Cold Chain Infrastructure · PIR & PUF
Fire Rated Insulation Panels
Fire insulation is not one specification, it is a spectrum. At one end, PIR gives you meaningfully better fire performance than standard PUF while keeping cost reasonable. At the other end, Rockwool gives you genuine Class A1 non-combustibility with zero compromise. Understanding where your project sits on that spectrum, and why, is what separates a correct specification from an expensive mistake.
2-Hr
Eurofins Rating
Class A1
Rockwool Option
Zero
Toxic Smoke (RW)
Which Panel Fits
Choosing the Right Panel for Fire Insulation
Rockwool
Maximum Fire Safety
Genuinely non-combustible Class A1 core. The only specification for absolute fire safety requirements and insurance mandates.
Class
A1 Non-Combustible
Smoke
Zero toxic
Rating
2-Hr Eurofins
PIR
Enhanced Fire Performance
Self-extinguishing foam core with significantly better fire behaviour than standard PUF. The practical upgrade for most projects.
Class
Fire-Resistant
Smoke
Reduced
Rating
2-Hr Eurofins
PUF
Standard Fire Code
Meets basic fire code compliance for buildings without elevated fire risk or enhanced insurance requirements.
Class
Standard
Smoke
Higher
Rating
Basic compliance
The Practical Guide
Fire Rating Is a Spectrum, Not a Switch
Buyers often ask for ‘the fire rated panel’ as if there is one answer. There are three tiers, each appropriate for different risk levels. Understanding which tier your project actually requires, rather than defaulting to the most expensive option or the cheapest, is where our engineering team adds the most value in the specification conversation.
01
Standard PUF
Meets basic fire code for most buildings. Adequate where fire is a background consideration, not a primary risk.
02
PIR: Enhanced Performance
Self-extinguishing, lower smoke toxicity, 2-hour Eurofins rating available. The professional upgrade for most fire-conscious projects.
03
Rockwool: Non-Combustible
Class A1. Will not burn under any condition. Required by many insurers, codes, and high-risk occupancy types.
04
Ask Your Insurer First
Before specifying, confirm what your insurance policy actually requires. Overspecifying wastes budget, underspecifying risks coverage.
Where It Applies
Common Use Cases
Fire Compartmentation
Internal fire walls and barriers separating risk zones within a single building.
Chemical & Paint Storage
High-risk industrial zones handling flammable materials requiring maximum containment.
Data Centres
Server halls where fire damage would be catastrophic to irreplaceable equipment.
High-Occupancy Buildings
Buildings with strict fire code requirements due to occupant density or evacuation complexity.
Questions
About Fire Insulation
What is the actual difference between PIR fire performance and PUF?
PIR foam chars and self-extinguishes when exposed to flame, producing meaningfully lower smoke toxicity than standard PUF. It still contributes some fuel to a fire, but significantly less and more slowly. PUF does not self-extinguish as reliably and produces higher smoke toxicity. Neither is non-combustible; both are foam.
When is Rockwool required instead of PIR?
When your building code, insurer, or occupancy classification specifically mandates non-combustible construction, only Rockwool satisfies that requirement. PIR is fire-resistant but is still classified as combustible. If the specification says “non-combustible” or “Class A1,” Rockwool is the only compliant option among our panel range.
What fire ratings does ACE hold certification for?
We hold Eurofins-certified 2-hour fire resistance ratings on 100mm and 80mm Rockwool panels, and on 100mm PIR panels. These are independently tested, not self-declared. Certificates are available on request for any tender submission or compliance documentation.
Does fire rated panel cost significantly more?
PIR typically costs 10 to 15 percent more than equivalent PUF. Rockwool typically costs more than PIR due to the material and manufacturing process. However, many insurers offer reduced premiums for non-combustible construction, which can offset the panel cost premium over the life of the building.
Talk to Our Team
Tell Us About Your Project.
Share your requirements and we will come back with a panel specification and indicative pricing within five working days.
- Factory: Derabassi, Mohali, Punjab
- Office: #669, Sector 11-B, Chandigarh
- Phone: +91 98883 00888
- Email: info@aceprefab.com
