FM Approval for PIR Panels isn't a single certification, but a series of specific standards tailored to different applications and risks. The three most critical standards for insulated panels are FM 4880, FM 4881, and FM 4882. Understanding these ensures you select the right product for your needs.

FM 4880: Fire Resistance for Interior Walls & Ceilings

This is the foundational standard for insulated panels used inside a building. It evaluates how a panel system reacts to a significant interior fire.

• What it tests: Fire propagation, heat release, and structural integrity.
• Key outcome: Ensures that the PIR panels will not significantly contribute to the fire's spread, helping to contain the fire to its area of origin.
• Ideal for: Warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and general industrial applications where containing a fire is the primary goal.

FM 4881: Exterior Wall Systems

This standard builds upon FM 4880 and adds tests for panels used on the building's exterior. It assesses resilience against both interior fire and severe weather.

• What it tests: All FM 4880 criteria, plus resistance to high wind loads, hail impact, and wind-driven debris.
• Key outcome: Certifies that the FM Approved PIR Panels can maintain structural and thermal integrity even when exposed to harsh environmental forces like hurricanes.
• Ideal for: The external cladding of any commercial or industrial building, especially in regions prone to extreme weather.

FM 4882: Smoke-Sensitive Occupancies (Cleanrooms)

This is the most specialized standard, designed for environments where even a small amount of smoke or contamination is catastrophic.

• What it tests: All FM 4880 criteria, plus extremely low smoke generation and gas toxicity.
• Key outcome: Guarantees that in a fire, the panels will produce minimal smoke and non-toxic fumes, protecting sensitive products and ensuring safe evacuation.
• Ideal for: Pharmaceutical plants, semiconductor manufacturing, biotech labs, and food processing facilities.

Choosing the Right Panel

Investing in FM Approved PIR Panels means selecting a proven solution for safety and performance.
By matching the FM standard to your specific application, you ensure maximum protection against fire, weather, and contamination risks.