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Strengthening Fire Testing Capabilities United Kingdom Testing & Certification (UKTC) has been acquired by SOCOTEC UK & Ireland. This acquisition strengthens UKTC’s position as the UK’s premier fire testing provider. It also opens the door to expanded capabilities, investment, and long-term growth. For over 70 years, the SOCOTEC Group, chaired by Hervé Montjotin, has built its reputation as an independent trusted third party. The group specialises in risk management, compliance, safety, health, and environment in the Building, Real Estate, Infrastructure, and Industry sectors. This acquisition marks SOCOTEC’s strategic entry into the fire testing market. It reflects their confidence in UKTC’s technical credibility, market reputation, and customer-centric culture. “We’re pleased to become part of SOCOTEC,” said David Brown , Business Unit Director at UKTC. “This partnership recognizes the business we’ve built and the team behind it. It brings new investment and opens access to capabilities across the broader SOCOTEC group, while preserving our independence, our people, and our promise to customers.” What This Means for UKTC Customers You’ll continue to work with the same friendly, knowledgeable team you already know. There are no changes to our service model, name, or leadership team . You can expect the same high level of technical support, communication, and industry-leading turnaround times you’ve always received. With the backing of SOCOTEC, UKTC will invest in additional testing capacity , enhanced digital certification systems, and new services to meet the evolving needs of construction product manufacturers. “We’ve built our reputation on being responsive, expert-led, and easy to work with,” said Andrew Hutchison , Operations Director at UKTC. “That’s not changing. In fact, with this partnership, we’ll be able to do more—faster, and at greater scale.” Enhanced Services and Future Growth The acquisition by SOCOTEC UK & Ireland will allow UKTC to enhance its service offerings. This includes expanding their testing capabilities and improving their digital certification systems. The focus will be on meeting the evolving needs of construction product manufacturers. With the new investment, UKTC aims to streamline processes and improve efficiency. This will lead to quicker turnaround times for testing and certification. Customers can expect even better service as UKTC integrates new technologies and methodologies. Commitment to Quality and Customer Satisfaction UKTC has always prioritized quality and customer satisfaction. The team is dedicated to maintaining high standards in fire testing and certification. With SOCOTEC’s support, UKTC will continue to uphold these values while expanding its reach. The partnership is built on a foundation of trust and expertise. UKTC will remain committed to providing the same level of service that customers have come to expect. The team will continue to be responsive and accessible, ensuring that clients receive the best possible support. Conclusion The acquisition of UKTC by SOCOTEC UK & Ireland is a significant milestone. It strengthens UKTC’s position in the fire testing market and opens new avenues for growth. Customers can look forward to enhanced services and continued commitment to quality. For more information about SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, visit SOCOTEC UK .

What is BS 8644-1 – Digital management of fire safety information? The new national standard for the Digital Management of Fire Safety Information was established from a recommendation in Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety. BS 8644-1:2022 enables a standardised industry-wide approach to the management of fire safety information in the built environment. Who is BS 8644-1 Digital Management of Fire Safety Information for? The intended audience of the standard is any individual or organisation involved in the design, construction, occupation and maintenance of a built asset. The digital management of information is a crucial contribution to the golden thread, another recommendation from Dame Judith Hackitt’s report. It is the responsibility of each individual organisation to contribute to the golden thread; thus, the Digital Management of Fire Safety should be referred to and used by every stakeholder throughout a building’s development & lifecycle. What’s included in the BS 8644-1:2022 Standard? The standard gives recommendations for the management, including the presentation, and exchange of fire safety information using digital information management processes. BS 8644-1:2022 covers the following stages of the lifecycle of assets in the built environment: Briefing Design Construction Asset Handover Operation Fire & Rescue Intervention The standard also offers guidance to those that don’t directly handle fire safety information, ensuring that all building stakeholders can understand the importance of the handling of information and how it should be presented and accessed. Why is BS 8644-1:2022 important? Traditionally, the management of fire safety information was handled independently at each stage of a building’s life span, leading to obscured information and a broken chain of responsibility. To combat this, Dame Judith recommended that “Government should mandate a digital standard of record-keeping for the design, construction and during the occupation of new high rise residential buildings (HRBBs)”. The purpose of BS 8644-1:2022 is to ensure that the relevant information related to fire safety is made available to the right people at the right time. The standard ensures that there is a transparent allocation of responsibility and consistent naming convention that will contribute to a greater knowledge of fire safety and a safer built environment. UKTC ensure, BS 8644-1:2022 & the Golden Thread Established in response to the recommendations of Dame Judith Hackitt’s Independent Review, UKTC ensure is the first third-party certification scheme that is wholly aligned with the Golden Thread and as a result, follows the approach and guidance of BS 8644-1:2022. Unlike legacy systems, UKTC ensure allows passive fire product manufacturers to create a single source of truth in the form of a secure digital landing page that can be accessed by those who need it, when they need it. To find out more about UKTC ensure or start your certification journey, click here: https://www.uktc-ensure.com/

The world of fire testing can be complicated and dense, particularly when understanding the various standards and regulations that guide the process. This article will delve into one crucial standard: BS EN 1634-1, also known as the Fire Resistance Tests for Door and Shutter Assemblies. What is BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 - Fire Resistance Tests for Door and Shutter Assemblies? BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 outlines the test methods used to gauge the fire resistance of door and shutter assemblies, including openable windows and elements of building hardware. As a critical component of fire safety in buildings, fire-resisting doors serve three primary purposes: 1. To restrict the initial development of a fire 2. To limit the spread of fire within the building 3. To safeguard escape routes for occupants The BS EN 1634-1 test regimes determine how long a door withstands a fire attack, a crucial element in ensuring fire safety in buildings. Under BS EN 1634-1 test regimes, a door withstands fire attack for a period of time and for the purpose of the regulation, more than 30 minutes is described as E30 and more than 60 minutes is described as E60. Withstanding a fire attack means the door maintains its structural integrity. BS 476-22 versus EN 1634: Which Fire Testing Standard Should You Use? When it comes to fire testing door sets in the UK, there are two prevalent standards: BS 476-22 and BS EN 1634. While both aim to enhance fire safety in building construction, some key differences exist. BS 476-22 is often considered a slightly less rigorous test than EN 1634. The critical testing difference is the type of thermometer used to control the furnace in each method. The consequence of this is thought to be about a 5-20% reduction in performance when testing in accordance with BS EN 1634 compared with BS 476-22. However, the primary disadvantage of BS 476-22 is that it doesn't support CE or UKCA marking and is not recognised elsewhere in Europe. The Impact of UKCA Marking on Fire Testing Requirements One of the key factors influencing the choice of fire testing standards is the requirement for CE marking and, now, UKCA marking. Following the UK's departure from the EU, the UKCA mark has replaced the CE mark within the UK. While this transition hasn't significantly altered fire testing requirements, it has influenced the choice between BS 476-22 and EN 1634. From June 2025 , only products with UKCA marking will be accepted in Great Britain. Update: The deadline for UKCA marking was extended in September 2024. The length of the extension was not specified. EN 1634-1 vs BS 476-22: Predicting the Future of Fire Testing Standards Despite the UK's separation from the EU, the country is expected to remain closely aligned with all performance standards. If the requirement for internal door sets to also be CE/UKCA marked is introduced, BS 476-22 may lose relevance in testing the fire resistance of door sets. Why EN 1634-1 is Essential for Fire Testing The European standard for testing fire-rated door sets, EN 1634-1, is becoming increasingly significant. This test represents a higher performance standard due to the difference in the type of thermometer used to control the furnace. It also necessitates dual-sided /Bi-directional testing of door sets, bolstering confidence in their performance in the event of a fire regardless of what side of the door the fire might start. The Testing Process Under EN 1634-1 Testing under EN 1634-1 is rigorous and detailed. It begins with an optional sampling visit where an approved/ notified body witnesses the manufacture of the doorset specimen to be tested. The fire door set specimen must then be delivered to the laboratory and conditioned before being installed into a standard supporting construction. Meanwhile, the specimen is surveyed, instrumented with thermocouples and then tested to evaluate its Integrity, Insulation and Radiation performance. A door set to be rated E30 must satisfy the integrity (E) performance criterion for a minimum of 30 minutes. This means it must continue to hold back the fire without casing ignition of a cotton pad, allowing the penetration of a gap gauge or allowing a flame of more than 10 continuous seconds. The results of the test are then compiled in a comprehensive report that includes images, drawings and data, as well as a field of application. The Future of Fire Testing and the Importance of BS EN 1634-1 While the field of fire testing is dynamic and evolving, standards like BS EN 1634-1 provide a robust framework to ensure safety in building construction. By understanding and adopting these standards, we can build safer environments and better protect lives and properties against the devastating impacts of fire. How UKTC can help your passive fire testing needs by testing to BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC) is equipped to expertly assist you in all your passive fire testing needs. Our industry-leading, UKAS-accredited testing laboratory No. 21542, a state-of-the-art, fire-testing laboratory is equipped to test to the stringent requirements of BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 and under the guidelines of BS EN 13501-2. Our dedicated team of experts work to ensure your product complies with these stringent industry standards, providing you with the essential certification to provide a clear route to market for your products. We understand that time is critical in today's fast-paced market, and we pride ourselves on providing industry-leading turnaround times. UKTC’s streamlined procedures and efficient systems ensure that our testing processes are completed swiftly without compromising the thoroughness or accuracy of our tests. Our priority is to help you get your product to market quickly while ensuring the utmost safety and quality compliance. Trust UKTC to meet your passive fire testing needs and to navigate the complexities of BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 on your behalf, offering you peace of mind and a competitive edge in the market. Are you looking to find out more information? Contact us at info@uktestcert.com or call us on 01355 433122; our experienced team will be happy to help.

Experience the best in fire safety with UKTC. Our UKAS accredited laboratory provides leading testing, inspection, and fire certification services in the UK, ensuring product safety and compliance. Trust us to ensure your peace of mind. About Us United Kingdom Testing & Certification (UKTC) deliver market-leading testing solutions for passive fire product manufacturers across the UK and Europe. Down At United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC), we provide market leading solutions for end-to-end testing, inspection and full fire certification. We help clients to demonstrate their commitment to safety and compliance with all appropriate standards and building codes. In the complex and ever-changing environment we now find ourselves in, there’s never really been a time when there has been more scrutiny over the fire safety of the products and systems that are used to construct the building we live and work in everyday. With our industry leading UKAS accredited testing Laboratory No. 21542 that is equipped with the latest fire resistance testing equipment, we are able to test to a number of international standards including British Standards (BS) and European Standards (EN). Our team are able to offer a comprehensive range of fire resistance and reaction to fire testing with fast turnarounds and comprehensive reporting. 1/1 Speak to us about your needs United Kingdom Testing & Certification was acquired by SOCOTEC UK & Ireland earlier this year. The acquisitions strengthens UKTC's position as the UK's fire testing partner of choice and opens the door to expanded capabilities, investment and long term growth. SOCOTEC is the UK's leading provider of testing, inspection and compliance services with comprehensive solutions in the infrastructure, environment, building & real estate and advisory sectors. What this Means for UKTC Customers You'll continue to work with the same friendly, knowledgeable team that you already know. There are no changes to our service model. You can expect the same industry-leading turnaround times that you've always received. SOCOTEC CEO Hervé Montjotin said: “The move aligns with SOCOTEC Group’s global expertise in fire safety, with over 300 fire safety experts worldwide, allowing the UK operation to leverage internationally held knowledge and skillsets from across the company’s presence in 27 countries. SOCOTEC’s global fire and building safety portfolio includes specialised centres of excellence across Europe, the Middle East and the USA.” To learn more about SOCOTEC UK & Ireland, visit the website by clicking here . Meet the team Meet the team Discover more about the team committed to ensuring life safety through the delivery of an industry-leading test experience. What our clients say about us "The whole team are professional and coureous. Excellent Services. Always happy to recommend." Our Mission Trusted to ensure. Why UKTC's mission is to ensure life-safety by empowering businesses to showcase their compliance. The "why" behind our existence lies in the fundamental belief that adherence to regulations and standards is paramount for preserving life and property. By facilitating businesses in demonstrating their commitment to compliance, we contribute to a safer built environment. We recognize that life-safety is a collective responsibility, and our "why" embodies the ethos of fostering a culture where businesses actively participate in upholding the highest standards to protect communities and assets. How The "how" of UKTC's approach is defined by four pillars: accuracy, efficiency, conscientiousness, and innovation. Accuracy ensures that our work is reliable and carried out with the upmost integrity, leaving no room for error. Efficiency is embedded in our workflow, streamlining processes to deliver results promptly for our customers without compromising quality. Conscientiousness guides our actions, emphasizing the thoroughness and diligence required in every body of work that we undertake. Innovation propels us forward, constantly seeking out the state of the art to improved our services. What We Test, Inspect, and Certify regulated products, processes, and persons. Our customers entrust us with the critical responsibility of evaluating and validating compliance across a spectrum of domains. Testing involves rigorous assessments to ascertain the functionality and safety of products. Inspection delves into the thorough examination of processes to ensure adherence to established standards. Certification is the culmination, providing official recognition of compliance. Through this suite of services, we build a foundation of trust with our customers, assuring them that their products, processes, and personnel meet or exceed the necessary regulatory benchmarks. UKTC | Trusted to Ensure. Play Video Facebook Twitter Pinterest Tumblr Copy Link Embed Video Link Copied

United Kingdom Testing and Certification - UKTC - offer market leading fire testing and certification services to demonstrate client’s building materials and components comply with all appropriate standards and building codes. Accredited by UKAS. The benchmark in fire testing and certification. We are United Kingdom Testing & Certification, the trusted provider of fire testing and certification services for construction and passive fire product manufacturers across the UK. We test, inspect and certify to ensure products are safe, quality and compliant. Testing Certification Technical Market leading fire testing and certification services. United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC) deliver market leading fire testing and certification services that enable manufacturers of building materials and products to demonstrate compliance with all appropriate international standards, regulatory obligations and customer expectations. Testing Services Button Technical Services Button Certification Services Button Our customer experiences in April The lab install team went above and beyond to get the sample ready for the test (nothing was too much trouble). Thanks to Barry & Thomas and all the team for their effort. Really is appreciated. Integrated Doorset Solutions Ltd. Always a pleasure to deal with the team at UKTC Hampton Doors Very insightful visit. Extremely good company to work with and always flexible to accommodate your requirements. Obex Protection Ltd. Great service and support from the team throughout. Merit Holdings Brilliant Team. Very family feel in the company. Intelligent Membranes Excellent test facility and all of the engineers were very knowledgeable and experienced. Very happy overall and we will be back soon! Jeld-Wen A massive thank you to Rob and the team for all their efforts in what was another successful result for us. Specialist Door Solutions Ltd. Excellent experience with knowledgeable and helpful staff. Good organisation and brilliant hospitality. Westport Committed to Quality and Competence. UKTC is a UKAS accredited testing laboratory No. 21542. The laboratory is accredited by UKAS to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for Resistance to Fire Testing of the non-load bearing elements of construction including; door and shutter assemblies, walls and partitions, linear joint seals, glazing and architectural hardware. Learn More Testing Reaction to Fire Button Technical Classification Reports Button Certification UKTC ensure™ Button Testing Doorsets & Hardware Button Technical EXAP Reports Button Testing Walls & Partitions Button How much does a fire resistance test cost? Full-scale Fire Resistance tests are available from £8,800 plus VAT. However, every test is unique, and fees can vary based on the scope of work involved. During contract review, UKTC personnel will work collaboratively with customers to ensure that the broadest field of application is achieved whilst minimising investment. What is BS 476 Part 22? BS 476 Part 22 is a key standard within the UK's building safety regulations that specifies methods for testing the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of construction, such as doors, shutters, and various types of ducts and dampers. This standard is instrumental in determining how these elements will perform in the event of a fire, ensuring they meet the necessary safety requirements to protect building occupants and property. What is BS EN 1634-1? BS EN 1634-1:2014 + A1:2018 is a European standard that specifies the test methods for assessing the fire resistance of door and shutter assemblies, including openable windows and elements of building hardware. This standard is crucial for evaluating how well these components can withstand fire, aiming to restrict fire development, limit its spread, and protect escape routes. How long does it take to get results? On completion of the test, the responsible officer will confirm the results within 24 hrs. This will be followed by a comprehensive draft report within 14 days. Can my product be changed from what was tested? Unlike fire resistance tests under British Standards, European standards provide a Direct Field of Application (DIAP) which detail the permissible changes from what was tested. An Extended Field of Application (EXAP) can also be undertaken which offers a great scope of variations than a DIAP. What is third-party certification? Third-party certification is independent verification that a product or service fulfils certain criteria. With passive fire protection products, this normally involves a certification body assessing test results, carrying out a factory production control audit and undertaking periodic inspections to ensure constancy of performance. UKTC work with many approved certification providers, including Bluesky Certification, IFC Certification and UL Solutions. What is UKCA Marking? UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking is the new product marking which will be required for certain products placed on the market in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). Does my product require UKCA Marking? The Construction Products Regulation in Great Britain states that any Construction Product covered by a UK Designated Standard must be UKCA marked. What is BS EN 13501-1? BS EN 13501-1 is a European standard that classifies the fire performance of a constriction product. The standard provides a framework, and series of tests used to determine how materials react to fire including its smoke production and flaming droplets. It assigns Euroclass ratings (A1, A2, B, C, D, E, F) to products based on their performance. What is an Extended Field of Application Report (EXAP)? Extended Field of Application (EXAP) reports present a prediction of performance based on one or more test results, thereby enabling a broader field of application while maintaining or enhancing performance to product in question.

Need assistance with fire testing or your project? Contact UKTC today. Our expert team is ready to answer your queries and guide you through our services. Fill out our form and expect prompt, dedicated support. Talk to Us Our team are on hand to help with any questions you may have around our fire testing and certification processes, test enquiries, and industry insights. Contact Us For all enquiries or to request a no-obligation quote, please contact us by using the form below. Contact Us Visit Us United Kingdom Testing & Certification Cairnmuir House, Cairnmuir Road East Kilbride, Glasgow G74 4GY Get Directions Downloads UKTC | Our Services Brochure UKTC | Ensure Brochure