WHAT ARE EUROCLASSES?

Introduction
In the past, each country in the European Union has developed its own fire tests in support of its national building regulations and guidance. Consequently it has been extremely difficult to compare the data arising from these different fire tests. Manufacturers have had to make tests in each country to sell their products.

Now, for the first time, a common system of fire testing and classification of the resulting test data for construction products is being implemented across the EU member states. This move is part of the CE Marking initiative to allow the free trade of goods throughout the European Union.

The key points of the new systems are:

 CE Marking including fire performance

 EU classification systems

 The 7 Euroclasses for Reaction to Fire

 Classifications - Smoke and flaming droplets/particles

 Flashover and product differentiation.

 Common construction products - likely Euroclasses

 EU classification of construction products for Resistance to Fire, excluding ventilation services - an overview of EN 13501-2.

 The Transposition of Euroclasses

Further information can be obtained by visiting the website of the European Commission or via our LINKS section.