Fire-rated frames for commercial offices
EI 30 to EI 120: four levels of fire resistance framed by the harmonised European classification of construction products
In the tertiary sector, EI 30 covers the vast majority of linear runs: over-specifying to EI 60 adds 180 to 240 EUR/m² with no regulatory benefit. In category-5 ERPs, NF EN 13501-2 and the decree of 25 June 1980 set EI 30 for standard partitioning between enclosed offices. EI 60 becomes the rule in category-W high-rise buildings (IGH) for separations between functional compartments. EI 120 remains reserved for strategic IGH walls and main technical ducts. These levels are certified by a CSTB or Efectis test report valid for 5 years (decree of 22 March 2004 as amended, article 5). The compliance of fire-resistant frames is validated during the safety commission inspection, on the basis of the test reports provided with the installed joinery. This page details the regulatory framework, the project sequence and the architectural integration trade-offs for tertiary project management.
The fire safety regulations applicable to ERPs (decree of 25 June 1980) and to IGHs (decree of 30 December 2011) require fire-resistance levels for separating walls. The NF EN 13501-2 standard breaks performance down into three criteria: R (mechanical resistance), E (integrity against gas and smoke), I (thermal insulation). A fire-resistant glazed office frame typically falls under the EI criterion, expressed in minutes.
Common levels in tertiary real estate:
- EI 30: category-5 ERP, standard partitioning between enclosed offices.
- EI 60: category-W IGH, separations between functional compartments.
- EI 90: areas with particular risk, archives, technical rooms.
- EI 120: walls between IGH compartments, main technical ducts.
The test report, issued by an accredited laboratory (CSTB, Efectis), remains valid for 5 years (decree of 22 March 2004 as amended, article 5). The Labour Code (articles R4216-1 to R4216-31) strengthens these requirements for staff premises. On our recent tertiary operations, EI 30 dominates the installed linear runs by far, EI 60 comes next for sensitive compartmentalisation, with EI 90 and EI 120 remaining marginal.
Kytom’s position, at odds with part of the profession. The safety-AMO conventional wisdom tends to push for the higher level “as a precaution” during the preliminary design phases. Our reading differs: on our recent projects, no safety commission has refused an EI 30 frame compliant with the 1980 decree in a category-5 ERP. Over-specifying to EI 60 outside IGHs brings no regulatory benefit and restricts the layout to frames with a visible section of 50 to 70 mm, at the expense of the slim profile sought by the architect.
Frequently asked questions
What fire-resistance level applies to a glazed frame between enclosed offices in a category-5 ERP?
EI 30 under the decree of 25 June 1980, on the basis of a CSTB or Efectis test report valid for 5 years. In the tertiary sector, EI 30 is the level most frequently requested for glazed frames between enclosed offices.
Does an EI 60 frame installed in an EI 30 partition raise the whole assembly to EI 60?
No, the weakest link prevails: the assembly remains classified EI 30. The overall level of a separating wall corresponds to that of its least-performing component, including frame, partition or junction. During our preliminary audits, Kytom frequently identifies discrepancies between the level shown on the drawings and the actual level found after checking the test reports issued by the CSTB or Efectis.
