A method of testing that is used to determine the reaction to fire behaviour when a construction product it is subject to thermal attack by a single heat source;  BS EN 13823:2020 Reaction to fire tests for building products. Building products excluding floorings exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning item.

The test is relevant for Euroclass’ A1, A2, A2L, B, BL, C, CL, D and DL. in accordance with BS EN 13501-1. The product being tested is mounted on a trolley and positioned in a frame beneath an exhaust system. As the item is exposed to flame, the exhaust system collects combustion gases for analysis and the amount of smoke produced is measured. The flame propagation and occurrence of burning particles and droplets are also identified in the specimen’s burning behaviour.

BS EN ISO 1716:2018 Reaction to fire tests for products – Determination of gross heat of combustion (calorific value) is the test method used for the determination of the gross heat of combustion of products at a constant volume in a bomb calorimeter.

Determination of the heat of combustion of a material (substantial and non-substantial components of a product) is required in accordance with BS EN 13501-1 Euroclass’ A1 and A2, and floorings to classes A1_fl and A2_fl. In this test, a test specimen of specified mass is combusted completely under standardised conditions, at constant volume, in an oxygen atmosphere, in a high-pressure calorimetric bomb. The calorific value determined under these conditions is calculated on the basis of the observed temperature rise, taking account of heat losses and the latent heat of vaporisation of water. This test determines an absolute combustion value of the product. Dependent upon test results, a minimum 3 parallel tests are performed.

Performance of construction products and materials in accordance with BS EN ISO 1182, evaluates the non-combustible properties of construction materials. The test is included in the BS EN 13501-1 fire classification standard for classifications A1, A2 (construction products, excluding flooring), A1_fl, A2_fl (flooring products), A1_L, and A2_L (linear pipe thermal insulation products). During the test, the specimen is placed in a furnace and possible burning events are monitored along with any temperature variation.

Performance of construction products and materials in accordance with BS EN ISO 11925-2, measures the ignitability of a sample when subjected to direct impingement of flame. It is relevant to material classes B, C, D and E in accordance with BS EN 13501-1.