BS EN 13823:2020

What is BS EN 13823 - Reaction to fire tests about?

BS EN 13823 determines the reaction to fire tests of building products.BS EN 13823 specifies a method of test to determine the reaction to fire performance of constructions products when exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning item.

Note 1: Under BS EN 13823 products like flooring and products under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/364 are excluded.

Note 2: BS EN 13823 determines the reaction to fire performance of essentially flat products. The treatment of some products like linear products (pipes, ducts, cables, etc.) can need special rules.

Who is BS EN 13823 - Reaction to fire tests for?

BS EN 13823 on the reaction of building products to fire tests is relevant to:

• Manufacturers of building products
• Suppliers of building products
• Civil engineers
• Construction companies

Why should you use BS EN 13823 - Reaction to fire tests?

Fire resistance tests are done for building products to assess the performance of the products when they are exposed to fire. This is done to make efficient products that can cause less harm and damage to life and property in case of fire or explosion.

Safety precautions should be taken while managing and carrying out the tests as fire testing can be hazardous and toxic and harmful gases and smoke can be produced during the test. The personnel should be provided with the required training before the test to prevent any accidents. Means for extinguishing should be available in case of an emergency.

In case of propane gas system special precautions are required like:

• The equipment should be checked for propane
• The burner should be equipped with a remote-controlled ignition device and there should be a warning for leaking gas for an automatic cut-off of the gas supply in case of extinction of the ignition flame
• No one should be in the test room except the operator
• It should be possible to operate the switch between the auxiliary and main (primary) burner from outside the test room

Test method under BS EN 13823 assists in testing the fire performance of building products to check the durability and reaction of products against fire.

BS EN 13823 reduces the risk of explosions and huge damages to the property due to fire by providing methods to test the product against fire.

BS EN 13823 assists the user in manufacturing building products that provide less damage against fire and thus, can cause less harm to life and property.

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 13823:2020 supersedes BS EN 13823:2010+A1:2014 which is withdrawn.