Harmonisation and equivalence of reaction-to-fire performance classification in Europe: a small-scale desk-based study

Transcription

1 Harmonisation equivalence of reaction-to-fire performance classification in Europe: a small-scale desk-based study 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

2 Harmonisation equivalence of reaction- to-fire performance in Europe EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The objective of this report is to provide an overview of harmonisation equivalence in reaction-to-fire performance classification in Europe. The report has been produced following a review of statutory guidance national & European Stards applicable in The UK (Engl Wales), Germany, France, Sweden, Italy The Netherls. THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCT REGULATIONS (CPR) The Construction Products Regulations 1 (CPR) came into force in April 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 stards technical approvals with a single set of European-wide technical specifications for construction products (i.e. harmonised European stards 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 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 2 nd requirement. HARMONISATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSIFICATION IN EUROPE The European Commission states that there are about 30 different national fire performance tests ( 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 stards; a classification stard, a suite of four test stards a stard covering specimen conditioning substrate selection. In accordance with the classification stard EN , a construction product is classified in the following manner: The main part of the classification is its letter A1, A2, B, C, D, E F. A1 is the highest level of performance, with F the lowest performance level A2 s1, d0 There is a smoke classification of s1, s2 or s3. s1 is the highest level of performance s3 is the lowest performance level 2 There is a classification of flaming droplets of d0, d1 or d2. d0 is the highest level of performance 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 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 of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC 2 Materials that are in Class A1do not require tests for smoke development or production of flaming droplets Clear Construction 1

3 Harmonisation equivalence of reaction- to-fire performance in Europe Table 1 Equivalence in reaction-to-fire performance classification in Europe 3 Euroclass In accordance with EN A1: 2009 UK (Engl Wales) In accordance with Approved Document B of the Building Regulations Germany France Sweden Italy Netherls In accordance with Bauregellisten, 26 th March 2012 In accordance with Arrete du 21 Novembre 2002 In accordnace with Regelssamling for bygge, BBR: 2012 EN In accordance with Decreto del Ministero dell interno 15 Marzo 2005 In accordnace with Bouwbesluit, 2012 A1 Non-combustible A1 Non-combustible A1 (Non-combustible prior to 1 st Jan 2012) Class 0 Non-combustible A2 Material of limited combustibility A2 M0 or M1 A2 (Material of limited combustibility prior to 1 st Jan 2012) Class 1 or Class 2 B Class 0 4 B1 M1 C Class 1 5 B1 M2 D Class 3 B2 M3 B (Class 1 surface lining prior to 1 st Jan 2012) C (Class 2 surface lining prior to 1 st Jan 2012) D (Class 1 surface lining prior to 1 st Jan 2012) Class 1 or Class 2 Class 1 or Class 2 Class 2 or Class 3 Class 3 Class 3 Class 4 E B2 M4 E F B3 F 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 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 stard. 4 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 which, when tested in accordance with BS 476-6, also have a fire propagation index (I) of not more than 12 a sub-index (i1) of not more than 6 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 Clear Construction 2

4 CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY...1 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS An overview of the Construction Products Regulations The seven basic requirements for construction works in the CPR Safety in case of fire CE marking the Construction Products Regulations EUROCLASS SYSTEM FOR REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE An overview of the Euroclass system for reaction-to fire performance EN : A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products building elements Overview of EN : A1: Performance classification for reaction-to fire REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS UK (ENGLAND AND WALES) Approved Document B Fire Overview of Approved Document B General content about internal fire spread (linings) National classification of performance Equivalence of UK European reaction-to-fire performance classes REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FRANCE National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in France Equivalence of French European reaction-to-fire performance classes REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS GERMANY National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Germany Equivalence of German European reaction-to-fire performance classes REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS SWEDEN National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Sweden Equivalence of Swedish European reaction-to-fire performance classes REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ITALY National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in Italy Equivalence of national European reaction-to-fire performance classes REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS THE NETHERLANDS National classification of reaction-to-fire performance in The Netherls Equivalence of national European reaction-to-fire performance classes APPENDICES APPENDIX: A USE AND DEFINITIONS OF NON-COMBUSTIBLE MATERIALS AND MATERIALS OF LIMITED COMBUSTIBILITY APPENDIX: B AN OVERVIEW OF BS 9999 AND BS 476, PARTS 4, 6, 7 AND APPENDIX: C CLASSIFICATION OF LININGS IN APPROVED DOCUMENT B Clear Construction 3

5 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 linear pipe thermal insulation products Table 3 National classification of reaction-to fire performance in Engl Wales Table 4 Equivalence of British 9 European reaction-to fire performance classes Table 5 National classification of reaction-to fire performance for rigid materials flexible materials thicker than 5mm in France Table 6 National classification of reaction-to fire performance flexible materials of thickness less than or equal to 5mm in France Table 7 Equivalence of French European reaction-to fire performance classes Table 8 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Germany. 19 Table 9 Equivalence of German European reaction-to fire performance classes Table 10 Equivalence of Swedish European reaction-to fire performance classes Table 11 Equivalence of national European reaction-to fire performance classes Table 12 Equivalence of national European reaction-to fire performance classes Table 13 Definitions of non-combustible materials in Approved Document B Table 14 Definitions of materials of limited combustibility in Approved Document B Table 15 Classification in accordance with BS Table 16 Classification of linings in Approved Document B FIGURES Figure 1 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Italy Clear Construction 4

6 1 INTRODUCTION There is a lack of clarity over product stards 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, installation of ventilation 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 stard 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 equivalence in reaction-to-fire performance stards 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 Clear Construction 5

7 2 THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the Construction Product Regulations AN OVERVIEW OF THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS The Construction Products Regulations (CPR) came into force in April It has been adopted by the European Commission the UK Government replaces the Construction Products Directive (CPD). The CPR becomes a statutory requirement in each European country when it is incorporated in national Building Regulations. 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 stards technical approvals with a single set of European-wide technical specifications for construction products (i.e. harmonised European stards or European Technical Approvals). The CPR builds on the success of the CPD, by allowing construction products that have been assessed against harmonised stards to be legally placed on the market anywhere in the European Economic Area. 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. Mechanical resistance stability. 2. Safety in case of fire. 3. Hygiene, health the environment. 4. Safety accessibility in use. 5. Protection against noise. 6. Energy economy heat retention. 7. Sustainable use of natural resources. 2.3 SAFETY IN CASE OF FIRE The CPR states that the construction works must be designed in built in a way that in the event of an outbreak of fire: 1. The load-bearing capacity of the construction can be assumed for a specific period of 2. The generation spread of fire smoke within the construction works are limited 6 Regulation (EU) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament of the Council of 9 March 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products repealing Council Directive 89/106/EEC Clear Construction 6

8 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 2.4 CE MARKING AND THE CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS REGULATIONS CE marking is a declaration by a manufacturer that a product meets all the appropriate provisions of the relevant legislation implementing certain European Directives. The European Union (EU) introduced the CE marking scheme to make trade easier cheaper between EU countries. A CE mark means that a manufacturer claims that their product conforms to the minimum legal requirements for health safety as laid down in EU directives. CE marking will soon become matory in the UK for products covered by a harmonised European stard. Manufacturers importers have until July 2013 to ensure that their construction products meet the CE requirements of the new Construction Products Regulations. According to the Regulations, the requirement for CE marking will apply to: "any product or kit which is produced placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works or parts thereof the performance of which has an effect on the performance of the construction works with respect to the basic requirements for construction works." Any products that fall under this definition that are placed on the market from July 2013 are covered by a harmonised stard, will have to be accompanied by a Declaration of Performance will need to display the CE mark. For products not covered, or not fully covered, by a harmonised European Stard (hen), CE marking may be applied through a European Technical Assessment (ETA), issued by an approved body. Clear Construction 7

9 3 EUROCLASS SYSTEM FOR REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the harmonised classification system for reaction-to-fire performance (Euroclass). The principal points of reference are: European Commission Decision 2000/147/EC: The clasification of the recationto-fire perfroamnce of construction products EN :2007 +A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products building elements. 3.1 AN OVERVIEW OF THE EUROCLASS SYSTEM FOR REACTION-TO FIRE PERFORMANCE 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. Many construction products covered by the CPR have a requirement related to their reaction to fire 7 their resistance to fire 8. Harmonisation in these areas is therefore crucial to the successful implementation of the CPR, because the existing national regulations classification systems present manufacturers with significant barriers to trade. The website of the European Commission states that there are about 30 different national fire performance tests ( 20 more ISO test methods) used by different Member States, with the result that there is very little in common between existing national classification systems. Manufacturers are therefore obliged to carry out many, expensive tests if they wish to market their products throughout Europe. The purpose of harmonisation is to facilitate the trade of building products between the member countries of the EU by removing trade barriers due to differences in test methods classification systems. Previously, products had to be tested classified according to national stards in each country in which they were launched to the market. In the new system, the Euroclass classification of a product is acknowledged in all member countries based on its performance in the harmonised fire tests. Testing for the Euroclass system is performed in accordance with test methods, defined in harmonised European stards published by the European Stardization body, CEN 9. The European classification system for reaction-to-fire testing consists of six stards; a classification stard, a suite of four test stards a stard covering specimen conditioning substrate selection. The British Stard versions of these documents are as follows: BS EN : Fire Classification of construction products building elements. Part 1: Classification using test data from reaction to fire tests. 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) 7 The performance of a material or system in a fire situation with regard to the amount rate of heat evolved, the amount rate of spread of flame, the amount rate of smoke toxic fume evolved 8 The ability of material or system in a fire situation to prevent the spread of flame /or smoke,, where relevant, to maintain mechanical stability. 9 Working group CEN/TC 127 Fire Safety in Buildings was responsible for producing these harmonised European stards Clear Construction 8

10 BS EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products - Building products excluding floorings exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning Item BS EN ISO : Reaction to fire tests Ignitability of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame Part 2: Single-flame source test BS EN 13238: Reaction to fire tests for building products Conditioning procedures general rules for selection of substrates. 3.2 EN : A1: 2009 FIRE CLASSIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS AND BUILDING ELEMENTS Overview of EN : A1: 2009 This European stard 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 stard was prepared by the CEN Technical Committee CEN/TC 127 Fire Safety in Buildings. The stard has its origins in the European Commission Decision 2000/147/EC of 8 th 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 stard EN : A1: 2009 can then be CE-marked if other properties specified in the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) have also been verified 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 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 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 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 : A1: 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 11 Materials that are in Class A1do not require tests for smoke development or production of flaming droplets Clear Construction 9

11 Table 2 Classes of reaction to fire performance for construction products excluding floorings linear pipe thermal insulation products Classification Test Method Classification criteria Additional classification A1 A2 EN ISO 1182: Reaction to fire tests for building products, non-combustibility test 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 Temperature rise (ΔT) 30 o C Mass loss (Δm) 50% Duration of sustained flaming 12 (t f) = 0s Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.0 MJ/kg Temperature rise (ΔT) 50 o C Mass loss (Δm) 50% Duration of sustained flaming (t f) = 20s Gross calorific potential (PCS) 3.0 MJ/kg EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item test Fire growth rate(figra) 120 W/s 1 Lateral flame spread < edge of specimen, Total heat release (THR 600s 7.5 MJ Smoke production 13 production of flaming droplets/particles 14 B EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item test EN ISO : Reaction to fire tests Ignitibility of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame Fire growth rate(figra) 120 W/s Lateral flame spread< edge of specimen, Total heat release (THR 600s 7.5 MJ Flame spread (F s) 150mm within 60 seconds Smoke production production of flaming droplets/particles C EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item test EN ISO : Reaction to fire tests Ignitibility of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame Fire growth rate(figra) 250 W/s Lateral flame spread< edge of specimen, Total heat release (THR 600s 15 MJ Flame spread (F s) 150mm within 60 seconds Smoke production production of flaming droplets/particles D EN 13823: Reaction to fire tests for building products, single burning item test EN ISO : Reaction to fire tests Ignitibility of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame Fire growth rate(figra) 750 W/s Flame spread (F s) 150mm within 60 seconds Smoke production production of flaming droplets/particles E EN ISO : Reaction to fire tests Ignitibility of building products subjected to direct impingement of flame Flame spread (F s) 150mm within 20 seconds Production of flaming droplets/particles F No performance determined 12 Sustained flaming is defined as the existence on or over the surface for a minimum period of time 13 s1 = Smoke growth rate (SMOGRA) 30m 2 /s 2 Total smoke production (TSP) 600s 50m 2. s2 = Smoke growth rate (SMOGRA) 180m 2 /s 2 Total smoke production (TSP) 600s 50m 2. s3 = not s1 or s2. 14 d0 = No flaming droplets/particles in EN (SBI) within 600s. d1 = no flaming droplets/particles persisting longer than 10s in EN (SBI) within 600s. d2 = not d0 not d1; ignition of the paper in EN ISO results in a d2 classification. Clear Construction 10

12 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 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 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 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. Clear Construction 11

13 4 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS UK (ENGLAND AND WALES) This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in the UK (Engl Wales) then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes. The principal points of reference are: 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 structures. 4.1 APPROVED DOCUMENT B FIRE Overview of Approved Document B Approved Document B deals with different aspects of fire safety. It has the following aims: To ensure satisfactory provision of means of giving an alarm of fire a satisfactory stard of means of escape for persons in the event of a fire in a building 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 to inhibit the unseen spread of smoke in concealed spaces in buildings General content about internal fire spread (linings) The document states that to inhibit the spread of fire within the building, the internal linings shall: Adequately resist the spread of flame over their surfaces; Have, if ignited, a rate of heat release or a rate of fire growth, which is reasonable in the circumstances The document states that the requirements for internal fire spread will be met if the spread of flame over the internal linings of the building is restricted by making provision for them to have low rates of surface spread of flame, in some cases, to have a low rate of heat release, so as to limit the contribution that the fabric of the building makes to fire growth. The document also states that in relation to the European fire tests classification system, the requirements for internal fire spread will be met if the heat released from internal linings is restricted by making provision for them to have a resistance to ignition a rate of fire growth which are reasonable in the circumstances Clear Construction 12

14 4.2 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF PERFORMANCE The national classifications are based on tests in BS 476: Fire tests on building materials structures: 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 : 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 its associated British Stards. Clear Construction 13

15 Table 3 National classification of reaction-to fire performance in the UK (Engl Wales) National classification Compliance criteria Comments Non-combustible Non-combustible materials are defined either as listed products in Table A6 of Approved Document B or in terms of the following performamce criteria a) Any material, which when tested to BS 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 : 2002 This is the highest level of reactionto-fire performance Please refer to Appendix A for more information about the use definitions of non-combustible materials Limited combustibility Class 0 Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 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 b) Any material of density 300kg/m 2 or more, which when tested to BS does not flame the rise in temperature on the furnace thermocouple is not more than 20 o C c) Any material classified as A2, s3, d2 or better in accordance with BS EN : 2002 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 a sub-index (i 1) of not more than 6 This classification is achieved when a material or product meets the following criteria for lateral spread of flame: 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: 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: 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) Please refer to Appendix A for more information about the use definitions of materials of limited combustibility This is the highest national product performance classification for lining materials. Class 0 is not a classification identified in any British Stard test It should not be assumed that a Class 0 material or product is noncombustible The determination of the fire propagation index in BS requires the results from three specimens, each producing valid tests results In the BS test to determine the classification of surface spread of flame, a minimum of six a maximum of nine specimens are subjected to a specific heating ignition regime. The test result is a function of the distance, rate of, the lateral spread of flame Class 4 Exceeding limits for Class 3 Clear Construction 14

16 4.3 EQUIVALENCE OF UK 15 AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES It is important to note that the national classifications for reaction-to-fire do not automatically equate with European reaction-to-fire classifications. This is because the methodologies 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 stard. However, with reference to the contents of Approved Document B, the following table equates national performance classes with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products building elements. Table 4 Equivalence of UK European reaction-to fire performance classes National classification European Classification (Euroclass) Comments Non-combustible A1 This comparison is derived from the definition of noncombustible materials in Approved Document B Limited combustibility Class 0 A2, s3, d2 (or better) B, s3, d2 (or better) This comparison is derived from the definition of materials of limited combustibilityin Approved Document B When a classification includes s3, d2, this means that there is no limit set for smoke production /or flaming droplets/particles This comparison is derived from Table 10 in Approved Document B, which classifies linings Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 C, s3, d2 (or better) No equivalence is given in the Approved Documents of the Building Regulations D, s3, d2 (or better) 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 This comparison is derived from Table 10 in Approved Document B, which classifies linings 15 In the context of this report, the term UK relates to Building Regulations in Engl Wales Clear Construction 15

17 5 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FRANCE This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in France then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes. The principal points of reference are: Arrete du 21 Novembre 2002, which defines the test methods performance classifications relating to reaction-to-fire performance of construction products, NF P : 2004, Safety against fire Classification of building products according to their reaction to fire. 5.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN FRANCE The national reaction-to-fire classification system in France defines performance as non-combustible or combustible. Combustible materials products are divided into 5 categories, M0, M1, M2, M3, M4 M4, with M0 is the best level of performance M4 the worst. The following two tables show the classification system associated compliance criteria. The first table is for rigid materails flexible materials thicker than 5mm. The second table is for flexible materials of thickness up to 5mm. Table 5 National classification of reaction-to fire performance for rigid materials flexible materials thicker than 5mm in France National classification Compliance criteria Comments Temperature rise (ΔT) 30 o C Incombustible Mass loss (Δm) 50% (Non-combustible) Duration of sustained flaming (t f) = 0s Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.0 MJ/kg Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.5 MJ/kg M0 Q = 0 ΔT < 5 M1 Q < 2.5 M2 Q < 15 M3 Q < 50 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 Q is a classification index based on the average of the follow criteria of test NF P : where: q = 100 h t i ΔT h is the maximum length of flame in any 30 second period t i is time of delay before ignition ΔTis the total duration of combustion M4 Material not conforming with the above performance categories, V p< 2 mm/s V p is the speed of flame propogation when tested in accordance with NF P Clear Construction 16

18 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 Comments Incombustible (Non-combustible) M0 M1 (no droplets) M1 (droplets non-ignited) M2 (no droplets) 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) M4 (where the test wadding ignites) Temperature rise (ΔT) 30 o C Mass loss (Δm) 50% Duration of sustained flaming (t f) = 0s Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.0 MJ/kg Gross calorific potential (PCS) 2.5 MJ/kg t f 5s no inflammation of the test wadding t f 5s no inflammation of the test wadding t f 5s no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 35 cm no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 35 cm no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 60 cm I d < 9 cm no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 60 cm I d < 9 cm no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 35 cm no inflammation of the test wadding L d < 60 cm I d < 9 cm no inflammation of the test wadding Material not conforming with the above performance categories, V p< 2 mm/s 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 These compliance criteria are derived from test NF P where: t f is the duration of inlammation or ignition L d is the length destroyed l d is the width destroyed V p is the speed of flame propogation when tested in accordance with NF P Clear Construction 17

19 5.2 EQUIVALENCE OF FRENCH AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES It is important to note that the national classifications for reaction-to-fire do not automatically equate with European reaction-to-fire classifications. This is because the methodologies 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 stard. The following table equates French national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products building elements. This material is derived from Arrete du 21 Novembre 2002 Table 7 Equivalence of French European reaction-to fire performance classes 16 National classification Eurpean Classification (Euroclass) Comments Incombustible (Non-combustible) M0 A1 A2, s1, d0 M1 A2, s1, d1 A2, s2, d0 A2, s3, d1 B, s1, d0 or d1 B, s2, d0 or d1 B, s3, d0 or d1 The d1 level of perfromance is only accepted for prodcuts that are not thermofusible in test conditions M2 C, s1, d0 or d1 C, s2, d0 or d1 C, s3, d0 or d1 The d1 level of perfromance is only accepted for prodcuts that are not thermofusible in test conditions M3 D, s1, d0 or d1 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 (no droplets) D, s1, d0 or d1 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 All other classes other than E, d2 F 16 This table relates to construction products other than floors Clear Construction 18

20 6 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS GERMANY This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in Germany then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes. The principal points of reference are: DIN ,1998: Fire behviour of building materials elements - Classification of building materials, requirements testing Bauregellisten (Building Regulation Lists) produced by the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik, dated 26 th March NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN GERMANY In Germany, building materials are classified according to their fire behaviour as shown in the table below. This information has been derived from DIN :1998. Table 8 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Germany National classification Compliance criteria Comments When subjected to the furnace test: A1 A2 Duration of sustained flaming (t f) = 0s Temperature rise (ΔT) 30 o C meet the requirements for Class A2 compliance Products can be clasifiedwhen subjected to the furnace test: Duration of sustained flaming (t f) = 20s Temperature rise (ΔT) 50 o C Mass loss (Δm) 50% Class A materials are designated as non-combustible Class A1 materials shall not realease any ignitable gases or any consuderable amount of heat. For Class A2 materials, the heat realease spread of fire shall be minimal, the release of any ignitable gases limited any generation of smoke shall not be hazardous to health B1 B2 B3 When tested in accordance with DIN using bradschacht apparatus specified in DIN : The mean value for the residual length (portion of the specimen that has not burned or charred) of each specimen is at least 15cm no individual values are lower than 0 cm the mean effluent temperature does not exceed 200 o C in any test meet the requirements for Class B2 compliance When subjected to an ignitibility test using a small cabinet as in DIN : 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 Class B materials are designated as combustible, with the following descriptions: B1 Not easily flammable B2 Flammable B3 Easily flammable For class B1 materials the extent of combustion in test conditions shall not reach beyond the primary fire area the heat relase shall be minimal In test conditions, the ignitibility flame spread of class B2 materials shall be limited over a defined period Clear Construction 19

21 6.2 EQUIVALENCE OF GERMAN AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES It is important to note that the national classifications for reaction-to-fire do not automatically equate with European reaction-to-fire classifications. This is because the methodologies 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 stard. The following table equates German national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products building elements. The information has been derived from the Bauregellisten (Building Regulation Lists) produced by the Deutsches Institut für Bautechnik, dated 26 th March 2012 DIN ; Table 9 Equivalence of German European reaction-to fire performance classes 17 National classification (according to DIN ) Additional requirements (X denotes required performance) No smoke No burning droplets/particles Euroclass (according to DIN EN ) A1 (Non-combustible) A2 (Non-combustible) X X A1 X X A2-s1, d0 X X B s1,d0 C s1,d0 X A2 s2,d0 A2 s3,d0 B s3,d0 C s2,d0 B1 (Not easily flammable) X B s2,d0 A2 s1,d2 B s1,d1 B s1,d2 C s3,d0 C s1,d1 C s1,d2 A2 s3,d2 B s3,d2 C s3,d2 B2 (Flammable) X D s1,d0 D s2,d0 D s1,d1 D s2,d1 D s3,d0 E D s1,d2 D s2,d2 D s3,d1 D s3,d2 B3 (Easily flammable) F 17 This table relates to construction products other than floors Clear Construction 20

22 7 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS SWEDEN This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in Sweden then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes. The principal points of reference are: Regelssamling for bygge, BBR: 2012 (Rules regulations for construction) Swedish Research Institute guidance about European fire classification of materials, construction products building elements 18 Swedish Building Regulations (BBR) adopted on 4 th October 2011 specifically BFS 2011:26, safety in case of fire NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN SWEDEN On the 1 st January 2012, new Building Regulations were adopted in Sweden (BBR 2012). The old national classes for reaction-to-fire performance have been replaced with reaction-to-fire classes based on EN The old classification system was based on testing in accordance with SS (NT Fire 004): Building products heat release smoke generation SS (NT Fire 001): Building products non-combustibility test. These tests classified materials products as non-combustible, material of limited combustibility, class 1 surface lining, class 2 surface lining or class 3 surface lining. There were also separate classifications for flooring materials, for example. 7.2 EQUIVALENCE OF SWEDISH AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES The following table equates Swedish national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products building elements. The information has been derived from the points of reference given above. Table 10 Equivalence of Swedish European reaction-to fire performance classes 20 National classification European Classification (Euroclass) Comments Non-combustible Material of limited combustibility Class 1 surface lining Class 2 surface lining Class 3 surface lining A1 A2-s1, d0 B-s1, d0 C-s2, d0 D-s2, d This table relates to construction products other than floors Clear Construction 21

23 8 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS ITALY This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in Italy then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes. The principal points of reference are: Ministerial Decree, 10 th March 2005 Reaction-to fire classes for building products Ministerial Decree, 26 th June 1984 its 2001 amendment Reaction-to-fire classification approval of materials for fire prevention Fire performance test stard UNI 9177: Reaction to fire - Combustible products classification UNI EN ISO 1182: 2010, Reaction to fire tests for building products, noncombustibility test 8.1 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN ITALY The Ministerial Decree of 26th June 1984 its 2001 amendment governs the classification of reaction-to-fire performance the approval of materials for fire prevention in Italy. The national reaction-to-fire classification system in Italy defines performance as noncombustible or combustible. Class 0 materials are non-combustible are tested in accordnace with UNI EN ISO 1182: Combustible materials products are divided into 5 categories, 1, 2, 3, 4 5, with 1 the best level of performance 5 the worst. The national reaction-to-fire performance classifications for combustible materials are determined by using the results from a combination of the three tests shown below. 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. Clear Construction 22

24 Figure 1 National classification of reaction-to fire performance building materials in Italy 8.2 EQUIVALENCE OF NATIONAL AND EUROPEAN REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE CLASSES The following table equates Italian national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products building elements. The information has been derived from the Ministerial Decree, 10 th March Table 11 Equivalence of national European reaction-to fire performance classes 22 National classification Eurpean Classification (Euroclass) Comments Class 0 Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 A1 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 B-s2, d0 B-s1, d1 B-s2, d1 Ceilings A2-s1, d0 A2-s2, d0 A2-s3, d0 A2-s1, d1 A2-s2, d1 A2-s3, d1 B-s1, d0 B-s2, d0 B-s3, d0 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 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 C-s3,d2 D-s1,d0 D-s2,d0 D-s1,d1 D-s2,d1 Ceilings C-s1, d1 C-s2,d1 C-s3,d1 D-s1,d0 D-s2,d0 21 Decreto del Ministero dell interno 15 Marzo This table relates to construction products other than floors Clear Construction 23

25 9 REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS THE NETHERLANDS This aim of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of the classification system for reaction-to-fire performance in The Netherls then compare national performance classes with Euroclass performance classes. The principal points of reference are the 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 NATIONAL CLASSIFICATION OF REACTION-TO-FIRE PERFORMANCE IN THE NETHERLANDS On the 1 st April 2012, the new Bouwbesluit 2012 (Building Act) came into effect in The Netherls. For new buildings, reaction-to-fire performance will be classified in accordance with classes based on NEN EN , not the old national classes for reaction-to-fire performance. Reaction-to-fire performance in existing buildings will continue to be controlled in accordance with the old classification system. The old system was based on the stards NEN 6064, NEN 6065 NEN 6066, described above. The national reaction-to-fire classification system in The Netherls defines performance as non-combustible or combustible. Combustible materials products are divided into 4 categories, 1, 2, 3 4 with 1 the best level of performance 4 the worst Equivalence of national European reaction-to-fire performance classes The following table equates Netherls national performance classes for reaction-to-fire with European classes (Euroclasses) given in EN A1: 2009 Fire classification of construction products building elements. The information has been derived from the following The Dutch Building Regulations 2012 (Bouwbesluit 2012) Table 12 Equivalence of national European reaction-to fire performance classes 23 National classification European Classification (Euroclass) Comments Non-combustible Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 A1 B-s2 or C B-s2 or C C-s2 D-s2 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 23 This table relates to construction products other than floors Clear Construction 24