EN 13501 Aluminum Composite Panel for Euroclass A2 Façade Projects
Specify an EN 13501 aluminum composite panel by the complete panel build and the evidence that covers it. DERACP supports architects, façade contractors, distributors and project buyers evaluating Euroclass A2 ACP panel configurations for European fire-rating requirements.
For projects targeting A2-s1,d0 under EN 13501-1, the RFQ should connect the required class to the exact mineral-core construction, aluminum skins, total thickness, coating and current classification documentation—not only to a generic “fireproof ACP” description.
What is an EN 13501 ACP panel?
An EN 13501 ACP is an aluminum composite panel evaluated for reaction to fire under the European classification system in EN 13501-1. For façade projects with stricter fire requirements, A2-s1,d0 is a common specification direction: A2 means very limited contribution to fire, s1 addresses low smoke production, and d0 addresses flaming droplets or particles. The classification is not transferable to every thickness or construction; buyers should request the report that covers the exact panel being quoted.
Read the European Fire Rating Before You Compare ACP Quotations
“European fire rating ACP” is often used as a broad search term. In a technical submittal, however, the classification, test evidence and field of application matter more than the marketing label.
A2-oriented ACP typically uses a mineral-dominant core with substantially less combustible binder than conventional PE-core material.
The smoke suffix is part of the EN 13501-1 classification and should be read together with the main reaction-to-fire class.
The d0 suffix indicates the most restrictive droplet/particle result within this part of the Euroclass designation.
Ask for the classification report
Confirm the report number, current revision, product identity, tested thickness, skin gauges, core and other limitations that define its scope.
Match the quoted panel
A report for one construction should not be assumed to cover a different core, aluminum thickness, total thickness or other unverified variant.
Check façade-level requirements
Panel classification does not by itself confirm compliance of insulation, cavity barriers, membranes, subframes, joints and the installed wall system.
How a Euroclass A2 ACP Panel Is Built
An A2-oriented EN 13501 aluminum composite panel keeps the flat, fabricable composite-sheet format while changing the core toward a mineral-dominant construction. For exterior projects, the visible aluminum face can be paired with a project-selected architectural coating such as PVDF, subject to the approved specification and report scope.
Buyers should treat the panel as one controlled build. Changing a skin gauge, core, coating build or thickness after approval can create a mismatch between the purchased material and the documents used for submittal.
EN 13501 Aluminum Composite Panel Specification Framework
Use the table as a purchasing framework. It combines common DERACP architectural ACP references with the additional document control needed for a Euroclass A2 ACP panel. Final values depend on the exact construction accepted for the project.
| Specification field | Project direction | What the buyer should confirm |
|---|---|---|
| European fire class | EN 13501-1, commonly A2-s1,d0 for stringent façade specifications | Current classification report, exact product identity, applicable construction and field of application. |
| Total panel thickness | 4 mm is a common architectural reference; other builds can be reviewed | The thickness must align with façade engineering, fabrication and the report used for approval. |
| Aluminum skins | 0.50 mm face/back is frequently discussed for façade-grade A2 constructions | Write front and rear gauges separately and verify they match the proposed tested build. |
| Core | A2-oriented mineral-dominant / inorganic-rich core | Do not accept “FR core” as a substitute for a specifically required A2 classification without matching evidence. |
| Exterior finish | PVDF, FEVE or another project-approved coating direction | Resin system, color, gloss, metallic direction, exposure, sample reference and report relevance. |
| Width | 1220 / 1250 / 1500 mm are common ACP references; custom widths subject to review | Production feasibility, fabrication yield, pallet dimensions and whether variation affects approval documents. |
| Length | 2440 mm and project lengths can be discussed | Balance joint reduction with transport, fabrication, handling and container loading. |
| Color & finish | Solid, metallic and selected decorative architectural directions | Approve a physical sample; record color code, gloss, texture and directional orientation. |
| Documentation | TDS, applicable fire-classification evidence, QC and order identification | Make document list part of the quotation and purchase-order review rather than requesting it after production. |
| Export packing | Protected stacks / pallets according to size and shipment route | Sheet count, bundle labels, edge protection, moisture protection, pallet size and destination handling. |
Reference values are not a declaration that every size, skin gauge, coating or construction carries the same EN 13501-1 classification. Request the current documentation applicable to the exact panel proposed for your project.
Do Not Treat “Fire-Rated ACP” as One Product Category
One of the most common specification errors is comparing an A2 quote with a standard FR or PE-core offer only by price per square meter. Normalize the fire class and full panel construction first.
| Panel direction | Core concept | Typical European fire positioning | Procurement focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| A2 ACP | Mineral-dominant core with very low combustible contribution | A2-s1,d0 when supported by the applicable EN 13501-1 classification | Report-to-product match, façade application, exact skins, thickness and system requirements. |
| FR ACP | Mineral-modified fire-retardant core | Often B-s1,d0 depending on the product and classification report | Do not substitute for A2 when the specification explicitly calls for A2. |
| PE ACP | Polyethylene-rich core | Different fire behavior and application limitations | Use only where the intended application and local code permit the proposed construction. |
European Fire Rating ACP for Fire-Sensitive Building Envelopes
A2 ACP is typically evaluated where building height, occupancy, façade design, client specification or local regulation calls for a more restrictive reaction-to-fire class. Final suitability must be confirmed by the project team.
High-Rise Façades
Coordinate Euroclass evidence with cassette design, wind loads, cavity barriers, insulation, subframe and façade-system requirements.
Airports & Transport Hubs
Useful where large public areas require controlled material documentation, durable finishes and coordinated fire-performance submittals.
Hospitals & Healthcare
Projects may combine stricter material requirements with detailed finish, cleaning, traceability and approval processes.
Schools & Public Buildings
Specify the required fire class in the tender and keep the approved panel construction tied to purchase and delivery records.
Hotels & Commercial Towers
Exterior color, gloss, metallic direction and future replacement matching should be controlled alongside the fire classification.
Rainscreen & Soffit Areas
Review whether the local requirement applies to the panel, the complete rainscreen assembly or both before final material approval.
Product and Façade References from www.der-acp.com
These images illustrate DERACP ACP products, finishes and architectural use. They are not substitutes for the classification report or the approved physical sample for a specific EN 13501 project.
Eight Checks Before Ordering a Euroclass A2 ACP Panel
This checklist is designed for consultants, contractors, distributors and purchasing teams comparing an EN 13501 aluminum composite panel supplier.
Why Buyers Use DERACP for Fire-Related ACP Specification Work
DERACP states more than 20 years of ACP manufacturing experience and six production lines. For a European fire-rating project, the useful advantage is not a broad “fireproof” claim—it is the ability to coordinate the ordered panel around a defined specification and required project documents.
Specification before price
DERACP can review the quotation after the fire class, panel thickness, skins, core and coating direction are defined, helping buyers compare like-for-like constructions.
Custom project coordination
Dimensions, color, gloss, finish, protective film and packing can be considered together with the technical constraints of the approved construction.
Sample and fabrication review
Physical sample approval and fabrication trials can be built into the purchasing workflow before a large production run.
Traceability mindset
For fire-sensitive projects, keep report identity, specification, sample, order and shipment marks connected instead of treating documents as a separate after-sales task.
A Practical Approval Workflow for EN 13501 ACP
Continue Building the Right ACP Specification
Six related internal pages help buyers compare fire-related products, façade use, customization and finish approval.
EN 13501 Aluminum Composite Panel FAQ
What is an EN 13501 aluminum composite panel?
It is an aluminum composite panel whose reaction-to-fire performance is classified under EN 13501-1. For stricter European façade specifications, A2-s1,d0 is a common target. Approval should always be based on the current report covering the exact panel construction proposed for the project.
What does A2-s1,d0 mean for an ACP panel?
A2 indicates very limited contribution to fire. The s1 suffix addresses low smoke production and d0 addresses flaming droplets or particles. These values belong to the classification of a specific tested product; they should not be copied automatically to a different panel build.
Is Euroclass A2 ACP the same as ordinary FR ACP?
No. FR is a broad commercial category. A mineral-filled FR panel may carry a B classification, while an A2-oriented product uses a more mineral-dominant core and requires specific evidence for the A2 classification. If the project names A2-s1,d0, the supplier should quote a construction supported for that requirement.
What thickness is commonly specified for A2 façade ACP?
A 4 mm total panel thickness with 0.50 mm aluminum skins is a common architectural reference in A2 composite-panel markets and is also consistent with DERACP façade-oriented discussion. It is not a universal requirement. Structural design, fabrication, local regulations and the applicable test/classification report determine the final build.
Does an EN 13501 A2 panel make the complete façade compliant?
Not automatically. The installed façade can include insulation, membranes, cavity barriers, subframe, fixings, joints and openings that are subject to separate requirements. Ask the architect, façade engineer, fire consultant and authority having jurisdiction which product-level and assembly-level evidence is required.
What should I send DERACP for an EN 13501 ACP quotation?
Send the project country, application, required classification, panel thickness, front and rear aluminum skin gauges, coating, color, width, length, quantity, destination port, packing requirement, drawings and any consultant clause or report format requirement. If a field is undecided, mark it as open so it can be reviewed instead of assumed.
Request a Specification-Based EN 13501 ACP Review
Tell DERACP the required Euroclass, panel build, façade application, color, dimensions, quantity and destination. Ask for the current technical documentation that matches the exact proposed construction before comparing commercial offers.
Include these items in your RFQ
- Required EN 13501-1 classification
- Panel thickness + front/rear aluminum skins
- Core, coating, color and finish
- Sheet width, length and quantity
- Façade drawings / fabrication details
- Destination + required project documents