Fire Rating Checker — Cheat Sheet
Quick-reference cheat sheet for the Fire Rating Checker tool.
Published 27 May 2026
Fire Rating Checker
Quick-reference companion for the free Portal tool
What This Tool Does
The Blind Solutions Fire Rating Checker is an essential online utility designed specifically for South African architects to quickly and accurately determine the required fire resistance ratings (FRR) for various building elements, particularly glazing and doors, as per SANS 10400-T and relevant building regulations. This tool streamlines the often complex process of interpreting SANS codes and assessing fire safety requirements based on building type, occupancy, proximity to boundaries, and other critical factors.
Use this tool whenever you are designing a new building, undertaking alterations, or specifying fenestration systems. It's crucial for ensuring compliance with national building regulations, safeguarding occupants, and preventing potential project delays due to non-compliant specifications. All architects, architectural technologists, and facade consultants working on projects in South Africa will find this tool indispensable for their daily workflow.
Step-by-Step Usage Guide
Navigate to the Fire Rating Checker on the Blind Solutions Architects Portal. Ensure you are logged in for full functionality.
Input the project's physical address or approximate coordinates. This helps the tool infer relevant climate zones (e.g., Johannesburg, -26.2041, 28.0473). Select the building's occupancy classification (e.g., A3 - Office building, B1 - Assembly building, H3 - Dwelling house) as per SANS 10400-A.
Choose the specific building element you are assessing (e.g., "Glazing," "Door," "Wall"). Crucially, specify its distance to the nearest boundary or another building on the same erf. This is a primary driver for FRR requirements.
Enter the total number of storeys and the building's overall height. For multi-storey buildings, also indicate the floor level of the element being assessed. This impacts requirements for vertical fire separation.
Tick relevant checkboxes if the building incorporates an approved automatic sprinkler system (SANS 10400-T) or if the element forms part of an escape route. These factors can influence required FRR.
Click the "Calculate FRR" button. The tool will display the minimum required Fire Resistance Rating (e.g., E30, EW60, EI90) for the specified element, along with a brief explanation referencing the relevant SANS 10400-T clause.
Common Scenarios & Expected Results
| Scenario | Input | Expected Output |
|---|---|---|
| Ground floor office glazing, close to boundary. | Location: Cape Town CBD; Building Type: A3 Office; Element: Glazing; Distance to Boundary: 1.5m; Storeys: 4; Height: 15m; Sprinklers: No. | Required FRR: E60 (Likely due to proximity to boundary and non-sprinklered building). |
| Internal fire door in a protected escape route. | Location: Durban; Building Type: B1 Assembly; Element: Door; Distance to Boundary: N/A (Internal); Storeys: 2; Height: 8m; Part of Escape Route: Yes. | Required FRR: EI60 (Integrity and Insulation for 60 minutes, critical for escape route protection). |
| High-rise residential apartment glazing, mid-level. | Location: Sandton, JHB; Building Type: H3 Dwelling; Element: Glazing; Distance to Boundary: 6m; Storeys: 10; Height: 35m; Element on Floor: 5; Sprinklers: Yes. | Required FRR: E30 (Sprinklers and distance may reduce requirement, but vertical fire spread still considered). |
| Warehouse exterior wall, far from boundary. | Location: Pretoria East; Building Type: C1 Storage; Element: Wall; Distance to Boundary: 15m; Storeys: 1; Height: 7m; Sprinklers: Yes. | No specific FRR for external wall (provided sufficient distance and not forming part of a fire compartment wall). |