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What is Reaction to Fire Testing? Reaction to fire testing examines the characteristics, such as combustibility, of building materials to determine their contribution to the development and spread of a fire. Materials can be classified under BS EN 13501-1 according to their reaction to fire and this is determined with a series of tests. What test methods are used in Reaction to Fire Testing? Single Burning Item (SBI) – BS EN 13823:2020 This procedure, likely the most recognisable of the tests, specifies a method of test for determining the reaction to fire of construction products when exposed to thermal attack by a single burning item. Non-Combustibility – BS EN ISO 1182:2020 This test identifies products that will not, or not significantly, contribute to a fire, regardless of their end use. This test has been developed to identify construction products which produce a very limited amount of heat and flame when exposed to temperatures of approximately 750°C. Small Flame – BS EN ISO 11925-2:2020 The Small Flame test method determines the potential maximum total heat release of a product when completely burned, regardless of its end use. This determines the absolute value of the heat of combustion for a product without accounting for inherent product variability. Calorific Value – BS EN ISO 1716:2018 This method specifies a test for determining the ignitability of products by direct small-flame impingement under zero impressed irradiance using vertically oriented test specimens. Is a product required to use each test method to determine its classification? No, there are mandatory test methods to be completed depending on the classification being sought. Classification BS EN ISO 1716 BS EN ISO 1182 BS EN ISO 13823 BS EN ISO 11925-2 A1 Mandatory Mandatory x x A2 Or Or Mandatory x B x x Mandatory Mandatory C x x Mandatory Mandatory D x x Mandatory Mandatory E x x Mandatory Mandatory   What does a reaction to fire classification look like? A product’s reaction to fire classification is broken down into three characteristics: Combustibility, Smoke Production, and Flaming Droplets. These are displayed as follows… Combustibility A1 – Non-combustible materials that do not contribute to the development of a fire. A2 – Materials with limited combustibility that do not contribute to the development of a fire. B – Combustible materials with limited contribution to fire development. C – Combustible materials with minor contribution to fire development. D – Combustible material that contributes to fire development. E – Combustible materials that will only resist a small flame for a few seconds. F – Materials that have not met the minimum requirements of class E. Smoke Production s1 – Little or no smoke production. s2 – Moderate amount of smoke production. s3 – Substantial amount of smoke production. Flaming Droplets d0 – No flaming droplets or particles d1 – Some flaming droplets and/or particles d2 – Quite a lot of flaming droplets and/or particles Example Classification If a product received a classification of B-s1,d0 this would translate to the product having limited combustibility ( B ), low smoke production ( s1 ), and no flaming droplets ( d0 ). To learn more about the BS EN 13501 reaction to fire classification system, test methods or to organise reaction to fire testing for your product, talk to our team by clicking here .

United Kingdom Testing & Certification’s remote witnessing service helps manufacturers across the country witness their product’s fire test. As a result of our commitment to the continuous development of our customer experience, more clients are utilising our remote viewing technologies to work efficiently whilst still benefiting from a completely transparent test experience. What are the benefits of remotely viewing a product’s fire test? Remote witnessing of product fire testing  offers several benefits including minimising travel and the associated expenses, offering the opportunity to multiple members of the client’s team to view a fire test, including those that may not have had the opportunity to view one, and even as a training opportunity for various stakeholders. As part of our remote viewing experience, clients have direct access to multiple views including live feeds of the test and data as well as direct communication facilities with their UKTC Technical Officer. Additional photographs and views of the test are available throughout the duration of the test directly from the Technical Officer where requested. Does remote viewing of a test change any of the processes? No, all remotely witnessed tests are performed in accordance with the relevant test standards. The remote viewing experience is set up to provide the exact same level of details as if they attended the test in person. If you’re interested in our remote fire testing services, contact us by clicking here .

On the 26th of February 2025, the government issued a response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry’s final report. Included in the response is the acceptance of 49 of the report’s recommendations with plans to act on all 58. The recommendations and actions include sweeping reform for construction, building and fire safety – let’s look at how this could impact the testing and certification industry. Significant Deficiencies in Testing & Certification The Inquiry’s report highlights significant deficiencies in the testing and certification of construction products, particularly combustible cladding materials. It criticises the lack of rigorous testing and the failure to identify issues because of bad testing practices. As a result, the government’s response and plans include: Enhanced testing protocols:  Test laboratories will be required to adopt more stringent testing methods to accurately assess product safety.​ Increased accountability:  There will be greater scrutiny of testing processes, with potential civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance or misleading practices.​ Regular audits and oversight:  Test laboratories can expect more frequent inspections to ensure adherence to updated safety standards. Full transparency:  Ensuring that test history of products is easily accessible, honest, and evidenced. To support these actions, the government has committed to establishing a new single construction regulator. The aim is to improve standards in the industry and ensure those responsible, including testing laboratories, are held to the highest of standards. The single regulator will be responsible for the regulation of construction products, building control and the licencing of contractors to work on higher-risk buildings. However, testing and certification of construction products will continue to be the responsibility of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs). Being a part of the solution United Kingdom Testing & Certification was established as part of the response to the Grenfell Tower tragedy in the wake of calls for greater testing and certification availability for construction products in the UK. Our team, working from our UKAS accredited testing laboratory, continues to be committed to ensuring life safety by delivering market-leading testing solutions for passive fire product manufacturers. Our rigorous-approach to testing and industry-leading report times has seen many of the UK’s leading passive fire product manufacturers trust UKTC with their testing programmes. Andrew Hutchison, Head of Technical at United Kingdom Testing & Certification, commented: “Whilst testing and certification bodies like UKTC play a vital role in assessing product performance, our influence is limited to testing and certification. Holding CABs responsible beyond this remit is inaccurate and risks undermining public trust.” “Rather than assigning blame, we urge the government to integrate the insights of CABs into the regulatory framework to strengthen oversight and safety standards.” “UKTC remains committed to working alongside regulators, manufacturers, and industry bodies to help ensure such a tragedy never happens again.” Construction Product’s Green Paper Included in Phase 1 of the government’s plans is the Construction Products Reform Green Paper with a consultation period of 12 weeks. According to the government response, the paper “is the first important step in making sure that we deliver a comprehensive package of measures to reform the construction products sector.” The paper will also look to address key failures highlighted in the Inquiry’s report including the bad testing practices. We encourage individuals and organisations to respond to the Green Paper before the 21st May deadline by completing the online survey form which can be found here . If you want to discuss how the recommendations could impact your testing plans, talk to us today by clicking here .

Learn more about the team behind delivering fire resistance and reaction to fire testing for passive fire protection product manufacturers. Our Team Josh Kelly Technical Officer Josh joined the Technical team in February 2025 to further strengthen the technical team and its abilities. Josh will work alongside clients to deliver an industry-leading test experience. Meet the team Learn more about the team dedicated to delivering leading fire testing and certification services. Our Team

Expand your scope with UKTC's EXAP reports. We predict performance based on test results, achieving broader application while maintaining or improving performance. EXAP - Extended Field of Application An extended field of application report is the prediction of performance based on one or more test results. It enables a wider scope of application to be achieved than what was initially tested, whilst maintaining or improving the performance. United Kingdom Testing and Certification undertake EXAP reports for fire resistance and/ or smoke control for door, shutter and openable window assemblies under BS EN 15269-1. Standards • BS EN 15269-2 - Fire resistance of hinged and pivoted steel doorsets. • BS EN 15269-3 - Fire resistance of hinged and pivoted timber doorsets. • BS EN 15269-5 - Fire resistance of hinged and pivoted metal framed glazed doorsets and openable windows. • BS EN 15269-6 - Fire resistance of sliding timber doorsets. • BS EN 15269-7 - Fire resistance of steel sliding doorsets. • BS EN 15269-10 - Fire resistance of steel rolling shutter assemblies. • BS EN 15269-11 - Fire resistance of operable fabric curtains. • BS EN 15269-20 - Smoke control for doors, shutters, operable fabric curtains and openable windows. Classification & EXAP Application Form UKCA Marking EXAPs Classification

Boost your product's reputation with UKTC's certification services. From UKCA Marking to EXAPS, we provide high-quality, reliable technical & certification services. Our technical services offer the opportunity for customers to demonstrate the enhanced quality and application of their products to their marketplace. Technical Services Have a Question, or want to make an enquiry? Fill out a quick form for a quote. Speak to Us EXAPs Reports An extended field of application report is the prediction of performance based on one or more test results and it enables a wider scope of application to be achieved than what was initially tested. Read more Button Classification Reports Classification Reports certify the fire performance of building elements that have been subjected to relevant reaction to fire and fire resistance tests. Read more Button Downloads UKTC | Our Services Brochure UKTC | Ensure Brochure