Published 18 January 2023
The purpose of evaluating fire resistance is to examine how a building element reacts to specific heat and pressure conditions. This process quantifies the element's ability to withstand high temperatures by measuring its loadbearing capacity, fire containment (integrity), thermal transmittance (insulation), and other characteristics.
Within Great Britain's regulatory frameworks, British Standards and European Normative test methods co-exist as a means of demonstrating compliance. However, it's important to note that European Normatives relating to fire resistance testing have been gradually replacing their British counterparts.
Standards are technical specifications defining requirements for products, production processes, services or test-methods. These specifications are voluntary. They are developed by industry and market actors following some basic principles such as consensus, openness, transparency and non-discrimination. Standards ensure interoperability and safety, reduce costs and facilitate companies' integration in the value chain and trade.
European Standards
European Standards are under the responsibility of the European Standardisation Organisations (CEN, CENELEC, ETSI) and can be used to support EU legislation and policies.
Below, is a comprehensive list of European Standards that relate to the fire resistance of building elements.
BS EN 13501-2: 2016 - Fire classification of construction products and building elements - Classification using data from fire resistance tests, excluding ventilation services
BS EN 13501-2 is the second part of the multi-series standard that is applicable to the fire classification of construction products and building elements. It is the procedure for classification of construction products and building elements using data from fire resistance and smoke leakage tests which are within the direct field of application of the relevant test method. Classification on the basis of extended application of test results is also included in the scope of BS EN 13501-2.
BS EN 1363-1:2020 - Fire resistance tests - General requirements
BS EN 1363-1 establishes the general principles for determining the fire resistance of various elements of construction when subjected to standard fire exposure conditions. Alternative and additional procedures to meet special requirements are given in EN 1363-2. The principle that has been embodied within all European standards relating to fire resistance testing is that where aspects and procedures of testing are common to all specific test methods e.g. the temperature/time curve, then they are specified in this test method. The test results obtained might be directly applicable to other similar elements, or variations of the element tested. The extent to which this application is permitted depends upon the field of direct application of the test result.
BS EN 1363-2:1999 - Fire resistance tests - Alternative and additional procedures
BS EN 1363-2:1999 specifies alternative heating conditions and other procedures that may need to be adopted under special circumstances. This standard shall be read in conjunction with EN 1363-1. Details of the alternative hydrocarbon, slow heating and external fire exposure heating curves and the additional impact test and measurement of radiation procedures are included within this standard. Within the appropriate clause for each procedure is given an explanation as to why it may be necessary. Unless one of the alternative heating regimes is specifically required, the standard temperature-time curve given in EN 1363-1 shall be used. Similarly, the impact test and measurement of radiation shall only be undertaken when they are specifically requested.
BS EN 1364-1:2015 - Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements - Walls
BS EN 1364 is a series of the European standard on fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements when exposed to heating conditions. BS EN 1364-1 is the first part of the BS EN 1364 series of documents that specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of non-loadbearing walls. BS EN 1364-1 is applicable to internal non-loadbearing walls (partitions), with and without glazing, non-loadbearing walls consisting almost wholly of glazing (glazed non-loadbearing walls) and other non-loadbearing internal and external non-loadbearing walls with and without glazing. The fire resistance of external non-loadbearing walls can be determined under internal or external exposure conditions. In the latter case, the external fire exposure curve given in EN 1363-2 is used. Specific requirements for testing glazed elements or non-loadbearing walls incorporating glazing are given in Annex A. Specific requirements relating to the testing of non-loadbearing external and internal walls designed to span horizontally between two independently proven fire-resisting vertical structural elements are given in Annex B.
BS EN 1364-2:2018 - Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements - Ceilings
BS EN 1364-2 is the second part of the multi-series standard that is applicable to the fire resistance of ceilings. This part of EN 1364 specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of ceilings, which in themselves possess fire resistance independent of any building element above them. This European Standard is used in conjunction with BS EN 1363-1. The contribution to fire resistance which a suspended ceiling might provide as a protective membrane to loadbearing elements is determined using the procedure given in EN 13381-1. The fire resistance of loadbearing floors in conjunction with a suspended ceiling can also be assessed by using tests according to EN 1365-2.
BS EN 1364-3:2014 - Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements - Curtain walling. Full configuration (complete assembly)
BS EN 1364-3 is the third part of the multiple series that specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of curtain walling – full configuration. BS EN 1364-3 is used in conjunction with EN 1363-1.
BS EN 1364-4:2014 - Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements - Curtain walling. Part configuration
BS EN 1365-1:2012 - Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements - Walls
BS EN 1365-2:2014 - Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements - Floors and roofs
BS EN 1365-2 is the second part of the multiple series that specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of:
Floor constructions, without cavities or with unventilated cavities
Roof constructions, with or without cavities (ventilated or unventilated)
Floor and roof constructions incorporating glazing
With fire exposure from the underside
BS EN 1365-3:2000 - Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements - Beams
BS EN 1365-3 specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of beams with or without applied fire protection systems and with or without cavities. This standard is used in conjunction with EN 1363-1.
Beams which are part of a floor construction are tested with the floor construction as described in EN 1365-2 and are subject to evaluation of integrity and insulation.
General guidance on this method of test is given in Annex A.
BS EN 1365-4:1999 - Fire resistance tests for loadbearing elements - Columns
BS EN 1365-4 focuses on load bearing elements. The aim of the BS EN 1365 series is to ensure the building elements are fireproof which ensure the safety of the residents. BS EN 1365-4 is a fourth of part of the BS EN 1365 series of standards specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of column of fully exposed to fire on all sides. Is used in conjunction with EN 1361-1.
BS EN 1366-1:2014+A1:2020 - Fire resistance tests for service installations - Ventilation ducts
BS EN 1366 discusses fire resistance in structures. BS EN 1366-1 is the first part of the BS EN 1366 multi-series and elaborates on tests for fire resistance ventilation ducts. BS EN 1366-1 specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of vertical and horizontal ventilation ducts including those access panels, which are an integral part of the tested ducts. The test examines the behaviour of ducts exposed to fire from the outside and fire inside the duct.
BS EN 1366-2:2015 - Fire resistance tests for service installations - Fire dampers
BS EN 1366-2 is the second part of the BS EN 1366 specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of fire dampers installed in fire separating elements designed to withstand heat and the passage of fire, smoke and gases at high temperature.
BS EN 1366-3:2021 - Fire resistance tests for service installations - Penetration seals
BS EN 1366-4 is the fourth part of a multi-series specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of linear joint seals based on their intended end-use. Perimeter seals of curtain walling are excluded from this part of the EN 1366 series.
The following tests are included in this document:
No mechanically induced movement
Mechanically induced movement
The load-bearing capacity of a linear joint seal is not addressed in this part of the EN 1366 series. No information can be implied by the test concerning the influence of the inclusion of linear joint seals on the loadbearing capacity of the separating element.
Tests in accordance with this part of the EN 1366 series are not intended to provide quantitative information on the rate of leakage of smoke and/or hot gases, or on the transmission or generation of fumes.
BS EN 1366-4:2021 - Fire resistance tests for service installations - Linear joint seals
BS EN 1366-4 is the fourth part of a multi-series specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of linear joint seals based on their intended end-use. Perimeter seals of curtain walling are excluded from this part of the BS EN 1366 series.
The following tests are included in this document:
No mechanically induced movement
Mechanically induced movement
The load-bearing capacity of a linear joint seal is not addressed in this part of the EN 1366 series. No information can be implied by the test concerning the influence of the inclusion of linear joint seals on the loadbearing capacity of the separating element.
Tests in accordance with this part of the BS EN 1366 series are not intended to provide quantitative information on the rate of leakage of smoke and/or hot gases, or on the transmission or generation of fumes.
BS EN 1366-5:2021 - Fire resistance tests for service installations - Service ducts and shafts
BS EN 1366-5 is the fifth part of a multi-series specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of horizontal service ducts and vertical service shafts, which pass through walls or floors and enclose pipes and cables, to classify them according to BS EN 1366‑5. The test scenario examines the behaviour of ducts and shafts exposed to fire either from outside or from inside the system. This document is intended to be read in conjunction with BS EN 1366‑5.
BS EN 1366-5 does not examine the risk of fire spread as a result of thermal conduction along the piping or cabling installed in service ducts or shafts or thermal conduction through the media these pipes carry
BS EN 1366-5 does not cover the risk of damage produced by thermal elongation or shortening of tubes and cables as a result of fire or damaged pipe suspensions. This document does not give guidance on how to test one-, two- or three-sided service ducts or shafts.
NOTE-Guidance on testing service ducts and shafts of less than four sides will be covered in the extended field of application rules being developed by CEN/TC 127.
BS EN 1366-6:2004 - Fire resistance tests for service installations - Raised access and hollow core floors
BS EN 1366-8:2004 - Fire resistance tests for service installations - Smoke extraction ducts
BS EN 1366-9:2008 - Fire resistance tests for service installations - Single compartment smoke extraction ducts
BS EN 1366-9 focuses on fire resistance tests for service installations. The aim of BS EN 1366-9 ensures the correct installation and performance of the apparatus to avoid an emergency situation. BS EN 1366-9 is the ninth part of the BS EN 1366 series of standards specifies a test method for determining the fire resistance of smoke extraction ducts that are used for single compartment applications only. In such applications, the smoke extraction system is only intended to function up to flashover (typically 600 °C). This method of test is only suitable for ducts constructed from non-combustible materials (euro class A1 and A2-s1, d0).
BS EN 1366-9 is applicable only to four sided and circular ducts. One, two and three sided ducts are not covered. This test has been designed to cover horizontal smoke extraction ducts intended for single compartment applications only. This test method of BS EN 1366-9 is applicable only to smoke extraction ducts that do not pass through into other fire compartments. It represents fire exposure of a developing fire (pre-flashover). For smoke extraction ducts that pass through into other compartments, the method of test described in BS EN 1366-8 should be used. The smoke extraction duct is part of the smoke extraction system which also includes smoke control dampers and smoke extract fans. The method described in this test BS EN 1366-9 is complex and requires sophisticated instrumentation. It is not recommended therefore to try to test multiple assemblies in this test.
BS EN 1634-1:2014+A1:2018 - Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies, openable windows and elements of building hardware - Fire resistance test for door and shutter assemblies and openable windows
BS EN 1634-1 is the first part of the multi-series standard that is applicable to fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies, openable windows and elements of building hardware.
BS EN 1634-1 specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of door and shutter
Assemblies and openable windows designed for installation within openings incorporated in vertical separating elements, such as:
Hinged and pivoted doors
Horizontally sliding and vertically sliding doors including articulated sliding doors and sectional doors
Folding doors, sliding folding doors /shutters
Tilting doors
Rolling shutter doors
Openable windows
Operable fabric curtains
BS EN 1634-2:2008 - Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door, shutter and openable window assemblies and elements of building hardware - Fire resistance characterisation test for elements of building hardware
BS EN 1634-3:2004 - Fire resistance and smoke control tests for door and shutter assemblies, openable windows and elements of building hardware - Smoke control test for door and shutter assemblies
British Standards
British Standards are under the responsibility of the national standards body (BSI) and can be used to support UK legislation and policies.
Below, is a comprehensive list of British Standards that relate to the fire resistance of building elements.
BS 476-20:1987 - Fire tests on building materials and structures - Method for determination of the fire resistance of elements of construction (general principles)
BS 476-21:1987 - Fire tests on building materials and structures - Methods for determination of the fire resistance of loadbearing elements of construction
BS 476-21 is the 21st part of the multiple series that describes procedures for determining the fire resistance of loadbearing elements of building construction when subjected to the heating and pressure conditions specified in BS 476-20.
BS 472-22:1987 - Fire tests on building materials and structures - Method for determination of the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of construction
BS 476-22 is the 22nd part of the multiple series that describes procedures for determining the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of building construction when subjected to the heating and pressure conditions specified in BS 476-20.
BS 476-23:1987 - Fire tests on building materials and structures - Methods for determination of the contribution of components to the fire resistance of a structure
BS 476-23 is the 23rd part of the multiple series that describes procedures for determining the contribution made by components to the total fire resistance of a structure or other elements used in conjunction with them when subjected to the relevant heating and pressure conditions specified in BS 476-20. The methods are applicable to suspended ceilings protecting steel beams and intumescent seals for use in conjunction with single-acting, latched timber fire-resisting door assemblies.
BS 476-24:1987 - Fire tests on building materials and structures - Method for determination of the fire resistance of ventilation ducts
BS 476-31.1:1983 - Fire tests on building materials and structures - Methods for measuring smoke penetration through doorsets and shutter assemblies - Method of measurement under ambient temperature conditions
BS 476-31.1 is the 31.1st part of the multiple series that focuses on the fire tests on building materials and structures.
BS 476-31.1 describes a method for measuring smoke penetration, as represented by the measurement of air leakage rate, through door sets and vertically oriented shutter assemblies under ambient temperature conditions.