Professional Documents
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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
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 Regulations 1 (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 reactionto-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 level 2
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 Materials that are in Class A1do not require tests for smoke development or production of flaming droplets 1
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Table 1
Euroclass
In accordance with EN 13501-1 + A1: 2009
UK
Germany
In accordance with Bauregellisten, 26th March 2012
France
In accordance with Arrete du 21 Novembre 2002
Sweden
In accordnace with Regelssamling for byggande, BBR: 2012 and EN 13501-1
Italy
In accordance with Decreto del Ministero dellinterno 15 Marzo 2005
Netherlands
In accordnace with Bouwbesluit, 2012
A1 A1 Non-combustible A1 Non-combustible
(Non-combustible prior to 1st Jan 2012)
Class 0
Non-combustible
A2
A2 A2 M0 or M1
(Material of limited combustibility prior to 1st Jan 2012)
Class 1 or Class 2
Class 0
B B1 M1
(Class 1 surface lining prior to 1st Jan 2012)
Class 1 or Class 2
Class 1 or Class 2
Class 1
C B1 M2
(Class 2 surface lining prior to 1st Jan 2012)
Class 2 or Class 3
Class 3
D D Class 3 B2 M3
(Class 1 surface lining prior to 1st Jan 2012)
Class 3
Class 4
B2
M4
B3
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.
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
4 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.
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CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................................1 CONTENTS.......................................................................................................................................................................3 1 2 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................5 THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS................................................................................................6 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 3 3.1 3.2 An overview of the Construction Products Regulations........................................................................6 The seven basic requirements for construction works in the CPR .......................................................6 Safety in case of fire ....................................................................................................................................6 CE marking and the Construction Products Regulations ......................................................................7 An overview of the Euroclass system for reaction-to fire performance .............................................8 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 4.3 5 5.1 5.2 6 6.1 6.2 7 7.1 7.2 8 8.1 8.2 9 9.1 National classification of performance ................................................................................................. 13 Equivalence of UK and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ....................................... 15 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in France ................................................... 16 Equivalence of French and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................... 18 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Germany .............................................. 19 Equivalence of German and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................ 20 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Sweden ................................................. 21 Equivalence of Swedish and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................. 21 National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Italy ........................................................ 22 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to-fire performance classes ............................. 23 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 APPENDIX: C AN OVERVIEW OF BS 9999 AND BS 476, PARTS 4, 6, 7 AND 11......................................... 27 CLASSIFICATION OF LININGS IN APPROVED DOCUMENT B.............................................. 31
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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 Table 4 National classification of reaction-to fire performance in England and Wales ................ 14 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 Table 8 Table 9 Table 10 Table 11 Table 12 Table 13 Table 14 Table 15 Table 16 Equivalence of French and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................... 18 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Germany . 19 Equivalence of German and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................ 20 Equivalence of Swedish and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................. 21 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................. 23 Equivalence of national and European reaction-to fire performance classes ................. 24 Definitions of non-combustible materials in Approved Document B .................................. 25 Definitions of materials of limited combustibility in Approved Document B ...................... 26 Classification in accordance with BS 476-7.............................................................................. 29 Classification of linings in Approved Document B .................................................................. 31
FIGURES
Figure 1 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Italy ........... 23
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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.
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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. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Mechanical resistance and stability. Safety in case of fire. Hygiene, health and the environment. Safety and accessibility in use. Protection against noise. Energy economy and heat retention. Sustainable use of natural resources.
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 6
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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
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European Commission Decision 2000/147/EC: The clasification of the recationto-fire perfroamnce of construction products EN 13501-1:2007 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products and building elements.
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)
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 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. Working group CEN/TC 127 Fire Safety in Buildings was responsible for producing these harmonised European standards 8
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excluding floorings exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning Item to direct impingement of flame Part 2: Single-flame source test and general rules for selection of substrates.
BS EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests Ignitability of building products subjected BS EN 13238: Reaction to fire tests for building products Conditioning procedures
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 fire 10 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 level 11
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 Materials that are in Class A1do not require tests for smoke development or production of flaming droplets
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Table 2 Classes of reaction to fire performance for construction products excluding floorings and linear pipe thermal insulation products Additional classification
Classification
Test Method
EN ISO 1182: Reaction to fire tests for building products, non-combustibility test and
Classification criteria
Temperature rise (T) 30oC Mass loss (m) 50% Duration of sustained flaming 12 (t f ) = 0s Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.0 MJ/kg Temperature rise (T) 50oC Mass loss (m) 50% Duration of sustained flaming (t f ) = 20s Gross calorific potential (PCS) 3.0 MJ/kg
A1 EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for building products, determination of the heat of combustion EN ISO 1182: Reaction to fire tests for building products, non-combustibility test or EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for building products, determination of the heat of combustion and
A2
Fire growth rate(FIGRA) 120 W/s1 and EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item test Lateral flame spread < edge of specimen, and Total heat release (THR EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item test and B EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests Ignitibility of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item test and C EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests Ignitibility of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item test and D EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests Ignitibility of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame EN ISO 11925-2: Reaction to fire tests Ignitibility of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame Flame spread (F s ) 150mm within 60 seconds
600s
7.5 MJ
Fire growth rate(FIGRA) 120 W/s and Lateral flame spread< edge of specimen, and Total heat release (THR
600s
7.5 MJ
Flame spread (F s ) 150mm within 60 seconds Fire growth rate(FIGRA) 250 W/s and Lateral flame spread< edge of specimen, and Total heat release (THR
600s
15 MJ
12 13
Sustained flaming is defined as the existence on or over the surface for a minimum period of time
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. 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. 10
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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.
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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.
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:
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4.2
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.
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Table 3
National classification of reaction-to fire performance in the UK (England and Wales) Compliance criteria
Non-combustible materials are defined either as listed products in Table A6 of Approved Document B or in terms of the following performamce criteria
National classification
Comments
This is the highest level of reactionto-fire performance Please refer to Appendix A for more information about the use and definitions of non-combustible materials
Non-combustible
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 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
Limited combustibility
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
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 (i 1 ) 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 noncombustible The determination of the fire propagation index in BS 476-6 requires the results from three specimens, each producing valid tests results
Class 0
This classification is achieved when a material or product meets the following criteria for lateral spread of flame:
Class 1
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) This classification is achieved when a material or product meets the following criteria for lateral spread of flame: 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
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) This classification is achieved when a material or product meets the following criteria for lateral spread of flame:
Class 3
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
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4.3
National classification
Non-combustible
A1
Limited combustibility
When a classification includes s3, d2, this means that there is no limit set for smoke production and/or flaming droplets/particles This comparison is derived from Table 10 in Approved Document B, which classifies linings This comparison is derived from Table 10 in Approved Document B, which classifies linings
Class 0
Class 1
Class 2
No equivalence is given in the Approved Documents of the Building Regulations This comparison is derived from Table 10 in Approved Document B, which classifies linings
Class 3
Class 4
15
In the context of this report, the term UK relates to Building Regulations in England and Wales 15
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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.
Comments
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 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 T where: h is the maximum length of flame in any 30 second period
Incombustible
(Non-combustible)
Mass loss (m) 50% Duration of sustained flaming (t f ) = 0s Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.0 MJ/kg Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.5 MJ/kg and
M0
M1
Q < 2.5
M2
Q < 15
M3
Q < 50
t i is time of delay before ignition Tis the total duration of combustion V p is the speed of flame propogation when tested in accordance with NF P 92 504
M4
Material not conforming with the above performance categories, and V p < 2 mm/s
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Table 6 National classification of reaction-to fire performance flexible materials of thickness less than or equal to 5mm in France National classification Compliance criteria
Temperature rise (T) 30 C
o
Comments
NF EN ISO 1182; 2002 Reaction to fire tests for building products, noncombustibility test NF EN ISO 1716: Reaction to fire tests for building products, determination of the heat of combustion 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
Incombustible
(Non-combustible)
Mass loss (m) 50% Duration of sustained flaming (t f ) = 0s Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.0 MJ/kg
M0
M1 (no droplets)
t f 5s and no inflammation of the test wadding t f 5s and no inflammation of the test wadding t f 5s and no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 35 cm and no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 35 cm and no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 60 cm and I d < 9 cm and no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 60 cm and I d < 9 cm and no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 35 cm and no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 60 cm and I d < 9 cm and no inflammation of the test wadding Material not conforming with the above performance categories, and V p < 2 mm/s
V p is the speed of flame propogation when tested in accordance with NF P 92 504
M1 (droplets non-ignited)
M2 (no droplets)
These compliance criteria are derived from test NF P 92 503 where: t f is the duration of inlammation or ignition L d is the length destroyed l d is the width destroyed
M2 (droplets non-ignited)
M2 (ignited droplets or
debris)
M3 (no droplets)
M3 (droplets non-ignited)
M3 (ignited droplets or
debris)
M4 (ignited droplets or
debris)
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5.2
Eurpean Classification (Euroclass) A1 A2, s1, d0 A2, s1, d1 B, s1, d0 or d1 B, s2, d0 or d1 B, s3, d0 or d1 C, s1, d0 or d1
Comments
M0
M1
The d1 level of perfromance is only accepted for prodcuts that are not thermofusible in test conditions
M2
The d1 level of perfromance is only accepted for prodcuts that are not thermofusible in test conditions
M3
The d1 level of perfromance is only accepted for prodcuts that are not thermofusible in test conditions
M4
(no droplets)
D, s2, d0 or d1 D, s3, d0 or d1
The d1 level of perfromance is only accepted for prodcuts that are not thermofusible in test conditions
M4
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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 fr Bautechnik, dated 26th March 2012.
6.1
National classification
Comments
A1
and meet the requirements for Class A2 compliance Products can be clasifiedWhen subjected to the furnace test: Duration of sustained flaming (t f ) = 20s
A2
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 When subjected to an ignitibility test using a small cabinet as in DIN 50050-1: 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 Class B materials are designated as combustible, with the following descriptions: B1 Not easily flammable
B1
B2
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 Combustible materials which canniot be classed as B1 or B2 materials shall be classed as B3 materials
B3
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6.2
National classification
(according to DIN 4102-1)
Additional requirements
(X denotes required performance) No smoke No burning droplets/particles
Euroclass
(according to DIN EN 13501-1)
A1 (Non-combustible) A2 (Non-combustible)
A1
A2-s1, d0
B s1,d0 C s1,d0 A2 s2,d0 B s3,d0 C s2,d0 C s3,d0 C s1,d1 B s1,d1 C s1,d2 B s1,d2 A2 s3,d2 B s3,d2 C s3,d2
X B2 (Flammable)
B3
F
(Easily flammable)
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Regelssamling for byggande, BBR: 2012 (Rules and regulations for construction) Swedish Research Institute guidance about European fire classification of materials, construction products and building elements 18 Swedish Building Regulations (BBR) adopted on 4th October 2011 specifically BFS 2011:26, safety in case of fire 19.
7.1
7.2
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 classes 20 National classification Non-combustible Material of limited combustibility Class 1 surface lining Class 2 surface lining Class 3 surface lining European Classification (Euroclass)
A1
Comments
A2-s1, d0
18 19 20
http://www.sp.se/en/index/information/fireclassification/sidor/default.aspx http://www.boverket.se/Om-Boverket/Webbokhandel/Publikationer/2008/Building-Regulations-BBR/ This table relates to construction products other than floors 21
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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, noncombustibility test
8.1
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.
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Figure 1
8.2
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 classes 22 National classification Class 0 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
Comments
Class 1 Ceilings
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
Class 2
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
Walls
C-s3,d0 C-s3,d1 C-s1,d2 C-s2,d2
Class 3
C-s3,d2
Ceilings
C-s1, d1 C-s2,d1 C-s3,d1 D-s1,d0 D-s2,d0
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Decreto del Ministero dellinterno 15 Marzo 2005 This table relates to construction products other than floors 23
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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
9.1.1 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 classes 23 National classification Non-combustible Class 1 European Classification (Euroclass)
A1 The B-s2 or C classifiaction is dependent on the type of space in which the fire is located The B-s2 or C classifiaction is dependent on the type of space in which the fire is located
Comments
B-s2 or C
B-s2 or C
C-s2 D-s2
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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
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 noncombustible 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 . 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. 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.
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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 20C. 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.
Any of the materials (a), (b) or (c) above, or: 5. Insulation above any fireprotecting suspended ceiling (Type Z) in Table A3 . d. Any material of density less than 300kg/m3, which when tested to BS 47611:1982 , does not flame for more than 10 seconds and the rise in temperature on the centre (specimen) thermocouple is not more than 35C and on the furnace thermocouple is not more than 25C.
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.
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APPENDIX: B
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 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 subcontractors 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.
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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
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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 materials 25
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 i 1 of not more than 6, and is situated at least 1 metre from any fire damper
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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 28
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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 = i 1 = i 2 + i 3 ). 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. Performance classification 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
Limit (mm) Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 165 215 265
Limit for one specimen in the sample(mm)
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 Clear Construction 29
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Causes the temperature reading from either of the two thermocouples to rise
by 50oC or more above the initial furnace temperature, or
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. Performance classification 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
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APPENDIX: C
Table 16
Location
Small rooms of area not more than: a) 4 m2 in residential accommodation b) 30 m2 in non-residential accommodation Domestic garages of area not more than 40 m2 Other rooms (including garages) Circulation spaces within dwellings Other circulation spaces, including the common areas of flats and maisonettes Notes:
National class
European class
D-s3,d2
C-s3,d2
B-s3,d2
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
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