EI 30 Fire Rating
EI 30 FIRE RATING (EN 13502-2): WHAT IT MEANS & WHEN TO SPECIFY IT
EI30 fire rating
EI 30 fire rating is a 30-minute fire-resistance classification where a construction maintains integrity (E) and insulation (I). Integrity prevents flames/smoke passing through; insulation limits the temperature rise on the unexposed face so that adjacent people and materials are protected during the rated time. Compared with EW, EI offers a higher level of protection close to the element.
At a glance
- What it does: Stops flames/smoke passing and limits surface temperature rise for 30 minutes.
- What it doesn’t do: It does not provide loadbearing capacity (that’s R).
- Typical use: Protected routes, compartment walls/doors, rooms with vulnerable occupants, and locations where occupants or combustibles may be near the glazing.
- Standards: Classified to EN 13501-2; usually tested to EN 1634-1 (doorsets) or EN 1364-1 (non-loadbearing walls) with general methods from EN 1363-1/-2.
How EI 30 is tested
- Furnace exposure: The specimen is exposed to the standard time – temperature curve.
- Integrity (E): No sustained flaming, no through-gaps beyond limits, no ignition of the cotton pad.
- Insulation (I): The average temperature rise on the safe side must stay ≤ 140 °C above ambient and the maximum at any point ≤ 180 °C during the test duration.
- Resulting class: If both E and I are satisfied for 30 minutes, the element is EI 30.
- Evidence: Hold a formal test report and classification report that match your exact configuration.
Note: Because surface temperatures are limited, EI also reduces radiant heat to safer levels for nearby occupants and finishes.
EI vs EW vs E - what’s the difference? | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Property / Class | E (Integrity) | EW (Integrity + Radiation) | EI (Integrity + Insulation) |
| Stops flames/smoke passing |  | | |
| Limits radiant heat near the element |  | (radiation control) | (via low surface temperature) |
| Limits temperature rise on unexposed face | | | (ΔTavg ≤ 140 °C; ΔTmax ≤ 180 °C) |
| Typical glazing make-up | Integrity fire glass | Radiation-control glass | Insulating fire glass (multi-laminate/intumescent) |
| Typical use cases | Low-proximity zones | Routes needing radiation control | Close-proximity routes, protected spaces, sensitive areas |
Where EI 30 is typically required or preferred
- Protected stair/lift lobbies, corridors, refuges where evacuees or staff may be near the glazing.
- Healthcare, education, residential routes where vulnerable occupants or combustibles are close to the partition/door.
- Compartment boundaries separating higher-risk rooms (plant/boiler rooms, commercial kitchens) from circulation.
- Boundary conditions where close proximity to adjacent property demands insulation performance.
- Always confirm with the project fire strategy, local regulations, and your classification report.
Selecting an aluminium system for EI 30
1) Use a tested, documented assembly
Follow the exact combination of profiles, reinforcements, glazing, beads, seals, intumescent components, fixings and hardware specified in the classification report.
2) Glass type
Specify EI-rated insulating fire glass compatible with the aluminium system. These are typically multi-laminate/intumescent constructions with defined thickness and weight; do not substitute EW or E glass.
3) Sizes & limits
Stay within tested leaf/pane sizes, thickness, visible edge cover, and aspect ratios. Exceeding these requires formal EXAP/assessment.
4) Glazing details
- Maintain the specified edge cover, setting blocks, packer materials, and intumescent liners/foams.
- Use only approved silicones/tapes where required to manage heat transfer.
5) Hardware & accessories
Only use listed hinges, locks, closers, panic devices, drop seals, glazing beads. Door control (closer power), hold-open/release devices, and threshold gaps must align with test evidence.
6) Interfaces & substrates
Install into the tested substrate (e.g., concrete, lined stud) and replicate perimeter firestopping density and depth. Record any movement joints and deflection criteria.
7) Identification & maintenance
Label assemblies, include DoP, installation and O&M manuals, and schedule inspections (glass edges, seals, ironmongery).
Aluminium fire-rated windows, doors & glass partitions (EI 30)
EI 30 rating is achievable in aluminium systems when the tested build-up is followed precisely.
Fire-rated windows (EI30)
Scope: Typically fixed lights; openable EI-rated windows are uncommon and must be explicitly tested with the exact operating hardware and seals.
Glazing: Use the tested EI glass type/thickness and maintain edge cover and approved intumescent liners.
Locations: Internal partitions to protected routes; external/boundary applications as permitted by strategy and report.
Spec tips: Confirm maximum pane sizes, permitted mullion/transom types, and head/sole details. Coordinate ventilation via AOVs or separate systems.
Fire-rated doors (EI30)
Leaf types: Single, double, with/without overpanels/side-lights – each must be covered by evidence.
Hardware: Listed hinges, locks, closers, panic hardware, drop seals only. If electromagnetic hold-open is required, use an automatic release device linked to the fire alarm.
Additional performance: Smoke control (Sa/Sm) is separate to EI; include where the strategy requires it.
Spec tips: Check clearances, closer power, glazing bead type, any kicking/guard plates, and ironmongery packers.
Glass partitions/screens (EI30)
Layout: Keep to tested post spacing, deflection limits, and head-of-wall junctions. Unframed/butt-jointed glass is typically not permitted for EI unless specifically tested.
Interfaces: Use the approved firestopping and substrates; document movement joints.
People proximity: EI is preferred where occupants or combustibles are close to the safe face.
Spec tips: For door-integrated screens or full-height runs, ensure the combined assembly (door + screen + overpanel) is within scope.
Build exactly to the documented configuration. If your intended size, hardware, glass, or junction is not covered, obtain EXAP/assessment before proceeding.
Compliance & documentation (what to keep on file)
- EN 13501-2 Classification report stating EI 30 and permitted configurations.
- EN 1634-1 / EN 1364-1 test reports matching your build-up.
- Declaration of Performance (DoP) and relevant CE/UKCA marking.
- Installation guide and maintenance schedule.
- Any EXAP/Assessment extending field of application.
- Our Compliance Pack example
Model specification clause
Fire-rated aluminium doorset/screen – EI 30
Provide and install a factory-fabricated aluminium glazed doorset/screen classified to EN 13501-2: EI 30, tested to EN 1634-1/EN 1364-1 as applicable.
Construction, glazing, edge cover, seals, intumescent components, hardware and fixings shall match the tested/classified configuration.
Maximum sizes and aspect ratios shall not exceed those in the classification/assessment.
Install per the manufacturer’s instructions with approved perimeter firestopping.
Provide DoP, classification report, installation and maintenance manuals at handover.
EI 30 fire rating FAQs
What does EI 30 fire rating mean?
It means the element maintains integrity and insulation for 30 minutes: no through-flames, and the safe-side temperature rise is limited (ΔTavg ≤ 140 °C; ΔTmax ≤ 180 °C).
When should I choose EI 30 over EW 30?
Choose EI when people or combustibles may be close to the safe face or where strategy requires insulation – e.g., protected corridors, lobbies, healthcare/education routes.
Does EI 30 fire rating include smoke control?
No. Smoke control (Sa/Sm) is a separate classification and must be specified and evidenced independently.
Can I mix EI doors with EW screens in one elevation?
Only if the combined assembly (door + screen) is covered by evidence. Otherwise keep the whole elevation to EI or obtain an assessment.
What glass types achieve EI 30 fire rating?
Insulating fire glass (multi-laminate/intumescent) matched to the aluminium system, with specific thickness and edge cover as per the report.
Can I oversize panes or add different ironmongery?
Not without formal EXAP/assessment. Stick to tested sizes and hardware to retain the classification.
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
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fire rated partitions
For more information on our fire rated partitions and products please visit our Fire Rated Glass Partitions