It’s critical for your safety to comprehend the fire hazard classes when selecting linoleum for your house or place of business. Similar to many other building materials, linoleum is divided into different classes according to how it responds to fire. Making an informed decision requires knowing how the material will react in the case of a fire, which is something that these classifications aid in determining.
Linoleum’s fire hazard classes, like KM1, KM2, and KM3, shed light on the material’s combustibility and possible dangers. Specific traits and testing requirements determine the safety level of each class. By being aware of these differences, you can choose the ideal linoleum for various settings, assuring both safety code compliance and comfort.
You may come across additional designations on linoleum in addition to KM classifications. The information on smoke production, toxic gas emissions, and general fire resistance can all be found on these labels. Gaining an understanding of these terminologies and their meanings will help you assess whether linoleum is safe and appropriate for your particular requirements.
This post will explain the various classes of linoleum fire hazards, explain what each designation means, and offer advice on selecting the safest option for your area. Knowing these classifications is essential to creating a safe environment, whether you’re remodeling a house or outfitting a business.
- What does the concept mean?
- Regulatory regulation
- What temperature can it withstand: separation by flammability
- Fire danger categories
- By flammability
- By flame spread
- By degree of toxicity
- How to choose the right one?
- Why is it important to know the features?
- Useful video
- Video on the topic
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What does the concept mean?
Linoleum is produced using a variety of materials. They are all different in how resistant to fire they are. The fire department staff inspects the final product. Based on how long it takes for the product to ignite and how much toxic material is released during combustion, it is given a class.
There is an alphanumeric designation for the fire hazard class. It may have ten or twelve characters.
Regulatory regulation
When assessing fire resistance, records like these
Competent experts from state-accredited organizations verify that linoleum complies with these documents before it is put on sale. A fire safety certificate is then given to the product.
What temperature can it withstand: separation by flammability
Together, we will determine how to detect burning linoleum.
- NG. Models of this category do not ignite even if they are exposed to an open flame source for a long time. They are suitable for industrial premises and warehouses where explosive substances are stored. This type of linoleum is also used on routes to emergency exits.
- G1. These are materials that are not dangerous in terms of fire. They cannot ignite unless there is an open flame source. However, when exposed to it for a long time, they light up and emit smoke with a temperature of 135 o C. In this case, the coating itself burns out only 20-30%. Suitable for office premises.
- G2. Belongs to the moderate class of software. After the fire stops affecting them, they will burn for about another minute. In this case, up to 50% of all coverage areas are damaged. When a fire occurs, smoke is released with a temperature of up to 235 o C. The coating is used in public places (retail outlets, cinema halls, etc.).
- G3. The ignition of such a floor covering can occur due to exposure to an open flame source or materials heated to a temperature of 100 o C and above. In a fire, up to 80% of the entire coating mass can burn out. Smoke temperature – 450 o C. Used in the private sector.
- G4. This is a fire hazardous product. Burns out completely, releasing gases with a temperature of more than 450 o C. Suitable for domestic use only.
A lot of experts disagree about the features of the first kind of software. They think that manufacturing companies are just using this as an excuse for advertising. Ultimately, the only completely incombustible materials are those like stone and concrete. The high temperatures will eventually cause everything else to ignite.
Fire danger categories
- KM0. Incombustible. Such material cannot ignite even when exposed to high temperatures. Designed for industrial premises.
- KM1. Very low. Only prolonged exposure to an open flame poses a threat. Used for rooms where people stay for a short time (elevators, halls, etc.).).
- KM2. Low. Such linoleum can catch fire from exposure to low temperatures within a few minutes. This group is used for warehouses and workshops, as well as offices.
- KM3. Weak. Low risk of fire. Suitable for rooms where there are not many people (small shops, personal offices, etc.).).
- KM4. Average. May catch fire if heaters are handled incorrectly. May only be used for domestic purposes.
- KM5. High. Flammable quickly. Used in apartments. It is better to lay such flooring in those rooms where there is no risk of dropping something hot (living rooms, bedrooms).
The only linoleum varieties that are permitted for use in public spaces are KM0, KM1, and KM2. The best locations for all other classes are apartments or other spaces that don’t allow large crowds to congregate at once.
By flammability
The level of the material’s ignition risk is ascertained during the inspection. It is then given the proper class after that.
- IN 1. If a person notices the number “1” in the marking, it means that in order for such a material to ignite, it must be exposed to an open flame with a high degree of intensity for a long time (i.e.e. A dropped match or cigarette that has completely burned out cannot cause a fire).
- AT 2. This marking indicates that linoleum is safe, but in those rooms where it will be laid it is better to handle fire with extreme caution.
- AT 3. A coating with this parameter can catch fire quickly. Therefore, it is strictly forbidden to lay it in rooms where heating devices are installed.
By flame spread
It is crucial that a fire spreads slowly in the event of one. This can save tangible property and gives people time to flee.
Linoleum is numbered from 1 to 3 and marked with the letters RP to assess this quality. The number "1" in this instance indicates that it is possible to locate the fire’s source quickly. The number "3" indicates a rapid spread of the fire. "2" represents a transition class.
By degree of toxicity
Different substances are released into the air when any material burns. They might be harmful to people’s health. According to statistics, the majority of victims of a fire die from carbon monoxide poisoning rather than from open flames and extreme heat. Since T.To. linoleum is composed of chemical substances, the most harmless substance that could escape into the atmosphere in the event that it ignites is CO 2.
The floor covering is given the proper toxicity class so that someone knows "what to prepare for" right away. He used the letter "T" and the digits 1 through 4 to indicate.
- The number “1” indicates that if such material burns, substances that pose a threat to human life and health will not be released into the air.
- T2 is close in its characteristics to the previous version.
- T3 will release small amounts of toxic substances into the air.
- T4 is the most dangerous variety; if it ignites, a person risks being poisoned by combustion products without reaching the emergency exit. Therefore, it is prohibited to lay linoleum with this marking in public places and residential premises located above the 9th floor.
In general, experts advise against using the "T4" variety on residential properties. In an emergency, savings could prove to be expensive.
It is imperative to comprehend the various classes of linoleum fire hazards, including KM1, KM2, and KM3, in order to guarantee safety in both residential and commercial settings. These classifications assist customers in making knowledgeable flooring selections by indicating how quickly the material ignites, spreads flames, and releases smoke. You can select the safest and best option for your environment by weighing the needs of both functionality and aesthetics by being aware of the specific fire hazard ratings and other significant markings on linoleum.
How to choose the right one?
The first consideration when selecting linoleum is the environment in which it will be used. You should consider its fire hazard class only after this.
- Domestic. A person can use any type of linoleum in his apartment. There are no clear requirements here. Basically, for residential premises they choose cheap options with a low degree of fire resistance (KM4, KM5). But it all depends on the person. Yes, such models allow you to significantly save on repairs, but no one is safe from fire. Low performance flooring will not prevent flame spread. Accordingly, in the event of a critical situation, a person may find himself at a disadvantage. Therefore, experts advise choosing linoleum with high parameters even for ordinary apartments. This is especially true for apartments located on the upper floors of buildings. At a certain point, extra money spent can save a person’s life. Popular models of linoleum for household use: IDEAL Bazis Ladoga 5, Tarkett GRAND Molinari 1, Tarkett ADMIRAL Adriano.
- Semi-commercial. The requirements for this class are already higher. This material is used in rooms where many people often gather. Accordingly, the risk of fire here is several times higher than in an ordinary apartment. Therefore, for such objects, it is better to choose a linoleum of medium and high degree of fire resistance (km2, km3). If a freelance situation arises, the coating will not allow the flame to quickly spread around the room. This will allow people to freely leave the emergency object. Basic models of semi -commercial linoleum: Tarkett Horizon 13, Komotex Lin Elbrus Blues 3, Forbo Emerald Lux.
- Commercial. To industrial linoleum, the requirements are special. After all, it should be able to not only effectively resist high mechanical loads, but in which case not allowing the flame to spread around the room. Therefore, for industrial facilities, only the coating of the highest classes (km0, km1) is chosen. This allows employees of the enterprise without harm to their health to leave the dangerous zone. In addition, most models in this class are equipped with graphite inserts that prevent the formation of static electricity charges in the room. This property allows them to be used even in warehouses where explosive substances are stored. For enterprises, the following brands of flooring are mainly chosen: Forbo-FS Real, Komitex Lin “Everest”, Tarkett Travertine.
Why is it important to know the features?
The fire resistance class of the linoleum directly affects the people’s safety in the space. Therefore, in the event of an emergency, failing to recognize the markings could have very unfortunate results.
For instance, even though this is a domestic setting, you shouldn’t install KM5 class linoleum in the kitchen. A hot frying pan or dropped match can start a fire that quickly spreads throughout the space.
If someone works with contractors, being aware of the markings will help him avoid being tricked. For instance, KM5 linoleum cannot be purchased for the same price as KM0, despite dishonest employees’ best efforts to suggest otherwise. Yes, and knowing the designations makes it simpler to manage the installation procedure. It is preferable to turn down builders who offer to install KM5 category models in a factory workshop right away. They either don’t comprehend the complexities of the work or are con artists.
Useful video
Examining the coating for fire hazards in the video:
Fire Hazard Class | Description |
KM1 | Linoleum with the highest fire resistance, suitable for areas with strict fire safety requirements. |
KM2 | Linoleum with good fire resistance, appropriate for residential and commercial spaces. |
KM3 | Linoleum with moderate fire resistance, commonly used in less critical areas. |
Other Designations | Labels indicating additional properties like slip resistance, wear resistance, and acoustic insulation. |
It is essential to comprehend the various classes of linoleum fire hazards when choosing a flooring material, particularly in areas where safety is a top concern. The material’s fire resistance is clearly outlined in the classes KM1, KM2, and KM3, which aids customers in selecting the best product for their individual requirements.
The highest level of fire resistance is provided by KM1 linoleum, which makes it perfect for high-risk locations like public buildings, hospitals, and schools. Even though they still offer protection, KM2 and KM3 are best used in less important locations with lower fire risks. Every class contributes to the overall security of the building by guaranteeing a specific level of safety.
Other designations on linoleum can indicate properties like chemical resistance, wear resistance, and slip resistance in addition to fire hazard classes. These elements are equally crucial to guaranteeing the flooring’s durability and adaptability to different settings. By reading these labels carefully, you can choose linoleum that fulfills safety requirements and functions effectively in the circumstances for which it is designed to be used.
In the end, selecting the appropriate linoleum requires striking a balance between fire safety and other useful factors. You can make an informed decision that guarantees both functionality and safety by being aware of the fire hazard classes and other pertinent designations. With this knowledge, you can choose the floor covering that best suits your needs, whether you’re furnishing a residential or commercial space.