econocal earns new fire rating
When specifying ceiling systems for commercial, healthcare, or industrial environments, fire performance is an important consideration. For architects who are responsible for ensuring the product meets the building requirements, the distinction between fire classifications is meaningful.
What’s Changed
econocal has been independently tested under SANS 53501-1, South Africa’s harmonised European reaction-to-fire standard. econocal is classified as A2 – s1, d0, demonstrating excellent fire performance with limited combustibility, minimal smoke production, and no flaming droplets.
In practical terms:
- Excellent fire performance with limited combustibility
- Suitable for most commercial and healthcare applications
- Commonly accepted for hospitals, escape routes, and high-specification buildings
- Slightly below A1 but still considered an extremely high fire rating.
This is a rigorous, internationally aligned standard that goes beyond older local classifications, giving specifiers and end-users a greater degree of confidence in how the product will behave in a real fire scenario.
Why Fire Classification Matters
In occupied buildings, especially hospitals, clinics, schools, and industrial kitchens; ceiling systems are among the first surfaces to influence how a fire spreads. For healthcare facilities in particular, smoke toxicity is often as critical as flame spread, and an A2-s1,d0 rating addresses both.
Understanding the Classification
Built for Demanding Environments
Fire performance is just one reason econocal is the preferred specification in hygiene-sensitive and high-humidity applications.
Other key features include:
- 100% humidity resistant — will not sag, buckle, or crack, even in wet rooms, industrial kitchens, and non-airconditioned spaces.
- Aluminium foil backing and encapsulated edges — limits moisture penetration and extends tile lifespan.
- Low coefficient of expansion and contraction — dimensionally stable across temperature and humidity fluctuations
- Reduced particle emission — an important consideration in healthcare and food preparation environments
- Hardened tile edges — extra strength and reduced risk of breakage during installation and over time
For project specifications, Bill of Quantity wording, and technical data, visit www.pelican.co.za or contact our team in Durban on 031 563 7307.