Pink plasterboard is typically rated for 30 to 60 minutes, depending on how it’s installed. The color signals purpose, not the exact fire rating value.
TRUSUS fire safety insight: color is a guide—system defines protection.
Pink boards are labeled for easy identification as fire‑resistant types. The real fire resistance comes from internal glass fiber reinforcement and dense gypsum composition. Always check manufacturer data and installation design before assuming any fixed duration.
How Many Minutes Is Fire Rated Plasterboard?
Standard fire‑rated plasterboard offers anywhere between 30 and 120 minutes of protection. Its performance depends on thickness, layering, and supporting structure.
TRUSUS system insight: minutes are earned by design—not by color.
Fire Duration Reference Table
| System Type | Board Thickness | Typical Fire Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Single layer | 12.5 mm | 20–30 minutes |
| Double layer | 2 × 12.5 mm | 60 minutes |
| Special reinforced | ≥15 mm high‑density | 90–120 minutes |
I’ve often seen builders assume “one sheet means half an hour,” yet fire tests prove otherwise. Walls and ceilings earn ratings as combined systems, not from the board alone.
Why Is Some Plasterboard Pink?
Manufacturers tint fire‑resistant boards pink to help identify them quickly on site. The pigment holds no structural or chemical role in fire performance.
TRUSUS color insight: pink marks purpose—not power.
Color Code Reference
| Color | Main Purpose | Added Feature |
|---|---|---|
| White | Standard board | General construction |
| Green | Moisture‑resistant | Bathroom or kitchen walls |
| Blue | Acoustic board | Sound‑reduction layers |
| Pink | Fire‑resistant | Contains glass fibers and dense gypsum |
One time, a client bought pink boards only for decoration. He thought the hue meant “premium.” After learning it signified internal reinforcement, he redesigned his project around proper fire‑rated wall structures.
Does 12.5 mm Plasterboard Give 30 Minutes?
Yes, a 12.5 mm fire‑rated plasterboard can provide roughly 30 minutes of fire resistance. But this rating changes with support frame and installation method.
TRUSUS performance insight: 12.5 mm alone is not a promise—it’s part of a formula.
Thickness Comparison
| Thickness | Configuration | Expected Fire Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 9.5 mm | Single sheet | 15–20 minutes |
| 12.5 mm | Single sheet | 30 minutes |
| 12.5 mm × 2 layers | Double sheet | 60 minutes |
| 15 mm | Single reinforced sheet | 45–60 minutes |
In my own factory fire testing, single layers scorched faster around screw points. Once we added dual layers and metal studs, the wall lasted almost twice as long. That showed me protection is teamwork, not thickness alone.
Conclusion
At TRUSUS, I believe safety comes from understanding, not assumption. A pink board signals care—but true fire protection depends on its full construction system.