BS EN 12881-1:2014

What is BS EN 12881-1 – Conveyor belts about? 

BS EN 12881-1 is an international standard that discusses the propane burner tests for fir simulation flammability testing of conveyor belts. The main purpose of a conveyor system is to move objects from one location to another. The design allows for the movement of objects that are too heavy or too bulky for humans to carry by hand. 

BS EN 12881-1 describes four methods for measuring the propagation of a flame along a conveyor belt that has been exposed to a relatively high localized heat source such as a fire. The damage suffered by the conveyor belt, as well as its tendency to support combustion, is measured by observing the extent to which the fire spreads along with the test piece. 

Who is BS EN 12881-1 – Conveyor belts for? 

BS EN 12881-1 on conveyor belts applies to: 

• Manufacturer of conveyor belts 
• Quality testing and maintenance of belts 
• Suppliers and distributors for conveyor belts 

Why should you use BS EN 12881-1 – Conveyor belts? 

The main purpose of a conveyor system is to move objects from one location to another. The design allows for the movement of objects that are too heavy or too bulky for humans to carry by hand. Conveyor systems save time when transporting items from one location to another. 

BS EN 12881-1 provides an indication of the reaction of a conveyor belt to a fire situation. However, in doing so attention is drawn to the fact that in assessing the overall flammability characteristics of conveyor belting for specific installations, it is not sufficient to rely solely on any single method of the test but consideration has also to be given to the individual site location. 

BS EN 12881-1 provides various types of methods for conveyor belts such as: 

• Method A which uses a test piece 2 m in length and consumes propane gas through the burner at the rate of (1,30 ± 0,05) kg per 10 min. 
• Method B which uses a test piece 2,5 m in length and consumes propane gas through two burners mounted above and below the test piece trestle at the rate of (1,30 ± 0,05) kg per 10 min for each burner. 
• Method C which uses a test piece 1,5 m in length and consumes propane gas through the burner at the rate of (565 ± 10) g per 50 min. 
• Method D which uses a test piece 1,2 m in length and consumes propane gas through the burner at the rate of 150 l/hr (D1) or 190 l/hr (D2). 

With BS EN 12881-1 you can be ensured that the product consistently meets and exceed quality assurance targets. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 12881-1:2014 supersedes BS EN 12881-1:2005+A1:2008, which is withdrawn. It includes: 

• ‘Laboratory scale fire propagation test' was added (Method D) 
• 'Mid-scale fire propagation test' (Method C, 6.1.1 Test gallery) thermal conductivity of the refractory material was included 
• 'Mid-scale fire propagation test' (Method C, 6.1.4 Gas burner) the diameter of the bore jets used was added.