\.

BRITISH STANDARD BS 476-6:

1989+Al:2009

Fire tests on building

Inaterials and
structures -
Part 6: Method of test for fire
propagation for products

<.

----~~
res 13.220.50

NO COPYlNG WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERID:'ITED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

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BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009 -,

Committees responsible for this t-.,

British Standard !

The preparation ofthis British Standard was entrusted by the Fire Standards
Policy Committee (FSM/-)to Technical Committee FSM/l, upon which the
followingbodies were represented:
~ t;

Associationof British RoofingFelt Electricity Supply Industry in England and

Manufacturers
Associationof Building Component
Manufacturers Ltd.
Associationof Structural Fire Protection
Contractors and Manufacturers
British Cement Association
British Fire Services Association
British Floor Covering Manufacturers'
Association
British Plastics Federation
British Railways Board
British Rigid Urethane Foam Manufacturers'
Association
British WoodPreserving Association
Chemical Industries Association
Chief and ASsistant Chief Fire Officers
Association
Concrete Society
Department of Education 'and Science
Department of the Environment (Building Q
Research Establishment)
Department of the Environment (Construdtion Steel Construction Institute
Industries Directorate) ~_.
Department of the Environment (pro
Services Agency)
Department of the Environment fo
Ireland
Department of Transport (M .
Wales
Engineering Equipment and Materials Users'
Association
Eurisol (UK) Associatio1kofManufacturers of
Mineral Insulatioi£:Fibfh
Fibre Building Board',('j'iganisation(FIDOR)
Fibre Cement Ma!C acfurers' Association
Limited "'
Fire ProtectioitAs 'ation
Flat Glass "",M13.ntifacturers'
..• Association
Flat Roofuig CoIitractors Advisory Board
GypsUIIl.;Pthi:ly.cts Development Association
Home Wffice•
Instituti1in.•ofFire Engineers
Los&'P"reve~tionCouncil
Masti~~phalt Counciland Employers'
ration
onal Council of Building Materials
of"" roducers
~RA Technology Ltd.
"'t.""""RoyalInstitute of British Architects
Timber Research and Development
"Association .
United Kingdom AtomicEnergy Authority
Warrington Fire Research Centre
WoodWool Slab Manufacturers' Association
Yarsley Technical Centre Ltd.

The following bodies 'Iso represented in the drafting of the standard,

through sub committe panels:

Au~oclavedAerated Co~JProducts Phenolic Foam Manufacturers' Association

Association Queen Mary CollegeIndustrial Research
London Scientific Thermal Insulation Manufacturers and
National GRP Suppliers Association (TIMSA)

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Fire Standards
Policy Committee, was
published under the authority
of the Board of BSI

«:iBSI2009

BS 476 first published

December 1932
First revision July 1953 Amendments issued since publication
Part 6 firs.rpublished June 1968
First re-iri.sionAugust 1981 Amd. No. Date Comments
Second revision March 1989
Al 31 May 2009 See Foreword
The following BSI references
relate to the work on this
standard: ....•.
Committee reference FSM/1
Draft for comment
08/30193141DC

ISBN 9780 580 65355 1

-
,. BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

Contents SIRIM IRU

1111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111
02.079252
Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword II

1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Suitability of a product for testing 1
4 Test specimens 1
5 Test apparatus 2
6 Ancillary equipment 3
7 Setting up procedure 3
8 Calibration 4
9 Test procedure 5
10 Calculation of results 6
11 Test report l ft 6
Appendix A Guidance for operators ''''''V 13
Appendix B Effect of thermal char~tfCrlstics on the performance
of assemblies 14
Appendix C Determination ofijry ~.ensity of calibration sheet 14
g.-'<;Jt;> ~:~.

Figure 1- Diagrammatic tepr]sentation of the apparatus: front 8

Figure 2- Diagrammatic ~pfesentation of the apparatus: rear 9
Figure 3- Thermocoupl~Jocating device 10
'"
Figure 4- Layout 0 .Jll"atus and ancillary equipment 11
Figure 5- Typic ration curve 12
Table 1 - Allo~ 5
Publications Inside back cover

~ BSI 2009
BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009 . ,

Foreword

This Part ofBS 476 has been revised under the direction of the Fire Standards
Policy Committeeprimarily to specify a replacement calibration sheet because of
problems of availability of the sheet currently specified. Experience with a wide
range of materials has indicated that the non-combustible material now specified
should not produce test results which are more onerous.
~ Text deleted ~
Consideration was also given to the fuel gas and, in order to improve a difficult
supply situation, a standard test gas has been specified. Generally, the derived
indices will not vary as a result of using this gas. Engineeri,£1.,!g.wings for the
apparatus are published as PD 6498.
The summary test report formerly included in BS 476-6,has.een deleted.
In this method oHest, a specimen of the product (mat~~i':~';:;mposite or
assembly) is subjected to a specificheating regime. The tEfsttakes account of the
combined effectoHactors such as the ignition charadt~ri,~tics,the amount and the
ra~e.of heat release, and the thermal properties 0 ]>'i'od,:ctin relatio~ to their
abilIty to accelerate the rate of fire growth. Theesult ISexpressed ill terms
of a fire propagation index that is the summati(jn"gjthree time-based subindices.
The higher the fire propagation index, the gr:eaterWis the influence of the product
on accelerating the growth of a fire. The rn.{:t~a~bfcomputation of the subindices
ensures that greater significance is placed~ni~hose factors affecting the early
stages of the test compared with those ing the later stages.
Whilst this test has been designed t ive information on the performance of a
product in the early stages of a fir ould not be considered 91' used by itself
for describing or appraising the azard of a material, composite or assembly
under actual fire conditions or ~ e sole source on which a valid assessment of
hazard pertaining to fire pro ~ n can be based.
~ Text deleted ~
Attention is drawn to th th & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and the need to
ensure that the method '\. t specified in this standard is carried out under
suitable environmentat'fon~ditionsto provide adequate protection to personnel
against the risk of iIfbalation of smoke and/or toxic products of combustion.
~ Text deleted ~
The start and" .h of text introduced or altered by Amendment NO.1 is
indicated in '" xt by tags ~ 8. Minor editorial changes are not tagged.
BS 476-6: + 1:2009 supersedes BS 476-6:1989 which is withdrawn.
Howeve 981 edition, which has also been withdrawn, will still be made
availab quest since it is referred to in building regulations.
'cation does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
. Users are responsible for its correct application.
~
",""
,liance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 14, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.

(Q BSI 2009
11
 BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

1 Scope 2) any cracks, fissures or holes donot

This Part ofBS 476 specifies a method oftest, the
result being expressed as a fire propagation index,
that provides a comparative measure of the
contribution to the growth of fire made by an
essentially flat material, composite or assembly. It
is primarily intended for the assessment of the
performance of internal wall and ceiling linings.
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover.
2 Definitions
For the purposes of this PartofBS 476, the
definitions given in BS 4422-1, BS 4422-2
and BS 4422-5 and BS 476-10 apply, together with
the following.
2.1
assembly
a fabrication of materials and/or composites that
can contain air gaps
2.2
composite
a combination of materials which are generall~
recognized in building construction as discret
entities, e.g. coated or laminated materials
2.3
exposed surface(s)
the surface(s) ofthe product subjected
exceed 6.5 mm in width nor 10mmin depth,
and the total area of such cracks fissures or
holes at the surface does not exceed30 % of a
representative square area
of 225 mm x 225 mm of the exposedsurface.
3.1.2 When an exposed surface does notcomply with
the requirements of either 3.1.1 a) or 3.1.1 b) it is
permissible for the pr6i~ct to be tested in a modified
form with a flat expose'd"~urface;this shall be stated
in the test report
3.2 Asymmetri' roducts
If''lt .
A product sul1rititted for this test couldhave faces
that differ 0~could contain laminations of different
material 'i~talgedin a different order in relation to
the two If either of these faces canbe exposed
in use'¥;{it:Qm a room, cavity or void, then both faces
""."',
shall.beJested.
3~3""P~ducts with particular burning
,B'ar4fcteristics
method of test could be inadequate for
assessing products that react in particular ways
under exposure to the specified heating conditions
(see 9.2). In this case provision is either made to
apply a suffix to the result [see 10.4.2 and
clause 11 g)], or prohibit an assessment being made
because the product is unsuitable fortesting by this
method (see 10.4.3).
NOTE Products showing these characteristics should be
assessed by other test methods.

'I
conditions of the test "t,... ~
2.4 4 Test specimens
essentially flat surface
4.1 Number of specimens
a surface from which can be 0
that have an irregularity The test sample shall comprise a minimum of three
less than :l: 3 mm and a maximum of five specimens foreach face to be
tested.
3 Suitability of a" ~duct for testing 4.2 Size of specimens
NOTE Specific advice on the testing of assemblies is given
in A.2 and appendix B.
3.1.1 A product hone ofthe following is 4.2.1 The specimens shall be square, with
suitable for ev by this method: sides 225 :l: 1.5 mm long.
a) an essential flat exposed surface; 4.2.2 Products of normal thickness 50 mm or less
b) a surface irregularity that is evenly distributed shall be used to full thickness.
over the exposed surface (see A.l) provided that: 4.2.3 For products of normal thickness greater
1) at least 50 % of the surface of a than 50 mm, the specimens shall be obtained by
representative square area cutting away the unexposed face of the product to
of 225 mm x 225 mm lies within a depth reduce the thickness to 50~~ mm.
of 6 mm from a plane taken across the highest 4.3 Edge effects
points on the exposed surface;
Where the specimen is backed by an air gap
(see appendix B), ensure that the perimeter ofthe
specimen will not permit flame to penetrate into the
cavity. Similarly, where a flame-retardant coating is
applied to a surface, the edge detail shall be such as
to prevent ignition ofthe underlying layers.

~ BSI 2009 1
BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

4.4 Conditioning of specimens depending upon the thickness of the specimen to

All specimens shall be conditioned to constant mass be tested. <51
(see A.3) at a temperature of 23 :I: 2 DCand a 5.4 Gasket
relative humidity of 50:1: 5 %, and maintained in A non-combustible compressible gasket, 1 mm
this condition until required for testing. thick, shall be provided for interposing between the
NOTE Constant mass is considered to be attained when two specimen holder and the combustion chamber to
successive weighing operations, carried out at an interval of 24 h, assist in obtaining an adequate seal (see A.2).
do not differ by more than 0.1 % ofthe mass of the specimen,
or 0.1 g, whichever is the greater. 5.5 Chimney and cowl
5 Test apparatus The chimney shall be 190 mm and 38 mm
internal diameter and made mm thick steel. It
5.1 General shall be provided with a rembva'ble steel cowl also
5.1.1 All dimensions given in the following made of 1.0 mm thick st~~l£52 mm high
.description ofthe test apparatus are nominal unless and 76 mm internal dia1net~r having two
tolerances are specified. diametrically opposi~e~j;~s~edcirc~lar ho~esto take
the thermocouples ..- theIr locatmg deVIcesas
5.1.2 The test apparatus (see Figure 1 to Figure 3)
specifIed in FigurE)3.re chimney and cowl shall
shall consist of a combustion chamber with a
have a surface or"fow#feflectivityand shall have an
specimen holder fIxed to one face. The combustion
chamber shall contain a horizontal gas burner tube overall mass ~ri"~h_!ilr,Tange of 530 g to 550 g
and two electrical heating elements and shall be (see A.4.3). (_.'>
surmounted by a removable steel chimney and cowL 5.6 Gas bIir~-r
5.2 Combustion chamber The gasillu'}ne?shall comprise a horizontal stainless.
steel t:l"l~~_of wall thickness 1.5 mm and 9 mm bore
~ The walls of the chamber shall be made from
clos~dj;ateach end and fitted with a central gas
12 mm thick calcium silicate board havi.ng a
3
nominal dry density of 1400 kg/m . The calcium suPPV1pe. The burner tube shall have a row
o "'''noles of 1.5 mm diameter at 12.5 mm centres
silicate shall also have the following properties:
nged so that the gas jets impinge horizontally
Properties Value e specimen 25 mm above the floor of the
Flexural strength 23 MPa ombustion chamber. When the calibration sheet
Hardness 80 Shore D (see 8,1) is in position, the holes in the tube shall
Maximum service temperature 1 000 DC .
Thermal conductivity 0.49 w/(rJ:.:'Ni)1 be 3.::~mm from the face of the calibration sheet.
Shrinkage (750 DCfor 12 h) 0.14 %""-'1:.1 %
Coefficient thermal e:X1Jansion 6.6 x 5.7 Electric heating elements
The internal dimensions of the chambe The two heating elements shall be pencil type
190 mm x 190 mm x 90 mm. @ electric elements!), each of 1 000 W rating and
•.\n air inlet slot measuring 96 mm ~ 2 and a of 16 mm maximum diameter, and the heating coil
mica observation window measurin 0 mm x shall be 190 mm in length with a pitch of
50 mm shall be provided togethe ; hole for approximately 1 turn per millimetre. The elements
the discharge of combustion gao d a suitable shall be supported horizontally with their centres at
fIxing for the chimney and co ."steel baffle a distance of 45 mm from the face of the specimen
plate 200 mmX 40 mm sh " . ed horizontally and arranged at 64 mm vertical centres
to the top of the combusti mber above the symmetrically in the combustion chamber.
window. Four steel rods shal1"befItted to the
combustion chamber to enable the specimen holder Each heating element shall be enclosed in a
to be located and fi'{ed fIrmly in position during transparent silica tube 17:1:1 mm internal
each test. diameter, having a wall thickness of 1.1 :I: 0.25 mm
and a length of 210:1:2 mm.
5.3 Specimen holder
The heating elements shall be connected in parallel
~The specimen holder shall be made from calcium with copper busbars and the end terminals shall be
silicate board having the same dry density and protected with suitable guards that, if made of
properties as that. of the walls of the combustion metal, shall be effectively earthed. The framework
chamber (see 5.2). The holder shall be recessed t.o
ofthe apparatus, including the chimney and the
t.ake a specimen of area 225 mm x 225 mm and a
recess dept.h of 12.5 mm, 25 mm or 50 mm, cowl, shall be earthed.

1) A commercial electric fire element with a 229 mm fixing centre is generally suitable.

iGJBSI 2009
2

5.8 Thermocouples
The thermocouples shall be 0.2 mm diameter nickel
chrome/nickel aluminium conductors contained in
a 1 mm diameter mineral insulated 18-8stainless
steel sheath with a grounded hot junction. They
shall be provided with aluminous porcelain
insulators (not recrystallized alumina) of 3.5 mm
external diameter, 1.3 mm bore and 50 mm length.
Provision shall be made to ensure that the extreme
tips of the sheaths containing the hot junctions of
the thermocouples are correctly located 3 mm
beyond the ends of the insulators and midway
between the inside ofthe cowland the outside of the
chimney (see A.4.4 and Figure 3).
6 Ancillary equipment
6.1 Manometer
The manometer shall be capable of reading up to at
least 1.0 kPa2) and of being read to within an
accuracy of 0.05 kPa.
6.2 Gas flowmeter
The flowmeter shall be a direct-reading instrumen
graduated in Umin with a maximum flow not
greater than 5 L/min and capable ofbeing read,
accuracy of 0.05 Umin. It shall be calibrated
with a gas whose relative density to air at
and 0.75 kPa is 0.365, and shall have an
of:J::2 % of maximum flow.
6.3 Gas pressure regulating and c I valves
,The valves vary according to the typ*\~fflowmeter
used but shall be capable of maiptaining the
pressure and flow of gas to the eter at the
levels specified in 7.2.
6.4 ~~ivolt temperatu~ i~at~r
An mdlcator shall be prQjy,lde&which IS capable of
monitoring the millivo "'~put of the
thermocouples. This ,,"eeither a potentiometric
or digital device w . recalibrated to be capable
of indicating temp,e,~pres to the nearest 1 °C and
shall have a resP'O~e time no worse
"-_.ftlff' ~i~
than 10 ms/ °C (T.~tdOO °C).It may be provided with
means for cold junction compensation but if this is
not provided, it shall be capable ofnegative readings
(i.e. capable of indicating that the hot junctions of
the thermocouples are at a lower temperature than
their cold junctions).
A suitable potentiometric chart recorder is a
multirange recorder capable of operating in the
ranges - 25°C to + 225°C (- 1 mV to + 9 mY)
and -100°C to + 900°C (- 5 mV to + 45 mY)with
an accuracy of 0.5 % of full scale deflection.
2) 1.0 kPa = 101.97 mmHzO.
cg BSI 2009
BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009
A single-range chart recorder shall notbe used
unless it has an accuracy and resolutioncomparable
to that of the multirange recorder describedabove.
6.5 Wattmeter
The wattmeter shall be capable of measuring up
to 2 kW with an accuracy of:f:2 %, and.shall be of a
type that integrates voltage and amperage and does
not assume constant yoltage input.
6.6 Variable trans
The variable tra
"rmer
er shall be capableof
handling a maximu.' of 2 kV A and ofregulating
the voltage 0\l~!;1'tfrom zero to a maximumvalue
equal to th"of tne input voltage. The voltage
output sha "'y linearly over the range.
6.7 Ele
The OV€,nshall be capable of maintaining a
'~
temp .lire of 103:J::2°C, and shall beof sufficient
si ccommodate the calibration sheet (see 8.1).
s igniter
mmercially available battery-powered gas
igniter operating on a continuous spark or heated
coil is suitable.
iW 6.9 Desiccator
The desiccator (or desiccating cabinet), required to
house the calibration sheet, shall contain
self-indicating silica gel.
6.10 Timing device,
The timing device shall be capable ofrecording
elapsed time to the nearest second and shall be
accurate to within 1 sin 1 h.
6.11 Balance
The balance shall be capable of weighing to an
accuracy of 0.1 g.
7 Setting up procedure
7.1 Siting of apparatus
The apparatus shall be located in an essentially
draught-free room of volume not less than 15 m3
and shall be protected from direct sunlight. If the
extraction of combustion products fromthe room is
necessary during the test, this shall beeffected in
such a way as to avoid causing draughts over the
apparatus. The apparatus shall be setlevel with the
chimney and cowl vertical.
3
BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009
7;2 Gas supply
Standard test gas G 112 as specified in BS 4947 shall
be supplied to the apparatus at a pressure not
exceeding 1.0 kPa. The flow shall be capable of
being adjusted, by means of the gas control valves,
to give a heat output of 527.5 :l: 10 W. A method of
calculating the required flow rate is described
inA5.
7.3 Interconnection of ancillary equipment
and test apparatus
7.3.1 General Aline diagram ofthe connections
between the ancillary equipment and the test
apparatus is shown in Figure 4.
7.3.2 Electricity supply. The electric elements ofthe
apparatus shall be connected in series with the
wattmeter and the variable transformer.
7.3.3 Temperature measurement. The
thermocouples shall be connected to and in series
with the temperature indicator by means of
compensating leads (see A4.4). The cold junctions
shall be maintained at a constant temperature
throughout the test. The hot junctions of the
thermocouples in the cowl shall be checked for
correct location before each calibration and test
(see 5.8).
8 Calibration
8.1 Calibration sheet
A square calibration sheet with sides 225 :l: 1.5 m ",
long shall be cut from asbestos-free, heat treated" /
calcium silicate board with an oven dry de . ".'f
(see appendix C) of 850 kg/m3 :l: 10 %
and 12. T: g.8mm thick 3).
The shrinkage in the plane ofthe boar
than 0.3 % after heat soaking for 4 h ' 00 °C.
The calibration sheet shall be kept ifi~4.e desiccator
after oven drying or after cbmpl ":'; ~f a previous
calibration test.
8.2 Frequency of calibrati
Calibration of the apparat(;,r be carried out to
ensure consistency of operatio and to give a
reference against which the performance of a
product is measured (see A.4). The repeatability of
the calibration value, C, shall be established
(see 8.4.2); calibration shall be carried out before
the start of a test of each group of up to five
specimens, unless the apparatus is in continuous
daily use, in which case not more than ten
specimens shall be tested between calibrations.
3) Interlaboratory trials have identified a single commercially available product which fulfills these requirements and performs
satisfactorily during continual testing. For information on the availability of this product apply to Enquiries Section, BSI,
Linford Wood, Milton Keynes MK14 6LE, enclosing a stamped addressed envelope for reply.
4
8.3 Calibration procedure
8.3.1 Ensure that the test apparatus is at ambient
temperature at the start ofthe test (see A6).
8.3.2 Check that the hot junctions of the
thermocouples in the cowl are correctly located.
8.3.3 Keep the calibration sheet in the desiccator
and do not remove until immediately before it is
required for mounting in the speJ~,imen holder. At
the start of the test, insert the ,sh~~t, into the
specimen holder. Where nec~,ss3!~ (see A.2), back
the sheet with non-combustible material that has
been conditioned prior to p~e:~1'the method
described for test speci:rrr€l1s.,in 4.4, and ensure that
when the holder is claniped;n to the combustion
chamber, the face o:Vhe"sh'~et is in contact with the
walls of the combust. hamber.
8.3.4 Adjust the ga~ fj.ow to give a heat output
of 527.5 :l: 10 5) and then turn off.
< •••••
8.3.5 Switch~ " e thermocouple output indicator
and recor '~'initial output Ei, in m V, measured by
the ther ~ples inside the cowl.
8.3.6 A.f\er allowing any residual gas within the
combustion chamber to disperse, simultaneously
tur.j?i&>the gas supply and ignite the jets using the
g .'\t iter; time the test from the time of ignition.
r min 45 s, turn on the electrical supply to
e an indicated input of 1 800 W; at 5 min after
e time of ignition, reduce this indicated input
o 1500W.
8.3.7 Record the output from the thermocouples, Er,
in mY, at:
a) 0.5 min intervals, upto and including 3 min
from the time at which the gas was ignited; then
b) 1 min intervals, up to 10 min from the time at
which the gas was ignited; then
c) 2 min intervals, up to 20 min from the time at
which the gas was ignited.
If a multirange chart recorder is used, select the
lower range scale of the chart recorder from the
start of the test and adjust it to the higher range
when 95 % full scale deflection is indicated.
8.3.8 Calculate the actual output rise Eo in m V, for
the calibration sheet from the following expression:
E = E-E-
_r __ l
c 2
IQ BSI 2009
 BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

where 9 Test procedure

9.1 Procedure
Ec is the output rise indicated from the
thermocouples of the flue gases for the 9.1.1 Once a satisfactory repeatable calibration is
calibration sheet, in mV; achieved, allow the apparatus and specimen holder
to cool to ambient temperature, remove a specimen
Er is the output indicated from the
from the conditioning chamber and mount it in the
thermocouples at the intervals specified specimen holder. Where necessary (seeA.2), back it
in 8.3.7, in mV; with non-combustible,packing, previously
Ei is the initial output indicated from the conditioned in acco~'ce with 4.4, to ensure that
thermocouples in 8.3.5, in mV. when the holder' , ped on to the combustion
NOTE For instruments that do not have cold junction chamber, the fac e test specimen is in contact
compensation, the initial output measured by the thermocouples with the walls f"t e combustion chamber.
in 8.3:5, Ei may be negative, in which case the expression for Ec ';"7

becomes the following: 9.1.2 Caq'Y",q;ue test procedure as specified

E -( -E.) E +E. in 8.3.1, 8.3:.2aiPd 8.3.4 to 8.3.7 inclusive.
E= r l=_r __ l
c 2 2 9.1.3 D ~ition of the specimen during test
8.3.9 For the calibration sheet, calculate the may res Ii the formation of soot deposits on the
calibration value, C, from the expression: therm6C0.pple hot junctions, which may interfere
wit ccurate measurement of gas
t = 3 ec t = 10 ec t = 20 e c tem\>.
atures. To minimize this effect, clean the
C = Lt = 0.5 lOt + t L =4 lOt + Lt = 12 lOt her ocouples at least 30 s before every
erature reading after the first 3 min of test .
where see 8.3.7), by removing them from the chimney and
cleaning them with fine wire wool or a fine wire
0c is the actual temperature rise to the brush, then replacing them.
nearest °C converted from Ec; 9.1.4 Record the mV output from the thermocouples
ofthe flue gases throughout the duration ofthe test.
is the time, in min, at the interv Note the actual mV output at the intervals specified
specified in 8.3.7. in 8.3.7 and the mV rises above the initial mV
reading.
8.4 Calibration requirements
9.1.5 Calculate Es' the output from the
8.4.1 At 3 min, 5 min, 10 min and 20~n from the thermocouples for the test specimen, in mV, by the
time at which the gas is ignite "Elt,actual same method specified for Ec in 8.3.8 and convert it
temperature rise 0c above the i ~¥temperature to temperature rise for the flue gases, Os'
converted from Ei shall be 'he tolerance
9.1.6 The determination of the fire propagation
limits specified in Table 1.
index requires results from three specimens, but if
NOTE A typical calibration cu

-.,..
own in Figure 5.
any specimen exhibits the behaviour described
Table 1 - Allowabl~mits for calibration in 9.2, test up to a maximum offive specimens in an
Time from ignition of " .."'Limits for rise above initial attempt to obtain three valid test results
temperature (see 10.4.3).
lnin DC 9.2 Observations during test
3 27 to 39 Throughout the test, carefully observe the
5 85 to 110 material's behaviour within the apparatus (see A.7)
and take special note of any of the following
10 175 to 205 phenomena:
20 230 to 260 a) intumescence or deformation or spaIling of the
specimen that tends to block the burner ports so
8.4.2 The calibration value, C, shall not differ by
that the required gas input cannot be
more than 1.0 between consecutive calibrations
maintained;
(see A.4). When the apparatus is not in continuous
use, at least two calibration tests shall be carried b) melting or slumping ofthe specimen that
out to establish this consistency. results in material escaping from the air inlet or
being confined to the recess of the specimen
holder, where it is not exposed to the heating
conditions;

(Q BSI 2009 5
BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

c) air flow through the apparatus being restricted where

owing to obstruction of the inlet port by fallen A, Band C represent individual specimens
material or by soot accumulation in the chimney. giving valid test results;
Occurrence of any of the above phenomena shall 51> s2 and s3 are as defined in 10.2.
deem the test on that specimen to be invalid.
NOTE The indices of performance are calculated to the first
decimal point. Although they are therefore stated with this
10Calculation of results precision there is no suggestion that this degree of accuracy is
achieved by the test.
10.1 Test results
10.4 Expression of results
The fire propagation index and the individual
subindices for each specimen shall be calculated to 10.4.1 The fire propagation ip.
the first decimal place from valid test results without a suffix where the fts
obtained on three specimens (see 9.1.6). tested give valid results. , .
10.4.2 The fire propagatfo dex shall be stated
10.2 Index of performance of specimens
with a suffix "R" wherlfour or five specimens have
The index of performance, S, for each of the to be tested to obtai.~ ""e~ valid results.
specimens tested shall be calculated from the
10.4.3 Where less t ree valid results are
subindices, 51' 52 and 53, according to the respective
obtained from fiv~"s~!cimens, no fire propagation
temperature ranges as follows:
index shall be s' . and the product shall be
S = Sl + S2 + 53 designated" ble for assessment by this
where method".
Sl, s2 and s3 are given by the expressions
11 Test r ort
s-'"
t = 3 (J-(J
s c
K.""~eport shall quote the individual results
1 - L.t = 0.5 lOt .,for each specimen tested. Any observations
m;fl uring the test and comments on any .
s2 = '"
L. t = 10 (J_s -(J c ";.culties experienced during testing as described
,,9";2 shall also be given, together with the
t = 4 lOt .liowing:

s-'"
t = 20 (J -(J
s c
a) name and address of testing laboratory;
3 - L.t = 12 lOt b) name and address of sponsor;
where c) name and address of manufacturer/supplier, if
known;
Os is as defined in 9.1.5; d) date of test;
e) full description of the product tested sufficient
0c is as defined in 8.3.9;
to describe its construction and to allow its
is as defined in 8.3.9. identification. Different materials will need to be
described in different ways but the description
Only positive values of (Os - 0c) e used in the shall always contain sufficient information to
calculation. allow the product to be accurately identified and
10.3 Fire propagation in differentiated from other similar products.
. \4""}!
The mdex of overall performan'Ce, l (fire propagation All the components of the specimen shall be
index), of the product shall be calculated from the described and the description shall include as
individual results of each test as follows: much information as possible, including the
following where applicable:
l = i1 + i2 + i3
1) trade name(s);
where iI' i2 and i3 are given by the expressions
2) generic identification of material(s);
i1 = 1/3 [(Sl)A + (Sl)B + (Sl)C] 3) thickness(es);
i2 = 1/3 [(S2)A + (52)B + (S2)C ] 4) density(ies) or mass(es) per unit area;
5) details that may be significant to the fire
i3 = 1/3 [(53)A + (S3)B + (S3)c ]
performance ofthe material, e.g. type and level
of any flame retardant treatment;

6 ~ BSI 2009
 BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

f) details ofthe form in which the specimens were

tested (material, composite or assembly),
together with specimen thickness and, where
appropriate, orientation, backing material and
the face or faces subjected to the test and whether
the material was tested in a modified form;
g) the fire propagation index, l, for the product,
with the suffix "R" if appropriate, and the
subindices il and i2;
h) .the statement that the suffix "R" to the fire
propagation index indicates that the results
should be treated with caution;
i) the statement: "The test results relate only to
the behaviour ofthe test specimens ofthe product
under the particular conditions of test; they are
not intended to be the sole criterion for assessing
the potential fire hazard of the product in use".

@ BSI 2009 7
BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

(owl

Holder for thermocwple

Chimney

Steel baf fie

plate -----

Mica observation
window

Air inlet
slot

Figure 1 - Diagrammatic representation of the apparatus: front

8 ~ BSI 2009
 BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

r=:~j
I I
I I (owl
I
I I
Holder fer I I
thermocouple I I

Steel baffle--
plate

Heating elements Specimen

, holder
I

:@
Metal perforated
terminal guard

Horizontal gas
burner tube

~ ,I" .IWasher
Washer / ({j
Compression/ /----
spring . Locating pin

Figure 2 - Diagrammatic representation of the apparatus: rear

@ BSI 2009 9
 (owl wall Chee se . head
1 thick scre'ols ~Z
t 21 Bracket
10

steel

'1---::1
j=-=r==~==-..,
-1- - -1- __ I

10 -------- - - r -.:x:...= . =.....c....::_ -

--------- --rT--T--
,---;- -
I
-T =
= -=t-_--=-_
.-r---~

95 to centN! of chimney and c"",l Cutout

All dimensions in millimetres.

Figure 3 - Thermocouple locating device

"
,: ..
 Ccmpensonng leads

Potenticmetric chart

ELJ L ---j LIlTIJ I

t Temperature indicator
,.
/ Oi ital Thermocouples

Fire propagation
apparatus
Variable

A.~ [3tftronSformer
mom
SlWly

Wattmeter

Pressure
re lator

Gas-
Manometer
Gas
flowmeter
Gas
cylinder

Figure 4 - Layout of apparatus and ancillary equipment

•....•
t>:> t:d
U1
*""
-l
~I
300 ~
~
CoO
00
c.o
>-~+
250 ..1:>:1
0
0
CoO

200
u
0
.•...
c:
OJ
:.0
E
Cl
150
OJ
15
.c
Cl
OJ
.!a
•...
~:> 100
~
8-
E
~

50

o
o 5 10

Time. min

Figure 5 - Typical calibration curve

. ,
l' " "
 BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

Appendix A Guidance for operators A.4.5 Gas supply

The gas flow should not show an initial surge due to
Al Surface irregularities pressure build up behind the on/off valve. Ifthis
Where assessment ofthe area of surface irregularity occurs a by-pass valve should be introduced.
(see 3.1.1) is required, this can be carried out by Ignition should always coincide with supply of gas to
machining the surface to a depth of 6 mm below the the burner.
highest point and estimating the machined surface
area. A.5 Calculation of gas flow rate
The Wobbe index of"t!!~2~t"estgas will normally be
A.2 Specimen construction provided by the gq~'~:UI?plier and is specified in
Where non-combustible packing is required BS 4947 as 19.49'lMJ7m3 for test gasG112. In
(see 9.1.1), the sheet immediately behind the addition, the c¥o~tatvalue of the specific supply to
specimen should be of non-combustible board be used should\b~, oEtained in order that the relative
similar to that specified in 8.1. Behind this, or density of t ~ can be checked to ensure that it
where the 12.7 mm board cannot be accommodated complies w e requirement of 7.2by
owing to lack of space, a non-combustible board or substitut!!l~}he actual values in the following
millboard may be used as required to fill the holder. expre iort':¥~
This may be necessary when the gasket prevents
the face of the specimen being in close contact with i4e d 't
enSI y
= (calorific value)
W obb e ill
. d ex
2
the walls of the combustion chamber.
.~2

(ThJ gas flow rate should be calculated as in the

A3 Conditioning of specimens following example.
Constant mass is proof of satisfactory conditionill For a gas of calorific value 11.81l\fJ/m3, and for
cellulosic materials may require more than tw the required heat output from the burner
weeks to achieve equilibrium with the atmosp of 527.5:l: 10 W (see 8.3.4), the required rate of
but some plastics materials take less time. O~her", flow is given by the following:
factors, e.g. curing before conditioning, m ""Yd to'
be taken into consideration. . 527.5 x 60 Llmin = 2.68 IJruin
11.81 xl 000
A4 Calibration NOTE Values for Wobbe index and calorific value are often
quoted in imperial units. Metric and imperial equivalences are as
A4.1 General follows:
When not in continuous use, at 1- wo calibration 1 MJ/m3 '" 238.86 calJL;
tests are carried out to establi istency. If the 1 W = 1 J/s'" 14.33 cal/min;
temperature rises for an appar are either 1 Btufft3 '" 0.0373 MJ/m3.
ou~side ~he allowable limitt(s~\'Table.l) or if the For the actual values quoted in the example
above, 527.5:l: 10 W '" 7 559 :l: 143 eallmin
calibratIOn value (see 8.4.2)"iQes not g1Ve the and 11.81 MJ/m3 '" 2 821 callL, and the expression for the gas
specified repeatability, t llowing points should flow rate is: .
be considered.
7 559 L/min = 2.68 Lfmin
A4.2 Density of t ibration sheet 2821

A low density shee "may give a high calibration A6 Cooling apparatus

value (C). Whe(~o~lstency of calibration is being
checked the same,clliibration sheet should be used The cooling of the apparatus to ambient
for successive tests. temperature between tests is important and may
take approximately 2 h. Care should be taken to
A4.3 Chimney/cowl ensure that the cooling is thorough and not merely
A heavy chimney and cowl will tend to give a low superficial, particularly if artificial means of cooling
calibration value. A highly polished surface will are used.
reduce heat loss and give a high calibration value
(see 5.5).
A.4.4 Temperature measuring system
This is a frequent source of erroneous results and
great care should be exercised to ensure that the hot
junctions of thermocouples, etc. are precisely
located. The sheathed thermocouples should be not
less than 100 mm long.

IGJBSI 2009 13
BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

A. 7 Product testing The following advice is offered on the construction

and preparation of test specimens.
Failure to achieve valid test results from certain
types of product described in 9.2 may be recognized a) Where the thermal properties ofthe product
by the following behaviour. are such that no significant heat loss to the
underlying layers can occur, e.g. a
a) Failure to maintain the required gas flow as
material/composite greater than
indicated by the flowmeter. An attempt should be approximately 6 mm thick of high thermal
made to maintain the required flow by opening
capacity and/or low thermal conductivity, then
the flow regulator without increasing the inlet
the product should be tested b' ed only by the
pressure to the flowmeter beyond 1.0 kPa.
specimen holder.
b) Melting or slumping of products. Escape of
b) Where the product is norm .. yused as a
molten prod ucts through the air inlet is obviously
free-standing sheet and,thl''Ch''aracteristics noted
visible during the test but slumping of a product
in a) do not apply, th~n\ap41.ir space should be
within the combustion chamber may occur and
can only be noted by continual close observation.
provided at the bac1p.'of the
product by testing
over non-combustib erimeter battens 20 mm
Shrinkage of some specimens into the specimen wide and 12.5 m fl c' .
holder may only be observed on completion of the .
tests. c) Where the pl;oduc is to be used over a low
density nori: o~rhf~tible substrate and the
c) Restriction of the flow of air and/or combustion
characteri~6ted iIi a) do not apply, then the
products through the apparatus. This may be
product snQ?- be tested
"F in conjunction with that
indicated by a drop in the temperature curve
substrate: :''''''.
caused by blockage of the air inlet by a collapsed k t
sample or of the throat of the chimney by massive er"e"tne product is to be used over a
carbon deposits. Severe blockage may result in stible substrate and the characteristics
flames emerging from the air inlet. if a! do n~t ap~ly, then the product should
b ed m cOnjUnctIOn with that substrate.
Appendix B Effect of thermal
characteristics on the performance of ARp-endix C Determination of dry
assemblies eftsity of calibration sheet
e calibration sheet shall be dried at a
With thin materials or composites, particularly
temperature of 103:l:: 2 °C to constant mass
those with a high thermal conductivity, the
(see footnote to 4.4) and allowed to cool in the
presenc~ of an air ga? and the nature of any '~~"''ll
desiccator. Weighing should be carried out to an
underlymg constructIOn may significantly the
accuracy of:l:: 0.1 g. The thickness of the sheet
ignition performance of the exposed surfa
should be measured at the quarter and midpoints of
Increasing the thermal capacity of the un
each side to an accuracy of 0.1 mm, the measuring
construction increases the "heat sink" '. and
instrument having flat contacting surfaces. The
may .delay ig~ition of the exposed surta: 'Any
mean of the twelve readings should be taken as the
backing prOVIded to the test speci " ..and in
thickness of the board and the linear dimensions of
intimate contact with it, such as till ~"".
each side should be measured to an accuracy
non-combustible packing pieces". ~ter this
of 0.5 mm.
"heat sink" effect and may be £ti.~damental to the
test result itself. The influe,!l',\):i: the underlying
layers on the performance ~fJi ssembly should be
understood and care should b aken to ensure that L

the result obtained on any assembly is relevant to

its use in practice.

14 @BST 2009
..
BS 476-6:1989+Al:2009

Publications referred to

BS 476, Fire tests on building Inaterials and structures.

BS 476-10, Guide to the principles and application of fire testing.
6) Text deleted <5J
.. BS 4422, Glossary of terms associated with fire .
BS 4422-1, The phenomenon of fire.
BS 4422-2, Building materials and structures.
BS 4422-5, Miscellaneous terms.
BS 4947, Specification for test gases for gas appliances.
PD 6498, Detail drawings for fire propagation apparatus specified in BS

TARIKH DIKEMBALIKAN (DATE DUE)

4) Referred to in the foreword only.

<Q BSI 2009

 BS 476-6:
1989+Al:2009
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