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Whether you're new to the industry or not, the two terms can often be confusing. In our latest blog, we explain some of the important distinctions between the two terms. Reaction to Fire Reaction to fire tests look at how a material behaves when it is exposed to fire. The European standard, BS EN 13501-1, is used to determine the reaction to fire classification of construction materials. BS EN 13501-1 evaluates the fire performance of construction products through a series of tests that assess their reaction to fire, smoke production, and flaming droplets. There are seven classification groups, from A1 which is non-combustible to F which is combustible. The classifications are A1, A2, B, C, D, E, and F. A1 – Non-combustible materials – do not contribute to the development of a fire. A2 – Materials with limited combustibility – do not contribute to the development. B – Combustible – limited contribution to fire. C - Combustible – minor contribution to fire. D – Combustible – contributes to fire. E – Combustible – will only resist a small flame for a few seconds. F – Materials that have not been classified or have not met the minimum requirements of class E. To learn more about UKTC's reaction to fire testing, click here. What is Fire Resistance Testing? The fire resistance of a product refers to a material’s ability to withstand and endure the effects of a fire, including high temperatures and flames, among other fire-related conditions and preventing it from spreading elsewhere. Fire resistance testing involves a product specimen within a supporting construction mounted to a furnace. Loadbearing capacity Integrity Insultation   Loadbearing Capacity This is the support system of the building and its occupants. Loadbearing capacity measures the product’s ability to remain intact and fulfil its intended use without collapsing. Some materials may have a significant loss in strength when exposed to the prolonged effects of fire. Integrity (E) Integrity refers to the time that a component can withstand and prevent fire and smoke from breaching into the compartmentation of the building. Insulation (I) Insulation is a measurement the time it takes for the material to withstand the heat generated from a fire and prevent it from breaching the building’s compartmentation. To learn more about UKTC's fire resistance testing services, click here . Why is it important to understand the difference between fire resistance and reaction to fire? The performance of a material can vary between fire resistance and reaction to fire testing. Therefore, it is crucial for decision makers to review the appropriate fire test evidence to ensure the chosen building material meet the requirements for their intended application.   If you’re looking for fire testing and certification services, contact us today.

United Kingdom Testing & Certification is celebrating another record year. The East Kilbride based laboratory has seen its headcount double as well as a record number of tests and two award nominations. From its UKAS accredited testing laboratory, UKTC have delivered more than 450 fire resistance tests whilst maintaining an industry-leading 4-week turnaround time for final reports for clients across the UK. The testing and certification business is now looking forward to the new year with plans already underway to increase its capacity for both Fire Resistance and Reaction to Fire testing. United Kingdom Testing & Certification is a leading UKAS accredited testing laboratory offering fire resistance, reaction to fire and certification services for passive fire product manufacturers across the UK.

Next in our ‘Let’s Learn’ series is BS EN 1365-1:2012, a European standard that specifies testing methods for the fire resistance of load bearing walls, including both internal and external walls. What is BS EN 1365-1:2012? BS EN 1365-1:2012 is a European standard that specifies the testing methods for evaluating the fire resistance of load bearing walls, including both internal and external walls. The standard assesses the ability of a wall to withstand fire exposure while maintaining its structural load bearing capacity, which is crucial for ensuring the safety and integrity of a building during a fire. What is the Scope of BS EN 1365-1:2012? The scope of BS EN 1365-1:2012 includes: Applicability: It applies to internal and external load bearing walls. Exclusions: The standard does not cover non-separating load-bearing walls, which are addressed under EN 1365-4 (testing as columns). Testing Conditions: It tests walls without perforations like doors or windows. Effects of any openings or fire-resistant features must be assessed separately. Exposure Conditions: The fire resistance performance can be assessed under conditions simulating either internal or external fire exposure. How do we test for BS EN 1365-1:2012 Compliance? Testing for compliance with BS EN 1365-1:2012 involves several key steps: 1. Preparation: Assemble the wall unit as it would be used in practice, ensuring it is representative of actual construction, including its materials and method of construction. 2. Load Application: Apply a specified load to the wall to simulate real-world stress conditions during a fire. 3. Heating Protocol: Subject the wall to a controlled heating environment that mimics fire conditions as per EN 1363-1:1999 standards. 4. Monitoring: Use thermocouples and other measurement tools to assess the wall's integrity, insulation, and load bearing capacity throughout the test. 5. Documentation: Record all observations regarding the wall's performance in terms of structural integrity and thermal transmission. What test procedures do we use? The test procedures used under BS EN 1365-1:2012 include: Installation: The wall specimen is installed in a test frame designed to replicate its use in a building. Load Simulating: A load is applied to simulate the actual conditions under which the wall would need to perform during a fire. Fire Exposure: The wall is exposed to a specific temperature curve intended to replicate the progression of a fire over time. Data Collection: Data on thermal transfer and structural behaviour (such as deflection and potential failure points) is collected using various sensors and monitoring equipment. What is the Criteria for success? The criteria for success in the BS EN 1365-1:2012 test is: Load bearing Capacity (R): The wall must maintain its required load-bearing capacity throughout the test duration without excessive deflection or collapse. Insulation (I): The wall must prevent the transmission of heat to the unexposed side to such a degree that it does not exceed temperature limits that would cause ignition of materials on the unexposed side. Integrity (E): The wall should not develop openings or cracks large enough to allow the passage of flames or hot gases. Are you looking to find out more information on fire resistance testing? Contact us at info@uktestcert.com or call us on 01355 433122; our experienced team will be happy to help.

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