At present, if you wanted to sell your product throughout Europe, you would probably h***e to test each of your products to something like 20+ different test standa***, which is somewhat of a barrier to trade, as well as being very expensive. This will change in the near future when the new “Euro-standard” test results and classificati*** h***e acceptance across Europe. The idea is that you test to one or more of the test standa*** to obtain a classification for your product. This classification will (eventually) then be accepted in any EC country. (Although the classification will be accepted throughout Europe, it does not mean that you will be able to use a product in the same areas from country to country. It is a harmonized classification system, not a harmonized fire safety standard. For example, in France, if you are using your material in a hotel lobby, they may ask for a product which is at least Euroclass “C”, whilst in the UK, you may be asked for a product of at least Euroclass “B”).
There are a total of four new European Reaction to Fire test standa*** and one Classification standard for wall and ceiling linings:
EN ISO 11925-2 – ignitability test
EN 13823 (SBI) – heat release and ***oke production test
EN ISO 1716 – bomb calorimeter test (provides a calorific value)
EN ISO 1182 – non combustibility test
EN 13501-1 – classification standard (tells you how to use the four test standa*** in order to obtain a classification)
One or combinati*** of the tests are used to obtain a Euro-classification from “A1” (best) down to “F” (worst):
In order to obtain an “A1” classification, EN ISO 1182 and EN ISO 1716 must be performed and the criteria in EN 13501-1 must be met.
In order to obtain an “A2” classification, EN 13823 (SBI) must be performed, together with test(s) to EN ISO 1182 and/or EN ISO 1716. The test(s) or combinati*** of EN ISO 1182 and EN ISO 1716 required to obtain a classification will normally be determined by the c***truction of the product and these results, together with those obtained on EN 13823 (SBI) must meet the criteria in EN 13501-1.
In order to obtain a “B”, “C” or “D” classification, EN ISO 11925-2 and EN 13823 (SBI) must be performed. The results obtained will designate the classification, depending on the criteria specified in EN 13501-1.
In order to obtain an “E” classification, EN ISO 11925-2 must be performed and the criteria in EN 13501-1 must be met.
“F” is designated for a product that has no performance determined.