Metal sandwich panels are officially known as "metal-faced thermal insulation sandwich panels for construction." They are self-supporting composite panels consisting of two metal faces and an insulating core bonded between them. The core materials commonly include expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), rigid polyurethane foam, rock wool, slag wool, and glass wool. The metal faces are often color-coated steel sheets. Fire walls are non-combustible walls with a fire resistance rating of not less than 3.00 hours. They are designed to prevent fire spread to adjacent areas. Fire compartment walls are similarly non-combustible walls that meet specified fire resistance requirements based on their application scenarios, typically ranging from 1.0 to 3.0 hours. The key performance indicator for both is fire resistance rating. This is defined as the time in hours from fire exposure until the component loses load-bearing capacity, integrity, or thermal insulation under standard fire test conditions, whichever occurs first.

Fire Safety Requirements for Fire Walls and Fire Compartment Walls

Fire walls and fire compartment walls must be constructed of non-combustible materials. Their fire resistance rating is evaluated based on three criteria: load-bearing capacity, integrity, and thermal insulation. Failure in any single criterion terminates the test. To meet these requirements, the materials used must not contribute to fire spread, smoke generation, or structural collapse. Therefore, any core material that is combustible, such as EPS, XPS, or rigid polyurethane foam, cannot be used in walls intended for fire separation. Even when metal faces provide a protective outer layer, the core's behavior under fire conditions determines the overall performance.

Can Metal Sandwich Panels Serve as Fire Walls?

The answer is generally no, with one exception. For non-load-bearing exterior walls, partition walls, or roof panels, the core must be Class A non-combustible. But fire walls and fire compartment walls have stricter requirements. Even with rock wool cores, metal sandwich panels are self-supporting, not integrated into the main structure. Under fire, the steel faces soften, the bonding fails, and the panel can sag or collapse. This does not stop fire spread. It also endangers evacuation and firefighters. Fires in temporary site buildings have proven these risks. Therefore, metal sandwich panels should not be used as fire walls or fire compartment walls in permanent buildings. Their only fire-safe use is in temporary site structures with Class A cores and strict fire precautions.

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