New Fire Prevention Standards in Europe

7/28/2019 New Fire Prevention Standards in Europe

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New fire prevention standards in Europe - significance with regard to sandwichelements

GeneralIn the context of European harmonisation it has become a requirement for standards to be unified. For many materials - steel,galvanised and pre-lacquered sheets to name but a few - this has already been done. A more difficult matter, on the other hand, wouldbe a uniform system for building products. The national perceptions and regulations are too varied here to be able to find a quicksolution.

In the realm of fire prevention, certain basic European standards have already been established and these have appeared in Germanspeaking areas as a white paper or will appear as such soon. Below we will give a brief picture of their interpretation in terms ofsandwich elements with metal cover coatings and polyurethane insulating cores. It is important to state that this concerns the status ofthe matter as of July 2002. Changes or the introduction of further newer standards or guidelines can take place very rapidly and have afurther influence upon the information below.

The flammability of sandwich elementsThe flammability of sandwich elements has thus far been assessed in terms of DIN 4102-1.

There was a minimal value of the construction material class B2 (small fire test, see Fig. 7.5.1) and the fire shaft test for the grouping ofelements in B1 (see Fig. 7.5.3).

Fig. 7.5.1 Small fire test as per DIN 4102

DIN 4102-1 comprises 5 construction material classes, from A1 through B3 (see Fig. 7.5.2 Table 1, Line 2). The new Europeanstandardisation will comprise 7 construction material tests A1 - F (see Fig. 7.5.2 Table 1, Line 3).

Buildingsupervisiondelineation

Constructionmaterial class asper DIN 4102-1

Euroclass

Level of standards Fire stage

Non-flammable A1 A1 No contribution to fire Fully developedroom fire

Approx. 60kW/m

A2 A2 Negligible contribution tofire

Minimallyflammable

B1 B Very minimalcontribution to fire

Single burningobject

Approx. 40kW/m

C Minimal contribution tofire

Normally B2 D Acceptable contribution


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flammable to fireE Acceptable flammability Small flame 20 mm flame

Minimallyflammable

B3 F No standards

Fig. 7.5.2 Table 1: Euro classes of flammability

The Euro class E was tested according to DIN EN ISO 11 925-2 and this test is virtually equal in terms of coverage to the B2 test as perDIN 4102-1.

The criteria are: flame spread within 20 seconds less than 150 mm. As additional requirement, for the Euro class E burning drops/flakesof burning parts (d2) are included.

Euro class A1 will certainly not affect original sandwich elements. The non-flammability thus far will also be demonstrated with thismaterial. The standards are virtually identical to the former ones.

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SBI Test (single burning item test)

For classes A2 through D, the SBI test has been added. This replaces the former fire shaft test as per DIN 4102-1. In this test, in acorner a fire source is placed that roughly corresponds to a burning wastebasket in the corner of a room. The diagram for this test isshown in Fig. 7.5.4, the test item illustration in Fig. 7.5.6.

Here too, three tries are carried out for each system of a particular thickness. A new point is that not every attempt need yield thedesired result. The results are added together and the mean value obtained.

If the client of the tests feels that this result is not good enough, it is possible for two further tests to be carried out.

From the five results then available, the best and the worst are discarded. The mean value of the remaining three tests is used for thefinal classification.

Thus far it was standard practice that none of the three fire shafts as per DIN 4102-1 could be worse than the required value (here theresidual length).

Another new point is that in the SBI test the theoretical test body thickness can be up to 200 mm. For sandwich elements the thickness

is, however, limited to a maximum of 150 mm (as per EN 14509), with the greater thicknesses thereby being covered.

Fig. 7.5.3 Fire shaft test as per DIN 4102
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In total in each instance three tests with the smallest and largest element thickness to be evaluated (max. 150 mm) are to be carriedout. Different joint constructions must be evaluated separately.

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The following are measured in the SBI test:

energy release (THR)

flame spreading (LFS)

speed of fire spread (FIGRA)

smoke development (SMOGRA)

burning pieces and/or drops falling

Valuation and groupingThe valuation of the results is not very simple and may be read about by the interested reader in DIN EN 13823, SBI Test. We willtherefore not describe the valuation in this document.

Depending upon the results of the SBI tests, grouping is done in the Classes A2 through D. Indeed the SBI test is not sufficient on itsown in order to facilitate a grouping in a Euro class.

Further tests are required and these are summarised in Fig. 7.5.11, Table: Composition of Euro classes, Standards.

Execution of the test layout

In the SBI test the corner is put together either as per Fig. 7.5.6 or according to the actual situation. Length, width, and height of theelements as well as the joint organisation are not changed.
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The test is set up or built up on a cart, the so-called test support cart, in the test room. For the manufacturer it is recommended thatthe test bodies be pre-assembled in the plant. Depending on the test location the long side may be at a different point, which plays norole with respect to symmetrical test bodies, however this must be borne in mind with regard to asymmetrical bodies.

Fig. 7.5.5 SBI Test - Test support cart

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Fig. 7.5.6 SBI Test - Test set-up

Illustrations 7.5.7 through 7.5.9 show the course of an SBI test for the technical fire prevention classification of sandwich elements (B1- hard foam B2) of 4 February 2000 at the MFPA Leipzig. The sandwich elements do not contribute to the fire. After the removal of thesource of the fire, the fire goes out. The diagram in Fig. 7.5.10 shows the course of an SBI test in terms of time.

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Abb. 7.5.7


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Abb. 7.5.8

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Abb. 7.5.9

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Fig. 7.5.10 Diagram: Course of an SBI test in terms of time.


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Euro class A2 Test as per DIN EN ISO 1182 Criteria/threshold values

- D T 50C- D m 50%- t ign 20 s

or Test as per DIN EN ISO 1716 Criteria / threshold values

- PCS 3.0 MJ/kg- PCS 4.0 MJ/m

and DIN EN 13823 SBI Test Criteria / threshold values

- FIGRA 120 W/s- LFS Outsides- THR600 7.5 MJ

Additional criteria: - Smoke s1, s2, s3- Burning drops- d0, d1, d2

Euro Class B DIN EN 13823 SBI-Test Criteria / threshold values

- FIGRA 120 W/s- LFS Outsides- THR600 7.5 MJ

DIN EN ISO 11925-2 Criteria / threshold values(30s burning)

Flame spreadWithin 60 sec. 150 mm

Additional criteria: - Smoke s1, s2, s3- Burning drops /- Falling pieces d0, d1, d2

Euro Class C DIN EN 13823 SBI-Test Criteria / threshold values

- FIGRA 250 W/s- LFS Outsides- THR600 15 MJ

DIN EN ISO 11925-2 Criteria / threshold values(30 s burning)

Flame spreadWithin 60 sec. 150mm

Additional criteria: - Smoke s1, s2, s3

- Burning drops /- Falling pieces d0, d1, d2

Fig. 7.5.11 Table 2: Composition of the Euro classes, standards (continuation of table see Page 7.5.6).

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Euro Class D DIN EN 13823 SBI-Test Criteria / threshold values

- FIGRA 750 W/sDIN EN ISO 11925-2 Criteria / threshold values(30s burning)


Additional criteria: - Smoke s1, s2, s3- burning drops /- Falling pieces d0, d1, d2

Euro Class E Test as per DIN EN ISO 11925-2 Criteria / threshold values(15s burning)


Additional criteria: - burning drops- falling pieces d2

For the sake of completeness:


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Euro Class A1 Test as per DIN EN ISO 1182 Criteria / threshold values

- D T 30C- D m 50%- t ign 0 s

Test as per DIN EN ISO 1716 Criteria / threshold values

- PCS 2.0 MJ/kg- PCS 1.4 MJ/m

Fig. 7.5.11 Table 2: Composition of the Euro classes, Standards (first part of the table see Page 7.5.5).

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Classification as per European standards

After the Council of the European Community had accepted the construction products directive in 1988, construction products legislationalso anchored this directive in law after a period of time. The European classification concept for the realm of fire prevention that hasbeen developed over the last few years has meanwhile been completed. European test standards are available that to a great extenthave already been published - in German speaking areas as a white paper.

These standards represent a clear change from the German standards that existed in the past.

As per DIN 4102, construction components are tested and grouped in flammability classes. The European standards are sub-classified intest standards and classification standards.

The European test standards contain very precise descriptions of the testing equipment, test layout, test execution and if applicable thedestination of the measurement results (SBI test). However they do not contain any specifications as to how the measurement valuesshould be assessed or evaluated. For this purpose there are classification standards such as those for sandwich elements and otherproducts, for example DIN EN 13 501-1.

In order to view the different safety and protection levels of the individual member states there are classes of requirements andperformance levels that should suffice for classifying building products. Between these classes and performance levels the memberstates can choose their building products as required.

Which classes and performance levels are necessary in order to guarantee adherence to German safety standards have been decidedupon by the committees of the German construction industry authorities. Industrial representatives were not involved/accepted. Thecommissions decisions as to which criteria apply to the individual classes are summarised in Fig. 7.5.12 Table 3.

Test behaviour Criteria Additional criteriaA1 EN ISO 1182

andEN ISO 1716

Temperature increase D T,Weight loss D m,Duration of burning t f Gross calorific value

A2 EN ISO 1182or

Temperature rise D TWeight loss D mDuration of burning t f

EN ISO 1716and

Gross calorific value PCS

EN 13823 (SBI) Speed of fire spread FIGRA, sideways firespread LFS, released heat THR

Smoke development, burning drops/pieces

B EN 13823 (SBI)and

Speed of fire spread FIGRA, sideways firespread LFS, released heat THR


EN ISO 11925-2 Fire spread FsC EN 13823 (SBI)

andSpeed of fire spread FIGRA, sideways firespread LFS, released heat THR


EN ISO 11925-2 Fire spread Fs

D EN 13823 (SBI)and

Speed of fire spread FIGRA Smoke development, burning drops/pieces

EN ISO 11925-2 Fire spread FsE EN ISO 11925-2 Fire spread Fs Burning drops/piecesF No performance determined.

Fig. 7.5.12 Table 3: Flammability.

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German safety levelIt should be possible to find the obligatory allocation of classes for flammability in terms of the currently applicable constructionsupervision standards in Appendix 0.2 to the Construction Regulation List A, Sub-publication 2002/1 (appeared in July of 2002, was notyet available when this document was prepared).

Table 4 in Fig. 7.5.13 below nonetheless shows clearly how the construction supervisory authorities guarantee the German safety levels.And this will amaze the interested reader. Not every building substance that is categorised with A fulfils the German standards for non-
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flammable substances. The classes of smoke development and burning drops/pieces are decisive, depending upon standards, withrespect to the construction authority requirements.

It is debatable how planners and construction and certification authorities will deal with this situation. In any case the property ownerwill not accept this without question. The fear even arises that the unclear definitions contained herein will lead to anti-competitivesituations.

Construction supervisionrequirements

Additional requirements European Class as per DIN EN13501-1

Class as per DIN4102-1No smoke No burning drops/pieces

Not flammable X X A1 A1At least X X A2 - s1 d0 A2

Minimally flammable

X XB, C- s1 d0

B1

X

A2- s2 d0A2, B, C- s3 d0

X

A2, B, C

- s1 d1

A2, B, C

- s2 d2At least A2, B, C - s3 d2

Normally flammable

X

D- s1 d0- s2 d0- s3 d0E

B2D- s1 d2- s2 d2- s3 d2

At least E -d2Easily flammable F B3

Fig. 7.5.13 Table 4: Classification of the flammability of construction materials

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Uniform test not guaranteed in various member statesA further danger lies in the fact that a large number of European harmonised product standards come onto the market without asuitable confirmation of test specifications. For example for the SBI test it is not specified how test bodies of various materials areconfirmed and/or adhered to during testing (exception: sandwich elements: this regulation applies here, Fig. 7.5.6). Therefore there isno guarantee of a uniform test for all member states.

German testing agencies also confirm that differences in valuation of results and/or in the execution of tests exist. It is up to thecustomer to determine which agency can optimally test his product, they say.

Therefore it is possible that the highest construction supervision authorities may demand a general construction supervision certificationto determine building materials classes A1 through D for unregulated and harmonised building products with which we once again arriveat the end of the second chapter. At present much is still up in the air.

Table 5 in Illustration 7.5.15 once again shows the European classes of flammability of construction products with a specification of theirtesting processes, classification criteria and additional classifications.

Recommendations and hintsWith the appearance of a harmonised European standard, delineated in German speaking areas as the white paper, the standardacquires validity and can be applied. It should be noted that there are both harmonised and non-harmonised European standards. Thismight for example be compared to DIN standards that have been established both inside and outside construction legislation. Aharmonised European standard is generally recognised by its bearing the appendix ZA.

German standards continue to be valid for a specific period of time, generally speaking 12 months. Thereafter they are revoked.According to current practice, test certificates for the classification of construction products in the construction material classes as perDIN 4102 remain valid without limitation.

The classification of construction products according to European standards, however, can only take place if these have appeared asharmonised standards. These standards can already be used for certification before they are harmonised.

The test results can then be classified after the introduction of this standard. For sandwich elements a classification in terms offlammability can already take place as per DIN EN 13501-1. Fire resistance as per European classification can be determined as of theend of 2002.

For manufacturers of sandwich elements, it is recommended that fire testing now be carried out not only according to German standardsbut also according to European standards, even if these have not all yet appeared as harmonised standards.


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After that it is a case of wait and see regarding which further changes or updates will confront the manufacturers of sandwichelements and their customers and planners.

Fig. 7.5.14 Testing room for SBI test

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Class Test Classification criteria additional classificationA1 EN ISO 1182 (1): D T < 30C and D m < 50% and t f = 0

(i.e. no continued flammability)-

EN ISO 1716 PCS < 2.0 MJ/kg (1) and PCS

New Fire Prevention Standards in Europe

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