Introduction
When choosing acoustic panels for offices, schools, or public buildings, certification is more than just a technical detail — it’s a guarantee of safety, performance, and compliance.
In the acoustic materials industry, three key testing standards dominate global markets:
EN ISO 354 – for measuring sound absorption,
ASTM E84 – for surface flame spread,
EN 13501-1 – for European fire classification.
Let’s explore what each of these means, how they’re tested, and why they’re essential for PET acoustic panels.
1. EN ISO 354: Measuring Sound Absorption
Purpose:
EN ISO 354:2003 determines the sound absorption coefficient (α) of materials using a reverberation room method.
How It Works:
A sample of the acoustic material (usually 10–12 m²) is placed inside a reverberation chamber.
Sound is projected across different frequencies (100–5000Hz), and microphones record the decay time before and after the material is installed.
Key Results:
α (Absorption Coefficient): Measures how much sound a surface absorbs (0 = reflective, 1 = fully absorbent).
NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient): Average absorption at 250Hz, 500Hz, 1000Hz, and 2000Hz.
EN ISO 11654 Classification: Based on results, materials are categorized into:
Class A: αw ≥ 0.90
Class B: αw ≥ 0.80
Class C: αw ≥ 0.60
Why It Matters:
Leedings’ PET acoustic panels achieve an NRC up to 0.9, meeting Class A/B standards — ensuring excellent noise reduction in real-world installations.
2. ASTM E84: Fire Safety — Surface Burning Characteristics
Purpose:
ASTM E84, also known as the Steiner Tunnel Test, measures how fast flames spread and how much smoke a material produces when exposed to fire.
How It Works:
A 24-foot-long tunnel is used to expose the material to a controlled flame. The test measures:
Flame Spread Index (FSI)
Smoke Developed Index (SDI)
Classification:
| Rating | Flame Spread Index | Smoke Developed Index |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | 0–25 | 0–450 |
| Class B | 26–75 | 0–450 |
| Class C | 76–200 | 0–450 |
Why It Matters:
Leedings’ polyester fiber acoustic panels are tested to ASTM E84 Class A, ensuring low flame spread and smoke emission — a critical safety factor for schools, offices, and public spaces.
3. EN 13501-1: European Fire Classification Standard
Purpose:
EN 13501-1 defines how construction materials are classified for reaction to fire in Europe. It combines results from various tests (EN ISO 11925-2, EN 13823, etc.) to assign a Euroclass rating.
Euroclass System:
| Classification | Reaction to Fire | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| A1 / A2 | Non-combustible | Concrete, stone |
| B | Very limited contribution | Fire-retardant acoustic panels |
| C / D | Limited contribution | Wood composites |
| E / F | Easily flammable | Untreated plastics |
Leedings Certification:
Our PET acoustic panels meet EN 13501-1 Class B-s1, d0, meaning:
B: Very limited flame spread
s1: Minimal smoke production
d0: No flaming droplets
This level of performance is ideal for public buildings, airports, hotels, and offices where both acoustic and fire safety standards are strictly regulated.
4. Why Testing Standards Matter for Buyers
Choosing certified products isn’t just about paperwork — it’s about trust, reliability, and safety.
When you see certifications like EN ISO 354, ASTM E84, or EN 13501-1, it means:
✅ The product has undergone third-party laboratory testing
✅ The results meet international safety and performance criteria
✅ The manufacturer is committed to quality assurance and compliance
Uncertified products may look similar but often use low-grade materials or non-compliant flame retardants, putting buildings and occupants at risk.
5. Leedings: Certified Quality You Can Trust
As a leading acoustic panel manufacturer in China, Leedings ensures every product meets or exceeds global standards:
EN ISO 354 / NRC up to 0.9
ASTM E84 Class A
EN 13501-1 Class B-s1, d0
ISO 16000 (Indoor Air Quality)
FSC and CE certifications
With advanced production facilities and continuous R&D, Leedings delivers eco-friendly, safe, and acoustically superior solutions for interiors worldwide.
Conclusion
Testing standards like EN ISO 354, ASTM E84, and EN 13501-1 ensure that PET acoustic panels not only perform well acoustically but also meet the highest fire safety and environmental benchmarks.
When you choose Leedings, you’re choosing certified excellence — where sound performance meets safety.
👉 Learn more about Leedings’ tested and certified products at www.leedings.com.