In the 2026 Malaysian engineering landscape, the Fire Resistance Period (FRP) for Air Handling Units is a critical metric for building compartmentation. Regulated under the Uniform Building By-Laws (UBBL) 2026 and MS 1183:2026, the FRP represents the duration (in minutes) that a system can withstand a standard fire test while maintaining three core criteria: Stability (R), Integrity (E), and Insulation (I).
At EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD, we ensure your AHU installations are engineered to meet these specific temporal safety benchmarks.
As of February 3, 2026, BOMBA and the UBBL mandate the following FRP ratings for mechanical installations in high-rise and commercial developments:
120-Minute (FRP 120): The standard requirement for AHU plant rooms and ducting penetrations in "Grade-A" commercial office buildings and high-rise residences.
240-Minute (FRP 240): Required for critical infrastructure, such as data centers, hospitals (operating theaters), and substations, where the AC system must remain isolated from fire for 4 hours.
eFEIS 2.0 Integration: Every component contributing to the FRP (dampers, seals, casing) must be verifiable via the eFEIS 2.0 digital system and carry a valid BOMBA "K" Mark.
For an AHU setup to be rated, it must satisfy the R-E-I criteria at the point of wall or floor penetration:
| FRP Criterion | Technical Requirement | Engineering Purpose |
| Integrity (E) | No passage of flame or hot gases. | Prevents the "spread" of fire to the next compartment via the AHU casing or duct. |
| Insulation (I) | Cold-side temperature < 140°C rise. | Prevents the heat from the fire side from igniting materials on the "safe" side. |
| Stability (R) | Structural load-bearing capacity. | Specifically for AHU plinths and supports to ensure the unit doesn't collapse. |
To maintain an FRP 120 rating, the physical installation must integrate certified fire-protection hardware:
Motorized Fire Dampers (FRP 120): Must be MS 558:2024 certified and interlocked with the Automatic Fire Signal AHU Shut-off.
Intumescent Fire-Stop Mortar: Used to seal the annulus around the AHU duct sleeve. It must be tested to match or exceed the FRP of the wall (typically 120 minutes).
Fire-Rated (FR) Cabling: The shut-off signal must use MS 2116 compliant cabling with an FRP that ensures the "kill signal" reaches the IE5 EC Fan Wall before cable failure.
The FRP rating of an installation is finalized during the physical witness test for the AHU Safety Permit:
Passive Audit: Inspection of the manufacturer's test certificates (Warringtonfire or SIRIM) for the casing insulation and fire-stop materials.
Damper Closure Test: Verification that the Motorized Fire Dampers seal fully in under 20 seconds upon fire signal activation.
Digital Twin Update: All FRP ratings and component expiry dates are uploaded to your building’s Digital Birth Certificate (LOD 500) for the mandatory 5-year periodic audit.
Technical Integrity: Our FRP solutions are designed by mechanical engineers who specialize in the intersection of thermodynamics and life safety.
EECA 2024 Alignment: We utilize high-insulation casing materials that meet FRP standards while simultaneously reducing thermal bridging, helping you meet your Building Energy Intensity (BEI) targets.
GITA Support: Documented proof of FRP compliance is a mandatory submission item for claiming the 100% Green Investment Tax Allowance.
Is your AHU installation rated for the 2026 statutory FRP requirements? Contact EKG (Malaysia) SDN BHD today for a specialized FRP Rating & Safety Audit.
Are you designing for a 120-minute FRP requirement for a new high-rise, or do you require a 240-minute rating for a critical facility?
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