EI 60 Fire Rating
EI 60 fire rating (EN 13501-2): what it means & when to specify it
EI60 fire rating
EI 60 fire rating is a 60-minute fire-resistance classification where a construction maintains integrity (E) and insulation (I) for one hour. Integrity prevents flames/smoke passing through; insulation limits the temperature rise on the unexposed face, protecting occupants and nearby materials during the rated time. Compared with EI 30, EI 60 demands tougher glazing, profiles, seals and junctions, and tighter control of installation details.
At a glance
- What it does: Stops flames/smoke and limits surface temperature rise for 60 minutes.
- What it doesn’t do: It’s not a loadbearing rating (that would be R).
- Typical use: Protected routes, lobbies/refuges, compartment boundaries to higher-risk rooms, and locations where people or combustibles are close to the element.
- Standards: Classified to EN 13501-2; typically tested to EN 1634-1 (doorsets) or EN 1364-1 (non-loadbearing walls), using general methods from EN 1363-1/-2.
How EI 60 is tested
- Furnace exposure: Specimen faces the standard time–temperature curve.
- Integrity (E): No sustained flaming, no through-gaps beyond limits, and no ignition of the cotton pad.
- Insulation (I): The average temperature rise on the safe side must stay ≤ 140 °C above ambient; maximum at any point ≤ 180 °C, for 60 minutes.
- Resulting class: If E + I criteria are met for the full hour, the element is EI 60.
- Evidence: Keep the test report and classification report that match your exact configuration (system, glass, hardware, seals, sizes, substrates).
Note: Because the safe-side surface temperature is limited, EI also controls radiant heat to safer levels for people close to the glazing.
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 ≤ 15 kW/m²) | (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 | When radiation control is enough | Close-proximity, routes, protected spaces, sensitive occupancies |
Where EI 60 is typically required or preferred
- Protected corridors, lobbies, refuges and stair enclosures in higher-risk or high-occupancy buildings.
- Compartment boundaries to plant rooms, commercial kitchens, stores, or areas with higher fire load.
- Healthcare, education, residential routes where vulnerable occupants or combustibles may be near the partition/door.
- Boundary conditions where the strategy calls for insulation to protect adjacent property or escape routes.
- Always follow the project fire strategy, local regulations, and the scope of your classification report.
Selecting an aluminium system for EI 60
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 units are typically multi-laminate/intumescent with defined thickness, edge cover and weight. Do not swap in EW or E glass.
3) Sizes & limits
Respect leaf/pane maximums, aspect ratios, visible edge cover and profile spans/centres from the evidence. Oversizing requires a formal EXAP/assessment.
4) Glazing details
- Maintain specified setting blocks/packers, intumescent liners/foams, and sealant types.
- Replicate glazing bead geometry and fixing patterns exactly.
5) Hardware & accessories
Only use listed hinges, locks, closers, panic hardware, drop seals, and any electromagnetic hold-open devices referenced in evidence. Check closer power and clearances for the longer duration.
6) Interfaces & substrates
Install into the tested substrate (e.g., concrete, lined stud). Match perimeter firestopping density/depth and record movement joints and deflection criteria.
7) Identification & maintenance
Apply ID labels, include DoP, installation and O&M manuals, and schedule inspections (glass edges, seals, ironmongery).
Aluminium fire-rated windows, doors & glass partitions (EI 60)
EI 60 fire rating is achievable in aluminium systems when the tested build-up is followed precisely.
Fire-rated windows (EI60)
Scope: Usually fixed lights; openable EI-rated windows are uncommon and must be explicitly tested with their exact operating hardware and seals.
Glazing: Use the tested EI glass (type/thickness) and maintain edge cover and intumescent liners as specified.
Locations: Internal partitions to protected routes; external/boundary applications where insulation is required by strategy. and report.
Spec tips: Confirm pane maximums, permitted mullion/transom types, head/sole details; coordinate ventilation via AOVs or separate systems.
Fire-rated doors (EI60)
Leaf types: Single/double leaves, with/without overpanels/side-lights – each must be covered by evidence.
Hardware: Only listed hinges, locks, closers, panic devices, drop seals. If hold-open is needed, use an automatic release linked to the fire alarm.
Additional performance: Smoke control (Sa/Sm) is separate to EI; include if required.
Spec tips: Check clearances, closer power, glazing bead type, ironmongery packers, and any kick/guard plates.
Glass partitions/screens (EI60)
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 only approved firestopping and tested substrates; document any movement joints.
People proximity: EI is preferred where occupants or combustibles may be close to the safe face for extended periods.
Spec tips: For door-integrated screens or full-height runs, ensure the combined assembly is within scope (door + side-light + overpanel).
Build exactly to the documented configuration. If your intended size, hardware, glass or junction isn’t covered, obtain EXAP/assessment before proceeding.
Compliance & documentation (what to keep on file)
- EN 13501-2 Classification report stating EI 60 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 the field of application.
- Our Compliance Pack example
Model specification clause
Fire-rated aluminium doorset/screen – EI 60
Provide and install a factory-fabricated aluminium glazed doorset/screen classified to EN 13501-2: EI 60, 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 60 fire rating FAQs
What does EI 60 fire rating mean?
The element maintains integrity and insulation for 60 minutes: no through-flames, and the safe-side temperature rise is limited (ΔTavg ≤ 140 °C; ΔTmax ≤ 180 °C).
When should I choose EI 60 over EI 30 or EW 60?
Choose EI 60 where the strategy requires a full hour of insulation – e.g., higher-risk compartments, protected routes in complex buildings, or close-proximity areas.
Does EI 60 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 + overpanel) is covered by evidence. Otherwise keep the elevation to EI or obtain an assessment.
What glass types achieve EI 60 fire rating?
Insulating fire glass (multi-laminate/intumescent) matched to the aluminium system, with specific thickness, weight and edge cover per the report.
Can I oversize panes or change ironmongery?
Not without formal EXAP/assessment. Stick to tested sizes, hardware and construction to retain the EI 60 classification.
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