From 1 January 2025 the new SANS 53501-1 (Reaction to Fire Classification of Thermal Insulation Products) came into effect, replacing SANS 428 (Fire Performance Classification of Thermal Insulated Building Envelope Systems) as part of SANS 10400-T:2024 Ed 5.
In South Africa, the process of migrating to new building regulations, primarily governed by the SANS 10400 standard in this instance, typically involves a transition period where existing projects can continue under previous regulations while new projects must comply with the updated standards. The exact timeframe depends on the specific changes introduced and the government’s implementation strategy, but generally these migrations take industry from 6-12 months to become fully acquainted therewith.
Any building or construction being contemplated or designed as such from 1 January 2025 would therefore be relevant to the application of the new standard.
However, any building designed and approved for construction prior to 31 December 2024 is done so within the ambit and prescriptions of SANS 428 as part of SANS 10400 Part T. The resultant effect therefore is that buildings are and will be constructed as such in 2025 using the prior regulation, and their design and specifications cannot be changed retrospectively. Each building and construction project whether existing or new should take into cognisance the projects original design stage, implementation time-line, costs involved, possible project delays etc when deciding on which of the old or new standards would be applicable.
An example of a product migration:
Starlite® was the first faced fibre roof insulation material in South Africa to attain an A1 fire rating according to SANS 428. Following the revision of SANS 10400-T:2024 Ed 5 Fire protection, which includes the Reaction to Fire Classification of Thermal Insulation Products, Starlite® achieved the following classifications:
SANS 53501-1
Starlite® Foil Faced – A2-s1, d0.
Starlite® White Faced – A2-s1, d0.
Starlite® Black Faced – A2-s1, d0.
Starlite® is therefore approved for use in all single and multi-level structures as per SANS 10400-A – Regulation A20 Classification & Designation of Occupancies relevant to SANS 10400-T Fire Protection. These include but are not limited to the following Building Occupancy Classes: A1; B1; D1; D4; E1; E2; E3; E4; H1; H2 and J1.
For any enquiry or assistance that may be required regarding the above-mentioned or any other advice on all roof and general building insulation products in South Africa, contact the industry recognised experts, D&D Roof Insulations.
With over 30 years of experience and a national and international footprint, they are more than able to guide you in your insulation requirements.
Tel: Head Office – 012 800 3606
Mail: info@roofinsulation.co.za
Link to Starlite brochure: https://irp.cdn-website.com/6032fcc7/files/uploaded/Starlight_Brochure_V6.7.pdf
