IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 3 - Testing for Class A, B and F Sections

The standard “IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 3 - Testing for Class A, B and F sections” published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) describes procedures for testing the Class A, B and F sections of various products. Sections falling into these classes include:

• Structural insulation
• Deck arrangements
• Continuous ceilings
• Partition panels
• Windows
• Fire doors
• Cable penetrations
• Pipe penetrations
• Channel penetrations
• Dumpers

Acceptable levels and test criteria according to this standard vary according to product type and class division. The procedures described cover fire resistance tests with integrity and insulation requirements.

In short, this standard provides a fire test procedure designed for horizontal and vertical partitions applied to various marine equipment. Materials to be used in marine environments are tested according to the fire test procedure code defined in this standard. The results can be used for type approval.

The products listed above are expected to comply with IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 3 where a class A, B or F compartment is required. Products designed and tested for use in buildings have similar classification markings as here, but do not conform to product classes for marine use.

Class “A” bulkheads are bulkheads and decks constructed of steel or other equivalent material, suitably reinforced and designed to resist and resist the passage of smoke and flame for a standard one-hour fire test. Class “A” bulkheads are bulkheads and decks that meet the following criteria:

• Constructed from steel or other equivalent material.
• It is suitably hardened.
• It is constructed to prevent the passage of smoke and flame until the end of a one-hour standard fire test.
• These shall be insulated with approved non-combustible materials so that the average temperature of the unexposed side does not rise more than 140 degrees above the original temperature and that at any point, including any joint, the temperature does not rise more than 180 degrees above the original temperature.
• In accordance with the fire test procedures code, a prototype bulkhead or deck may be required to undergo a test to ensure that it meets the above requirements for integrity and temperature rise.

Class “B” partitions (fire partitions) are partitions consisting of bulkheads, decks, ceilings or cladding that meet the following criteria:

• It is constructed to prevent flame passage until the end of the first half hour of the standard fire test.

• They must have an insulation value such that the average temperature of the unexposed side does not rise more than 140 degrees above the original temperature and the temperature at any point, including any joints, does not rise more than 225 degrees above the original temperature.
• They shall be constructed of approved noncombustible materials and all materials used in the construction and erection of Class “B” partitions shall be noncombustible except that combustible sheathings shall be permitted provided they meet other appropriate requirements of this section.
• In accordance with the fire test procedures code, a test may be required to ensure that a prototype compartment meets the above requirements for integrity and temperature rise.

Class "F" compartments are compartments consisting of bulkheads, decks, ceilings or linings that meet the following criteria:

• It is constructed to prevent flame passage until the end of the first half hour of the standard fire test.
• It shall have an insulation value such that the average temperature of the unexposed side does not rise more than 139 degrees above the original temperature and the temperature at any point, including any joint, does not rise more than 225 degrees above the original temperature by the end of the first half hour of the standard fire test.

According to the decision No. A.754(18) “Recommendation on fire resistance tests for Class A, B and F compartments” published by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the products in question are tested and evaluated in advanced laboratories according to the specified fire test procedure.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies that our organization has provided for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the “IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 3 - Testing for Class A, B and F sections” standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.