BS 476: Part 7: 1997: Method For Classification of The Surface Spread of Flame of Products
BS 476: Part 7: 1997: Method For Classification of The Surface Spread of Flame of Products
BS 476: Part 7: 1997: Method For Classification of The Surface Spread of Flame of Products
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BS 476: Part 7: 1997
Executive Summary
Objective To determine the surface spread of flame classification of the following product
when tested in accordance with BS 476: Part 7: 1997.
Test Sponsor Eco-Sol Ltd, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 2AW
Signatories
Authorised
C. Dean * Report Issued: 9th February 2011
Operations Manager
This version of the report has been produced from a pdf format electronic file that has been provided by
Exova Warringtonfire to the sponsor of the report and must only be reproduced in full Extracts or
abridgements of reports must not be published without permission of Exova Warringtonfire
SIGNATORIES........................................................................................................................................ 2
TEST DETAILS....................................................................................................................................... 4
Test Details
Purpose of test To determine the performance of a product when it is subjected to the
conditions of the test specified in BS 476: Part 7: 1997, "Fire tests on building
materials and structures, method for classification of the surface spread of
flame of products". This test was therefore performed in accordance with the
procedure specified in BS 476: Part 7: 1997, and this report should be read in
conjunction with that British Standard.
Scope of test BS 476: Part 7: 1997 specifies a method of test for measuring the lateral
spread of flame along the surface of a specimen of a product orientated in the
vertical position, and a classification system based on the rate and extent of
flame spread. It provides data suitable for comparing the performances of
essentially flat materials, composites, or assemblies, which are used primarily
as the exposed surfaces of walls or ceilings.
Fire test study Certain aspects of some fire test specifications are open to different
group/EGOLF interpretations. The Fire Test Study Group and EGOLF have identified a
number of such areas and have agreed Resolutions which define common
agreement of interpretations between fire test laboratories which are members
of the Groups. Where such Resolutions are applicable to this test they have
been followed.
Instruction to test The test was conducted on the 1st February 2011 at the request of Eco-Sol Ltd,
the sponsor of the test.
Provision of test The specimens were supplied by the sponsor of the test. Exova
specimens Warringtonfire was not involved in any selection or sampling procedure.
Conditioning of The specimens were received on the 27th January 2011 and were conditioned
specimens to constant mass at a temperature of 23 ± 2oC and a relative humidity of 50 ±
5% prior to testing.
Form in which the Assembly - Fabrication of materials and/or composites that can contain air
specimens were gaps. Each specimen was placed over 25mm thick by 20mm wide calcium
tested silicate based spacers positioned around its perimeter and mounted onto a
backing board so that a 25mm enclosed air gap was provided between the
unexposed face of the specimen and the backing board.
Exposed face The coated face of the specimens was exposed to the heating conditions of the
test.
Note 1: The sponsor of the test was unable to provide this information.
Test Results
Results and The test results for the individual specimens, together with observations made
observations during the test and comments on any difficulties encountered during the test
are given in Appendix 1.
Classification In accordance with the class definitions given in BS 476: Part 7: 1997, the
specimens tested are classified as Class 1.
Criteria for If the prefix 'D' or suffix 'R' or 'Y' is included in the classification, this indicates
classification that the results should be treated with caution. An explanation of the reason for
the prefix and suffixes is given in Appendix 2, together with the classification
limits specified in the Standard.
Applicability of The test results relate only to the behaviour of the test specimens of the
test result product under the particular conditions of test; they are not intended to be the
sole criterion for assessing the potential fire hazard of the product in use.
The test results relate only to the specimens of the product in the form in which they
were tested. Small differences in the composition or thickness of the product may
significantly affect the performance during the test and may therefore invalidate the
test results. Care should be taken to ensure that any product which is supplied or
used is fully represented by the specimens which were tested.
Validity The specification and interpretation of fire test methods are the subject of
ongoing development and refinement. Changes in associated legislation may
also occur. For these reasons it is recommended that the relevance of test
reports over five years old should be considered by the user. The laboratory
that issued the report will be able to offer, on behalf of the legal owner, a review
of the procedures adopted for a particular test to ensure that they are
consistent with current practices, and if required may endorse the test report.
This report may only be reproduced in full. Extracts or abridgements shall not be
published without permission of Exova Warringtonfire.
SPECIMEN No. 1 2 3 4 5 6
75
165
190
215
240
265
290
375
455
500
525
600
675
710
750
785
825
Observations made during test and comments on any difficulties encountered during the test:
In the case of each specimen tested, flash flaming occurred from the sixth minute of the test, up to a
distance of 90mm. This flash flaming became transitory flaming from the seventh minute of the test, up to
a distance of 165mm.
Classification
Limit for one Limit for one
Limit Limit
specimen specimen
(mm) (mm)
(mm) (mm)
Explanation of prefix 1. A suffix R is added to the classification if more than six specimens are
and suffixes which required in order to obtain six valid test results (e.g. class 2R).
may be added to the
classification 2. A prefix D is added to the classification of any product which does not comply
with the surface characteristics specified in the Standard and has therefore
been tested in a modified form (e.g. class D3).
Revision History