August 17, 2022, China – United Insulation, a global supplier of high-end insulation materials, officially announced that its entire range of glass wool products (rolls, boards, and pipe shells) has passed the surface burning characteristics test conducted by the globally authoritative third-party organization SGS according to ASTM E84 (Steiner Tunnel Test).

Flame Spread Index (FSI) ≤ 25

Smoke Developed Index (SDI) ≤ 25

The double 25 result obtains the North American Class A (highest level) fire resistance rating certification officially. The test report was issued by SGS North American laboratories and has been entered into the SGS global certificate database.

What is the SGS ASTM E84 surface burning characteristics test?

SGS, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is the largest and most recognized third-party testing organization in the world. Its reports based on ASTM E84 (also known as the "25-foot tunnel fire test") are directly equivalent to official fire safety acceptance documents in the following regions:

North America: USA, Canada

Middle East: UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman-all compulsory

Southeast Asia: Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia - commonly required for high-end projects.

Australia/New Zealand: In some states, fire safety regulations may accept this standard directly.

What exactly does ASTM E84 test, and why is it so hard?

ASTM E84 is currently recognized globally as the most stringent surface burning test:

It is 7.3 meters long and mounted atop the horizontal tunnel, which is about 7.6 meters above the floor (25 feet).

Ignition is applied at one end for a period of 10 minutes, where the flame spread distance and smoke density are recorded in real time.

To achieve Class A, the FSI must be ≤25 and the SDI ≤450.

United Insulation's measured FSI=0 and SDI=0, far superior to most competing products (common FSI 20-25, SDI 100-300).

This means that even when exposed to an open flame, United Insulation glass wool barely spreads the flame and produces no dense smoke.

Why does the international high-end market regard the SGS ASTM E84 report as a "mandatory passport"?

USA/Canada: IBC and NBC building codes specifically require that all exposed or semi-exposed insulation materials must present an ASTM E84 Class A report, or else fire safety inspections will fail.

Middle East: Some of the countries in the Middle East like Dubai Civil Defence-DCD, Saudi Arabia's SABER, and Qatar's Civil Defence require an SGS or Intertek report with FSI ≤ 25 + SDI ≤ 450 for customs clearance.

Singapore: According to the SCDF fire safety regulations, all ceiling and wall insulations must attain Class A standards.

Malaysia/Indonesia: More shopping malls, hospitals, and data centers are now directly demanding SGS E84 reports.

Starting in 2025, at least 80% of global glass wool import tenders will include an explicit requirement saying, "Must submit SGS/UL ASTM E84 Class A test report." Without this report, the bid will be rejected.

How strong is the United Insulation glass wool in fire resistance?

Key data from this SGS test:

Flame Spread Index (FSI): 0

Smoke Density Index (SDI): 0

Products with aluminum foil facing also maintained Class A, because the aluminum foil does not peel off and does not support combustion.

The test covered all the specifications with 32kg/m³ density and a thickness of 50mm, with the whole series passing in one attempt.

These results not only meet Class A requirements but also represent the "cleanest and safest" top-tier performance among global glass wool products.

"The SGS ASTM E84 Double 25 report is our core commitment to the safety of life and property of our global customers," said the Fire Protection Technical Director from United Insulation. "Choosing United Insulation glass wool means the longest escape time in a fire, the smoothest fire safety inspection, and the highest recognition from insurance companies."

Currently, glass wool with SGS ASTM E84 Class A reports has been stably exported to the US, Canada, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Australia, Brunei, and other countries and regions. It also can be used without hindrance in commercial buildings, hospitals, schools, data centers, and high-rise residential projects with the highest fire protection requirements in these countries.

About United Insulation

United Insulation is one of the few Chinese exporters of glass wool and rock wool to hold simultaneously a full set of top-tier international certifications such as CE, KS, FM, USGBC, SIRIM, SGS ASTM E84 Class A, and ISO three-system certifications.

Website: www.unitedinsulation.com

Fireproof report download email: info@unitedinsulation.cn