Fire-retardant technical felt with railway standard EN 45545

Fire safety in rail vehicles requires the use of materials that limit the spread of flames and the emission of toxic substances, which is extremely important for the safety of passengers and the protection of property. In this article, we will explain what fire-retardant felt is, what the benefits of using it are, and where to buy certified fire-resistant felt.

What is fire-retardant felt EN 45545?

Technical felt with EN 45545 certification is a specialized material developed with the railway industry in mind. The European standard EN 45545 specifies, among other things, the rate of flame spread, smoke emission, toxicity of gases produced during heating, and material behavior under high-temperature conditions.

Industrial felt meets the strict requirements of the above standard, allowing it to be used in rail vehicles. The use of technical felt with the railway standard EN 45545 ensures fire safety. It is made from durable and fire-resistant materials, providing the highest level of safety for those traveling by rail. It is characterized by low flammability, resistance to high temperatures, and limited smoke and toxin emissions. The material does not melt rapidly, does not drip, and does not emit large amounts of harmful substances. Fire-retardant self-adhesive felt meets stringent flammability standards.

It's worth mentioning that fire-retardant felt offers very good acoustic properties. The fiber structure effectively absorbs sound waves, reducing annoying noise. Felt acoustic panels are used as soundproofing material in walls, floors, and technical enclosures. Additionally, fire-retardant self-adhesive felt also has the ability to dampen vibrations, reducing vibrations transmitted through structural elements. Vibration damping and noise reduction improve riding comfort and the durability of components.

Due to its fire resistance and acoustic insulation, technical fire-retardant felt is perfect for use in long-distance trains, subways, trams, and other rail transport vehicles where safety, interior acoustics, and efficiency are of key importance.

What is fire-retardant technical felt made of?

Fire-retardant felt with EN 45545 certification is made from fibers resistant to flames and high temperatures over a specified period. Tailoring the felt to the project specification is crucial. Depending on the intended use and the required safety class, two main types of raw materials are used. The first is felt made from naturally fire-retardant fibers (e.g., wool felt), and the second is synthetic felt, which includes special flame-retardant additives (e.g., fireproof impregnations) to prevent fire spread. The thickness of fire-retardant felt varies, allowing for wide application in different uses.

Applications of fire-retardant felt with EN 45545 certification

Fire-retardant felt that meets the requirements of the European standard EN 45545 is primarily intended for the railway sector.

Applications of fire-retardant felt in rolling stock

Fire-retardant felt offers, among other things, the limitation of flame spread, making it suitable for insulation and finishing applications. It is used in utility trains (passenger and freight) and specialized trains (e.g., inspection trains) as:

• a soundproofing and anti-vibration layer in wall panels, floors, and ceilings;

• a fire-resistant layer in wall and ceiling panels;

• acoustic insulation - felt acoustic panels reduce noise;

• thermal insulation inside train cabins;

• inserts in seats and upholstery;

• seals in wagons, driver cabins, or technical constructions;

Wide application of fire-resistant felt in other industries

Thanks to its unique properties, it also finds wide application in many other industries where fire safety and protection of passengers and workers play a crucial role.

Technical felt is used in the automotive industry, mainly in electric vehicles, specialized vehicles (e.g., fire trucks, military vehicles), and public transport (buses). Its high density allows for effective vibration damping and impact noise reduction, making the use of technical felt an excellent choice in modern construction. The lack of flame support makes the material ideal for areas with elevated temperatures, such as boiler rooms, thermal nodes, or engine rooms.

Industrial felt is commonly used wherever fire-retardant materials with low smoke and toxic substance emissions are required, such as public buildings with high person throughput (e.g., cinemas, theaters), in the furniture industry, the industrial and manufacturing sector, and in individual applications (e.g., felt acoustic panels are excellent in recording studios).

Fire-resistant felt - Benefits of use

To be used in rolling stock, the material must meet strict standards related to, among others, heat release rate, smoke emission, and toxicity of combustion products. Fire-retardant felt is a combination of acoustic, thermal insulation, and fire resistance properties.

Felt compliant with the railway standard EN45545 effectively limits the speed of fire spread, the amount of smoke, and toxic gases, significantly increasing fire safety for passengers and all users.

Key benefits of using fire-retardant felt with EN45545 certification:

• fire resistance - the material self-extinguishes, limiting flame spread;

• low smoke emission - the material does not emit harmful smoke, which is crucial during evacuation;

• non-toxic - does not emit harmful gases in the event of a fire;

• high thermal stability - the felt maintains its parameters without the risk of deformation under temperature;

• vibration damping and noise reduction - the material improves acoustic comfort and prevents vibration transfer to adjacent components;

• versatility of applications - felt is perfect for use in rolling stock, vehicles, machines, and modern construction;

Where can I buy fire-retardant technical felt with EN45545 certification?

Fire safety in transport and industry is a priority, which is why at Power Rubber, we offer fire-retardant felt that meets the European standard EN45545. It minimizes the risk of flame spread and the emission of toxic gases.

Check out the offer of technical felt and order today!

Feel free to contact us at +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 505 16 03 03, or via email at Power@PowerRubber.com or through our contact form.