Fire testing according to EN ISO 9239-1

Purpose

The fire test EN ISO 9239-1 evaluates the ability of floorings to withstand flames and raidiant heat. The product's flame spread, smoke generation and the lowest radiant heat to sustain burning are measured in the method. The method is mainly used to classify floor coverings according to the European system for Euroclass EN 13501-1.

To be able to sell a construction product in Europe, the product must be tested, classified and if possible, CE-marked in accordance with the Construction Product Regulation. To meet the technical fire requirements, there are common test methods and a common classification system, EN 13501-1, also called Euroclass. This classification system is used by all EU countries, including Norway and Iceland. In Sweden the Building Regulations, BBR, use the Euroclass system.

Method

The test specimen is placed in a horizontal position below a gas-fired radiant panel inclined at 30° where it is exposed to a defined heat flux. A pilot flame is applied to the hotter end of the specimen. Following ignition, any flame front which develops is noted and a record is made of the progression of the flame front horizontally along the length of the specimen in terms of the time it takes to spread to defined distances. Smoke production during the test is recorded as light transmission in the exhaust stack. One specimen is tested in one direction (e.g. production direction) and one specimen in the direction perpendicular to the first specimen. The test which yields the worst results is repeated twice in that direction.

All types of flooring can be tested in this method, for example those comprised by fire regulations and included in the European Construction Product Directive, CPD, for example wood floor, plastic floor, rubber floor, linoleum floor etc

Deliveries

A test report, in Swedish or English, is delivered with the test results after testing.