Euro classification / EN 13501-1
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European classification standard
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Ranks reaction-to-fire behaviour, smoke and dripping
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In Europe some fire disasters pointed out the importance of safety in the event of fire. The European Commission, supported by a Group of National Fire Regulators, proposed a completely new classification system, based partially on existing test methods, but partially, and critically for many construction products, on a completely new test, the so-called “single burning item” (SBI) test.
In consequence, all national classes have been replaced by “Euroclasses”. Traditionally each country had its own fire tests which created barriers to free trade. The introduction of new European standard tests (ENs) and classifications has simplified this and provides a better view on differences between the Member States. However the test methods are equal today, all Member States are allowed to implement the classifications differently.
The ‘Euro classification’ became valid 1st.Januari 2001 and after that date, the traditional, national fire codes and classifications for construction products were recognized on the national market for a period of time (5 years). At the end of this period, only European classification should have been valid, at both national and European levels. The implementation of the so called ‘Euro classification’ took a lot longer than 5 years but slowly these fire standards and classifications are known and accepted by the whole European building industry.
The European classification standard EN 13501-1 ranks construction materials in 7 classes with regard to their reaction-to-fire fire behavior: A1, A2, B, C, D, E and F.
Euroclass | Coverage |
A1 & A2 | will cover products that do not contribute to the development of a fire |
B | will cover products that have a very little contribution to fire |
C | will cover products that have a limited contribution to fire |
D | will cover products that have a contribution to fire |
E | will cover products that have a contribution to fire and are only able to resist ignition by a small flame for a short period. |
F | is for products that have shown no performance criteria. |
Besides this reaction-to-fire classification, the Euroclass classification system will rate also smoke (class s1 to s3) and dripping (class d0 to d2).
For a Euroclass classification, materials need to be tested and the required classification describes how the material should be tested:
Euroclass | Coverage |
A1 | EN ISO 1182 and EN ISO 1716 |
A2 | EN ISO 1182 or EN ISO 1716 and EN 13823 (SBI) |
B, C, D | EN 13823 (SBI) and EN ISO 11925-2 |
E | EN ISO 11925-2 |
F | Fire behavior not determined/no performance |
General
Fire safety is a vey important issue in today’s society. Fire proof materials are needed to reduce the loss of lives and property damage. The number of fire regulations controlling the use of materials is growing fast.
Legislation
This theme gathers maybe the largest number of standards, regulations or legislations at national level as well at international level.