FireWiki: glossary of fireproof mats and fire protection

In our glossary of fireproof mats and fire protection, we explain the most important terms briefly and clearly. Here you will find materials, standards and rules from A to Z. For many terms there is also a guide with more details.

Glossary of fireproof mats: materials

• Aramid: a synthetic fibre that does not melt and is hard to ignite. It is in all FireMat editions. More in the article Fireproof fabric.
• Panox: an oxidised synthetic fibre that withstands heat well. Together with aramid, it forms the Black Edition.
• Polysiloxane: a silicone resin. It makes fabrics non-slip and wipeable. More under Polysiloxane coating.
• AHV: short for aluminium high-vacuum coating. A thin aluminium layer repels water and oil. More under AHV.

Fire behaviour and standards

• DIN EN ISO 11925-2: a test in which a small flame hits a material. It shows how easily it ignites. More in the article DIN EN ISO 11925-2.
• Flame-retardant: the material only catches fire with difficulty and does not continue to burn on its own.
• Non-combustible: the material does not burn at all, for example stone, glass or steel. More in the article Fire classes.
• Fire classes: they classify fires by the burning material: A for solids, B for liquids, C for gases, D for metals and F for cooking fat.

Rules and regulations (Germany)

• DGUV Rule 115-401: the German accident insurance rule for offices. It recommends a non-combustible base under heating appliances. More under DGUV Rule 115-401.
• VdS 2000: the German insurers’ guideline for fire protection in businesses. More on the page VdS 2000.
• VVB: the Bavarian ordinance on the prevention of fires. More on the page VVB.
• ASR A2.2: the German technical rule for fire extinguishers at the workplace. More in the article Fire extinguishers in the office.
• Extinguishing agent unit (LE): a measure of the extinguishing capacity of a fire extinguisher. The larger the area, the more LE a business needs.

Kitchen and appliances

• Induction mat: a thin mat on the induction hob. It protects the glass from scratches. More under Induction protection mat.
• Fat fire: a fire of hot oil or fat. Never extinguish it with water, but with a fire blanket or a fat fire extinguisher.
• Flying sparks: glowing particles that jump out of fire or embers. In front of the fireplace, the Gold Edition catches them.

General knowledge on the subject is also offered by Wikipedia: Fire protection. Is a term missing? Write to us via our contact page.