BS EN 15269 Explained: How EXAPs Extend Your Fire Test Evidence
A fire test tells you how one specimen performed. But most manufacturers don't sell one product. They sell a range of sizes, configurations, glazing options, hardware choices and finishes.
The BS EN 15269 series provides a framework of rules that lets a test result go further than the specimen tested. The BS EN 15269 series provides the rules for developing Extended Field of Application (EXAP) reports for fire-resisting and smoke-control doors, shutters and openable windows.
What is BS EN 15269?
BS EN 15269 is a series of standards setting out how test results for fire resistance and/or smoke control can be extended. It applies to door, shutter and openable window assemblies, including their building hardware, tested to BS EN 1634-1 (fire resistance) or BS EN 1634-3 (smoke control).
The rules are built on agreed expert judgement, informed by years of testing experience. Applied correctly, they let an approved body predict how a product variation would perform without testing every variation.
Part 1 sets the general principles. The remaining parts apply them to specific product types:
Part | Product type covered |
BS EN 15269-2 | Hinged and pivoted steel doorsets |
BS EN 15269-3 | Hinged and pivoted timber doorsets and openable timber framed windows |
BS EN 15269-4 | Hinged and pivoted glass doorsets |
BS EN 15269-5 | Hinged and pivoted metal framed glazed doorsets and openable windows |
BS EN 15269-7 | Steel sliding doorsets |
BS EN 15269-10 | Steel rolling shutter assemblies |
BS EN 15269-11 | Operable fabric curtains |
BS EN 15269-20 | Smoke control for doors, shutters, operable fabric curtains and openable windows |
Direct application vs extended application
The relevant European fire test standards include a Direct Field of Application (DIAP), which defines the permitted variations from the specimen tested. It is based on a single test and is deliberately limited to what can be extended.
An Extended Field of Application report (EXAP) goes further. It applies prescribed rules and can draw on the results of multiple tests to cover a wider range of product variations.
How do the EXAP rules work?
As an approved body, UKTC follows a structured process to develop an Extended Field of Application (EXAP):
A manufacturer would identify what they need from an Extended Field of Application. This would typically cover their full product range or a specialist segment of their product catalogue.
A Technical Services Officer would create a gap analysis document to identify all the test evidence required to achieve the manufacturer’s desired product scope.
The manufacturer would complete any additional testing identified by the Technical Services Officer. Without this, a manufacturer would be unable to achieve the full extension sought in the original request.
Following completion of the additional testing, and upon receipt of the test reports, the Technical Services team would begin the development of the EXAP. Completion times depend on the complexity and extent of the proposed scope.
What an EXAP can’t do.
No rule, no extension. If the tables have no rule for a variation, it can't be covered without more testing.
An EXAP cannot increase a classification. Extension retains the classification achieved in testing. It never increases it beyond what any single test achieved, unless a table specifically says otherwise.
BS 476 evidence cannot generally be extended through BS EN 15269. The primary evidence used for an EXAP must come from testing to the relevant European standards, except where the applicable EXAP rules specifically permit other evidence. This is one reason the transition to BS EN evidence matters ahead of 2 September 2029, when BS 476 fire resistance references are due to be removed from Approved Document B in England.
It can't replace testing entirely. At least one test on the product is always required.
An EXAP report must be produced in accordance with the relevant extended application standards and clearly document the test evidence, calculations, permitted variations and resulting scope. The EXAP can then support classification under BS EN 13501-2.
How can UKTC help?
The most efficient EXAPs are planned before testing starts. The standards themselves recommend considering the whole product range up front to minimise the testing needed.
UKTC's Technical Services team works with manufacturers to maximise their fire test evidence. Find out more about our EXAP service, or contact our team to talk through your product range.
