Fire Rated Plasterboard

Understanding Fire Rated Plasterboard

Fire-rated plasterboard is a paper-faced gypsum board made with reinforcement and additives that help the core retain integrity at high temperatures. It forms part of wall, ceiling and encasement systems designed to provide fire resistance.

The rating applies to the assembled construction. Board type, thickness, number of layers, framing, insulation, fixings and joint treatment all contribute to its performance. A board on its own does not provide a universal 30-minute fire-resistance period.

Reaction to fire and fire resistance describe different properties. Reaction to fire concerns how a product contributes to fire growth; fire resistance concerns how a building element maintains its required performance during a fire test. A product’s reaction-to-fire classification is not a rating in minutes.

Material Range

• 12.5mm Fire-Rated Plasterboard: Square- and tapered-edge boards, including Knauf Fire Panel, with different sheet dimensions and pallet options.
• 15mm Fire-Rated Plasterboard: Tapered-edge boards, including 15mm Knauf Fire Panel, supplied in sheet and pallet formats for constructions specifying this thickness.

Performance Benefits

• Fire-performance formulation: Reinforced gypsum cores contribute to fire resistance when installed as part of the specified construction.
• Paper-faced finish: Provides a surface for the jointing, skimming or decoration required by the chosen finishing system.
• Familiar working methods: Boards can be cut and mechanically fixed using plasterboard installation methods, following the system’s fixing and jointing details.

Typical Applications

• Internal partitions: Forming wall linings where the tested partition design specifies fire-resistant plasterboard.
• Ceiling systems: Lining ceilings with the board type, layers and supporting framework required by the fire-resisting design.
• Structural encasement: Lining structural members where the selected board is included in the manufacturer’s tested encasement system.

Specification & Standards

• BS EN 520: Gypsum plasterboards definitions, requirements and test methods. Covers board characteristics and distinguishes product properties from performance assessed in assembled systems.
• BS EN 13501-1: Classification using reaction-to-fire test data, describing a product’s contribution to fire.
• BS EN 13501-2: Classification using fire-resistance and smoke-control test data for construction products and building elements.

Related Materials and Construction Uses

Fire-rated plasterboard works with the framing, insulation, screws, jointing materials and seals named in the wall, ceiling or encasement design. Service openings and perimeter junctions also need the fire-stopping details required by that construction.

British Gypsum’s tested partition systems provide examples using specified Gyproc components. For Knauf Fire Panel, follow the corresponding Knauf system information.

For help comparing board types, visit our plasterboard selection range.