Start with height & use
High-rise and high-risk occupancies push you toward A2 or A1; mid-rise and commercial may permit FR.
Fire Retardant ACP
A1 vs A2 vs FR: Fire Retardant ACP Compared
How the fire grades of aluminium composite panel differ, A1, A2, FR and FR Class A, and which one your UAE project should specify.
A1 vs A2 vs FR: choosing the right ACP grade
Aluminium composite panel is supplied in several fire grades. The right one depends on building height, occupancy and your fire engineer's strategy under the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code. This table compares the ALUCOPANEL fire range so you can specify with confidence.
| Property | A1 | A2 | FR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reaction to fire | A1 non-combustible | A2-s1,d0 limited combustibility | Fire-retardant |
| Core | Mineral (non-combustible) | Mineral-rich | Mineral-modified |
| Typical use | High-rise, high-risk | Most UAE facades | Mid-rise, commercial, signage |
| Civil Defence | Top class | Widely approved | Per fire strategy |
| Relative cost | Highest | Mid | Best value |
| Learn more | ALUCOPANEL A1 | ALUCOPANEL A2 | ALUCOPANEL FR |
Need a Class A surface-burning result without full mineral core? See ALUCOPANEL FR Class A.
How to choose your fire grade
Follow the fire strategy
Your fire engineer's report and the UAE code determine the minimum class your facade must meet.
Check insurer & spec
Some specifications and insurers demand a documented A1, A2 or Class A result regardless of code minimum.
Balance cost & value
Once compliance is met, FR offers the best value, A2 the popular middle ground, A1 the top assurance.
Still not sure which grade?
Send us your building height, occupancy and fire strategy and our technical team will recommend the right ALUCOPANEL grade for your UAE project.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between A1, A2 and FR ACP?
A1 is fully non-combustible (mineral core), A2 is limited-combustibility (A2-s1,d0), and FR is fire-retardant (mineral-modified core). A1 is the highest fire class, FR the most economical, with A2 the most-specified middle ground for UAE facades.
Which fire grade does UAE Civil Defence require?
It depends on building height, occupancy and the project fire strategy. High-rise and high-risk buildings typically require A2 or A1, while some mid-rise and commercial applications permit FR. Confirm with your fire consultant against the UAE Fire & Life Safety Code.
Is A2 enough, or do I need A1?
A2-s1,d0 is accepted for the majority of UAE facades. A1 is specified where codes, insurers or fire engineers require the fully non-combustible top class, often on the tallest or highest-risk buildings.
Can I mix fire grades on one building?
Often yes. Different facade zones may carry different requirements. Because all ALUCOPANEL grades share the same colour range, mixed-grade facades can be colour-matched seamlessly.
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