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Fire test reports only cover precisely what was tested and how the construction performed, and can show no variations. Changes to a construction tested to Australian, British or European standards will require either another fire test or an engineering assessment. An assessment is a desktop study undertaken by an independent fire consultant and allowing some variations from a tested design. The nature and scope of any variation will depend to a large extent on the size and configuration of the test specimen. Project specific assessments can also be produced – and tests conducted – tailored to the specific needs of a building project.
Testing the fire resistance of a building element involves determining its behaviour when exposed to a particular heating condition and pressure, normally those representing a fire in an enclosed space, e.g. a room (compartment). Fire resistance is one of several properties of a structure or system, and thus is not simply a property of the specific materials used in the structure or system.
The resistance to fire performance test standards most commonly referred to are the British Standards (hyperlink to list below) (BS 476: Parts 20 to 24). or the European Standards (hyperlink to list below) (EN 1363 to 1366 etc) which are gradually replacing or existing alongside the BS 476 series and the current equivalents are given below. In the European norms, the building elements and structures are to be tested and classified with regard to their fire separation performance and smoke tightness according to a system that indicates the properties by a letter, e.g. R, E or I, and an index that indicates the time that each specific property is maintained. Also of interest are ISO standards that are in some countries referred too, but not commonly applied, and Australian standards widely applied in both Australia and New Zealand as well as some Asia Pacific countries.
EN 13501: Part 2: 2016- Fire classification of construction products and building elements (Part 2: Classification using data from fire resistance tests, excluding ventilation services)
This standard aims to harmonise procedures for classification for resistance to fire of construction products and elements based on defined test procedures using data from fire resistance and smoke leakage tests.
EN 1363: Part 1: 2012- Fire resistance tests (Part 1: General requirements)
This part establishes the general principles for determining the fire resistance of various elements of construction, where aspect and test procedures are common to all specific test methods.
EN 1363: Part 2: 1999- Fire resistance tests (Part 2: Alternative and additional procedures)
This part identifies a specific heating scenario where standard conditions given in EN 1363: Part 1 are inappropriate due to other additional factors that need to be considered, such as the nature of the products or systems, intention of use and regulatory requirements. Alternative conditions include the hydrocarbon curve, slow heating and external fire exposure curves.
EN 1364: Part 1: 2015- Fire resistance tests for non-load bearing elements (Part 1: Walls)
The purpose of test is to measure the ability of representative specimens of non-load bearing walls, both with and without glazing for internal and external construction, except for curtain walls and walls with door sets.
EN 1364: Part 2: 2018- Fire resistance tests for non-load bearing elements (Part 2: Ceilings)
This test is applicable to ceilings which are either suspended by hangers or fixed directly to a supporting frame, and self-supporting ceilings. Test of ceilings are carried out in two modalities, i.e. fire from below the ceiling with no cavity above, and fire from above the ceiling where fire is contained in a closed cavity.
EN 1364: Part 3: 2014- Fire resistance tests for non-load bearing elements (Part 3: Curtain walling – full configuration, complete assembly)
This method is applicable to curtain walling systems, supported by floor slab(s) designed for the purpose of providing fire resistance determined under internal or external exposure conditions.
EN 1364: Part 4: 2014- Fire resistance tests for non-load bearing elements (Part 4: Curtain walling – part configuration)
This standard specifies the method for determining the fire resistance of parts of curtain walling incorporating non-fire resistant infill product to internal or external fire exposure. The test method includes assessment regarding falling parts that are liable to cause personal injury. It can also be used to determine any increase in the field of application for fire resistance of parts of curtain walling tested to EN 1364: Part 3.
EN 1365: Part 1: 2012- Fire resistance tests for load bearing elements (Part 1: Walls)
This test measures the ability of a representative specimen of a load bearing wall to resist spread of fire from one side and maintain its load bearing capacity. The test is applicable to internal and external walls under internal or external exposure conditions.
EN 1365: Part 2: 2014- Fire resistance tests for load bearing elements (Part 2: Floors and roofs)
This part specifies the method for determining the fire resistance of floor construction without cavities or with unventilated cavities, roof construction with or without cavities (ventilated or unventilated) and floor or roof construction incorporating glazed elements. Fire exposure is from the underside.
EN 1365: Part 3: 1999- Fire resistance tests for load bearing elements (Part 3: Beams)
This part specifies the method for determining the fire resistance of beams with or without applied fire protection systems, and with or without cavities. The fire resistance of beams is assessed against load bearing capacity criteria.
EN 1365: Part 4: 1999- Fire resistance tests for load bearing elements (Part 4: Columns)
This part specifies the method for determining the fire resistance of columns when fully exposed to fire on all sides. The fire resistance of the column is assessed against load bearing capacity criteria.
EN 1366: Part 1: 2014- Fire resistance tests for service installations (Part 1: Ventilation ducts)
This part specifies the method for determining the fire resistance of vertical and horizontal ventilation ducts under standardised fire conditions. The test examines fire resistance for ducts exposed to fire from outside (Duct A) and fire inside the duct (Duct B). The performance of the ducts is assessed against integrity, insulation and smoke leakage criteria.
EN 1366: Part 2: 2015- Fire resistance tests for service installations (Part 2: Fire dampers)
The purpose of this test is to evaluate the ability of mechanical devices such as fire dampers to prevent fire, smoke and gases spreading at high temperature from one compartment to another through the air ductwork system which may penetrate fire separating walls and floors. Temperature and integrity measurements are carried out on parts of a test construction. The impermeability of a fire damper system is measured by direct flow measurement whilst maintaining a constant pressure differential across the closed fire damper. The tightness of the fire damper in a closed position is measured at ambient temperature.
EN 1366: Part 3: 2009- Fire resistance tests for service installations (Part 3: Penetration seals)
This part provides a method of testing to assess the contribution of the penetration sealing system to the fire resistance of separating elements when penetrated by service(s). The purpose of the test is to assess the effects of such penetration to the integrity and insulation performance of the separating element concerned, the integrity and insulation of the penetration sealing system, the insulation performance of the penetrating service(s), and the integrity failure of a service.
EN 1366: Part 4: 2006+A1:2010- Fire resistance tests for service installations (Part 4: Linear joint seals)
The purpose of this test is to assess the effect of a linear joint seal on the integrity and insulation of the construction, as well as the integrity and insulation performance of the linear joint seal. The effect of movement of the supporting construction on the fire performance of the linear joints seals is also assessed.
EN 1366: Part 5: 2010- Fire resistance tests for service installations (Part 5: Service ducts and shafts)
The purpose of this test is to measure the ability of a representative horizontal service duct or vertical service shaft which passes through a floor or walls and enclosed pipes and cables to resist the spread of fire from one compartment to another. The test examines the behaviour of ducts and shafts with regard to a fire from the outside or inside. The performance of ducts and shafts is assessed against integrity and insulation criteria.
EN 1366: Part 6: 2004- Fire resistance tests for service installations (Part 6: Raised access and hollow core floors)
This part specifies the method of testing for representative samples of a raised or hollow floor when exposed to a specified regime of heating and loading. Exposure to fire is from within the plenum, beneath the floor. The fire exposure applied may be either the standard or reduced (maintained up to 500°C) time temperature curve. Performance criteria are assessed against insulation, integrity and load bearing capacity.
EN 1366: Part 8: 2004- Fire resistance tests for service installations (Part 8: Smoke extraction ducts)
This part has been prepared to evaluate fire resistant ducts tested to EN 1366-1 (Duct A and Duct B) and to function adequately as smoke extraction ducts. The smoke extraction ducts pass through another compartment from the fire compartment to be extracted in case of fire, and in a fully developed fire. The test is only suitable for four-sided ducts constructed from non-combustible materials (Euroclass A1 and A2). Leakage is measured at ambient and elevated temperatures. Performance criteria are assessed against smoke leakage, insulation, integrity and mechanical stability.
EN 1366: Part 9: 2008- Fire resistance tests for service installations (Part 9: Single compartment smoke extraction ducts)
This part specifies a test method for determining the fire resistance of smoke extraction ducts that are used for single compartment applications only. In such applications, the smoke extraction system is only intended to function up to flashover (typically 600°C). This method of testing is only suitable for ducts constructed from non-combustible materials (Euroclass A1 and A2-s1, d0). It is applicable only to four-sided and circular ducts. This test has been designed to cover horizontal smoke extraction ducts intended for single compartment applications only. This test method of part 9 is applicable only to smoke extraction ducts that do not pass through into other fire compartments. It represents fire exposure of a developing fire (pre-flashover). For smoke extraction ducts that pass through into other compartments, the method of testing described in EN 1366-8 should be used.
EN 1634: Part 1: 2014+A1:2018- Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies, openable windows and elements of building hardware (Part 1: Fire resistance test for door and shutter assemblies and openable windows)
This part specifies the method for determining door and shutter assemblies designed for installation within openings incorporating vertical separating elements, including hinged and pivoted doors, horizontal and vertical sliding doors and uninsulated steel single-skin folded shutters. Performance criteria are assessed against insulation, integrity and radiation.
BS 476: Part 20: 1987 (BS EN 1363: Part 1: 2012) – Methods for determination of the fire resistance of construction elements (general principles)
This part describes the general procedures and equipment required to determine the fire resistance of construction elements. It should be read in conjunction with BS 476: Parts 21 to 24 as appropriate, which describe the detailed procedure for the testing of individual construction elements.
BS 476: Part 21: 1987 (BS EN 1365: Parts 1 to 4) – Methods for determination of the fire resistance of load bearing construction elements
This standard describes methods for determining the fire resistance of load bearing beams, columns, floors, flat roofs and walls. Beams and columns are assessed in terms of load bearing capacity while dividing elements such as floors, flat roofs and walls are measured in terms of load bearing capacity, integrity and insulation.
BS 476: Part 22: 1987 (BS EN 1364: Parts 1 and 2: 1999) – Methods for determination of the fire resistance of non-load bearing construction elements
This standard describes methods for determining the fire resistance of non-load bearing partitions, door sets, shutter assemblies, ceiling membranes and glazed elements of construction with respect to integrity and, where appropriate, insulation.
BS 476: Part 23: 1987 – Methods for determination of the contribution of components to the fire resistance of a structure
This standard describes test methods for determination of the contribution of suspended ceilings to the fire resistance of steel beams, as well as for determination of the contribution of intumescent seals to the fire resistance of timber door assemblies.
BS 476: Part 24: 1987 (BS EN 1366: Part 1: 1999) – Methods for determination of the fire resistance of ventilation ducts
This standard describes the methods used to test and measure the ability of a duct assembly to prevent the spread of fire from one fire compartment to another. Results are expressed in terms of stability, integrity and insulation.
BS 7346-3:1990 (BS EN 12101-1:2005) – Components for smoke and heat control systems
This standard describes methods for determining the fire resistance of smoke curtains where those items are used as part of a smoke control system.
ISO 834: Part 1: 1999- General requirements
This part specifies general principles regarding equipment, instrumentation and procedures on the method of determining the fire resistance of various elements of constructions when subjected to standard fire exposure conditions.
ISO 834: Part 4: 2000- Specific requirements for load bearing vertical separating elements
This part is applicable to vertical load-bearing separating elements of building construction when exposed to fire on one side. The fire resistance performance of the tested specimen is assessed against insulation, integrity and load-bearing capacity.
ISO 834: Part 5: 2000- Specific requirements for load bearing horizontal separating elements
This part is applicable to horizontal separating load bearing elements of building construction such as floors and roofs, including load bearing elements containing beams, when exposed to fire from the underside. The fire resistance performance of the tested specimen is assessed against insulation, integrity and load bearing capacity.
ISO 834: Part 6: 2000- Specific requirements for beams
This part specifies the procedures for determining the fire resistance of beams when tested on their own with their underside and two vertical sides exposed to heating, otherwise appropriate exposure conditions have to be reproduced. The beam is assessed against load bearing capacity criteria.
ISO 834: Part 7: 2000- Specific requirements for columns
This part specifies the procedures for determining the fire resistance of columns when tested on their own. The column is tested fully exposed to fire on all sides, unless other appropriate exposure conditions have to be reproduced. The column is assessed against load bearing capacity criteria.
ISO 834: Part 8: 2000- Specific requirements for non-load bearing vertical separating elements
This part is applicable to vertical separating elements of building construction when exposed to fire on one side. The fire resistance performance of the tested specimen is assessed against insulation and integrity criteria.
ISO 834: Part 9: 2003- Specific requirements for non-load bearing ceiling elements
This part determines the fire resistance performance of a ceiling assessed against insulation and integrity criteria, when exposed to heating below the ceiling. The test method is applicable to self-supporting ceiling and suspended ceiling construction.
AS 1530: Part 4: 2005- Fire resistance test of construction elements
The standard follows the general principles and procedures contained in the ISO 834 series and other related documents, but consolidates them in one document. This standard provides a method for determining the fire resistance of building elements including walls, floors, roofs, ceilings, columns, beams, door sets, uninsulated glazing, air ducts, service penetrations and fire damper assemblies. The Building Code of Australia (BCA) recognises compliance with the code when the relevant system of construction is tested in accordance with this standard.
AS 4072: Part 1: 2005- Components for the protection of openings in fire resistant separating element (Part 1: Service penetrations and control joints)
This part specifies the requirements for testing, interpretation of the test results, and installation of penetration sealing systems and control joints sealing systems in fire resistant elements of construction. The standard is based on the testing of standard configurations and provides minimum requirements for these fire stopping systems. It is intended to complement the fire protection requirements of the BCA and is to be read in conjunction with the testing regimes outlined in AS 1530: Part 4.
AS 5113- Fire propagation testing and classification of external walls of buildings
This provides an accurate indication of the fire performance of wall claddings and wall assemblies. AS 5113 will be referenced in a new verification method that will enable industry to verify the fire performance of external cladding systems against the relevant performance requirements of the NCC.
Science-based fire resistance codes and standards have evolved systematically over the years in Europe, the USA, ISO (international) and Australia, and are today the most widely recognised and used in the world of modern fire protection.
Fire standards are harmonised throughout the nations forming the European Community — regulations that have a direct impact on the lives of millions of people in Europe and beyond — are also increasingly used worldwide as effective benchmarks. They provide details of the anticipated extent to which materials or products burn and contribute to the development of fire.
EN 13823: 2010+A1:2014
Single Burning Item (SBI) test
The principal reaction to fire test method adopted within the European suite of tests incorporates a totally new method that exposes the products to direct flame impingement. The single burning test item is designed to simulate the flame exposure that would be experienced by material lining the walls of a room when a “wastepaper basket” ignites adjacent to the walls in the corner of a room. The test method primarily measures the heat energy contribution to the fire from the specimens and calculates a Fire Growth Rate (FIGRA). Secondary measurements conducted within the test apparatus calculate the volume of smoke produced by the fire, categorised according to Smoke Growth Rate (SMOGRA) indices. The test apparatus also measures oxygen consumption as well as carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide production. These gas concentrations help identify the heat release and the burning characteristics of the tested specimens.
EN ISO 11925-2: 2010
Single Flame Ignitability (SFI) test
All products must pass this Single Flame Ignitability (SFI) test before undergoing the EN 13823 (SBI test). The SFI test involves a small, cigarette lighter size flame applied to either the edge or surface of the test specimen for a short duration. The time to ignition and flame spread across the specimen is recorded.
EN ISO 1182: 2010
Reaction to fire for building products — non-combustibility test
This standard specifies a method of testing to determine the non-combustibility performance, under specified conditions, of homogeneous products and substantial components of non-homogeneous products.
EN ISO 1716: 2018
Reaction to fire tests for products — determination of the gross heat of combustion (calorific value)
This standard specifies a method for the determination of the gross heat of combustion of products at constant volume in a bomb calorimeter.
EN 13501-1:2007+A1:2009
Fire classification of construction products and building elements (Part 1: Classification using data from reaction to fire tests)
This standard provides the reaction to fire classification procedure for all construction products, including products incorporated within a building element.
TABLE: Comparison of European and UK fire standards/classifications
Table with side-by-side comparison of European and UK fire standards and classifications
BS 476: Part 4: 1970 Non-combustibility test for materials
This describes the classification of materials as either non-combustible or combustible. It is the most stringent standard for the fire performance of materials and gives a measure of heat and flames generated by the material under standard heating conditions. Non-combustible materials can be used without restriction in any part of building construction and finishing. Their use ensures that hazards due to smoke and toxic gases are minimised, and that the fabric of a building makes no contribution to a fire. All Promat board and cementitious spray products are classified as non-combustible.
BS 476: Part 6: 1989 Method of testing for the fire propagation of products
The standard specifies the method to determine the fire propagation index of materials. The test method takes into account the ignition characteristics, the amount and rate of heat release and thermal properties evolved by the product while subjected to standard heating conditions in relation to their ability to accelerate the rate of fire growth. Test results are given by an index of overall performance. I (fire propagation index) is based on the index of performance, S, and three individual sub-indices of the specimens. The higher the value of the sub-indices, the greater the ease of ignition and flame spread.
BS 476: Part 7: 1997 Method of testing to determine the classification of the surface spread of flame of products
The standard specifies the test to measure the lateral spread of flame along the surface of a product and gives the related classification system. Classes 1 to 4, in descending order, are based on the rate and extent of flame over the surface under standard heating conditions. As all Promat products are non-combustible they are also classified as Class 1, the highest rating for the surface spread of flame.
Class O (as defined in the relevant building regulations):
Composed throughout of materials of limited combustibility; or
A Class 1 surface spread of flame (in accordance with BS 476: Part 7) material which has a fire propagation index (I) of not more than 12 and a sub-index (i1) of not more than 6 (in accordance to BS 476: Part 6).
It should be noted that there is no test standard which can provide a report confirming that a product has a Class O status. The test reports for non-combustibility (BS 476: Part 4) or surface spread of flame (BS 476: Part 7) and fire propagation (BS 476: Part 6) must be used to ascertain the classification status of the product.
AS 1530: Part 1: 1994 Combustibility tests for materials
This describes the classification of materials as either non-combustible or combustible. It is the most stringent standard for the fire performance of materials and gives a measure of the heat and flames generated by the material under standard heating conditions. Non-combustible materials can be used without restriction in any part of building construction and finishing. Their use ensures that hazards due to smoke and toxic gases are minimised and that the fabric of a building makes no contribution to a fire. All Promat board and cementitious spray products are classified as non-combustible.
AS 1530: Part 3: 1999 Simultaneous determination of ignitability, flame propagation, heat release and smoke release
This standard is used to assess the early fire hazard of building materials and components according to their tendency to ignite and propagate flame, their heat release once ignition has occurred and the likelihood of smoke release. Four indices generated by the test procedures are ignitability, spread of flame, heat evolved and smoke evolved.
AS/NZS 3837: 1998 Method of testing for heat and smoke release rates for materials and products using an oxygen consumption calorimeter
The test method is used to determine the ignitability, heat release rates (HRR), mass loss rates, effective heat of combustion and smoke release of materials and products. The method of performance measurement uses a cone calori meter for measurement of HRR, time to ignition and smoke production.