FIRE CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO EN 13501-1:2001

This broad standard, published in February 2002, contains in the first part the
classification of the materials, with the corresponding codes, using test data from
reaction to fire tests. It includes definitions of terms and symbols, testing methods,
principles for preparing tests and samples, tests of materials according to whether or not
they are applied to floors, criteria and presentation of the classification.

The standard contemplates the following test methods:

The non-combustibility test (according to prEN ISO 1182), for identifying

materials that would not contribute to the spread of a fire, or which would
only contribute to a small degree. This test is relevant for classes A1, A2,
A1fl and A2fl.

The test for determining the heat of combustion (according to prEN ISO
1716), which determines the maximum release of heat from a product when
it burns completely, regardless of its ultimate use. Suitable for the same
classes as the previous test.

The test of a single burning item (according to EN 13823), which assesses

the potential contribution of a product to the development of a fire, under a
fire situation which simulates a single burning item in one corner of a room
near said product. Applies to classes A2, B, C and D; also to class A1 in
certain cases.

The ignitability test (according to prEN ISO 11925-2), which assesses the
ignitability of a product exposed to a small flame. Applies to classes B, C, D,
E, Bfl, Cfl, Dfl and Efl.

The test of the behaviour of floor coverings using a radiant heat source
(according to prEN ISO 9239-1), which determines the critical radiant flow
under which flames do not spread across a horizontal surface. Applies for
awarding classes A2fl, Bfl, Cfl and Dfl.

The standard includes tables that contain the classes and the requirements for
each class, as well as the additional classifications in certain parameters and the test
methods applied for assessing these requirements. The classification and codes apply to
all types of construction materials, excluding floor coverings (Table 1), and to
construction materials intended to be used as floor coverings (Table 2). We have
provided a qualitative description of the various codes.

The second part of the standard (EN 13501-2) characterises and classifies
construction elements according to their fire behaviour, using tests of resistance to fire,
which can be applied to modular rigid coverings when they perform functions of
protecting load-bearing elements or as separating membranes.

Adhesives Types, characteristics and codes 1

Fire classification according to EN 13501-1:2001
 CLASSIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, EXCLUDING FLOOR COVERINGS, ACCORDING TO
THEIR REACTION TO FIRE (EN 13501-1)

Class Description
F Products for which no reaction to fire behaviour has been determined or which do not fall
under any of the classes A1, A2, B, C, D and E.
E Products capable of withstanding, for a short period, the attack of a small flame without
resulting in any substantial spread of the flame.
D Products which meet the criteria for class E and are capable of withstanding, for a longer
period, the attack of a small flame without resulting in any substantial spread of the flame.
They must also be capable of withstanding the thermal attack of a single burning item with
sufficient delay and limited heat release.
C Like class D, but meeting stricter requirements. Also, under thermal attack from a single
burning item, they must enable limited sideways spread of the flame.
B Like class C, but meeting stricter requirements.
A2 They must meet the same criteria as class B according to standard EN 13823. Furthermore,
under fully developed fire conditions, these products should not make any major contribution
to the fire load or to the growth of the fire.
A1 Products of class A1 must not contribute to any phase of the fire, including to the fully
developed fire. For this reason, they are automatically expected to meet all the requirements of
the lower classes.
Additional classification according to smoke production
s3 No restriction on the production of smoke required.
s2 Limits on total smoke production and the rate at which smoke production increases.
s1 Stricter criteria than those of class s2 are met.
Additional classification according to the production of droplets/particles
d2 No restrictions.
d1 No flaming droplets/particles produced with persistence beyond a given period.
d0 No flaming droplets/particles are produced.

Adhesives Types, characteristics and codes 2

Fire classification according to EN 13501-1:2001
 CLASSIFICATION OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
INTENDED TO BE USED AS FLOOR COVERINGS, ACCORDING TO EN 13501-1

Class Description
Ffl Products for which no reaction to fire behaviour has been determined or which do not fall
under any of the classes A1fl, A2fl, Bfl, Cfl, Dfl and Efl.
Efl Products capable of withstanding a small flame.
Dfl Products that meet the requirements of class Efl and are also capable of withstanding, for a
predetermined period, the attack of a heat flow.
Cfl Like class Dfl, but meeting stricter requirements.
Bfl Like class Cfl, but meeting stricter requirements.
A2fl Products that meet the same requirements as class Bfl in respect of heat flow. Furthermore,
under fully developed fire conditions, these products should not make any major contribution
to the fire load or to the growth of the fire.
A1fl Products of class A1fl must not contribute to any phase of the fire, including to the fully
developed fire. For this reason, they are automatically expected to meet all the requirements of
the lower classes.
Additional classification according to smoke production
s2 No restrictions.
s1 Total smoke production is limited.

Adhesives Types, characteristics and codes 3

Fire classification according to EN 13501-1:2001