Toilet Partition Fire Ratings

Fire and disaster are never things people want to dwell on, but as a business owner, you can't ignore the fact that it's a possibility. If your business has a fire, you should know how the different toilet partition materials react. The ASTM E84 test for surface burning characteristics is the industry standard and provides rating for the various materials and how they react to flames and heat.

The test is done under controlled conditions. While it can provide an adequate understanding of the burning characteristics, it cannot extrapolate for all possible variables in an uncontrolled fire situation. The test takes into account bot the flame spread and the smoke development.

Using these measurements, the organization classifies each material into a fire rating. Class A has a spread of 0 to 25 and a smoke development of less than 450. Class B has a flame spread of 25-75 and smoke development of less than 450. Class C has a flame spread between 76 and 300 and a smoke development of less than 450.

Plastic Laminate

Plastic laminate toilet partitions are used both in commercial and industrial locations. It is very affordable and the high pressure finishes are bonded under pressure to be impact resistant. When introduced to the flame test, it had the highest flame spread and smoke development of all the partition materials.

It had a flame spread of 130 and smoke development of 180, which gives it a Class C fire rating.

Phenolic Partitions

The Phenolic toilet partitions are impact, water, humidity and corrosion resistant. They are incredibly durable and do not support bacteria growth. The surface sheets are fused together at high temperature and recommended for areas of high traffic.

The material has a flame spread of 45 and a smoke development of 110, giving it a Class B fire rating.

Solid Polymer

Solid polymer stalls are water resistant and not impacted by steam and high humidity. It's ideal for people looking for a low maintenance partition that is durable and looks great. They use high density polyethylene resin with edges smoothed by machine.

The material has a flame spread of 50 and a smoke development of 450, making it a Class B.

Powder Coated Steel

You can't get much tougher than steel and powder coated metal is all that and more. It starts with cold-rolled galvanized steel and then hybrid epoxy. Polyester powder is applied to the steel electrostatically. The material is easy to clean with soap and water and the epoxy is resistant to fading and scuffing.

It has a flame spread of 5 and smoke development of 30, making it a Class A material.

Stainless Steel

Sometimes classic is the best and stainless steel partitions look sophisticated and are highly resilient. The partitions are made with #304 stainless steel and formed and bonded under pressure with a honeycomb core. It's corrosion resistant, easy to clean and can take just about anything you can throw at it.

It has the best flame rating of all the materials with a flame spread of 0 and smoke development of 25, giving it a Class A fire rating.

If you're interested in learning more about the various toilet partition materials, then contact us today.