Kmiainfo : Fire-rated & acoustic work ratings for residential & commercial ceiling work

Below are clear, code-aligned recommendations for FIRE-RATED & ACOUSTIC RATINGS for residential and commercial buildings.

These values are commonly specified by architects, consultants, and fire officers and are suitable for BOQs, specifications, and exams.

🔥 FIRE-RATED & 🔊 ACOUSTIC RATINGS — RECOMMENDATIONS :::----

1️⃣ RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ::---

🔥 Fire-Resistance Ratings (Ceilings)

Area Recommended Fire Rating Typical System :-

1. Living room / Bedrooms 30 min Single-layer fire-rated gypsum ceiling

2. Kitchen 30–60 min Fire-rated gypsum / metal ceiling

3. Passage / Corridors 30 min Fire-rated gypsum ceiling

4. Staircase (in apartments) 60 min Fire-rated gypsum / RCC slab

5. Toilets Non-combustible PVC / aluminum ceiling

6. Notes : Fire-rated gypsum boards (Type X / Type F) are preferred.

7. Residential buildings usually do not require 90–120 min ratings unless part of a high-rise or special approval condition.

🔊 Acoustic Ratings (Ceilings) :-

Area Recommended NRC* , Recommended STC* Typical Material :-

1. Bedrooms 0.50–0.60 40–45 Gypsum + insulation

2. Living room 0.45–0.55 40 Gypsum ceiling

3. Study / Home office 0.60–0.70 45–50 Mineral fiber / acoustic gypsum

4. Home theatre 0.70–0.85 50+ Acoustic panels + insulation.

* NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) = sound absorption

* STC (Sound Transmission Class) = sound blocking

2️⃣ COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS ::---

🔥 Fire-Resistance Ratings (Ceilings)

Area Recommended Fire Rating Typical System :-

1. Open offices 60 min Fire-rated mineral fiber / gypsum

2. Cabins 60 min Fire-rated gypsum ceiling

3. Corridors 60–90 min Fire-rated gypsum ceiling

4. Conference rooms 60 min Acoustic fire-rated ceiling

5. Staircases 120 min RCC slab / fire-rated system

6. Toilets Non-combustible Aluminum ceiling

7. Hospitals / Data areas 120 min Metal / certified fire systems.

8. Notes : Commercial projects usually demand certified fire-tested systems.

9. Fire rating must align with local fire authority & NBC requirements.

🔊 Acoustic Ratings (Ceilings)

Area Recommended NRC, Recommended STC Typical Material :-

1. Open office 0.65–0.75 45–50 Mineral fiber tiles

2. Cabins 0.60–0.70 45–50 Acoustic gypsum

3. Conference rooms 0.75–0.85 50–55 Acoustic panels + insulation

4. Classrooms 0.70–0.80 45–50 Mineral fiber ceiling

5. Hospitals 0.60–0.75 50 Hygienic acoustic tiles

6. Auditoriums 0.85–0.95 55+ Specialized acoustic systems.

3️⃣ COMMON MATERIAL PERFORMANCE (Quick Reference) ::---

Material Fire Rating (NRC) Typical Use :-

1. Standard gypsum board 20–30 min 0.05 Basic residential

2. Fire-rated gypsum (Type X/F) 30–60 min 0.05 Resi & commercial

3. Mineral fiber tiles 60 min 0.65–0.75 Offices, classrooms

4. Acoustic gypsum 30–60 min 0.55–0.70 Cabins, studios

5. Aluminum ceiling Non-combustible 0.05 Toilets, hospitals

6. Fabric acoustic panels Depends on backing 0.75–0.95 Conference halls

4️⃣ PRACTICAL SPECIFICATION TIPS (VERY IMPORTANT) ::---

✔ Residential :-

1. Specify 30-minute fire-rated gypsum as minimum.

2. Use acoustic insulation only where needed (bedroom, study).

3. Avoid over-specification → saves cost.

✔ Commercial :-

1. Always specify tested & certified systems.

2. Combine fire rating + acoustic rating in one system where possible.

3. Coordinate ceiling ratings with HVAC, lighting & fire sprinklers.

🧾 SAMPLE SPECIFICATION LINE (You Can Copy) ::---

Residential = “Provide 12.5 mm fire-rated gypsum board ceiling with minimum 30-minute fire resistance and NRC ≥ 0.50 where required.”

Commercial = “Provide suspended acoustic ceiling system tested for 60-minute fire resistance with minimum NRC 0.70, complete with GI grid, hangers, and access panels.”