Equivalence + harmonisation fire performance.

Harmonisation and equivalence of reaction-to-fire performance classification in Europe: a small-scale desk-based study

Prepared for: ADCAS

2 Waltham Court,

Milley Lane,

Hare Hatch,

Reading,

Berkshire RG10 9TH

Compiled by: Glenn Hawkins

Number of pages: 32 of text

Date: April 2012

Harmonisation and equivalence of reaction- to-fire performance in Europe

© Clear Construction 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The objective of this report is to provide an overview of harmonisation and equivalence in reaction-to-fire performance classification in Europe. The report has been produced following a review of statutory guidance and national & European Standards applicable in The UK (England and Wales), Germany, France, Sweden, Italy and The Netherlands.

THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT REGULATIONS (CPR)

The Construction Products Regulations1 (CPR) came into force in April 2011. The CPR aims to remove technical barriers to trade for construction products across Europe. The principal mechanism for achieving this is through the replacement of existing national standards and technical approvals with a single set of European-wide technical specifications for construction products (i.e. harmonised European standards or European Technical Approvals).

This more harmonised approach is intended to deliver benefits for:

Authorities of EU Member States when specifying requirements for products

Manufacturers when declaring the performance of their products

Construction professionals such as architects, engineers and builders when choosing the products most suitable for their intended use in construction works

The CPR defines seven basic requirements for construction works, of which safety in case of fire is the 2nd requirement.

HARMONISATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSIFICATION IN EUROPE

The European Commission states that there are about 30 different national fire performance tests (and 20 more ISO test methods) used by its different Member States. Often, there is little commonality between national performance classification systems.

In support of the second basic requirement of the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) - safety in case of fire, harmonised procedures for the classification of reaction-to-fire performance have been produced in the European Union.

The European classification system for reaction-to-fire testing consists of six standards; a classification standard, a suite of four test standards and a standard covering specimen conditioning and substrate selection. In accordance with the classification standard EN 13501-1, a construction product is classified in the following manner:

The main part of the classification is its letter – A1, A2, B, C, D, E and F. A1 is the highest level of performance, with F the lowest performance level

There is a smoke classification of s1, s2 or s3. s1 is the highest level of performance and s3 is the lowest performance level2

A2 – s1, d0

There is a classification of flaming droplets of d0, d1 or d2. d0 is the highest level of performance and d2 is the lowest performance level

The following table uses the seven major classes of the European classification system for reaction-to-fire (A1, A2, B, C, D, E and F) as the basis for examining equivalence in reaction-to-fire classification in different countries.

1 Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC 2 Materials that are in Class A1do not require tests for smoke development or production of flaming droplets

Harmonisation and equivalence of reaction- to-fire performance in Europe


Table 1 Equivalence in reaction-to-fire performance classification in Europe3

Euroclass UK (England and Wales) Germany France Sweden Italy Netherlands

In accordance with EN 13501-1 + A1: 2009

In accordance with Approved Document B of the Building Regulations

In accordance with Bauregellisten, 26th

March 2012

In accordance with Arrete du 21 Novembre

2002

In accordnace with Regelssamling for byggande, BBR: 2012 and EN 13501-1

In accordance with Decreto del Ministero

dell’interno 15 Marzo 2005 In accordnace with Bouwbesluit, 2012

A1 Non-combustible A1 Non-combustible A1

(Non-combustible prior to 1st Jan 2012)

Class 0 Non-combustible

A2 Material of limited combustibility A2 M0 or M1

A2 (Material of limited combustibility

prior to 1st Jan 2012) Class 1 or Class 2

B Class 0 4 B1 M1 B

(Class 1 surface lining prior to 1st Jan 2012)

Class 1 or Class 2 Class 1 or Class 2

C Class 1 5 B1 M2 C


Class 2 or Class 3 Class 3

D Class 3 B2 M3 D


Class 3 Class 4

E B2 M4 E

F B3 F

3 It is important to note that the national classifications for reaction-to-fire do not automatically equate with European reaction-to-fire classifications or with each other. This is because the methodologies and measurements used in the national tests differ from those employed in the tests associated with harmonised European tests. Products cannot assume a European class for reaction-to-fire performance unless they have been tested using a European testing standard.

4 Class 0 products are: a) Composed throughout of materials of limited combustibility or b) Products with Class 1 performance for surface spread of flame when tested in accordance with BS 476-7 which, when tested in accordance with BS 476-6, also have a fire propagation index (I) of not more than 12 and a sub-index (i1) of not more than 6

5 Class 1 or Class 3 is achieved when a material or product meets specific criteria for lateral spread of flame in accordance with BS 476-7.

Harmonisation and equivalence of reaction-to-fire performance in Europe


CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................................1

CONTENTS .......................................................................................................................................................................3

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................5

2 THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS ................................................................................................6

2.1 An overview of the Construction Products Regulations ........................................................................6

2.2 The seven basic requirements for construction works in the CPR .......................................................6

2.3 Safety in case of fire ....................................................................................................................................6

2.4 CE marking and the Construction Products Regulations ......................................................................7

3 EUROCLASS SYSTEM FOR REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE .......................................................................8

3.1 An overview of the Euroclass system for reaction-to fire performance .............................................8

3.2 EN 13501-1: 2007 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products and building elements .9

3.2.1 Overview of EN 13501-1: 2007 + A1: 2009 ....................................................................................9

3.2.2 Performance classification for reaction-to fire ...........................................................................9

4 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – UK (ENGLAND AND WALES) ...................................... 12

4.1 Approved Document B – Fire .................................................................................................................. 12

4.1.1 Overview of Approved Document B ........................................................................................ 12

4.1.2 General content about internal fire spread (linings) .............................................................. 12

4.2 National classification of performance ................................................................................................. 13

4.3 Equivalence of UK and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ....................................... 15

5 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – FRANCE ........................................................................ 16

5.1 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in France ................................................... 16

5.2 Equivalence of French and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................... 18

6 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – GERMANY .................................................................... 19

6.1 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Germany .............................................. 19

6.2 Equivalence of German and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................ 20

7 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – SWEDEN ........................................................................ 21

7.1 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Sweden ................................................. 21

7.2 Equivalence of Swedish and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................. 21

8 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – ITALY ............................................................................. 22

8.1 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Italy ........................................................ 22

8.2 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................. 23

9 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – THE NETHERLANDS ...................................................... 24

9.1 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in The Netherlands .................................. 24

9.1.1 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ................ 24

APPENDICES

APPENDIX: A USE AND DEFINITIONS OF NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AND MATERIALS OF LIMITED COMBUSTIBILITY ................................................................................................................................................... 25

APPENDIX: B AN OVERVIEW OF BS 9999 AND BS 476, PARTS 4, 6, 7 AND 11 ......................................... 27

APPENDIX: C CLASSIFICATION OF LININGS IN APPROVED DOCUMENT B .............................................. 31



TABLES

Table 1 Equivalence in reaction-to-fire performance classification in Europe ...................................2

Table 2 Classes of reaction to fire performance for construction products excluding floorings and linear pipe thermal insulation products ................................................................................................ 10

Table 3 National classification of reaction-to fire performance in England and Wales ................ 14

Table 4 Equivalence of British9 and European reaction-to fire performance classes .................... 15

Table 5 National classification of reaction-to fire performance for rigid materials and flexible materials thicker than 5mm in France .......................................................................................................... 16

Table 6 National classification of reaction-to fire performance flexible materials of thickness less than or equal to 5mm in France .................................................................................................................... 17

Table 7 Equivalence of French and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................... 18

Table 8 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Germany . 19

Table 9 Equivalence of German and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................ 20

Table 10 Equivalence of Swedish and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................. 21

Table 11 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................. 23

Table 12 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................. 24

Table 13 Definitions of non-combustible materials in Approved Document B .................................. 25

Table 14 Definitions of materials of limited combustibility in Approved Document B ...................... 26

Table 15 Classification in accordance with BS 476-7.............................................................................. 29

Table 16 Classification of linings in Approved Document B .................................................................. 31

FIGURES

Figure 1 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Italy ........... 23



1 INTRODUCTION

There is a lack of clarity over product standards and conformance criteria applicable to flexible ductwork produced in Europe, particularly in relation to reaction-to-fire performance. This has given rise to a wide variety of interpretations by those parties involved in the design, specification, manufacture, and installation of ventilation and air conditioning systems containing flexible ductwork.

Futhermore, flexible ductwork is being increasingly supplied to European construction projects from countries outside the European Union. In these instances, project teams are not sure what reaction-to-fire performance evaluation process has been applied to these products or whether the standard that has been achieved meets their national performance requirements.

This report has been produced in response to a request from ADCAS for a desk-based study into harmonisation and equivalence in reaction-to-fire performance standards in Europe.

The purpose of the report is to provide a body of information, from which an ADCAS publication about flexible ductwork could be produced in 2012.



2 THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the Construction Product Regulations. 6

2.1 AN OVERVIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS

The Construction Products Regulations (CPR) came into force in April 2011. It has been adopted by the European Commission and the UK Government and replaces the Construction Products Directive (CPD). The CPR becomes a statutory requirement in each European country when it is incorporated in national Building Regulations.

The CPR aims to remove technical barriers to trade for construction products across Europe. The principal mechanism for achieving this is through the replacement of existing national standards and technical approvals with a single set of European-wide technical specifications for construction products (i.e. harmonised European standards or European Technical Approvals).

The CPR builds on the success of the CPD, by allowing construction products that have been assessed against harmonised standards to be legally placed on the market anywhere in the European Economic Area.

2.2 THE SEVEN BASIC REQUIREMENTS FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKS IN THE CPR

The scope of the CPR is limited to regulated issues under seven basic requirements for construction works, as shown below:

1. Mechanical resistance and stability.

2. Safety in case of fire.

3. Hygiene, health and the environment.

4. Safety and accessibility in use.

5. Protection against noise.

6. Energy economy and heat retention.

7. Sustainable use of natural resources.

2.3 SAFETY IN CASE OF FIRE

The CPR states that the construction works must be designed in built in a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire:

1. The load-bearing capacity of the construction can be assumed for a specific period of

2. The generation and spread of fire and smoke within the construction works are limited

6 Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC



3. The spread of fire to neighbouring construction works is limited

4. Occupants can leave the construction works or be rescued by other means

5. The safety of rescue teams is taken into consideration

2.4 CE MARKING AND THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS

CE marking is a declaration by a manufacturer that a product meets all the appropriate provisions of the relevant legislation implementing certain European Directives. The European Union (EU) introduced the CE marking scheme to make trade easier and cheaper between EU countries. A CE mark means that a manufacturer claims that their product conforms to the minimum legal requirements for health and safety as laid down in EU directives.

CE marking will soon become mandatory in the UK for products covered by a harmonised European standard. Manufacturers and importers have until July 2013 to ensure that their construction products meet the CE requirements of the new Construction Products Regulations.

According to the Regulations, the requirement for CE marking will apply to:

"any product or kit which is produced and placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works or parts thereof and the performance of which has an effect on the performance of the construction works with respect to the basic requirements for construction works."

Any products that fall under this definition that are placed on the market from July 2013 and are covered by a harmonised standard, will have to be accompanied by a Declaration of Performance and will need to display the CE mark.

For products not covered, or not fully covered, by a harmonised European Standard (hEN), CE marking may be applied through a European Technical Assessment (ETA), issued by an approved body.



3 EUROCLASS SYSTEM FOR REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the harmonised classification system for reaction-to-fire performance (Euroclass). The principal points of reference are:

European Commission Decision 2000/147/EC: The clasification of the recation-to-fire perfroamnce of construction products

EN 13501-1:2007 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products and building elements.

3.1 AN OVERVIEW OF THE EUROCLASS SYSTEM FOR REACTION-TO FIRE PERFORMANCE

In support of the second basic requirement of the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) - safety in case of fire, harmonised procedures for the classification of reaction-to-fire performance have been produced in the European Union.

Many construction products covered by the CPR have a requirement related to their reaction to fire7 and their resistance to fire8. Harmonisation in these areas is therefore crucial to the successful implementation of the CPR, because the existing national regulations and classification systems present manufacturers with significant barriers to trade.

The website of the European Commission states that there are about 30 different national fire performance tests (and 20 more ISO test methods) used by different Member States, with the result that there is very little in common between existing national classification systems. Manufacturers are therefore obliged to carry out many, expensive tests if they wish to market their products throughout Europe.

The purpose of harmonisation is to facilitate the trade of building products between the member countries of the EU by removing trade barriers due to differences in test methods and classification systems. Previously, products had to be tested and classified according to national standards in each country in which they were launched to the market. In the new system, the Euroclass classification of a product is acknowledged in all member countries based on its performance in the harmonised fire tests.

Testing for the Euroclass system is performed in accordance with test methods, defined in harmonised European standards published by the European Standardization body, CEN9. The European classification system for reaction-to-fire testing consists of six standards; a classification standard, a suite of four test standards and a standard covering specimen conditioning and substrate selection. The British Standard versions of these documents are as follows:

BS EN 13501-1: Fire Classification of construction products and building elements. Part 1: Classification using test data from reaction to fire tests.

BS EN ISO 1182: Reaction to fire tests for building products. Non-combustibility test

BS EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for products - Determination of the heat of the gross heat of combustion (calorific value)

7 The performance of a material or system in a fire situation with regard to the amount and rate of heat evolved, the amount and rate of spread of flame, and the amount and rate of smoke and toxic fume evolved

8 The ability of material or system in a fire situation to prevent the spread of flame and/or smoke, and, where relevant, to maintain mechanical stability. 9 Working group CEN/TC 127 – Fire Safety in Buildings was responsible for producing these harmonised European standards



BS EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products - Building products excluding floorings exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning Item

BS EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests Ignitability of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame Part 2: Single-flame source test

BS EN 13238: Reaction to fire tests for building products Conditioning procedures and general rules for selection of substrates.

3.2 EN 13501-1: 2007 +A1: 2009 FIRE CLASSIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS AND BUILDING ELEMENTS

3.2.1 Overview of EN 13501-1: 2007 + A1: 2009

This European standard provides a harmonised procedure for the classification of reaction to fire of construction products, including products incorporated within building elements. Products are considered in relation to their end-use applications – floorings, linear pipe insulation products or other construction products. This European standard was prepared by the CEN Technical Committee CEN/TC 127 – Fire Safety in Buildings. The standard has its origins in the European Commission Decision 2000/147/EC of 8th February 2000, which was prepared in support of the second essential requirement in the Construction Products Directive – safety in case of fire10

A product with a fire classification obtained in accordance with the standard EN 13501-1:2007 + A1: 2009 can then be CE-marked if other properties specified in the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) have also been verified.

3.2.2 Performance classification for reaction-to fire

A classification for a construction product is given in the following manner:

The main part of the classification is its letter – A1, A2, B, C, D, E and F. A1 is the highest level of performance, with F representing the lowest performance level

There is a smoke classification of s1, s2 or s3. s1 is the highest level of performance and s3 is the lowest performance level11

B – s3, d2

There is a classification of flaming droplets of d0, d1 or d2. d0 is the highest level of performance and d2 is the lowest performance level

Table 1 on the following page provides an overview of the classes of reaction-to-fire performance given in EN 13501-1: 2007 +A1: 2009

10 The Construction Products Regulations (CPR) has repealed the Construction Products Directive (CPD). An overview of the CPR is provided in the preceding section of this report 11 Materials that are in Class A1do not require tests for smoke development or production of flaming droplets



Table 2 Classes of reaction to fire performance for construction products excluding floorings and linear pipe thermal insulation products

Classification Test Method Classification criteria Additional classification

A1

EN ISO 1182: Reaction to fire tests for building products, non-combustibility test and

Temperature rise (ΔT) ≤ 30oC Mass loss (Δm) ≤ 50% Duration of sustained flaming12 (tf) = 0s

EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for building products, determination of the heat of combustion

Gross calorific potential (PCS) ≤ 2.0 MJ/kg

A2

EN ISO 1182: Reaction to fire tests for building products, non-combustibility test or

Temperature rise (ΔT) ≤ 50oC Mass loss (Δm) ≤ 50% Duration of sustained flaming (tf) = 20s

EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for building products, determination of the heat of combustion and


EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item test

Fire growth rate(FIGRA) ≤ 120 W/s1 and

Lateral flame spread < edge of specimen, and Total heat release (THR 600s ≤ 7.5 MJ

Smoke production13 and production of flaming droplets/particles14

B

EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item test and

Fire growth rate(FIGRA) ≤ 120 W/s and

Lateral flame spread< edge of specimen, and Total heat release (THR 600s ≤ 7.5 MJ

Smoke production and production of flaming droplets/particles EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests –

Ignitibility of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame

Flame spread (Fs) ≤ 150mm within 60 seconds

C


Fire growth rate(FIGRA) ≤ 250 W/s and

Lateral flame spread< edge of specimen, and Total heat release (THR 600s ≤ 15 MJ

Smoke production and production of flaming droplets/particles EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests –



D


Fire growth rate(FIGRA) ≤ 750 W/s Smoke production and production of flaming droplets/particles EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests –



E EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests – Ignitibility of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame


Production of flaming

droplets/particles

F No performance determined

12 Sustained flaming is defined as the existence on or over the surface for a minimum period of time 13 s1 = Smoke growth rate (SMOGRA) ≤ 30m2/s2 and Total smoke production (TSP)600s ≤ 50m2. s2 = Smoke growth rate (SMOGRA) ≤ 180m2/s2 and Total smoke production (TSP)600s ≤ 50m2. s3 = not s1 or s2. 14 d0 = No flaming droplets/particles in EN 13823 (SBI) within 600s. d1 = no flaming droplets/particles persisting longer than 10s in EN 13823 (SBI) within 600s. d2 = not d0 not d1; ignition of the paper in EN ISO 11925-2 results in a d2 classification.



Class F products are products for which no fire performances are determined or which cannot be classified in one of the classes A1, A2, B, C, D or E.

Class E products are capable of resisting, for a short period, a small flame attack without substantial flame spread.

Class D products satisfy criteria for Class E and are capable of resisting, for a longer period, a small flame attack without substantial flame spread. In addition, they are also capable of undergoing thermal attack by a single burning item with sufficiently delayed and limited heat release.

Class C products satisfy criteria for Class D, but with more stringent requirements. Additionally, under attack by a single burning item they have a limited lateral spread of flame.

Class B products satisfy criteria for Class C, but with more stringent requirements

Class A2 products satisfy the same criteria as Class B products for EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item. In addition, under conditions of a fully developed fire these products will not significantly contribute to the fire load and fire growth.

Class A1 products will not contribute in any stage of the fire including the fully developed fire. For that reason they are assumed to be capable of satisfying automatically all requirements of all lower classes.



4 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – UK (ENGLAND AND WALES)

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in the UK (England and Wales) and then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes.

The principal points of reference are:

Approved Document B Volume 1: Fire Safety – Dwellings (2006)

Approved Document B Volume 2: Fire Safety – Buildings other than dwellings (2006)

BS 476: Fire tests on building materials and structures.

4.1 APPROVED DOCUMENT B – FIRE

4.1.1 Overview of Approved Document B

Approved Document B deals with different aspects of fire safety. It has the following aims:

To ensure satisfactory provision of means of giving an alarm of fire and a satisfactory standard of means of escape for persons in the event of a fire in a building

To ensure that fire spread over the internal linings of a building is inhibited

To ensure the stability of buildings in the event of a fire

To ensure that there is a sufficient degree of fire separation within buildings and to inhibit the unseen spread of smoke in concealed spaces in buildings

4.1.2 General content about internal fire spread (linings)

The document states that to inhibit the spread of fire within the building, the internal linings shall:

Adequately resist the spread of flame over their surfaces; and Have, if ignited, a rate of heat release or a rate of fire growth, which is

reasonable in the circumstances

The document states that the requirements for internal fire spread will be met if the spread of flame over the internal linings of the building is restricted by making provision for them to have low rates of surface spread of flame and, in some cases, to have a low rate of heat release, so as to limit the contribution that the fabric of the building makes to fire growth.

The document also states that in relation to the European fire tests and classification system, the requirements for internal fire spread will be met if the heat released from internal linings is restricted by making provision for them to have a resistance to ignition and a rate of fire growth which are reasonable in the circumstances



4.2 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE

The national classifications are based on tests in BS 476: Fire tests on building materials and structures:

BS 476-4: 1970, Non-combustibility test for building materials

BS 476-6:1989 +A1: 2009, Method of test for fire propagation for products

BS 476-7:1997, Method of test to determine the classification of the surface spread of flame

BS 476-11: 1982, Method for assessing the heat emission from building materials

A brief overview of each of the above parts of BS 476 is provided in the Appendices of this report.

The table on the following page summarises national performance classifications, as defined in Approved Document B and its associated British Standards.



Table 3 National classification of reaction-to fire performance in the UK (England and Wales)

National classification Compliance criteria Comments

Non-combustible

Non-combustible materials are defined either as listed products in Table A6 of Approved Document B or in terms of the following performamce criteria

a) Any material, which when tested to BS 476-11 does not flame nor cause any rise in temperature on either the centre (specimen) or furnace thermocouples

b) Any material classified as A1 in accordance with BS EN 13501-1: 2002

This is the highest level of reaction-to-fire performance

Please refer to Appendix A for more information about the use and definitions of non-combustible materials

Limited combustibility

Materials of limited combustibility are defined either as listed products in Table A7 of Approved Document B or in terms of the following performamce criteria

a) Any non-combustible material, as defined in the above row of this table

b) Any material of density 300kg/m2 or more, which when tested to BS 476-11 does not flame and the rise in temperature on the furnace thermocouple is not more than 20oC

c) Any material classified as A2, s3, d2 or better in accordance with BS EN 13501-1: 2002

Please refer to Appendix A for more information about the use and definitions of materials of limited combustibility

Class 0

This classification is achieved if a material or the surface of a composite product is either;

d) Composed throughout of materials of limited combustibility; or

e) A class 1 material which, when tested in accordance with BS 476-6, has a fire propagation index (I) of not more than 12 and a sub-index (i1) of not more than 6

This is the highest national product performance classification for lining materials. Class 0 is not a classification identified in any British Standard test It should not be assumed that a Class 0 material or product is non-combustible The determination of the fire propagation index in BS 476-6 requires the results from three specimens, each producing valid tests results

Class 1

This classification is achieved when a material or product meets the following criteria for lateral spread of flame: a) Limit of spread of flame at 1.5 minutes: 165mm

(limit for one sample specimen: 165mm + 25mm) b) Limit of final spread of flame: 165mm (limit for one

sample specimen: 165mm + 25mm)

In the BS 476-7 test to determine the classification of surface spread of flame, a minimum of six and a maximum of nine specimens are subjected to a specific heating and ignition regime.

The test result is a function of the distance, and rate of, the lateral spread of flame

Class 2

This classification is achieved when a material or product meets the following criteria for lateral spread of flame: a) Limit of spread of flame at 1.5 minutes: 215mm

(limit for one sample specimen:215mm + 25mm) b) Limit of final spread of flame: 455mm (limit for one

sample specimen: 455mm + 45mm)

Class 3

This classification is achieved when a material or product meets the following criteria for lateral spread of flame:

a) Limit of spread of flame at 1.5 minutes: 265mm (limit for one sample specimen: 265mm + 25mm)

b) Limit of final spread of flame: 710mm (limit for one sample specimen: 710mm + 25mm)

Class 4 Exceeding limits for Class 3



4.3 EQUIVALENCE OF UK15 AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES

It is important to note that the national classifications for reaction-to-fire do not automatically equate with European reaction-to-fire classifications. This is because the methodologies and measurements used in the national tests differ from those employed in the tests associated with harmonised European tests. Products cannot assume a European class for reaction-to-fire performance unless they have been tested using a European testing standard.

However, with reference to the contents of Approved Document B, the following table equates national performance classes with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products and building elements.

Table 4 Equivalence of UK and European reaction-to fire performance classes

National classification European Classification (Euroclass) Comments

Non-combustible A1

This comparison is derived from the definition of non-combustible materials in Approved Document B

Limited combustibility A2, s3, d2 (or better)

This comparison is derived from the definition of materials of limited combustibilityin Approved Document B

When a classification includes s3, d2, this means that there is no limit set for smoke production and/or flaming droplets/particles

Class 0 B, s3, d2 (or better)

This comparison is derived from Table 10 in Approved Document B, which classifies linings

Class 1 C, s3, d2 (or better)


Class 2 No equivalence is given in the Approved Documents of the Building Regulations

Class 3 D, s3, d2 (or better)


Class 4 No equivalence is given in the Approved Documents of the Building Regulations

15 In the context of this report, the term UK relates to Building Regulations in England and Wales



5 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – FRANCE

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in France and then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes.


Arrete du 21 Novembre 2002, which defines the test methods and performance classifications relating to reaction-to-fire performance of construction products,

NF P 92-507: 2004, Safety against fire – Classification of building products according to their reaction to fire.

5.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN FRANCE

The national reaction-to-fire classification system in France defines performance as non-combustible or combustible. Combustible materials and products are divided into 5 categories, M0, M1, M2, M3, M4 and M4, with M0 is the best level of performance and M4 the worst.

The following two tables show the classification system and associated compliance criteria. The first table is for rigid materails and flexible materials thicker than 5mm. The second table is for flexible materials of thickness up to 5mm.

Table 5 National classification of reaction-to fire performance for rigid materials and flexible materials thicker than 5mm in France


Incombustible

(Non-combustible)

Temperature rise (ΔT) ≤ 30oC

Mass loss (Δm) ≤ 50%

Duration of sustained flaming (tf) = 0s


NF EN ISO 1182; 2002 Reaction to fire tests for building products, non-combustibility test

NF EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for building products, determination of the heat of combustion

M0

Gross calorific potential (PCS) ≤ 2.5 MJ/kg and

Q = 0 and

ΔT < 5

The PCS is derived from NF EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for building products, determination of the heat of combustion For multi-layer products this condition is to be respected for each layer, except for instances specified in NF P 92-507 Q is a classification index based on the average of the follow criteria of test NF P 92 501:

q = 100 ∑h

t i√ΔT where:

h is the maximum length of flame in any 30 second period

t i is time of delay before ignition

ΔTis the total duration of combustion

M1 Q < 2.5

M2 Q < 15

M3 Q < 50

M4 Material not conforming with the above performance categories, and Vp< 2 mm/s

Vp is the speed of flame propogation when tested in accordance with NF P 92 504



Table 6 National classification of reaction-to fire performance flexible materials of thickness less than or equal to 5mm in France


Incombustible

(Non-combustible)


Mass loss (Δm) ≤ 50%



NF EN ISO 1182; 2002 Reaction to fire tests for building products, non-combustibility test

NF EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for building products, determination of the heat of combustion

M0 Gross calorific potential (PCS) ≤ 2.5 MJ/kg

The PCS is derived from EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for building products, determination of the heat of combustion

For multi-layer products this condition is to be respected for each layer, except for instances specified in NF P 92-507

M1 (no droplets) tf ≤ 5s and

no inflammation of the test wadding

These compliance criteria are derived from test NF P 92 503 where:

tf is the duration of inlammation or ignition

Ld is the length destroyed

ld is the width destroyed

M1 (droplets non-ignited) tf ≤ 5s and


M2 (no droplets) tf ≤ 5s and


M2 (droplets non-ignited) Ld < 35 cm

and no inflammation of the test wadding

M2 (ignited droplets or debris)

Ld < 35 cm and


M3 (no droplets) Ld < 60 cm and Id < 9 cm


M3 (droplets non-ignited) Ld < 60 cm and Id < 9 cm



Ld < 35 cm and



Ld < 60 cm and Id < 9 cm and


M4 (where the test wadding ignites)

Material not conforming with the above performance categories, and Vp< 2 mm/s

Vp is the speed of flame propogation when tested in accordance with NF P 92 504



5.2 EQUIVALENCE OF FRENCH AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES


The following table equates French national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products and building elements. This material is derived from Arrete du 21 Novembre 2002

Table 7 Equivalence of French and European reaction-to fire performance classes16

National classification Eurpean Classification (Euroclass) Comments

Incombustible

(Non-combustible) A1

M0 A2, s1, d0

M1

A2, s1, d1

A2, s2, d0

A2, s3, d1

B, s1, d0 or d1

B, s2, d0 or d1

B, s3, d0 or d1

The d1 level of perfromance is only accepted for prodcuts that are not thermofusible in test conditions

M2

C, s1, d0 or d1

C, s2, d0 or d1

C, s3, d0 or d1


M3

D, s1, d0 or d1

D, s2, d0 or d1

D, s3, d0 or d1


M4

(no droplets)

D, s1, d0 or d1

D, s2, d0 or d1

D, s3, d0 or d1


M4 All other classes other than E, d2 and F

16 This table relates to construction products other than floors



6 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – GERMANY

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in Germany and then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes.


DIN 4102-1,1998: Fire behviour of building materials and elements - Classification of building materials, requirements and testing

Bauregellisten (Building Regulation Lists) produced by the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik, dated 26th March 2012.

6.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN GERMANY

In Germany, building materials are classified according to their fire behaviour as shown in the table below. This information has been derived from DIN 4102 -1:1998.

Table 8 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Germany


A1

When subjected to the furnace test:

Duration of sustained flaming (tf) = 0s and


and meet the requirements for Class A2 compliance

Class A materials are designated as non-combustible

Class A1 materials shall not realease any ignitable gases or any consuderable amount of heat.

For Class A2 materials, the heat realease and spread of fire shall be minimal, the release of any ignitable gases limited and any generation of smoke shall not be hazardous to health

A2

Products can be clasifiedWhen subjected to the furnace test:


Temperature rise (ΔT) ≤ 50oC Mass loss (Δm) ≤ 50%

B1

When tested in accordance with DIN 4102-16 using bradschacht apparatus specified in DIN 4102-15:

The mean value for the residual length (portion of the specimen that has not burned or charred) of each

specimen is at least 15cm and no individual values are lower than 0 cm

and

the mean effluent temperature does not exceed 200oC in any test

and meet the requirements for Class B2 compliance

Class B materials are designated as combustible, with the following descriptions:

B1 – Not easily flammable

B2 – Flammable

B3 – Easily flammable

For class B1 materials the extent of combustion in test conditions shall not reach beyond the primary fire area and the heat relase shall be minimal

In test conditions, the ignitibility and flame spread of class B2 materials shall be limited over a defined period

B2

When subjected to an ignitibility test using a small cabinet as in DIN 50050-1:

Flaming of any of the five specimens does not reach the gauge mark within 20 seconds after flame

application, either with bottom edge ignition or surface ignition

B3 Combustible materials which canniot be classed as B1 or B2 materials shall be classed as B3 materials



6.2 EQUIVALENCE OF GERMAN AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES


The following table equates German national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products and building elements. The information has been derived from the Bauregellisten (Building Regulation Lists) produced by the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik, dated 26th March 2012 and DIN 4102-1; 1998.

Table 9 Equivalence of German and European reaction-to fire performance classes17

National classification

(according to DIN 4102-1)

Additional requirements (X denotes required performance)

Euroclass (according to DIN EN 13501-1)

No smoke No burning droplets/particles

A1

(Non-combustible) X X A1

A2

(Non-combustible) X X A2-s1, d0

B1

(Not easily flammable)

X X B – s1,d0

C – s1,d0

X A2 – s2,d0

A2 – s3,d0

B – s2,d0

B – s3,d0

C – s2,d0

C – s3,d0

X A2 – s1,d2

B – s1,d1

B – s1,d2

C – s1,d1

C – s1,d2

A2 – s3,d2

B – s3,d2

C – s3,d2

B2

(Flammable)

X D – s1,d0

D – s2,d0

D – s3,d0

E

D – s1,d1

D – s2,d1

D – s3,d1

D – s1,d2

D – s2,d2

D – s3,d2

B3

(Easily flammable) F




7 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – SWEDEN

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in Sweden and then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes.


Regelssamling for byggande, BBR: 2012 (Rules and regulations for construction)

Swedish Research Institute guidance about European fire classification of materials, construction products and building elements18

Swedish Building Regulations (BBR) adopted on 4th October 2011 – specifically BFS 2011:26, safety in case of fire19.

7.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN SWEDEN

On the 1st January 2012, new Building Regulations were adopted in Sweden (BBR 2012). The old national classes for reaction-to-fire performance have been replaced with reaction-to-fire classes based on EN 13501-1

The old classification system was based on testing in accordance with SS 02 48 23 (NT Fire 004): Building products – heat release and smoke generation and SS 02 48 32 (NT Fire 001): Building products – non-combustibility test.

These tests classified materials and products as non-combustible, material of limited combustibility, class 1 surface lining, class 2 surface lining or class 3 surface lining. There were also separate classifications for flooring materials, for example.

7.2 EQUIVALENCE OF SWEDISH AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES

The following table equates Swedish national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products and building elements. The information has been derived from the points of reference given above.

Table 10 Equivalence of Swedish and European reaction-to fire performance classes20


Non-combustible A1

Material of limited combustibility A2-s1, d0

Class 1 surface lining B-s1, d0

Class 2 surface lining C-s2, d0

Class 3 surface lining D-s2, d0

18 http://www.sp.se/en/index/information/fireclassification/sidor/default.aspx 19 http://www.boverket.se/Om-Boverket/Webbokhandel/Publikationer/2008/Building-Regulations-BBR/




8 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – ITALY

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in Italy and then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes.


Ministerial Decree, 10th March 2005 – Reaction-to fire classes for building products

Ministerial Decree, 26th June 1984 and its 2001 amendment – Reaction-to-fire classification and approval of materials for fire prevention

Fire performance test standard UNI 9177: Reaction to fire - Combustible products classification

UNI EN ISO 1182: 2010, Reaction to fire tests for building products, non-combustibility test

8.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN ITALY

The Ministerial Decree of 26th June 1984 and its 2001 amendment governs the classification of reaction-to-fire performance and the approval of materials for fire prevention in Italy.

The national reaction-to-fire classification system in Italy defines performance as non-combustible or combustible. Class 0 materials are non-combustible and are tested in accordnace with UNI EN ISO 1182: 2010. Combustible materials and products are divided into 5 categories, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, with 1 the best level of performance and 5 the worst.

The national reaction-to-fire performance classifications for combustible materials are determined by using the results from a combination of the three tests shown below.

UNI 9174: 2010, Reaction to fire of products subjected to a flame in the presence of radiant heat

UNI 8456: 2010, Combustible products which can be hit by flames on both surfaces - Small flame test

UNI 8457; 2010, Combustible products which can be hit by flames on one surface - Small flame test

Figure 1 on the following page shows how the outputs from each test are combined to produce the overall national classifications. This table is derived from UNI 9177:2008, Reaction to fire – combustible products classification.



Figure 1 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Italy

8.2 EQUIVALENCE OF NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES

The following table equates Italian national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products and building elements. The information has been derived from the Ministerial Decree, 10th March 2005.21

Table 11 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to fire performance classes22

National classification Eurpean Classification (Euroclass) Comments

Class 0 A1

Class 1

Walls A2-s1, d0 A2-s2, d0 A2-s3, d0 A2-s1, d1 A2-s1, d1 A2-s2, d1 A2-s3, d1 B-s1, d0

B-s2, d0 B-s1, d1 B-s2, d1

Ceilings A2-s1, d0 A2-s2, d0 A2-s3, d0 A2-s1, d1

A2-s2, d1 A2-s3, d1 B-s1, d0 B-s2, d0 B-s3, d0

Class 2

Walls A2-s1, d2 A2-s2, d2 A2-s3, d2 B-s3, d0

B-s3, d1 B-s1, d2 B-s2, d2 B-s3, d2 C-s1,d0 C-s2,d0 C-s1,d1 C-s2,d1

Ceilings B-s1, d1 B-s2, d1 B-s3, d1 C-s1,d0

C-s2,d0 C-s3,d0

Class 3

Walls C-s3,d0 C-s3,d1 C-s1,d2 C-s2,d2

C-s3,d2 D-s1,d0 D-s2,d0 D-s1,d1 D-s2,d1

Ceilings C-s1, d1 C-s2,d1 C-s3,d1 D-s1,d0 D-s2,d0

21 Decreto del Ministero dell’interno 15 Marzo 2005 22 This table relates to construction products other than floors



9 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS – THE NETHERLANDS

This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in The Netherlands and then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes.

The principal points of reference are the

The Dutch Building Act 2012 (Bouwbesluit 2012)

NEN6064: 1991/A2:2001, Determination of the non-combustibility of building materials

NEN 6065:1991/A1:1997, Determination of the contribution to fire propagation of building materials

NEN6066: 1991/A1:1997, Determination of the smoke production of building materials

9.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN THE NETHERLANDS

On the 1st April 2012, the new Bouwbesluit 2012 (Building Act) came into effect in The Netherlands.

For new buildings, reaction-to-fire performance will be classified in accordance with classes based on NEN EN 13501-1, not the old national classes for reaction-to-fire performance.

Reaction-to-fire performance in existing buildings will continue to be controlled in accordance with the old classification system. The old system was based on the standards NEN 6064, NEN 6065 and NEN 6066, described above.

The national reaction-to-fire classification system in The Netherlands defines performance as non-combustible or combustible. Combustible materials and products are divided into 4 categories, 1, 2, 3 and 4 with 1 the best level of performance and 4 the worst.

9.1.1 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to-fire performance classes

The following table equates Netherlands national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN 13501-1 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products and building elements. The information has been derived from the following The Dutch Building Regulations 2012 (Bouwbesluit 2012)

Table 12 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to fire performance classes23


Non-combustible A1

Class 1 B-s2 or C The B-s2 or C classifiaction is dependent on the type of space in which the fire is located

Class 2 B-s2 or C The B-s2 or C classifiaction is dependent on the type of space in which the fire is located

Class 3 C-s2

Class 4 D-s2




APPENDIX: A USE AND DEFINITIONS OF NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AND MATERIALS OF LIMITED COMBUSTIBILITY

Table 13 Definitions of non-combustible materials in Approved Document B

References in AD B guidance to situations where such materials should be used

Definitions of non-combustible materials

National class

European class

1. refuse chutes meeting the provisions in the guidance to B3, paragraph 8.34c .

2. suspended ceilings and their supports where there is provision in the guidance to B3, paragraph 9.12 , for them to be constructed of non-combustible materials .

3. pipes meeting the provisions in the guidance to B3, Table 14 .

4. flue walls meeting the provisions in the guidance to B3, Diagram 39 .

5. construction forming car parks referred to in the guidance to B3, paragraph 11.3 .

a. Any material which when tested to BS 476-11:1982 does not flame nor cause any rise in temperature on either the centre (specimen) or furnace thermocouples

b. Totally inorganic materials such as concrete, fired clay, ceramics, metals, plaster and masonry containing not more than 1% by weight or volume of organic material. (Use in buildings of combustible metals such as magnesium/aluminium alloys should be assessed in each individual case).

c. Concrete bricks or blocks meeting BS EN 771-1:2003

d. Products classified as non-combustible under BS 476-4:1970

a. Any material classified as class A1 in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2002 Fire classification of construction products and building elements, Part 1 - Classification using data from reaction to fire tests.

b. Products made from one or more of the materials considered as Class A1 without the need for testing as defined in Commission Decision 2003/424/EC of 6th June 2003 amending Decision 96/603/EC establishing the list of products belonging to Classes A1 “No contribution to fire” provided for in the Decision 94/61 1/EC implementing Article 20 of the Council Directive 89/106/EEC on construction products. None of the materials shall contain more than 1% by weight or volume (whichever is the more onerous) of homogeneously distributed organic material.

Note:

The National classifications do not automatically equate with the equivalent classifications in the European column, therefore products cannot typically assume a European class unless they have been tested accordingly.

http://www.thenbs.com/buildingregs/knowledgeCentre/ShowContents.aspx?section=B2&topic=b_0701_APPDOC_B2_02160

http://www.thenbs.com/buildingregs/knowledgeCentre/ShowContents.asp?section=B2&topic=b_0701_APPDOC_B2_00640






















Table 14 Definitions of materials of limited combustibility in Approved Document B

References in AD B guidance to situations where such materials should be used

Definitions of materials of limited combustibility

National class

European class

1. Reinforcement/support for fire-stopping referred to in the guidance to B3, see 7.13.

2. Roof coverings meeting provisions:

a. in the guidance to B4, Table 5 or

b. in the guidance to B4, Diagram 23 .

3. Class 0 materials meeting the provisions in Appendix A , paragraph 13(a).

4. Ceiling tiles or panels of any fire-protecting suspended ceiling (Type Z) in Table A3 .

a. Any non-combustible material listed in Table A6 .

b. Any material of density 300/kg/m3or more, which when tested to BS 476-11:1982 , does not flame and the rise in temperature on the furnace thermocouple is not more than 20ºC.

c. Any material with a non-combustible core at least 8mm thick having combustible facings (on one or both sides) not more than 0.5mm thick. (Where a flame spread rating is specified, these materials must also meet the appropriate test requirements).

a. Any material listed in Table A6 .

b. Any material/product classified as Class A2-s3, d2 or better in accordance with BS EN 13501-1:2002 Fire classification of construction products and building elements. Classification using data from reaction to fire tests.

5. Insulation above any fire-protecting suspended ceiling (Type Z) in Table A3 .

Any of the materials (a), (b) or (c) above, or:

d. Any material of density less than 300kg/m3, which when tested to BS 476-11:1982 , does not flame for more than 10 seconds and the rise in temperature on the centre (specimen) thermocouple is not more than 35°C and on the furnace thermocouple is not more than 25ºC.

Any of the materials/products (a) or (b) above.

Note:

1. The National classifications do not automatically equate with the equivalent classifications in the European column, therefore products cannot typically assume a European class unless they have been tested accordingly.

2. When a classification includes “s3, d2”, this means that there is no limit set for smoke production and/or flaming droplets/particles.





















APPENDIX: B AN OVERVIEW OF BS 9999 AND BS 476, PARTS 4, 6, 7 AND 11

BS 9999: 2008 - Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings

Overview of BE 9999:2008

As a code of practice, this British Standard takes the form of guidance and recommendations. This standard has designed as a co-ordinated package covering the four main areas that influence fire safety measures, namely:

Fire safety management

The provision of means of escape

The structural protection of escape facilities and the structural stability of the building in the event of a fire

The provision of access and facilities for fire-fighting

The standard supersedes the BS 5588 series of standards24.

The design stage

BS 9999 states that it is important that:

The material specified is appropriate for its end use

The material or product specified has appropriate field of application reports showing it to be fit for the intended application. Test reports are inadequate for this purpose

The correct construction or installation of the material or product is described and not compromised by inadequate knowledge of the contractor or sub-contractors

All systems can be adequately commissioned and tested

Mechanical ventilation and air conditioning systems

BS 9999 states that any system of mechanical ventilation should be designed to ensure that in a fire the air movement in the building is directed away from protected escape routes and exits, or that the system (or an appropriate section of it) is closed down.

It also states that when ductwork systems are installed within a building it is important that the ductwork does not assist in transferring fire and smoke through the building and put at risk the protected means of escape from the accommodation areas.

24 BS5588-9: 1999 Fire precautions in the design, construction and use of buildings. Part 9 is entitled Code of practice for ventilation and air conditioning of ductwork



Flexible ductwork joints and connections

BS 9999 states that flexible ductwork connections should:

Not exceed 3.7m in length

Not pass through fire-resisting walls or floors or cavity barriers

It also states that flexible ductwork connections should be constructed of:

Non-combustible materials25

or

Materials conforming to Euroclass A1, as specified in BS EN 13501-1:2007 + A1:2009

or

Material which, when tested in accordance with BS 476-6 has a fire propagation index l of not more than 12 and a sub-index i1 of not more than 6, and is situated at least 1 metre from any fire damper

25 Approved Document B (Fire Safety) defines a non-combustible material as any material which when tested to BS 476-11 does not flame nor cause any rise in temperature on either the centre (specimen) or furnace thermocouples, or any product classified as non-combustible under BS 476 -4



BS 476-6: 1989 +A1: 2009 metod of test for fire propagation for rpoducts

Overview of BS 476-6:1989 + A1: 2009

This part of BS 476 specifies a method of test, the result being a fire propagation index that provides a comparative measure of the contribution to the growth of a fire made by an essentially flat material or assembly. It is primarily intended for the assessment of the performance of internal wall and ceiling linings.

A specimen of the product is subjected to a specific heating regime. The test takes into account the combined effect of factors such as the ignition characteristics, the amount and rate of heat release and the thermal properties of the product in relation to their ability to accelerate the rate of fire growth.

Performance classification

The determination of the fire propagation index requires the results from three specimens, each producing valid test results.

The test result is expressed in terms of a fire propagation index (l) that is the summation of three time-based sub-indices (l = i1 = i2 + i3). The higher the fire propagation index, the greater is the influence of the product on accelerating the growth of a fire. 26

BS 476-7: 1997 Method of test to determine the classification of surface spread of flame

Overview of BS 476-7:1997

This part of BS 476 specifies a method of test for measuring the lateral spread of flame along the surface of a specimen of a product.

It provides data suitable for comparing the end-use performances of essentially flat materials, composites or assemblies, which are used primarily as the exposed surfaces of walls and ceilings.

A minimum of six and a maximum of nine specimens are subjected to a specific heating and ignition regime. The test takes into account the combined effect of factors such as the ignition characteristics and extent to which the flame spreads over the surface of the products under opposed flow conditions. The influence of any underlying materials on these factors, in relation to their ability to influence the rate of fire growth, is also taken into account.


The test result is a function of the distance, and rate of, the lateral spread of flame. This is classified according to performance classes 1 to 4. The following table summarises the classification in accordance with the spread of flame.

Table 15 Classification in accordance with BS 476-7

Classification Spread of flame at 1.5 minutes Final spread of flame

Limit (mm) Limit for one

specimen in the sample(mm)

Limit (mm) Limit for one

specimen in the sample(mm)

Class 1 165 165 + 25 165 165 + 25 Class 2 215 215 + 25 455 455 + 45 Class 3 265 265 + 25 710 710 + 75 Class 4 Exceeding the limits for Class 3

26 A flexible duct constructed from materials which, when tested in accordance with BS 476-6 has a fire propagation index I of nor more than 12 and a sub-index i1 of not more than 6 will comply with the requirements of BS 9999: 2009 Code of practice for fire safety in the design, management and use of buildings



BS 476-4: 1970 Non-combustibility test for building materials

Overview of BS 476-4: 1970

This part of BS 476 specifies a method of test for determining whether building materials are non-combustible within the meaning of the definition given in BS 4422: 2005 Fire - Vocabulary.

Three specimens of particular dimensions are subjected to a defined test regime.


The material shall be deemed non-combustible if, during the test, none of the three specimens either:

Causes the temperature reading from either of the two thermocouples to rise by 50oC or more above the initial furnace temperature, or

Is observed to flame continuously for 10 seconds or more inside the furnace

Otherwise the material shall be deemed combustible

BS 476-11: 1982 Method for assessing the heat emission from building materials

Overview of BS 476-11: 1982

This part of BS 476 specifies a method for assessing the heat emission from building materials when inserted into a furnace at a temperature of 750oC.

Five specimens representative of the materials to be assessed are prepared in a particular manner and subjected to a defined test regime.


For each specimen, the following information is calculated during the test, in order to enable arithmetic means to be determined for each parameter:

Furnace temperature rise

Specimen temperature rise

Duration of sustained flaming

Specimen density

Mass loss



APPENDIX: C CLASSIFICATION OF LININGS IN APPROVED DOCUMENT B

Table 16 Classification of linings in Approved Document B

Location National class European class

Small rooms of area not more than:

a) 4 m2 in residential accommodation

b) 30 m2 in non-residential accommodation

3 D-s3,d2

Domestic garages of area not more than 40 m2

Other rooms (including garages) 1 C-s3,d2

Circulation spaces within dwellings

Other circulation spaces, including the common areas of flats and

maisonettes 0 B-s3,d2

Notes:

1) The national classifications are based on tests in BS 476: Fire tests on building materials and structures, parts 4, 6, 7 and 11

2 The national classifications do not automatically equate with the classifications in the European column. Therefore, products cannot assume a European class unless they have been tested using a European testing standard.

3) When a classification includes s3, d2, this means that there is no limit set for smoke production and/or flaming droplets/particles

4) The term ‘room’ includes large spaces such as warehouses and auditoria

Equivalence + harmonisation fire performance.

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