Fire resistance tests for non-load-bearing walls and fixed windows

Purpose

Testing is performed according to EN 1364-1 which describes a method for determining the fire resistance of non-load-bearing walls . The standard must be read together with EN 1363-1. To get the most out of tests, RISE is happy to help you choose what to test to reach as wide field of application as possible.

The method can be applied to non-load-bearing inner walls with or without glazing, walls consisting mostly of glass and other inner or outer walls with or without glazing. The method is also applicable to fixed windows.

Method

The test specimen is mounted in a supporting construction, usually a standard frame with an opening of 3 meters x 3 meters, with a vertical side free and the remaining three sides attached to the supporting construction. If any of the dimensions, length or width of the test object is in practice less than 3 meters, this dimension shall be tested in full scale.

The test specimen must be constructed as in practice. According to the standard, different design solutions may not be mixed in a test, such as different types of glass, if it does not conform to the design solution used in practice.

For walls and windows that must meet the requirements for insulation, thermocouples are mounted on the non-fire-exposed side of the wall. For constructins where the temperature on the non-fire side can exceed 300 °C, the radiation can also be measured. During the test the deformation shall be measured for later use as basis for assessments.

The test specimen with the supporting construction is placed on a vertical furnace which is then heated according to the standard fire source curve which is described in EN 1363-1. The test lasts as long as you wish to get it approved for. You can also extend the test time slightly and then get better conditions for subsequent assessments of similar constructions. During testing, the following requirements for the product are investigated:

E = Integrity (tightness) i.e. flames, openings and hot gases

I = Thermal insulation

W = Radiation

For certain walls, mechanical action is required and then the impact test according to EN 1363-2 must be used. Impact tests are performed using a 200 kg heavy bag that is swung towards the wall at the end of the test, see photo below. After passing the impact test, index M is given to the classification.

Deliveries

Testing takes place in Borås or Trondheim.

After testing, a test report with the results is delivered in Swedish/Norwegian or English. The report can be used as a basis for a classification according to EN 13501-2, which in turn can be used in declaring fire performance in connection with CE-marking or a Swedish type approval. Read more about CE-marking of doors here.

The classification standard EN 13501-2 defines the classes that can be used in Europe and the classes in the table below can be applied to non-load-bearing walls and fixed windows. National authorities in the member states can choose not to use all classes, which is why it is important to check which classes are of interest before testing.

More information