Compliance with Copenhagen Fire Safety Codes Under Danish BR18 and EN 13501
Copenhagen’s building code, BR18, requires that all fire-rated glazing be classified according to the European standard EN 13501-2, which defines resistance classes such as E (integrity) and EI (integrity plus insulation). For escape routes and fire compartment walls, BR18 often demands a minimum of EI 30 to EI 60, with higher ratings like EI 120 required for specific high-risk zones. Antifires ensures full compliance by supplying systems that have undergone third-party testing under EN 1363-1 (fire resistance tests) and EN 1634-1 (door and shutter assemblies). These tests verify that the glass and framing assemblies can withstand fire exposure while limiting temperature rise on the unexposed side—critical for preventing fire spread in dense urban developments. For instance, our 28mm EI60 panel achieves an integrity of 66 minutes and insulation of 64 minutes, meeting the strict thermal performance thresholds (average temperature rise ≤140°C) required by BR18. All products are supplied with a Declaration of Performance (DoP) and CE marking, providing the documentation necessary for Copenhagen’s building permit authorities.
Selecting Fire Rated Glass Grades for Copenhagen’s Climate and Structural Demands
Selecting the correct fire rated glass grade for Copenhagen projects requires consideration of both fire performance and local environmental conditions. The city’s coastal climate, with high humidity and temperature fluctuations, demands robust glazing systems. Antifires offers a range of certified glass compositions tailored to these demands:
- Integrity-only (E) glass: Suitable for internal vision panels where insulation is not critical, tested to BS 476 Part 22 and EN 1634-1.
- Integrity and insulation (EI) glass: Required for compartment walls and escape routes per BR18. Our 26mm door glass provides integrity of 89–90 minutes and insulation of 68 minutes.
- Ultra-high-performance EI120 glass: For high-risk zones, our 50mm/54mm multi-layer insulated structure delivers both integrity and insulation up to 120 minutes.
All systems are installed with intumescent seals and ceramic wool to maintain thermal performance under fire conditions. For projects requiring additional acoustic performance, such as in mixed-use developments near traffic, our EI 120 fire rated glass partitions can achieve Rw 42 dB ratings, meeting both fire and noise control requirements.
Application of Fire Rated Glass in Copenhagen’s Residential and Commercial Projects
Copenhagen’s urban development zones—such as Ørestad, Nordhavn, and Sydhavn—feature mixed-use buildings that combine residential apartments with commercial offices and retail spaces. In these projects, fire rated glass plays a dual role: maintaining fire compartmentation while allowing natural light and visual connectivity. Antifires systems are specified for stairwell enclosures, atrium partitions, and corridor glazing, where BR18 requires EI 30 to EI 60 ratings. For example, in a typical Nordhavn high-rise, our 21mm FPOS glass (integrity 120 min, insulation 30 min) is used for internal walls separating escape routes from office areas, ensuring compliance with fire resistance classes. Additionally, our fire rated glass partitions are designed to integrate with existing steel or aluminum framing, accommodating expansion gaps of 3–5mm filled with ceramic fiber to prevent thermal bridging. For residential units, our 26mm door glass provides the necessary insulation to protect occupants in apartment corridors, while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic that aligns with Copenhagen’s architectural standards.
Why Copenhagen Specifiers Trust Antifires for Certified Fire Rated Systems
Copenhagen specifiers choose Antifires for three key reasons: certified compliance, local technical support, and reliable delivery. Every product is supplied with full BR18 compliance documentation, including CE marking and a Declaration of Performance (DoP) that references test standards like EN 1634-1 and EN 1363-1. This eliminates delays during building permit reviews and insurance audits. Antifires offers local technical support in Denmark, including on-site measurement services to ensure accurate fit for custom-sized openings. Our team provides installation guidance, such as proper use of intumescent seals and ceramic tape (3–6mm, density 210 kg/m³), and advises on anchor bolt spacing (300–600mm) to meet structural requirements. For time-sensitive projects, we maintain stock of common sizes and offer expedited delivery to Copenhagen construction sites, reducing lead times. By partnering with Antifires, architects and contractors gain a single source for certified fire rated glass, doors, and partitions that meet both Danish and European standards, ensuring project safety and regulatory compliance without compromise.