Comparing International Fire Safety Regulations for Fire Rated Glass

Why fire rated glass needs regulations

Apart from providing transparency, fire rated glass also plays a critical role in fire compartmentation, slowing the spread of flames, smoke and heat between sections of a building. The regulations that govern its use ensure that glass performs under pressure and provides the required protection for a specific period, often ranging from 20 minutes to 180 minutes.

The overall goals of international fire safety regulations for fire rated glass are consistent across the board:

• Keep flames and hot gases contained. 
• Limit heat transfer through the glass. 
• Provide a defined level of protection to occupants and property. 

How each region achieves these goals, however, depends on its local building codes and testing standards.

European Standards: EN 13501-2

In Europe, fire rated glass is classified under the EN 13501-2 system. This standard is detailed and systematic, categorising fire glass into different performance classes:

• E (Integrity): The glass must prevent the flames and hot gases from passing through
• EW (Integrity and Radiation Control): Beyond just containment, this category ensures that radiant heat passing through the glass does not exceed 15 kW/m².
• EI (Integrity and Insulation): This provides the highest level of performance by offering both containment and significant insulation, keeping the non-fire side cooler and safer.

Many fire rated glass products in Europe achieve EI ratings using special gel interlayers that expand under heat, forming an insulating barrier.

UK Standards: BS 476

The UK, while harmonising many codes with European standards, still references the BS 476 Parts 20-22 test. This standard evaluates how well glass and glazing systems resist fire exposure, including their ability to maintain load-bearing capacity and insulation. 

Though closely aligned with European frameworks, BS 476 has its own testing procedures and classifications that remain recognised within the UK’s regulatory environment. For international projects, this often means that glass suppliers and builders need products tested to both EN and BS standards.

North American Standards: ASTM, UL, and NFPA

In the United States and Canada, testing takes a slightly different path. The most common standards here are ASTM E119, UL 10C and NFPA 251.

Here’s what makes North American regulations unique:

• Fire tests expose glass to furnace temperatures that can exceed 1600°F, pushing materials to their limits. 
• A hose stream test is often applied afterward (NFPA 257). This simulates the sudden impact for firefighting efforts, ensuring the glass can withstand not just fire, but also thermal shock and physical force. 
• Ratings are provided in time intervals—20, 45, 60, 90 and 180 minutes—depending on how long the glass maintains its protective qualities.

Additionally, the International Building Code (IBC) governs where fire rated glass can be installed, the size of openings allowed, and what level of fire protection is required in different building areas.

Singapore Standards: BS, SS and Fire Code

Singapore has its own comprehensive framework for regulating fire rated glass, combining international benchmarks with national codes. Oversight is primarily handled by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) and the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF), which enforce compliance through inspections and the Fire Code.

The main requirements include:

• BS 476:1987 for resistance testing
• BS 6206 for impact resistance, ensuring glass can withstand real-word forces as well as fire. 
• SS 332 and SS 499, local Singapore Standards that specify classification, performance and certification requirements for fire-resistant glazing.

In terms of performance, fire rated glass in Singapore is certified in ratings like E30/I30 (integrity and insulation for 30 minutes) up to E60/I60 or higher, depending on the building’s purpose—whether escape routes, residential corridors, or commercial spaces. Testing and certification bodies such as TÜV SÜD PSB ensure that products meet strict benchmarks for integrity, stability and insulation.

By combining British standards with local fire codes and inspection frameworks, Singapore sets a high bar for fire safety, reflecting the country’s dense urban architecture and commitment to safe high-rise living.

Asia and other regions

Beyond Singapore, Asia doesn’t follow a single unified fire safety standard. Instead, many countries adopt or adapt European or North American frameworks.

For example:

• India has fire safety codes that align closely with international benchmarks, approving products that meet EN or ASTM standards. 
• China and other Asian markets often require certifications recognised across multiple regions, especially for projects that involve international collaboration. 
• Manufacturers frequently design products certified to both EN and UL classifications to cover as many regulatory requirements as possible. 

This approach makes sense in a globalised construction industry. For architects and designers working across borders, flexibility is key, and so is choosing products that can demonstrate compliance with more than one system.

What these differences mean in practice

Although the standards differ, the underlying message is clear: fire rated glass is a life-saving tool and it must prove itself under rigorous conditions. The challenge for builders and designers lies in navigating the patchwork of regulations when working internationally.

For instance, a project in Europe may require EI-rated glass to limit radiant heat, while a similar project in North America might prioritise hose stream resistance. In Singapore, the requirements combine BS fire testing with local SS certifications.

The key takeaway? Understanding international fire safety regulations for fire rated glass ensures that you choose the right materials for the right context, and it helps prevent costly delays during the approval process.

Moving toward harmonisation

While it might seem daunting to juggle so many standards, there’s a growing push toward harmonisation. Global construction markets benefit when testing and certification are streamlined, allowing products to be recognised across multiple jurisdictions.

Until then, the best strategy is to stay informed. Whether you’re specifying materials for a local project or coordinating international builds, knowing how fire rated glass is classified and tested across regions makes decision-making smoother and safer.

Compliance for safety

Fire safety isn’t something to take lightly, and fire rated glass is a prime example of how modern construction materials blend function, safety and design. The regulations that govern its use may differ but the goals remain the same: keeping buildings safe and occupants protected.

By comparing international fire safety regulations for fire rated glass, we can better appreciate both the diversity and the common ground in global standards. For anyone involved in construction, design, or materials supply, understanding these frameworks is an investment in both compliance and safety.