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Fire testing specialist, United Kingdom Testing and Certification (UKTC), has broken ground on a multi-million pound expansion at its East Kilbride testing facility.   Acquired by leaders in testing, inspection and certification services, SOCOTEC UK and Ireland in July 2025, the total cost of UKTC’s expansion is £2.5 million, with the development set to double the fire resistance testing capabilities and add around 20 new jobs, bringing the firm’s number of employees to over 60.   The new development consists of a new building, measuring over 7,000 square feet, which will house a new furnace capable of testing horizontal structures that measure 3 metres wide by 4 metres long, and vertical structures up to 5 metres high.   A site visit in November by SOCOTEC CEO Hervé Montjotin, SOCOTEC UK & Ireland CEO Matthew Marriott and SOCOTEC’s Managing Director of Environmental Science, Jim Clay marked a particular milestone in the construction, with steel works beginning. The 10m eaves height, which enables testing of vertical structures up to 5 metres tall using the proprietary furnace add-on, makes the facility the first of its kind to be commercially available in the UK. UKTC has established itself as a trusted provider of fire resistance testing, reaction to fire testing, and certification services across multiple building materials and systems.   The laboratory’s UKAS-accredited facilities enable a comprehensive assessment of products and materials against British, European, and international standards, supporting manufacturers, specifiers, and building owners in meeting increasingly stringent fire regulations.   UKTC’s East Kilbride site was formerly a Rolls-Royce Aero Testbed facility until 2017, when the historic plant was shut down. Having moved into the site in 2020, UKTC revitalised the area, investing substantial funds to make the facility compliant with regulatory legislation and make it suitable for the specialist equipment required to carry out fire testing.   Andrew Hutchison, Operations Director at UKTC, said: “The need to expand and invest in a new test hall was simply to meet growing demand we are experiencing from the construction industry for fire testing, from both existing and new customers.   “The planned extension will be completed in 2026,and will house a new full-scale fire resistance test furnace. Ultimately, upgrading our facilities will allow us to continue delivering the highest standards of fire testing for our clients across the UK and Europe.”   Matthew Marriott, CEO of SOCOTEC UK and Ireland, said: “The extension of UKTC’s existing facility is incredibly exciting for us. The team in East Kilbride is vastly knowledgeable and talented, so expanding the facilities to meet the increased demand for fire testing services at the site was the logical next step forward to help the continued growth of UKTC, and provide the best service possible to its customers across the UK and Europe.   “We look forward to continued integration of UKTC into the wider SOCOTEC UK and Ireland operations, as there has already been so much interest in the expanded capabilities we can now provide following the acquisition’s completion in July.”

On 14 June 2017, 72 people lost their lives in the Grenfell Tower fire. Investigations and inquiries that followed revealed widespread shortcomings in product performance, regulatory oversight, and safety assurance. Today, the mandate is clear... Manufacturers must ensure that products are tested and marketed honestly. Certification bodies must provide impartial and transparent assessments. Evidence is needed to make informed decisions. The market is full of products that claim quality and safety with independent verification but without accessible evidence when you need it the most. Try it for yourself ; look at the nearest fire door. Can you immediately identify its performance rating, evidence base and manufacturer? Imagine the position of a building occupant who simple wants to know that they are safe. If the evidence is not clear, the system has failed them, and the golden thread doesn’t exist. Real change is overdue. Change starts with transparent certification and UKTC ensure is leading the change. UKTC Ensure - Third Party Certification UKTC ensure™ is the first third-party product certification scheme designed explicitly around the principles of the golden thread and backed by UKAS accreditation under ISO 17065. It ensures that every performance claim is traceable, every certificate is verifiable, and every stakeholder has access to the data that matters. The market is full of products that claim quality and safety with independent verification but without real, accessible evidence when you need it the most. UKTC ensure™ offers a transparent solution for manufacturers to demonstrate compliance with a third-party certification that has learned from the lessons of the past and is ready for the future. To find out more about UKTC ensure, you can visit our website by clicking here or by downloaded our white paper, A Transparent Future for Construction Product Certification, by clicking here . About UKTC United Kingdom Testing & Certification (UKTC) is a UKAS accredited testing and certification body offering fire resistance and reaction to fire testing to British (BS) and European (EN) standards. UKTC’s offering is also supported by their Technical Services division delivery Extended Field of Application (EXAPs) and Classification Reports.

Fire safety in buildings starts with understanding how materials behave when exposed to heat. Testing external wall materials is crucial to keeping building occupants safe. What tests can help identify high-risk building materials? As outlined in PAS 9980:2022, the methodology for Fire Appraisal of Walls & Cladding of Flats, materials with a calorific value of ≤3 MJ/kg are considered to have a positive influence on fire performance, while those with >35 MJ/kg are flagged as higher risk. The BS EN 13501-1 standard provides a harmonised procedure for classifying the reaction to fire of construction products, including those used within building elements. The standard identifies several test methodologies including the BS EN ISO 1716 “Calorific Value” test. This method plays an important role in cladding remediation works as well as compliance with regulatory requirements for high rise buildings. What role does BS EN ISO 1716 have in the testing of external wall materials? BS EN ISO 1716 testing plays a critical role by calculating the calorific value of the product. The results of the test will allow building stakeholders to determine the: Combustibility Risk Suitability of materials in wall systems Compliance with A1/A2 classifications in accordance with BS EN 13501-1 reaction to fire performance of construction products.   What are the seven classes that materials can achieve under BS EN 13501-1? Reaction to fire testing examines the characteristics, such as combustibility, of building materials to determine their contribution to fire development and spread. Materials can then be classified into one of seven classes under BS EN 13501-1 according to their reaction to fire. Non-combustible materials that do not contribute to the development of a fire will achieve an A1 classification with materials that have a limited combustibility that do not contribute to a fire will achieve an A2 classification. The classification system then continues from B, where combustible materials with a limited contribution to fire will be classified, through to F where materials do not meet the minimum requirements of an E classification. You can discover the full list of definitions and the required test methods by visiting our Reaction to Fire page here . Why Reaction to Fire testing is critical for cladding remediation works The ongoing cladding remediation programmes being carried out across the UK are crucial to the safety of occupants. Landlords of buildings 11m or more in height are required to complete any remediation works by the end of 2029 across England and Wales or face legal consequences. Fire testing laboratories, like our UKAS Accredited Reaction to Fire Laboratory play a key role in allowing building stakeholders to identify risks. Reaction to Fire testing can produce the evidence to support whether materials can remain in place and meet the A1 and A2 classifications under BS EN 13501-1 or whether the materials need to be replaced. If you’re specifying, designing, refurbishing, or assessing external walls, BS EN ISO 1716 testing is essential. Talk to our reaction to fire team about testing your external wall materials by clicking here . Our industry leading report turnaround times ensure that you can make decisions and ultimately contribute to a safer built environment.

United Kingdom Testing & Certification (UKTC) has published a groundbreaking white paper, A Transparent Future for Construction Product Certification , setting out a bold vision for accountability and transparency in the construction sector. Why This Matters The white paper summarises the response to the lessons of the Grenfell Tower fire, a tragedy that exposed systemic failings in product testing, regulation, and safety assurance. Despite years of reviews and inquiries, third-party product certification has often remained opaque, with crucial safety information locked away or inaccessible. This white paper outlines why transparent, verifiable certification is no longer optional - it is essential. Manufacturers, regulators, and building professionals all have a responsibility to ensure product safety is backed by evidence that can be trusted and accessed when it matters most. Industry Voices Feedback from fire safety professionals, gathered at the 2024 Fire Safety Event, revealed that: 82% valued transparency and regular testing as the most important factors in third-party certification. 60% had encountered issues with legacy providers. 75% judged credibility of their third-party certification based on UKAS accreditation. The white paper shows how UKTC ensure® directly addresses these concerns by offering an open, accountable system designed for today’s safety expectations. A Call to Action As Andrew Hutchison, Operations Director at UKTC, writes in the paper: “Real change is overdue. Change starts with transparent certification. UKTC ensure® is proud to lead the way.” This is an invitation to manufacturers, regulators, and industry leaders to adopt certification that puts safety and transparency first. Download the White Paper The full white paper, A Transparent Future for Construction Product Certification , is available for digital download here: https://www.uktc-ensure.com/third-party-certification-white-paper

Over the last few weeks, representatives of UKTC’s technical and laboratory teams engaged in workshops hosted by Knauf UK & Ireland at their manufacturing facility. The sessions were delivered by Graeme Carmichael, Technical Training Lead at Knauf and included an insight into the manufacturing and quality processes that are at the core of Knauf’s systems. Graeme shared via LinkedIn: “I delivered a technical workshop for our partners at United Kingdon Testing and Certification, focusing on why we test so rigorously and how our expectations and high standards shape the products and systems we put into the market. It was a great session with an engaged group who asked the right questions and were eager to learn.” “The team I worked with are a real credit to UKTC – hardworking, committed, and keen to push their own knowledge forward. It’s always rewarding to work with people who share that same drive for improvement, and I’m looking forward to seeing how they put their learning into practice.” Daniel Fitzsimmons, Head of Testing at UKTC, discussed the collaboration with Knauf UK & Ireland: “Our team found the sessions extremely engaging and enjoyable. These workshops further strengthen our knowledge and skill set to ensure that we can provide an efficient and best-in-class testing experience for Knauf and passive fire product manufacturers across the UK.” UKTC is 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. Contact us about your fire testing and certification requirements or to find our more about our services.

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 standardized 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 includes any individual or organization 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 organization to contribute to the golden thread. Therefore, the Digital Management of Fire Safety should be referred to and used by every stakeholder throughout a building’s development and lifecycle. What’s included in the BS 8644-1:2022 Standard? The standard provides recommendations for managing, presenting, and exchanging 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 who don’t directly handle fire safety information. This ensures that all building stakeholders can understand the importance of handling 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 lifespan. This led 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 relevant information related to fire safety is made available to the right people at the right time. The standard ensures a transparent allocation of responsibility and a consistent naming convention. This 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. As a result, it 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. This is 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 Importance of Digital Management in Fire Safety Digital management of fire safety information is not just a trend; it is a necessity. As buildings become more complex, the need for clear and accessible fire safety information grows. This standard ensures that all stakeholders are on the same page, reducing the risk of miscommunication. Enhancing Safety Through Technology Technology plays a crucial role in enhancing fire safety. By adopting BS 8644-1:2022, organizations can leverage digital tools to manage fire safety information effectively. This not only improves safety but also streamlines processes. Training and Awareness Training is essential for all stakeholders involved in fire safety management. Understanding the BS 8644-1:2022 standard is crucial for effective implementation. Organizations should invest in training programs to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities. Future of Fire Safety Management The future of fire safety management lies in digital solutions. As technology evolves, so will the standards. BS 8644-1:2022 is a step towards a more integrated approach to fire safety. Organizations must stay updated with these changes to maintain compliance and ensure safety. Conclusion In conclusion, BS 8644-1:2022 is a vital standard for the digital management of fire safety information. It promotes a unified approach to handling fire safety data, ensuring that all stakeholders are informed and responsible. By embracing this standard, organizations can enhance safety and contribute to a safer built environment. The digital management of fire safety information is essential for the future of construction and building maintenance. It is a responsibility that all stakeholders must take seriously to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

The Welsh Government has issued significant updates to the Building Regulations 2010 (as amended) and to Approved Document B (Fire Safety, Volumes 1 and 2). A new edition of Approved Document 7 (Materials and Workmanship) 2013 has also been released, now incorporating the 2020 and 2025 amendments. Key Regulatory Amendments The circular letter confirms that amendments affect: Regulation 2(6) – Interpretation Regulation 6 – Requirements relating to material change of use Regulation 7 – Materials and workmanship The principal changes include: Reducing the height threshold for buildings undergoing a “material change of use” from 15m to 11m. Work must ensure compliance with Part B4(1) of Schedule 1, covering external wall requirements. Updating the definition of a “relevant building.” This prohibits combustible materials on external walls of hostels, hotels, and boarding houses. Introducing a ban on relevant metal composite materials as part of external walls. Clarifying product classifications, including the designation of solar shading devices as “specified attachments.” Materials and Fire Safety Provisions The amendments provide further detail on products subject to fire performance requirements: Certain materials are now exempt from reaction-to-fire classification, including fibre optic cables, insulation, waterproofing in specific low-level applications, and the top horizontal floor layer of balconies. In the latter case, compliance may be demonstrated through horizontally tested equivalents under defined circumstances. Changes to Volumes 1 and 2 of Approved Document B introduce new requirements for residential and high-rise buildings: Limits on combustible products in residential buildings between 11m and 18m in height. Mandatory installation of evacuation alert systems. Requirement for secure Information Boxes in all new blocks of flats with any floor 11m or higher. Enhanced floor identification and wayfinding signage for residents and emergency services. The current edition of Approved Document 7 (Materials and Workmanship) with 2020 amendments will be withdrawn on 20 December 2025. An updated version, incorporating the 2020 and 2025 amendments, will take its place. The revised regulations and updated Approved Documents will not apply retrospectively. Where a building notice, initial notice, or full plans have been submitted before the amendments take effect, compliance with the previous standards remains valid—provided work has already commenced or begins within six months of the regulations coming into force. You can read the full details and the issued circular here . Contact our team to discuss and book the testing of your building, construction and passive fire protection materials. UKTC is the trusted testing & certification partner of choice for industry leading manufacturers across the UK & Europe, operating from a state-of-the-art laboratory on the outskirts of Glasgow. Our services include Fire Resistance and Reaction to Fire testing complimented by our Technical Services team offering Extended Field of Application Reports and our Certification team.

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 .

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.

Manufacturers from across the construction and built-environment industry joined UKTC for a morning centred around Reaction to Fire. Attendees were able to experience a live fire test and learn from industry-experts about a product’s journey to classification under EN 13501-1.   Take a look at the event highlights below…     If you want to host an event at UKTC, contact our Marketing Manager for more information – Andrew McGhee, Andrew.McGhee@uktestcert.com

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 .