REACTION TO FIRE
CLASSIFICATIONS
A BS EN 13501-1 reaction to fire test program will determine a products classification. It is important that manufacturers, specifiers and product users understand what the classification means.
How to read a BS EN 13501-1 Reaction to Fire Classification
The classification is split into three parts to determine the primary classification, the smoke production classification, and the flaming droplet / particle classification.​
The main classification in the standard 13501-1 compromises seven classification levels for the direct field of application, which range from A1 (Non-combustible) – these materials do not contribute to a fire under the test conditions compared to the lowest performance class F (No Performance determined).
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A1 – Non-combustible materials, do not contribute to the development of a fire
A2 – Materials with limited combustibility, do not contribute to the development of a fire
B – Combustible, limited contribution to fire
C – Combustible, minor contribution to fire
D – Combustible, contributes to fire
E – Combustible, will only resist a small flame for a few seconds
F – Materials that have not been classified or have not met minimum requirements of class E.
Reaction to Fire
Smoke Production
Smoke production classification comprises three additional classifications (s1, s2, s3). S1 is the highest level of performance, and S3 is the lowest.
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S1 - Low production of smoke.
S2 - Moderate amount of smoke production.
S3 - High level of smoke production.​
Flaming Droplets
​Flaming droplet/particle classification comprises three additional classifications (d0, d1, d2). d0 is the highest level of performance, and d2 is the lowest performance rating.
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d0 - Little to no flaming droplets.
d1 - Moderate amount of flaming droplets.
d2 - High quantity of flaming droplets.​
Reading a Reaction to Fire Classification
For example, a classification of "B-s1,d0" indicates that the material has very limited contribution to fire (B), minimal smoke production (s1), and no flaming droplets or particles (d0).
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Construction products should be clearly labelled to allow you to identify its reaction to fire. If you're ready to test your product, or test and existing product within your building, contact our team by clicking here.