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ACP vs FR A2 vs FR B1 Fire Rating - Which Cladding Material is Right?

Reviewed by VIVA ACP Technical Team · Updated November 2026

Fire-rated ACP panels come in two primary grades - FR A2 (non-combustible aluminium corrugated core) and FR B1 (limited combustibility mineral core). The National Building Code 2016 mandates specific fire ratings based on building height and usage type. Understanding the difference is critical for compliance, safety, and cost optimisation.

4 ACP Wins
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0 FR A2 vs FR B1 Fire Rating Wins
4 Tie

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Detailed Comparison: ACP vs FR A2 vs FR B1 Fire Rating

Parameter ACP (VIVA) FR A2 vs FR B1 Fire Rating Winner
Fire Classification EN 13501-1 Class A2-s1,d0 EN 13501-1 Class B-s1,d0 ACP ✓
Core Material Aluminium Corrugated Core (ACCP) Mineral-filled FR Core ACP ✓
Combustibility Non-combustible core Limited combustibility ACP ✓
Cost Range ₹160-350/sq.ft ₹110-250/sq.ft Tie
NBC Requirement Mandatory above 15m (NBC 2016) Acceptable for buildings under 15m Tie
Certification Thomas Bell-Wright certified EN 13501-1 tested ACP ✓
Weight per sqm 7-8 kg/sqm 6-7 kg/sqm Tie
Target Applications High-rise, hospitals, airports, petrol pumps Low-rise commercial, residential Tie

When to Choose ACP Over FR A2 vs FR B1 Fire Rating

FR A2+ (ACCP) is mandatory for buildings above 15 meters as per National Building Code 2016, all hospitals and healthcare facilities, airports and transport terminals, petrol pumps and fuel stations, and any project requiring non-combustible facade material. VIVA's FR A2+ ACCP is the first Thomas Bell-Wright certified panel in India.

When FR A2 vs FR B1 Fire Rating Might Be Better

FR B1 is acceptable and cost-effective for buildings under 15 meters, low-rise commercial and residential facades, showrooms, retail stores, and ground-floor applications where NBC does not mandate A2 grade.

Expert Verdict

Both FR A2+ ACCP and FR B1 panels are manufactured by VIVA. The choice is regulatory - FR A2+ for buildings above 15m and critical infrastructure, FR B1 for low-rise buildings. VIVA is the only Indian manufacturer offering both with complete EN 13501-1 testing and Thomas Bell-Wright certification. Consult your local fire officer and NBC requirements for your specific project.
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Test Reports and Certifications

These are the reports a consultant or fire officer usually asks for. Each one can be downloaded from our download centre.

Fire Safety Tests

7 Star FR A2 and FR B panels tested by Thomas Bell-Wright to EN 13501-1, NFPA 285 and ASTM E84

FR A2 4mm panels tested by Emirates Safety Laboratory

Aluminium honeycomb panel rated A1 to BS EN 13501

Green Building

EPD International, IGBC, GRIHA, CII GreenPro

Fire Test Certificates Quality and Green Certificates

Need the datasheet and test reports for a tender or fire NOC? We can send the right set for your project. Request Datasheet and Reports

FAQs - ACP vs FR A2 vs FR B1 Fire Rating

What is the difference between FR A2 and FR B1 ACP?
Both are fire-rated panels. FR A2 has a core with very limited combustibility and is classified A2-s1,d0 under EN 13501-1. FR B1 uses a mineral-filled core and is classified B-s1,d0. A2 is the higher grade.
Which buildings need FR A2 panels?
FR A2 is generally specified for high-rise buildings, hospitals, airports, malls, schools and other public buildings. The exact rule depends on building height, use and local regulations, so confirm with your fire consultant before ordering.
Are VIVA's fire-rated panels tested?
Yes. VIVA's 7 Star FR A2 and FR B panels are tested by Thomas Bell-Wright to EN 13501-1, NFPA 285 and ASTM E84, and FR A2 4mm panels are also tested by Emirates Safety Laboratory. You can download the reports from our fire certificates page.
Is FR B1 enough for a low-rise building?
In many low-rise shops, offices and homes, FR B1 meets the requirement and costs less. Check your local rules and the consultant's specification, as some projects ask for A2 regardless of height.

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