E30
30 minutes integrity, 0 minutes insulation - 30:0
Glass options depend on whether the partition design is for a series of individual framed panels or for a continuous glass appearance with an outer frame with multiple glass panels.
For individual framed panels you can choose from Pyrotech® 30, Pyrobelite®, Pyroguard® and Pyran® S. For butt jointed panels you can choose from Pyran® S, Pyroguard® and Pyroclear.
The frame and door system is generally RAL polyester powder coated steel or stainless steel such as those from RP Technik GmbH https://www.rp-technik.com/en and Forster Profile Systems https://www.forster-profile.ch/gb-en/home.html
There is a wide choice of both glass options and glazing systems available so depending on the design, the location and the specific fire rating requirements we would fine tune the shortlist to the most appropriate systems based on overall cost and appearance.
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We are happy to quote for any screen design, from the very simple to the very complex. Please contact us for a no obligation quote and survey if required and allow us to assist you in the implementation of your social distancing measures within the workplace.
Protecting Spaces with E30 Fire Screens
What are E30 Fire Screens?
E30 glass fire rated screens are integrity-rated barriers that hold back flames and hot gases for a minimum of 30 minutes under test conditions. That 30-minute window gives occupants time to reach safety and emergency services time to respond. The glass is purpose-made for fire duty - not standard toughened glass repurposed - and the framing system is tested alongside it to maintain the barrier as a whole assembly.
The E30 rating covers integrity only. It resists the passage of flames and hot gases for the rated period, but does not limit heat transfer to the unexposed side. Where heat insulation is also required, an EI-rated system is the appropriate specification - worth confirming with your fire engineer before committing to a product.
Fire Safety and Compartmentation
Compartmentalising a building is one of the most effective ways to limit fire damage. E30 screens divide a floor or corridor into separate zones, so a fire in one area does not immediately threaten the whole building. For commercial buildings this is typically a regulatory requirement, confirmed by a fire engineer or building control officer as part of the fire strategy. We are happy to advise on what the E30 fire rating means in practice once you have that confirmation.
Aesthetic Options
Fire-rated glass carries some aesthetic constraints compared with standard clear glazing. The glass types available are more limited, and very large pane sizes are not always achievable at E30. Within those limits there is still meaningful choice. Frame profiles are available in a range of powder-coat finishes, manifestation can be applied for DDA compliance or design reasons, and a well-installed E30 screen sits comfortably alongside non-rated glazing in the same space.
Installation and Performance
E30 performance is established by independent fire resistance testing. The glass and framing system are tested together as a complete assembly, which is why installation must follow the test evidence precisely - substituting a different frame profile or fixing method can invalidate the rating. We install to the test evidence for every system we supply and keep accurate records so the documentation is available when needed.
Where E30 Screens Are Used
E30 screens work across a wide range of building types:
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Commercial offices and retail spaces - corridor and lobby screens where integrity-only performance meets the fire strategy
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Residential and mixed-use buildings - hallway and stairwell screens where compartmentation is required without the added heat-insulation performance of an EI-rated system
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Industrial and warehouse facilities - separation between compartments where the fire strategy calls for a 30-minute integrity barrier rather than a full EI assembly
Maintenance
We survey approximately 90% of projects before installation, so site conditions are understood before screens are manufactured. That reduces the risk of problems on the day and ensures the finished installation matches the test evidence. Once in place, E30 screens need only periodic inspection to confirm the glass is undamaged and door hardware is functioning correctly.
E30 fire screens are a well-established solution for buildings where a 30-minute integrity barrier is required by the fire strategy. We supply and install systems from independently tested manufacturers and work directly with architects, contractors and property owners. If you have a project where a fire rated glass partition or E30 screen is specified, speak to the team and we will confirm whether E30 is right or whether ei30 fire rated glass would better suit your fire strategy.
Understanding the difference between E30 and EI30 fire-rated glass is essential when specifying the right partition system. Both provide fire protection, but their performance requirements differ, with a range of glazing and framing options available to complement your building's design.
What the E30 Fire Rating Actually Means
An E30 fire rating means the glass maintains its integrity for 30 minutes - stopping flames and smoke from passing through while remaining structurally intact. The E stands for integrity, and the 30 is the number of minutes the glass is tested to perform under fire conditions.
Integrity is the minimum fire performance classification required for most commercial fire screens and partitions in the UK. It gives occupants time to evacuate and allows fire services to manage the situation safely. It does not limit heat transfer to the protected side - that is the role of an EI-rated product - but for many commercial applications, E30 is exactly the right specification.
If you are unsure whether E30 meets your building's requirements or whether a higher classification such as EI30 or EI60 is needed, we are happy to advise. The right choice depends on your layout, the fire strategy for the building, and the advice of your fire consultant or building control officer.
We are happy to advise on the right classification for your specification - ask us and we will work through the options with you.
E30 or EI30 - Which Rating Does Your Project Need?
The two classifications address different levels of fire protection, and choosing between them comes down to what the screen is being asked to do.
An E30 rating means the glass maintains its integrity for 30 minutes - it stops flames and smoke from passing through, but it does not limit the heat radiating from the fire side. This is the standard requirement for many commercial partitions and screens where the primary goal is to contain a fire and give occupants time to evacuate safely.
An EI30 rating adds insulation to that integrity. The glass maintains its structure for 30 minutes and also limits the heat transferred to the protected side. This matters where the screen separates a means of escape from a high-risk area, or where proximity to the glass could expose people to radiant heat.
The correct rating for your project is determined by the building's fire strategy, the location of the screen within the floor plan, and the relevant section of the UK Building Regulations.
Design and Aesthetics in E30 Fire Screens
When specifying fire-rated glass, it is natural to assume performance requirements limit your aesthetic options. With E30 screens, that assumption does not hold. The glass products available for E30 applications - Pyrotech® 30, Pyrobelite®, Pyroguard® and Pyran® S - are designed to be visually unobtrusive, allowing natural light to pass through and maintaining the open feel of a space.
Frame choice plays a significant part in the final appearance. Slimline aluminium framing, available in a range of powder-coat finishes to any RAL colour, keeps sight lines clean. For a minimal look, butt-jointed panel systems using Pyran® S, Pyroguard® or Pyroclear remove the mid-panel framing entirely, giving a near-continuous run of glass.
Manifestation is required on commercial fire screens to meet DDA visibility standards. There is more flexibility here than people expect. Dot patterns, frosted bands and printed graphics are all compatible with E30 glass, so the safety marking can work with your interior scheme rather than against it. Whilst a long, perfectly clear run of fire glass is visually ideal, the combination of butt-jointed panels and considered manifestation gets very close. Ask us about the options for your specific layout and we will show you what is achievable.