Certified Fire Rated Glass Solutions for Cambodia’s Building Fire Safety Compliance

In Cambodia, the enforcement of the Prakas on Fire Safety (2023) has established a new benchmark for passive fire protection in the built environment. This regulation mandates that all commercial, high-occupancy, and mixed-use developments—particularly in rapidly urbanizing centers like Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville—must comply with standards referenced from the Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF). For architects, specifiers, and contractors, this means specifying certified fire rated glass and door assemblies that provide verified integrity and insulation performance.

The Cambodian National Building Code now requires that fire-rated glazing systems in escape routes and compartment walls meet rigorous test criteria. Antifires supplies a comprehensive range of EI-class fire-rated glass and framed systems that are fully tested to BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN 1634-1, ensuring alignment with SCDF technical requirements. These products deliver proven performance under furnace conditions that simulate real fire scenarios, offering reliable compartmentation for up to 120 minutes of integrity and insulation. For detailed regulatory guidance, professionals can reference the official SCDF Fire Safety Code as a primary source for compliance criteria.

By integrating certified passive fire protection systems, project teams in Cambodia can achieve both regulatory approval and enhanced life safety. Antifires provides localized technical support to ensure that every specification—from glass selection to frame integration—meets the specific demands of Cambodia’s tropical climate and evolving building codes.

Cambodia’s Fire Safety Code 2023 and Mandatory SCDF Compliance for Building Enclosures

Cambodia’s Prakas on Fire Safety (2023) directly references the SCDF Fire Safety Code as the baseline for passive fire protection in all new and renovated buildings. This includes explicit requirements for fire-rated glazing used in exit corridors, stairwell enclosures, and fire compartment walls. The code mandates that such systems must demonstrate both integrity (E) and, in many cases, insulation (I) to prevent the spread of flames and excessive heat transfer.

For projects in Phnom Penh’s central business district or high-traffic commercial zones, the typical minimum requirement is EI 60 for vertical glazing. However, for high-risk areas such as hotel lobbies, casino floors, or high-rise residential towers, an EI 90 or EI 120 rating is often specified. The SCDF code also requires that all fire-rated glass assemblies be tested as complete systems—including frame, sealants, and intumescent materials—under standards like BS 476 Part 22 or BS EN 1634-1.

Key compliance steps for local projects include:

  • System Certification: Ensure the glazing system has a valid test report from an accredited laboratory.
  • Installation Verification: Use approved fire-rated frames, ceramic wool, and intumescent seals as per test documentation.
  • Documentation: Submit SCDF-compliant test certificates and installation details with building permit applications.

Antifires offers a full range of certified systems that meet these stringent requirements, providing fire rated glass solutions tailored to Cambodia’s regulatory landscape.

Selecting EI-Class Fire Rated Glass for Cambodia’s Tropical Climate and High-Humidity Zones

Cambodia’s tropical climate presents unique challenges for fire-rated glazing systems. High ambient temperatures, intense solar radiation, and prolonged humidity levels (often exceeding 80% relative humidity) can compromise the performance of standard fire-resistant glass if not properly specified. For this reason, EI-class fire-rated glass—which provides both integrity and thermal insulation—is strongly recommended for all permanent installations.

Antifires’ EI 60 and EI 90 glass products are engineered with multi-layer laminated structures that incorporate intumescent interlayers. These layers expand under fire exposure to form an opaque thermal barrier, limiting the temperature rise on the unexposed side to within the standard limits (average ≤140°C, maximum ≤180°C). This insulation performance is critical in preventing secondary ignition of materials near the glazing.

Key considerations for tropical environments include:

  • Edge Seal Durability: All glass units use moisture-resistant edge seals and ceramic-based components to prevent delamination or degradation.
  • Frame Compatibility: Use of G.M.S. hollow steel frames with corrosion-resistant coatings ensures long-term stability in humid conditions.
  • Thermal Movement: Expansion gaps of 3–5 mm, filled with ceramic fiber, accommodate thermal cycling without compromising fire resistance.

For mixed-use developments along Norodom Boulevard or coastal projects in Sihanoukville, specifying EI 60 or higher-rated glass ensures both SCDF compliance and reliable performance under local environmental stresses. Antifires provides full technical documentation to support specification in these demanding conditions.

Fire Rated Glass Applications in Cambodia’s Hotel, Casino, and High-Rise Residential Towers

Cambodia’s booming hospitality and entertainment sectors—including hotels, casinos, and high-rise residential towers—demand fire-rated glazing that balances safety with architectural transparency. These building types often feature large glazed areas in corridors, atrium walls, and lobby partitions, requiring systems that maintain fire compartmentation without obstructing sightlines.

In hotel projects, fire-rated glass is commonly installed in:

  • Guest room corridor partitions: Typically requiring EI 60 to protect escape routes.
  • Stairwell enclosures: Often specified with EI 90 or EI 120 for high-rise buildings.
  • Lobby and atrium glazing: Needs EW 120 (integrity plus radiation control) to limit radiant heat transfer.

For casino floors and high-rise residential towers, the fire resistance rating must align with the building’s overall passive fire strategy. Antifires’ 50mm and 54mm ultra-high-performance glass systems achieve EI 120 certification, providing up to 120 minutes of both integrity and insulation. These systems are tested under BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN 1364-1, ensuring they meet the most stringent SCDF requirements.

Additionally, fire partition solutions from Antifires allow for seamless integration of glazed panels with fire-rated walls, maintaining continuous compartmentation. Each system is supplied with certified frames, intumescent seals, and installation guidelines to ensure field performance matches test conditions.

Antifires’ Proven Track Record and Localized Support for Cambodia’s Fire Safety Projects

Antifires has established a strong track record in supplying SCDF-compliant fire-rated glass and door systems for complex projects across Southeast Asia. For Cambodia, the company offers localized support that includes technical specification assistance, product certification documentation, and installation guidance. This ensures that every project—from boutique hotels in Siem Reap to large-scale casinos in Phnom Penh—meets the required fire safety standards.

Key aspects of Antifires’ support include:

  • Certified Test Reports: All products are tested to BS 476 Part 22, BS EN 1634-1, and AS1530.4, providing the documentation needed for local building permit applications.
  • Custom Fabrication: Glass panels and door systems can be manufactured to custom dimensions, accommodating unique architectural designs without compromising fire performance.
  • Material Traceability: Every component—from the multi-layer glass structure to the intumescent seals and steel frames—is sourced from approved suppliers and documented for compliance.

Antifires also provides on-site installation support through its network of trained partners, ensuring that expansion gaps, anchor spacing, and sealant application follow the exact specifications from the test reports. This reduces the risk of installation errors that could void certification. For project teams seeking a reliable partner for Cambodia’s fire safety requirements, Antifires offers both the products and the expertise to deliver compliant, durable solutions.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes, Antifires provides comprehensive SCDF-compliant fire rated glass certification for all its products, which is fully acceptable for Cambodia’s building permit applications. Each glazing system is tested to recognized international standards such as BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN 1634-1, and the test reports include detailed information on glass composition, frame materials, sealants, and installation methods. These documents can be submitted directly to local authorities as evidence of compliance with the Prakas on Fire Safety (2023) and SCDF-referenced requirements. Antifires also offers technical support to help architects and contractors prepare the necessary documentation for permit approval.

The required fire resistance rating for commercial projects in Phnom Penh typically depends on the building’s occupancy type and height. For most commercial and mixed-use developments, a minimum of EI 60 (60 minutes of integrity and insulation) is specified for glazed partitions and doors in escape routes. However, for high-rise buildings over 24 meters or hotels and casinos, an EI 90 or EI 120 rating is often mandated to provide additional protection for evacuation and firefighting operations. Antifires supplies a full range of EI 30, EI 60, EI 90, and EI 120 systems, all tested to SCDF-referenced standards, ensuring compliance with local building codes.

Yes, Antifires can supply fire rated glass and doors with custom dimensions for hotel renovation projects in Siem Reap. All products are fabricated to order, allowing for precise sizing that matches existing openings or architectural designs. The custom systems maintain the same certified fire resistance performance, as they are built using the same multi-layer glass structures, intumescent interlayers, and G.M.S. steel frames as the standard tested configurations. Antifires works closely with project teams to ensure that custom dimensions are accommodated without compromising the EI 60, EI 90, or EI 120 rating required for the specific application. Full test documentation is provided for each custom assembly.