FIRE PROPAGATION TEST TO BS 8414
SCOPE A two part test standard providing test method for determining the fire performance characteristics of non-loadbearing external cladding systems. This standard does not cover the performance of glass or its supporting frame intended for glazed window openings. This standard also do not test the total configuration of a construction incorporating additional windows, doors, balconies or ancillary penetrations. This standard does not cover exposure to radiant heat from a fire in an adjacent building. Part 1: For rainscreen overcladding systems and external wall insulation systems that are fixed to, and supported by, a masonry substrate. Part 2: For all non-loadbearing external cladding systems except external rainscreen overcladding systems or external wall insulation systems, when applied to, and supported by, a structural steel frame. PRINCIPLE In this test the external cladding is fixed on the substrate structure in the form of a main face together with a perpendicular side wing, with the cladding system attached in the manner specified by the test sponsor. At the base of the vertical system, an opening is provided through which the fire can vent. The peak fire exposure is intended to be representative of an external fire source or a fully developed (post-flashover) fire in a room venting and exposing the cladding to the effects of external flames. TEST SPECIMEN REQUIREMENTS The test specimen will be constructed by the test sponsor directly on to the test apparatus. The test specimen shall extend from the finished internal corner between the main face and the wing for a minimum of 2400 mm on the main face and 1200 mm on the wing. The test specimen shall also extend for
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a minimum of 7700 mm from the combustion chamber head. The test specimen design parameters shall meet the end use design of the system. If the end use requires to have a joint on the system, the test specimen shall incorporate a minimum of one vertical joint extending for the full height of the specimen spaced with a tolerance of ±100 mm from the centerline of the combustion chamber, and one horizontal joint shall be incorporated on the system to be located at 2400 mm above the combustion chamber head. TEST APPAR ATUS The test apparatus shall utilize either a masonry wall or a structural steel frame as the substrate structure, with a vertical main wing of minimum width of 2600 mm and a vertical return wall, of a minimum width of 1500 mm, at a 90° angle to, and at one side of, the main test wall. A 2000 x 2000 mm (w x h) aperture shall be provided at the base of the vertical wall. Both the vertical walls shall extend 7700 mm above the top of the combustion chamber opening. CL A SSIFICATION The performance criteria for this test procedure depends on the classification method the test sponsor chooses. Currently, there are two classification standards available for this test procedure, BRE 135 and AS 5113. Al Futtaim Element can provide classification to BR 135, and Warringtonfire Australia can provide classification to AS 5113. Both visual observation and temperature data recordings during the test will be considered to decide on the final result of the test.
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