle of the glass. When broken, it is supported by the wire mesh to prevent the penetration of flames.
Features
It has no heat insulation, and the temperature on the backside may rise.
It has a relatively low light transmittance (about 50% to 60%) and is commonly found in warehouses or industrial buildings.
3. Key application scenarios
Fire compartments: Fireproof doors and Windows in stairwells, corridors and elevator shafts.
Curtain wall fireproof layer: Fireproof belt between floors of high-rise buildings (needs to be matched with fireproof frames).
Equipment protection: Areas such as power rooms and data centers that require fireproof partitions.
4. Installation precautions
The frame must be fire-resistant: The glass should be matched with a steel or aluminum fire-resistant frame that can withstand fire for one hour (such as "fire-resistant expansion sealing strips").
Avoid cutting: Fire-resistant glass cannot be reprocessed after leaving the factory (cutting or drilling will damage the structure).
Regular inspection: If the adhesive layer ages or the frame deforms, it should be replaced in a timely manner.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can one-hour fire-resistant glass prevent bullets?
No! Fire-resistant glass and bulletproof glass have different structures (bulletproof glass requires multiple layers of polycarbonate).
Q2: Can fire-resistant glass be used as ordinary glass?
Sure, but it's costly and heavy (composite fire-resistant glass is relatively thick).
Q3: How to distinguish genuine from fake fire-resistant glass?
Check the fire protection certification marks (such as CCCF, UL certification) and ask the manufacturer to provide a test report.
Summary
One-hour fire-resistant glass (EI 60) is an important component for building safety. It is necessary to choose heat-insulating type (composite/cesium-potassium) or non-heat-insulating type (wired) according to the scene. When installing, it is essential to provide a fireproof frame and ensure that the product has passed authoritative certification.
