Smoke Leakage Testing
The smoke leakage test is an important safety measure that determines how well your fire doors and shutters will keep you safe in case of emergencies. This examination looks at the possibility for hot or cold air flow through them when they're activated during fires.
Why do I require Smoke Leakage Testing?
As an essential part of all building safety, doors require to perform various functions and achieve the correct the satisfactory level of performance as part of of the overall building outcome. Smoke Leakage testing is a critical process of your fire safety testing process. A fire door that is correctly halts and reduces the spread of flame, but allows a passageway for smoke is insufficient for the protection of life in the event of a fire incident.
What to expect from a smoke leakage test?
To evaluate smoke leakage at ambient temperatures, the test is conducted using a specially designed smoke leakage chamber that houses a partition to install the sample. The chamber uses fans to control the pressure exerted and includes a pressure transducer, a flow meter and digital displays to record pressure and leakage rates throughout the test. Leakage over the perimeter length of the opening element is used to determine the results. It is possible to evaluate both positive and negative pressures at ambient temperature. This can be done by simply reversing the chamber control fan's polarity to demonstrate leakage rates at ambient temperatures from both directions; leakage readings are taken at 10 pascals (Pa), 25 Pa and 50 Pa.
-
How much does a fire resistance test cost?Full-scale Fire Resistance tests are available from £7,800 plus VAT. However, every test is unique, and fees can vary based on the scope of work involved. During contract review, UKTC personnel will work collaboratively with customers to ensure that the broadest field of application is achieved whilst minimising investment.
-
What is BS 476 Part 22?BS 476 Part 22 is a key standard within the UK's building safety regulations that specifies methods for testing the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of construction, such as doors, shutters, and various types of ducts and dampers. This standard is instrumental in determining how these elements will perform in the event of a fire, ensuring they meet the necessary safety requirements to protect building occupants and property.
-
What is BS EN 1634-1?BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 is a European standard that specifies the test methods for assessing the fire resistance of door and shutter assemblies, including openable windows and elements of building hardware. This standard is crucial for evaluating how well these components can withstand fire, aiming to restrict fire development, limit its spread, and protect escape routes.
-
How long does it take to get results?On completion of the test, the responsible officer will confirm the results within 24 hrs. This will be followed by a comprehensive draft report within 14 days.
-
Can my product be changed from what was tested?Unlike fire resistance tests under British Standards, European standards provide a Direct Field of Application (DIAP) which detail the permissible changes from what was tested. An Extended Field of Application (EXAP) can also be undertaken which offers a great scope of variations than a DIAP.
-
What is third-party certification?Third-party certification is independent verification that a product or service fulfils certain criteria. With passive fire protection products, this normally involves a certification body assessing test results, carrying out a factory production control audit and undertaking periodic inspections to ensure constancy of performance. UKTC work with many approved certification providers, including Bluesky Certification, IFC Certification and UL Solutions.
-
What is UKCA Marking?UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking is the new product marking which will be required for certain products placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).
-
Does my product require UKCA Marking?The Construction Products Regulation in Great Britain states that any Construction Product covered by a UK Designated Standard must be UKCA marked.
