120 Minute Fire Rated Windows
FIRE RESISTANT WINDOW, DOOR AND PARTITION SYSTEM WITH EI120 FIRE RATINGS
120 minute fire rated windows
120 minute fire rated windows are aluminium glazed assemblies designed to provide 120 minutes of fire resistance at the required classification. They may also be described as 2 hour fire rated windows or EI120 fire rated windows.
Aluminium Fire Systems specialises in fire rated aluminium windows, doors and glazed screens manufactured in the UK. Before an EI120 window is manufactured, we review the project information, including the required classification, technical drawings and supporting wall construction, to check that the requested configuration is appropriate.
What Are 120 Minute Fire Rated Windows?
A 120 minute fire rated window is designed and classified as a complete system rather than simply being standard aluminium framing fitted with fire resistant glass.
The glazing, aluminium framing, seals, fixings and other components need to form part of an appropriate tested or classified configuration. Changing components, dimensions or construction can affect whether the required classification still applies.
EI120 is the highest fire resistance classification currently offered within our fixed aluminium fire rated window range. We also manufacture 90 minute fire rated windows, along with products at lower fire resistance classifications.
The required fire rating is determined by the building’s fire strategy or project specification rather than by Aluminium Fire Systems.
What Does EI120 Mean For A Fire Rated Window?
EI is a fire resistance classification with two main criteria.
- E is integrity. This relates to the ability of the construction to prevent flames and hot gases passing through it.
I is insulation. This relates to limiting heat transfer to the unexposed side of the construction.
The number refers to the duration in minutes for which the required performance is achieved. EI120 therefore describes 120 minutes, or two hours, of integrity and insulation performance.
This is why terms such as 120 minute fire rated windows, 2 hour fire rated windows and EI120 fire rated windows may all be used when discussing the same duration of fire resistance.
Our knowledge base explains what an EI120 fire rating means in more detail.
EI classifications are made under EN 13501-2. The relevant test evidence and classification for the particular product and configuration should always be checked as part of the specification process.
What Needs To Be Checked Before Ordering A 120 Minute Fire Rated Window?
A requirement for 120 minutes of fire resistance is only one part of specifying a suitable window. The proposed configuration and the construction surrounding it also need to be considered.
The Required Classification
The required fire resistance should come from the building’s fire strategy or project specification.
Where EI120 performance is specified at a particular location, the proposed window system needs to satisfy that requirement.
Aluminium Fire Systems reviews the requested product against the information supplied rather than deciding which fire rating the building requires.
Technical Drawings And Configuration
The required fire resistance should come from the building’s fire strategy or project specification.
Where EI120 performance is specified at a particular location, the proposed window system needs to satisfy that requirement.
Aluminium Fire Systems reviews the requested product against the information supplied rather than deciding which fire rating the building requires.
Why The Wall Build-Up Matters
A fire rated window forms part of a wider fire-resisting construction, so the wall surrounding the window cannot be considered separately.
We check the supporting wall construction before production. The supporting construction must provide at least the equivalent fire resistance required for the product.
An EI120 window therefore needs to be installed within supporting construction suitable for the required level of fire resistance.
Fire Strategy Information
For high-risk buildings, we may request the relevant fire strategy so we can check that the products being requested align with the project requirements.
When A Requested Configuration Cannot Be Supplied
Not every size or configuration will necessarily be available at EI120.
If a proposed window falls outside what can be supplied compliantly, we will explain the limitation and discuss suitable alternatives where possible.
Resolving these issues during technical review can help avoid unnecessary specification changes later in the project.
What Information Do We Need To Quote A 120 Minute Fire Rated Window?
Providing as much project information as possible helps us assess the enquiry accurately.
Useful information includes:
- Project reference
- Number of positions required
- Required fire classification, such as EI120
- Project drawings
- Window dimensions
- Supporting wall construction or fixing substrate
- Whether the window is internal or external
- Required RAL colour
- Whether cills are required
- Relevant project specification information
- Fire strategy information where applicable
You do not necessarily need every piece of information before making an initial enquiry. If anything important is missing, we can explain what is required before the product and quotation can be confirmed.
How Long Does A 120 Minute Fire Rated Window Take To Manufacture?
Our standard lead time for fixed fire rated windows is approximately 6 weeks from order to delivery.
Larger orders and high-volume projects may require additional time depending on the production schedule.
If you need your windows by a specific date, speak to the team at the quotation stage so we can confirm the expected lead time.
How Much Do 120 Minute Fire Rated Windows Cost?
There is no single price for a 120 minute fire rated window because cost depends on the size and specification of the individual project.
A typical standard-sized fixed fire rated window can start from under £1,000 across our wider fire rated window range. This should not be taken as a starting price for an EI120 window specifically.
Factors that can affect the final price include:
- window size
- fire rating
- glass specification
- colour and finish
- overall product specification
For an accurate EI120 quotation, send us the required classification, dimensions, drawings and supporting construction information available for the project.
What Configurations Are Available For EI120 Fire Rated Windows?
EI120 fire rated windows are supplied as fixed glazed elements.
For EI120 fixed glazed elements, Aluminium Fire Systems works with the MB-118EI aluminium system. The system uses a 118mm profile depth, which makes room for the extra fire rated material needed to reach a 120 minute fire rating.
There is no fixed limit on the overall width of an EI120 glazed screen. Wider elements are split into separate panes using mullions, placed so that each pane stays within the maximum glass width. That maximum depends on the fire rated glass supplier used, so the mullion layout is set for each project.
The exact configuration that can be supplied depends on factors including:
- dimensions and pane layout
- glazing specification and glass supplier
- supporting construction
- internal or external location
- finish
- project specification
MB-118EI can also be finished in a range of RAL colours, so the aluminium frames can match the wider project specification.
Send us the drawings and required fire classification and we can review what can be manufactured within the relevant tested and classified system.
What Documentation Is Provided With A Fire Rated Window?
Documentation is an important part of a fire rated product.
Aluminium Fire Systems has encountered existing fire rated windows that need replacing because adequate evidence cannot be provided to demonstrate their original fire rating. Keeping the relevant product and compliance information can therefore be just as important as specifying the correct product initially.
A customised Aluminium Fire Systems compliance pack is provided on completion of each project.
Depending on the project information, the pack includes:
- technical specification
- signed order confirmation
- position drawings identifying the relevant system, fire rating, colour and dimensions
- compliance agreement
- technical guidance and relevant test/classification information
- photographs taken during fabrication
- material and glass invoices to support product traceability
The purpose of this information is to create a clear record of what was manufactured and supplied for the project.
The documentation should be retained so that the fire rated product can be properly evidenced in the future.
Aluminium Fire Rated Window Options
EI120 is one classification within our wider fire rated window range.
Our main fire rated aluminium windows page covers the wider range of available fire resistance ratings and product options.
For fixed glazed screens and internal glazed divisions, you can also view our fire rated glass partitions.
Why Work With Aluminium Fire Systems?
Fire rated aluminium systems are our core speciality.
Our team has experience across quoting, technical review and manufacturing, helping customers understand what can be produced for their project requirements.
We manufacture in the UK and customers can buy directly from the manufacturer.
As part of the enquiry and technical review process, we can:
- review technical drawings
- check the supporting wall build-up
- request relevant fire strategy information where required
- explain whether a requested configuration can be supplied
- discuss compliant alternatives where the initial request is not suitable
- act as a technical point of contact between architects, subcontractors and end users
The aim is to identify important technical issues before the product reaches manufacture.
120 Minute Fire Rated Windows FAQs
Is A 2 Hour Fire Rated Window The Same As A 120 Minute Fire Rated Window?
Yes. Two hours and 120 minutes describe the same duration.
Where both integrity and insulation performance are required for that period, the classification may be expressed as EI120.
Who Decides Whether An EI120 Window Is Required?
The required fire rating should come from the building’s fire strategy or project specification.
Aluminium Fire Systems reviews the requested product against the project information supplied and checks whether the proposed configuration can be manufactured within the relevant system.
What Information Do You Need To Quote An EI120 Fire Rated Window?
Useful information includes the required fire classification, project drawings, opening dimensions, supporting wall construction, whether the window is internal or external, the required finish and any relevant fire strategy or specification information.
If some of this information is not available at the initial enquiry stage, the team can explain what is needed before the product can be confirmed.
Does The Wall Construction Affect An EI120 Fire Rated Window?
Yes. A fire rated window forms part of the surrounding construction, so the supporting wall build-up also needs to provide the required fire resistance.
Our Fire Rated Products
fire rated windows
For more information on our fire rated windows and products please visit our
Fire Rated Aluminium Windows
fire rated doors
For more information on our fire rated doors and products please visit our
Fire Rated Aluminium Doors
fire rated partitions
For more information on our fire rated partitions and products please visit our
Fire Rated Glass Partitions
Contact Us
Need an EI120 aluminium fire rated window for your project?
Send the team your drawings and project requirements and we can review the proposed configuration, confirm what information is required and prepare a quotation.
- Phone: +44 121 277 4870
- Email: [email protected]
At Aluminium Fire Systems, we combine expert craftsmanship, innovative technology, and unparalleled industry knowledge to deliver the peace of mind you deserve. Get in touch today to learn how our EI120 windows can elevate the safety and performance of your next project!