A Rated Insulation for South Africa’s Updated Building Fire Regulations
In a major safety milestone, Isover’s Aerolite® Soft Touch, Cavitybatt™, and Cavitylite® insulation products have achieved the prestigious A1–S1–D0 fire rating under the new SANS 53501-1 standard, confirming them as non-combustible insulation materials fully compliant with South Africa’s latest fire safety regulations. In addition, several other Isover insulation products have also received an A rating under SANS 53501-1, further reinforcing the company’s commitment to superior fire safety performance.
This certification underscores Isover’s leadership in fire-resistant building materials, passive fire protection, and compliance with SANS 10400-T (2024 Edition 5).
As of 31 December 2024, all insulation and ceiling materials in South Africa must meet SANS 53501-1 fire rating standards, and Isover’s glasswool insulation products already exceed these requirements.
Building Occupancies for SANS 53501-1
This table provides guidance on the fire-performance requirements for different building occupancy classes in South Africa, based on the SANS 10400-T and SANS 53501-1 fire classification standards. It shows the minimum reaction-to-fire classification that building materials must meet depending on the type of building and the number of stories.
How to Read the Table
Class of Building Occupancy: Each building type (e.g., shops, offices, hotels, dwellings, storage) is assigned a code such as F1, G1, H1, or J1. These codes determine the fire-safety requirements for that occupancy.
Fire Class (SANS 10400-T): Shows the fire-class requirements under the previous fire-safety framework.
Reaction-to-Fire Classification (SANS 53501-1): The columns for Single, Double, and 3+ Storeys indicate the minimum material classification needed under the new standard.
Understanding the Ratings
Euroclass Notation (e.g., A2-s1,d0):
A-class: Non-combustible or limited-combustible materials
s1: Low smoke production
d0: No flaming droplets
What the SANS 53501-1 fire rating means for you
A1 – Non-Combustible
Aerolite®, Cavitybatt™, and Cavitylite® insulation will not ignite, burn, or contribute to the spread of fire, delivering maximum protection and compliance with SANS fire safety standards.
S1 – No Smoke Emission
These products produce minimal to no smoke during a fire, preserving visibility and air quality — a key factor in fire prevention and evacuation safety.
D0 – No Flaming Droplets
They release no flaming particles, preventing secondary fires and ensuring safer building environments.
These fire ratings place Isover at the forefront of fire-safe insulation in South Africa — helping architects, engineers, and contractors meet the new building code requirements with confidence.
This means:
Only non-combustible materials (A1 or A2 classification) may be used in most building types.
Combustible materials will not be permitted in buildings above two storeys.
Smoke and flaming droplet performance are now critical differentiators for product approval and safety.
Isover’s A1-certified products — Aerolite®, Cavitybatt™, and Cavitylite® — are tested and approved under SANS 53501-1 and aligned with EN 13501 international standards for fire-safe building materials.
Isover Product Fire Performance: Tested & Proven
Certified A1-S1-D0 Under the Latest SANS Testing Standards
Independent laboratory testing confirms that Isover’s glasswool insulation products achieve the highest non-combustibility ratings:
Aerolite® Soft Touch 11D x 135 mm – A1-S1-D0
Cavitybatt™ 14D x 102 mm – A1-S1-D0
Cavitylite® Insulation Range – A1-S1-D0
This certification confirms Isover’s commitment to fire prevention, non-combustible construction, and regulation-compliant insulation — giving professionals the confidence to specify products that enhance both safety and sustainability.
Cavitybatt™ and Cavitylite®: Safer Insulation for Modern Construction
Passive Fire Protection for Steel and Timber Frame Buildings
Fire safety is a growing concern in the South African construction sector, where flammable materials and inadequate fire prevention systems often increase risk.
Cavitybatt™ and Cavitylite® provide non-combustible insulation solutions that:
Do not emit smoke when exposed to flames.
Do not spread or intensify fires.
Deliver superior thermal efficiency, acoustic comfort, and fire resistance.
Both products are equally high-performing — differing only in installation — giving builders flexibility for steel or timber frame applications.
Join the growing number of professionals choosing Isover’s A1 fire-rated insulation for SANS 53501-1 compliance and fire-safe building design.
Choose Safety. Choose Compliance. Choose Isover.
Leading the Way in Fire-Safe, Non-Combustible Insulation
When it comes to fire-safe insulation materials, building regulation compliance, and SANS 53501-1 fire rating certification, Isover stands in a class of its own.
Protect your home, your business, and your future with A1-rated non-combustible insulation — engineered to meet the highest South African fire safety standards.
Compliant with South African Fire Safety Regulations Meeting SANS 10400-T and SANS 53501-1 Requirements
The revised SANS 10400-T: 2024 sets strict rules for the use of insulation materials in construction, requiring all thermal and acoustic insulation products to be tested in line with SANS 53501-1.
