What is a Fire Rating – And Why Does It Matter?

We’re passionate about keeping strata buildings safe and compliant across New South Wales. One of the key tools we use to do that is something called a fire rating.

But what is a fire rating, and why should you care? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

🔥 What is a Fire Rating?

A fire rating (also called a Fire Resistance Level, or FRL) tells us how long a part of a building—like a wall, door, or ceiling—can stand up to fire. It’s a safety measure defined in the National Construction Code (NCC) and is used in buildings all across Australia.

A fire rating is made up of three parts:

• Structural Adequacy – Can the building element (like a beam or wall) stay standing during a fire?

• Integrity – Can it stop flames and hot gases from passing through?

• Insulation – Can it keep heat from spreading to the other side?
  

Here’s an example: An FRL of - / 120 / 30 means:

• It's not load-bearing (that’s what the dash means),

• It will block fire and hot gases for 120 minutes,

• And it will limit heat transfer for 30 minutes.
  

These ratings are carefully tested in labs to make sure they meet Australian standards.

🏢 Where Are Fire Ratings Used?

In a strata building, fire ratings apply to lots of different areas, including:

• Unit walls and ceilings

• Fire doors and entryways

• Shared areas like hallways and stairwells
  

For example, walls between apartments might need an FRL of 60/60/60, which means they must hold up to fire for an hour in every way: structurally, for integrity, and for insulation.

🔬 How Are Fire Ratings Tested?

Fire-rated materials (like plasterboard or fire doors) are tested under Australian Standard AS 1530.4.

This involves placing the material in a furnace and exposing it to extreme heat. Experts measure how long it stays strong, blocks flames, and resists heat.

Only products that pass these tests can be legally used in buildings—and only when installed correctly by trained professionals.

✅ Why Are Fire Ratings So Important?

Fire ratings help save lives and property. Here's how:

• They protect people by slowing the spread of fire and smoke, giving residents more time to escape.

• They reduce damage by keeping the fire from moving into other parts of the building.

• They’re the law—NSW building regulations require all fire safety measures to meet national codes.

• They can lower insurance costs, since safer buildings are less risky to insure.

• They give residents peace of mind, knowing the building is prepared in case of an emergency.

• They support emergency crews, buying time for firefighters to control the blaze.

Here’s a real-world example:In 2020, a fire broke out in a Melbourne apartment building. Thanks to fire-rated doors and walls with an FRL of 90/90/90, the fire was contained to one floor. Everyone got out safely, and the building avoided widespread damage.

🔧 Our Role at AJP Management

At AJP Management, we take fire safety seriously. We work with FPAS-accredited experts to make sure your fire-rated systems are up to standard. Our job is to keep your building safe, compliant, and protected from the unexpected.

If you're part of a strata scheme and want support managing your fire safety requirements, we’re here to help.