In September of 2024, the Government announced that the fire testing standards used for National classifications (British Standards) will be removed from Approved Document B. leaving only the EN 13501 European classification standards. This change has sparked confusion about the differences between the two systems, and raised concerns about whether products tested to the British Standards are fit for purpose.
These concerns, however, are unwarranted. Products tested to British Standards are reliable, and the transition to the European classification standards should not cause worry. The transition is in fact the outcome of a long-held ambition by the Government to have a single classification system for the fire performance of construction products.
Here I explore the background to the testing change and tackle the common misconceptions around the two standards for the testing of fire doors to help fire door manufacturers reassure their customers that products tested to National classifications can be used confidently.
The reason for the transition
The UK Government has had a long-held ambition to have a single classification system to support the fire performance of construction products. The withdrawal of BS 476 also implements a recommendation from the Hackitt Report for a clearer, transparent and effective safety regime.
The change forms part of a wave of new legislation and regulation we’re seeing in fire safety following the Grenfell Tower tragedy. The recent Grenfell Tower Inquiry rightly shone a light on building fire safety and where improvements need to be made to protect lives.
As part of the Inquiry, a major concern was highlighted surrounding the testing and classification system for reaction to fire due to how the exterior insulation and rain screen cladding on Grenfell Tower was assessed. However, no concerns were raised surrounding the fire resistance testing and classification of flat entrance doors as the National classification for fire resistance does not have similar weaknesses.
In fact, there were no concerns regarding the fire doors claiming a national classification FD30 based on testing in according with BS 476-22.
There was, however, a concern raised that even though the composite fire doors claimed this level of performance, it was later found they could not provide more than 20 minutes fire resistance. This was because they had been manufactured to a different specification which was not covered by the test evidence used to support them. This in turn triggered MHCLG’s investigation into the reliability of fire doors.
At the BWF, we believe these standards have been mistakenly intertwined with the broader fire resistance concerns.
Reassuring the fire door sector
While the introduction of the European classification is over four years away, it’s important to reassure fire door specifiers and those responsible for fire doors that the British Standard for testing fire doors remains fit for purpose.
During an MHCLG investigation following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the reliability of timber fire doors was clearly demonstrated. All of the timber fire doors tested passed the 30-minute standard in both directions. This led to the investigation concluding timber fire doors perform consistently when tested for fire resistance and pass the 30-minute required standard when manufactured to specification, and MHCLG stating that there were “no issues with the consistency of fire resistance performance of the doors tested”.
For BWF members who had their fire doors involved in the tests, their products were found to exceed the 30-minute requirement, and on average, fire-resistance time was 46 minutes.
This robust evidence from Government testing clearly demonstrates the performance of timber fire doors tested to British Standards.
Clearing the confusion
It’s important to be aware of and able to communicate the nuances between BS 476-22 and BS EN 1634-1 when considering fire resistance:
While the European testing classification is more recent than its British Standard counterpart, the European classification is currently under review to enhance its effectiveness and mitigate any potential risks in the testing process.
Shifting timelines
The timeline for removing the National classifications and only accepting the European classifications has been outlined but it may be impacted by several broader industry updates. For example, the European Commission is expected to instruct the technical committee responsible drafting product standards for fire doors under the new EU Construction Product Regulation (CPR) processes. This means new European Product Standards – replacing EN 14351-1, EN 14351-2, EN 13241 and EN 16034 – could be available before 2029.
Added to this the UK Construction Products Regulations, changes to Building Regulations and whether the UK Government assimilates to the new EU CPR may also impact on the transition timeline.
Taking action
At the BWF we’re working alongside industry colleagues to reassure the fire door market that British Standards remain fit for purpose. Our key activity includes a proactive thought leadership campaign to raise awareness, liaison with the National Standards Body BSI and the European Standards Body CEN to ensure the European standards deliver reliable results and performance. In addition, we are also liaising with the Building Safety Regulator regarding the changes to the approved document and how to manage the transition.
Over the coming years, as we move toward the introduction of the European classification system, the BWF will be producing guidance material and offering ongoing support for its members.
For now, it’s vital that we help educate the wider fire door supply chain, sharing insight into the standard change and highlighting how at this stage there’s no need to replace fit for purpose installed fire doors that are tested under the British Standard.