Fire ratings of projection fabrics

Why a fabric's fire rating matters

A projection screen means several – or a dozen or more – square metres of fabric in a room full of people. In public buildings – schools, universities, offices, hotels, cinemas, community centres – the way materials behave in a fire is part of the safety requirements. That is why tender specifications and handover inspections increasingly ask about the reaction-to-fire class of the screen fabric.

The manufacturer of ADEO screens states that every screen carries the CE mark and its projection surfaces have fire classifications. Its general page mentions the classes B1, M1 and M2, while the 2025 fabric catalogue gives the class for each fabric – in European notation (e.g. B-s2,d0) or French notation (M1, M2).

How to read B-s2,d0 – Euroclasses

The European reaction-to-fire classification (EN 13501-1) describes a material with three elements. The explanation below is general in nature.

So B-s2,d0 denotes a material with a very limited contribution to fire, medium smoke production and no flaming droplets. D-s3,d0 is a material with a medium contribution to fire, high or unmeasured smoke production, also with no flaming droplets.

M1, M2 and B1 – national systems

Before Euroclasses were introduced, individual countries had their own systems. They are still often quoted for technical and decorative textiles:

• M0–M4 – the French system. M1 denotes a non-flammable material, M2 a flame-retardant one. The lower the number, the better.
• B1 – the German system (DIN 4102), denoting a flame-retardant material.

There is no simple, official conversion from national classes to Euroclasses. If a specification requires a particular Euroclass and the fabric is rated M1 or M2, the decision on acceptance lies with the designer or fire safety consultant.

ADEO fabric fire ratings according to the 2025 catalogue

The table below is taken from the ADEO projection surfaces catalogue (January 2025). Classes may change as new tests are carried out, so before ordering for a building with fire safety requirements, ask for a current declaration – it is issued by the manufacturer.

Full fabric descriptions are on the projection fabrics page and in our guide how to choose a projection fabric.

What the table means in practice

• The Reference series carries Euroclass B-s2,d0 in the catalogue, including the acoustic versions. If the specification uses Euroclasses, this is the simplest choice.
• The Vision series has French classes: M1 (Vision White Pro (temporarily unavailable), Vision Rear DB) or M2 (Vision White, Vision Acoustik, Vision Macro Acoustik).
• Ambient Grey 2 and its acoustic version are rated D-s3,d0 in the catalogue, i.e. lower than the other fabrics. In a building with strict fire safety requirements, check that it is permitted before ordering or consider another fabric, e.g. the ALR fabric Ambient Grey (M2) or Reference Grey 2 (B-s2,d0).
• Vision Fold 2 for the hire market was undergoing certification when the catalogue was published – ask about its current status.

The fire rating is only one criterion. The fabric is also chosen to suit the room lighting, the projector (standard or ultra-short-throw) and the acoustics. How gain affects the image is covered in our guide screen gain and viewing angle.

Fire ratings and choice of screen model

Not every fabric is available on every model. If a particular class is required, first check which fabrics the chosen screen offers. Summary based on the fabric lists for each model and the classes in the 2025 catalogue:

In practice this means that where Euroclass B is required for the largest large-format screens, you need to agree with the fire safety consultant well in advance whether an M2-rated fabric will be accepted. With medium-sized screens the choice is easier, as the Reference series is available.

Step by step – checking before you order

1. Establish with the building's designer or fire safety consultant which class is required and under which system (Euroclasses or acceptable national classes).
2. Choose a fabric that meets the requirement and suits the conditions in the room.
3. Check that the chosen screen model offers that fabric in the size you need.
4. Ask for the manufacturer's current declaration for that fabric.
5. Attach the documents to the handover report.

Where the fire rating question comes up most often

• Schools and universities – classrooms, auditoriums, labs. See also screens for schools.
• Public offices and council chambers – usually in the contract specification.
• Cinemas, theatres and community centres – large areas of acoustic fabric.
• Hotels and conference centres – banqueting and event rooms.
• Museums and exhibitions – permanent installations in public spaces.

How to word the requirement in an order

It is best to agree the required class with the building's designer or fire safety consultant and state it unambiguously, e.g. "fabric with a reaction-to-fire class of at least B-s2,d0 according to EN 13501-1 or equivalent, confirmed by a manufacturer's document". Avoid requirements that needlessly exclude fabrics with a national class if the consultant accepts them for the application in question. A sample screen description for a tender is in our guide screens in public procurement.

For handover, prepare a complete set of documents: the screen's CE declaration of conformity and a document confirming the fabric's fire rating. As an authorised ADEO dealer, ABC Prezentacji helps obtain them from the manufacturer. You can check prices for configurations with your chosen fabric in the Configurator, and send questions about documents via the Contact page.

Frequently asked questions