FenceTrac fire-rated fencing carries an ASTM E84-24 Class A fire rating, the highest classification under the ASTM E84 standard for surface burning characteristics. In testing by QAI Laboratories, the system scored a Flame Spread Index of 0 and a Smoke Developed Index of 35. For architects, specifiers, and commercial property owners evaluating fire-rated fencing, ASTM E84 Class A is the benchmark that building codes most frequently reference.
The Short Answer
ASTM E84 measures how fast flame spreads across a material’s surface and how much smoke the material produces during combustion. Class A is the top tier: Flame Spread Index of 0 to 25 and Smoke Developed Index of 450 or less. FenceTrac’s aluminum infill scored 0 and 35 respectively, placing it at the extreme low end of the Class A range.
What the ASTM E84 Test Measures
ASTM E84, formally titled “Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials,” evaluates two properties under controlled laboratory conditions.
Flame Spread Index (FSI)
The Flame Spread Index measures how quickly flame travels across the surface of the material during the test. The material sample is mounted at ceiling height (worst-case orientation) in a 25-foot tunnel furnace and exposed to a controlled flame for 10 minutes.
A lower FSI means the flame spreads more slowly. An FSI of 0 means zero flame propagation occurred across the material surface during the full test duration.
Smoke Developed Index (SDI)
The Smoke Developed Index measures the density of smoke produced during combustion. Smoke density is measured by a photoelectric cell at the exhaust end of the tunnel.
A lower SDI means less smoke. For context, the Class A ceiling is 450. FenceTrac’s Smoke Developed Index of 35 is a fraction of that limit.
How the Class A, B, and C Ratings Compare
ASTM E84 defines three classification tiers. Each building code that references ASTM E84 assigns minimum tier requirements based on the occupancy type and proximity to structures.
| Class | Flame Spread Index | Smoke Developed Index | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class A | 0 to 25 | 0 to 450 | Exit corridors, high-occupancy buildings, fire-separation barriers |
| Class B | 26 to 75 | 0 to 450 | General interior finishes, corridors in some occupancies |
| Class C | 76 to 200 | 0 to 450 | Rooms and enclosed spaces with lower fire risk |
Class A is the most restrictive tier. Materials that score in this range are approved for the most fire-sensitive applications, including exit routes, assembly spaces, and locations near occupied structures where building codes require fire-rated barriers.
FenceTrac’s ASTM E84-24 Test Results
FenceTrac’s fire-rated fencing was tested by QAI Laboratories (Tulsa, OK) on August 29, 2025, under report number QA-3344-R2. The test followed the ASTM E84-24 protocol, which is also equivalent to UL 723, ANSI/NFPA 255, and UBC 8-1.
The sample consisted of aluminum infill boards assembled side by side, the same configuration used in production FenceTrac fire-rated fencing.
Results: Flame Spread Index of 0. Smoke Developed Index of 35. Both values fall well within the Class A range.
The Flame Spread Index of 0 is the lowest possible score. It means zero flame propagation occurred across the material surface during the full 10-minute test. The aluminum infill is inherently non-combustible, which is what produces this result. The Class A rating is a property of the material itself, not a coating or chemical treatment that can degrade over time.
The full test report is available at FenceTrac ASTM E84 Class A Test Results (PDF).
Why ASTM E84 Matters for Fence Design Decisions
Most commercial and municipal fencing projects do not require a fire rating. But when they do, the ASTM E84 classification is typically what the code references.
Common scenarios where ASTM E84 Class A fencing is required or preferred include fencing near occupied structures where fire separation is code-mandated, jurisdictions with wildland-urban interface (WUI) codes, dumpster and utility enclosures within a specified distance of buildings, electrical transformer and generator screening, and projects subject to IBC Chapter 8 or NFPA 101 Life Safety Code requirements.
In these applications, specifying a fence with third-party ASTM E84 test data simplifies the permitting process. The test report gives the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) a documented basis for approval.
How to Specify ASTM E84 Class A Fencing in a Bid
When writing a specification or reviewing a bid, reference the test standard and classification tier directly. A clear spec line reads: “Fencing shall carry an ASTM E84-24 Class A rating with a Flame Spread Index not exceeding 25 and a Smoke Developed Index not exceeding 450, tested by an accredited laboratory.”
FenceTrac provides the QAI test report, stamped engineering documentation, and architect specifications to support the bid package. For projects that require CSI-formatted specs, see CSI Section 32 31 00 for fencing.
Related Questions
What is fire-rated fencing and when is it required? Fire-rated fencing is required by building codes in specific proximity zones near occupied structures, utility areas, and in wildland-urban interface zones.
What is the difference between fire-rated and fire-resistant fencing? Fire-rated means the material has been tested to a recognized standard like ASTM E84 and carries a documented classification. Fire-resistant is a general descriptor with no standardized definition.
What materials qualify for fire-rated fence applications? Non-combustible materials like aluminum and steel qualify. FenceTrac’s fire-rated system uses 6063-T5 aluminum infill inside a galvanized steel frame.
See Also
Can a fire-rated fence also be a privacy fence? for details on how FenceTrac’s fire-rated system provides full privacy screening while meeting ASTM E84 Class A requirements.
Get a Quote for Your Fire-Rated Fencing Project
FenceTrac ships fence systems nationally and has been supplying contractors, property owners, and commercial buyers since 2012.
Every system carries a 20-year warranty and is engineered for long-term performance with minimal maintenance.