PSP Alpolic/fr Meets Stringent NZ and International Fire Rating Standards

With the recent apartment fires in London, Aluminium Composite Material (ACM) as a cladding solution has come under scrutiny. Contractors, architects and specifiers need to be aware of the differences surrounding different aluminium cladding products and ensure that they use clear names for specified products.

There has been a generic use of the word ACM panel which also can be used in the signage, trailer, printer industry. This term needs to change for peace of mind, and to better state what is specified, for example: Aluminum Fire Rated Cladding Panel.

PSP has always been ahead of the trend, supplying Alpolic/fr for commercial cladding jobs since its arrival in the New Zealand market over 15 years ago to comply with the associated changes with building requirements and regulations. Alpolic/fr is an Aluminium Fire Rated Cladding (AFC) product that complies with all NZ fire standards for commercial and domestic cladding.

Alpolic/fr has a been tested to one of the world's highest standards when it comes to fire rating — National Fire Protection Association NFPA 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation. According to MBIE's Acceptable Solutions, this test enables Alpolic/fr to be used as a cladding system for any building height if it has passed the criteria.

This along with its Group 1-S rating for internal surface linings as per NZBC C3.4 (a) surface finishes, demonstrates that Alpolic/fr is a leading cladding option.

The AFC panel itself is lightweight, easy to fabricate and comes with a 15 year warranty. Alpolic/fr is available in several gloss levels up to 90% and with more than 230 colours to choose from. A special three coat Lumiflon paint system offers a superior quality finish. Alpolic/fr is ideal for any curtain wall, low and high rise cladding purpose where durability, style and peace of mind is required.

ALPOLIC®/fr – Fired Rated Aluminium Cladding System

PSP Limited

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PSP ALPOLIC®/fr is supplied as part of an external wall cladding system or as an internal wall lining, including in wet areas.

Alpolic FR is supplied by PSP for use as part of an external wall cladding system, or as an internal wall lining, including in wet areas.

When used as an external cladding the follow scope of use applies:

Location:

In wind zones up to and including extra high as defined in NZS 3604:2011 or calculated design wind pressure (ULS) of 2.5kPa
In all exposure zones as defined in NZS 3604:2011
On buildings at least 1m from the relevant boundary

Building:

In conjunction with a primary structure that complies with the NZ Building Code or where the designer has established that the existing structure is suitable for the intended building work
As an external wall cladding, on buildings up to 10m in building height and in conjunction with a drained and ventilated cavity

If designed, installed and maintained in accordance with all PSP requirements, the Alpolic FR will comply with or contribute to compliance with the following performance claims:

B1 Structure: B1.3.1 B1.3.2 B1.3.3 (a, b, c, e, f, h, j, m) B1.3.4 (a, b, c, d, e)
Verification method: B1/VM1
- Tested by James Cook University to AS/NZS 4040:1996 for serviceability and cyclic strength wind loading
- AS/NZS 4040:1996 is cited in AS/NZS 1170.2:2011
- James Cook University is NATA accredited
B2 Durability: B2.3.2 (b)
Alternative solution
- Demonstrated by Mitsubishi Plastics Material safety data sheet MSDS No LL75-0002 and Summary of specification data
C3 Fire Affecting Areas Beyond the Source: C3.4 (a)
Acceptable solution C/AS1, C/AS2 1st edition June 2019
- Tested to EN 13501-1:2007 by AFITI LICOF achieving A2-s1, d0 classification, equivalent to Group 1-S as provided for by MBIE guidance
- AFITI LICOF Center For Fire Testing and Research is ILAC accredited
E2 External Moisture: E2.3.2 E2.3.3 E2.3.5 E2.3.7 (a, b, c)
Verification method E2/VM1
- Tested in accordance with AS/NZS 4284:2008 by Façade Lab (IANZ accredited)
E3 Internal Moisture: E3.3.4, E3.3.5, E3.3.6
Alternative solution
- Aluminium is impervious to moisture
- Mitsubishi Plastics Material safety data sheet MSDS No LL75-0002
F2 Hazardous Building Materials: F2.3.1
Alternative solution
- Material is inert and passed combustion toxicity testing
- Mitsubishi Plastics Material safety data sheet MSDS No LL75-0002
G3 Food Preparation and Prevention of Contamination: G3.3.2 (a, b)
Alternative solution
- The coating system does not support the growth of bacteria of fungi
- Mitsubishi Plastics Summary of specification data

Tested by James Cook University to AS/NZS 4040:1996 for serviceability and cyclic strength wind loading
AS/NZS 4040:1996 is cited in AS/NZS 1170.2:2011
James Cook University is NATA accredited

Demonstrated by Mitsubishi Plastics Material safety data sheet MSDS No LL75-0002 and Summary of specification data

Tested to EN 13501-1:2007 by AFITI LICOF achieving A2-s1, d0 classification, equivalent to Group 1-S as provided for by MBIE guidance
AFITI LICOF Center For Fire Testing and Research is ILAC accredited

Tested in accordance with AS/NZS 4284:2008 by Façade Lab (IANZ accredited)

Aluminium is impervious to moisture
Mitsubishi Plastics Material safety data sheet MSDS No LL75-0002

Material is inert and passed combustion toxicity testing
Mitsubishi Plastics Material safety data sheet MSDS No LL75-0002

The coating system does not support the growth of bacteria of fungi
Mitsubishi Plastics Summary of specification data

External Moisture

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