Full Scale Testing Vertical Elements
Exposed Area 3.0(h) x 3.0(w)m
The test method determines the fire resistance of non-loadbearing elements of building construction.
A full test report with the test results after testing.
BS 476-22:1987 – Doorsets
Overview
This test method evaluates the duration for which a doorset can contain a fire within a compartment when tested against a standard set of temperature rise and pressure conditions. The test is carried out on a full-size fully operational doorset, installed in a wall as in practice and incorporating any hardware, seals and glazing that would be present in its normal usage. Dependent on size limitations, it may be possible to test more than one doorset in the same wall.
Common test durations are 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 and 240 minutes. Included within the test cost is a nominal overrun period of at least 10%. While not required by the test standard, this overrun may be required should you seek third party assessment of the test evidence. On request, the test can be continued beyond this point at a pro-rata fee.
Scope
To carry out an accredited test to BS 476: Part 22.
Price
On request, dependent on your requirements for:
- Test duration
- Wall construction
- Installation
- Number of doorsets
- Reporting
Test Preparation
Once you’ve booked a test, you can expect to receive a Test Date Booking Form – securing the booking date and agreeing the timeline for delivery and installation.
Closer to the time, we’ll ask you to complete a Customer Test Details Form, to confirm the exact details of the test. At this point we’ll also ask you to submit a full technical specification and CAD drawings in .dwg format.
Delivery of the doorsest will be suitably ahead of the test date. A member of our technical team will comprehensively document the materials and methods of construction of the doorset and its component parts, independently verifying it against the supplied specification.
Our in-house build team will prepare an associated wall construction within one of our furnace restraint frames, with openings for the doorsets to be installed into.
The doorset can be installed by the test sponsor or by one of our in-house installers. A member of our technical team will document the installation process, recording details and measurements as necessary.
Test Method
The sample is prepared for testing – measurements are taken, an array of thermocouples affixed, and positions marked for measurements to be taken during the test.
The frame is then mounted on the front of either our 3m high x 3m wide or 2.4m high x 1.35m wide vertical furnace so that one face of the sample is exposed to the fire.
The sample is evaluated for 2 criteria:
- Integrity – the ability to prevent the passage of flames and hot gasses
- Insulation – the ability to restrict temperature rise on the unexposed face
The result for each criteria is expressed as the number of whole elapsed minutes for which the sample maintains that ability.
Integrity is evaluated by:
- Sustained flaming, lasting at least 10 seconds on the unexposed face
- Opening of a gap, hole or crack which allows penetration of a 6mm or 25mm diameter gap gauge into the furnace
- Ignition of a cotton pad when held against the specimen in a wire frame holder for at most 15 seconds
Insulation is evaluated by:
- Average temperature rise: The thermocouples at the geometric centre of the sample and the centre of each quadrant are considered. The average temperature of these 5 thermocouples must not rise more than 140°C above its initial value.
- Maximum temperature rise: Of the array of thermocouples applied, the temperature of any individual thermocouple must not rise more than 180°C above the initial value of the average thermocouples.
- A handheld roving thermocouple is also used to evaluate for maximum temperature rise when needed.
- Failure to maintain Integrity constitutes a failure to maintain Insulation.
Irradiance and lateral deflection are also measured and reported against the total number of elapsed minutes.
Doorsets are tested as 1 of 3 categories:
- Insulated – Intended to maintain insulation criteria for the duration of the test – evaluated by all the criteria above.
- Uninsulated – Not intended to maintain insulation criteria for the duration of the test – evaluated by sustained flaming and gap gauges only.
- Partially Insulated – Otherwise evaluated as insulated but with an uninsulated area <20% of the total area – which is evaluated as uninsulated.
Deliverables
- Same-day confirmation of test results by email and/or phone.
- On request, a link to the video of the test and any required intermediate reporting of test observations and data.
- A comprehensive Test Report. This is a multi-page document detailing the test results, test data and a breakdown of the assembled components including photos and drawings.
- There is no “Test Certificate” available, this is a misnomer. Testing and Certification are separate processes.
- The Test Report may be used by a third party for product assessment, there is no automatic extension of scope available within this test standard.
Testing Considerations
- The construction of the test specimen should represent the element in practice.
- Symmetry, and direction of fire exposure. Is the construction symmetrical through its thickness? If not, it may need to be tested from each direction.
- Amendments to Approved Document B (Fire Safety) will remove national classes using the BS476 series of standards as a method of demonstrating compliance, coming into force in September 2029. Contact us if you would like to discuss the effects of these amendments.
Frequently asked questions
Our testing facilities
Medium Scale Testing Vertical Elements
Exposed Area 2.4(h) x 1.35(w)m
If required, CFR may be able to assist with procuring materials and specimen installation – Please enquire for details.