AFP’s Third-Party Fire Rating Certifications

When it comes to fire safety, every component in a building’s protection system must meet the highest standards. At AFP, we specialise in pressure relief vents designed to maintain room integrity during gas fire suppression discharges and protect against blast damage from arc faults. 

Our vents undergo third-party fire testing to ensure they provide reliable performance in high-risk environments. With fire ratings of up to four hours, our products give you the assurance that fire resistance will not be compromised.

What is a fire rating?

A fire rating indicates how long a building component, such as a door, wall, or vent, can withstand fire before it loses its structural integrity. This rating is measured in hours, with common classifications including: 

• 30 minutes
• 1 hour
• 2 hours
• 4 hours
• In some cases, up to 6 hours

A higher fire resistance rating means the product can withstand fire for a longer period, ensuring the gas fire suppression system has time to activate. This delay also allows emergency responders to take action before structural integrity is compromised.

For pressure relief venting, fire resistance is invaluable. In the event of a gas suppression discharge, a vent that fails prematurely can compromise room integrity, reducing the effectiveness of the system. 

Fire testing certification

Fire ratings are not self-assigned. They must be verified by independent third-party organisations that specialise in fire safety testing. In the UK, several leading institutions conduct these evaluations, including:

• BRE (Building Research Establishment)
• Warrington Fire
• Chiltern International Fire
• Guardian Fire Testing
• BM Trada

Each of these bodies follow international standards to assess a product’s fire resistance under controlled conditions. Their certification provides an unbiased guarantee that a product meets regulatory requirements for fire safety.

Fire testing process and standards for fire rating

To ensure our pressure relief vents provide the highest level of fire protection, AFP submits its products for fire rating testing by third-party laboratories. A standard fire resistance test includes the following steps:

1. Sample preparation. The vent is installed in a test wall or door assembly, replicating real-world installation conditions, depending on the construction type.
2. Heat exposure. The vent is exposed to extreme temperatures in a controlled furnace, following internationally recognised testing standards such as BS 476-20/22 and EN 1363-1.
3. Integrity testing. The vent is monitored for structural integrity. This ensures that it does not allow flame spread or hot gases to pass through before the rated time expires.
4. Insulation performance. If applicable, the vent is also assessed for its ability to limit heat transfer.
5. Endurance verification. With a time based fire test, the product is tested up to the specified fire resistance rating period (e.g., 2-hour fire barrier or 4-hour fire barrier) to confirm compliance with the expected performance level.

Once a product successfully passes these stages, it receives official certification, verifying its fire-resistant properties.

AFP’s fire rated pressure relief vents

Our pressure relief vents are designed not only for efficient pressure venting but also for fire protection. AFP’s third-party certifications set us apart from competitors, ensuring our vents meet the highest industry standards.

Key features of AFP’s fire-rated vents:

• Certified fire resistance. Independently tested and certified by leading fire safety organisations.
• 2 to 4 hour fire resistance ratings. Verified durability to maintain room integrity in critical fire scenarios.
• Proven performance. Stringent testing to ensure long-term reliability and compliance with international fire safety regulations.

By choosing AFP’s fire-rated vents, you are investing in certified safety and performance, ensuring your fire suppression system remains effective in an emergency.

A selection from our range

At AFP, we offer a range of high-performance pressure relief vents designed to meet the highest fire safety standards. Below is a selection of some of our most popular fire-rated vents, each independently tested and certified to ensure maximum protection in critical environments.

To explore our full range of fire-rated vents and view the specific fire resistance rating certifications for each product, visit our products page.

Get in touch

At AFP, we are committed to providing world-class pressure relief venting solutions backed by independent fire certification. Our fire-rated vents offer the highest level of safety and compliance, giving you confidence in your fire protection strategy.

For more information on our certified fire-rated products or to discuss your specific requirements, get in touch with our team today. They will help you find the right pressure relief vent to combine with your gas fire suppression system or your building project.