Kinetics KNM is a family of high-performance mass loaded vinyl (MLV) sound barriers engineered for modern building systems. The KNM line now includes both Class A fire-rated and plenum-rated configurations—allowing engineers to specify the appropriate level of fire and smoke performance based on application requirements.
Kinetics Noise Control Inc. Products
Kinetics KNM is a family of high-performance mass loaded vinyl (MLV) sound barriers engineered for modern building systems. The KNM line now includes both Class A fire-rated and plenum-rated configurations—allowing engineers to specify the appropriate level of fire and smoke performance based on application requirements. All KNM products are fire tested per ASTM E84 in their installed condition.
The plenum-rated (PR-KNM) products meet a more stringent smoke performance criteria required for return air plenums and ceiling cavities, while the Class A version provides reliable fire performance for walls and other interior applications where plenum compliance is not required.
Plenum spaces are subject to more rigorous fire and smoke requirements than standard interior applications. Under ASTM E84:
PR-KNM meets this enhanced smoke requirement, making it suitable for return air plenums and ceiling cavities where conventional Class A MLV cannot be specified.
KNM is a limp mass-loaded vinyl barrier material used for controlling break out noise. KNM-AL adds a layer of reinforced aluminum foil facing on one side to increase mechanical strength, weatherability, and improved fire retardancy. KNM barriers are used for enclosing noise sources, either draped around equipment, process piping, suspended between equipment and quiet areas, or lagged to the equipment casing. Kinetics Noise Control tested several configurations of limp mass barrier per ASTM E84-15b and offers designers three (3) CLASS A product solutions.
Kinetics KNM-100ALQ is designed to reduce the sound transmission of piping, ductwork and equipment housings greater than achieved by adding mass alone. It combines a fire-rated limp mass barrier with a decoupling quilted fiberglass lining. The material is constructed of a rugged reinforced, aluminized-faced, mass loaded limp vinyl bonded to a scrim-faced, quilted fiberglass absorber/decoupler. The vinyl provides mass and flexibility, while the aluminum adds increased mechanical strength, attractive appearance and improved fire retardancy.
PR-KNM is designed for use in plenum and ceiling applications where enhanced fire and smoke performance is required. Typical applications include installation within ceiling cavities to reduce cross-talk noise, wrapping ductwork or lining return air plenums, and providing sound isolation between equipment rooms, manufacturing floors, and occupied spaces. PR-KNM is also used to control noise transmission between HVAC equipment and adjacent occupied areas.
Class-A KNM is intended for non-plenum wall applications where sound transmission between adjacent spaces must be reduced.
