Laboratory testing services

Fire classification of construction materials is generally performed by the European classification standard EN 13501-1. The price displayed on this page includes the preparation of the classification report. The tests can be purchased separately. The tests required for EN 13501-1 fire classification include the following: For non-flooring: Class F and E: EN ISO 11925-2, Class D, C, B: EN ISO 11925-2 and EN 13823, Class A2: EN 13823 and EN ISO 1182 or EN ISO 1716, Class A1: EN ISO 1182 and EN ISO 1716. For flooring : Class Ffl and Efl: EN ISO 11925-2, Class Dfl, Cfl, Bfl: EN ISO 11925-2 and EN ISO 9239-1, Class A2fl: EN ISO 9239-1 and EN ISO 1182 or EN ISO 1716, Class A1fl: EN ISO 1182 and EN ISO 1716. For linear pipes: Class FL and EL: EN ISO 11925-2, Class DL, CL, BL: EN ISO 11925-2 and EN 13823, Class A2L: EN 13823 and EN ISO 1182 or EN ISO 1716, Class A1L: EN ISO 1182 and EN ISO 1716. In addition to the main class, the materials are given additional classifications for smoke production (s1, s2, and s3) and burning particles (d0, d1, and d2).

This test is used to assess the reaction of building products (excluding flooring) to fire when exposed to a thermal attack by a single burning item (SBI). In the test, the spread of flames and smoke is measured. The main purpose of the test is to classify building products according to Euroclass A2, B, C, or D, as per the European classification standard EN 13501-1. Measurlabs can provide individual EN ISO 13823 testing as well as the full set of tests required for EN 13501-1 fire rating classification.

This test measures the ignitability of building materials when exposed to a small flame. The main purpose of the test is to classify building products according to Euroclass B, Bfl, BL, C, Cfl, CL, D, Dfl, DL, E, Efl, or EL as per the European classification standard EN 13501-1. Measurlabs provides individual EN ISO 11925-2 testing as well as other certified tests for EN 13501-1 fire rating classification.

This method is used to determine the gross heat of combustion of solid building products at constant volume in a bomb calorimeter. Results are reported in J/kg. If the product is non-homogeneous, meaning that it consists of multiple materials, each material must be tested separately. The result can be used to classify construction products into classes A1, A1fl, A1L, A2, A2fl, and A2L according to the fire classification standard EN 13501-1.

ISO 5659-2 outlines the procedure for measuring the optical density of smoke produced by a material placed in a closed test cabinet and exposed to thermal radiation. The standard was originally developed for plastics, but it can be applied to a range of other products and materials. In the test, representative specimens of the material are mounted horizontally in a test chamber, and their upper surface is exposed to a specified level of thermal irradiance (usually 25 kW/m2 or 50 kW/m2), with or without a pilot flame. The resulting smoke is collected, and its optical density is measured using a photometric method. Some of the key parameters measured include the maximum specific optical density (Ds,max), the specific optical densities at specified times (Ds(1,5), Ds(4), Ds(10)), and the cumulative specific optical densities during the first 4 minutes of the test (VOF4). A toxicity measurement can also be included to measure toxic gas emissions. Its results are reported as the conventional index of toxicity (CITG). The ISO 5659-2 smoke production test is often required as part of the EN 45545-2 fire safety evaluation of railway materials.

This test is used to evaluate the non-combustible properties of construction materials. The test is included in the EN 13501-1 fire classification standard for classifications A1, A2, A1fl, A2fl, A1L, and A2L. When aiming for A1 classes, the gross heat of combustion test (EN ISO 1716) is also required. For A2 classes, either the single burning item test (EN 13823) or the reaction to fire test for flooring (EN ISO 9239-1) is required in addition to this test or EN ISO 1716. During non-combustibility testing, the specimen is placed in a tube furnace and possible burning events are monitored with thermocouples. If the test specimen burns, the flaming time is also measured. Class A1 materials are not allowed to experience sustained flaming. For class A2 materials, flaming must stop within 20 seconds.

ISO 5660-1 outlines a procedure for using a cone calorimeter to measure the heat release and smoke production rates of materials upon exposure to a predetermined heat flux. Before testing, representative specimens are conditioned at 23±2 ℃ and 50±5% RH until reaching constant mass. They are then wrapped in foil, placed in a sample holder within a retainer frame, and exposed to an irradiance of 50±1 kW/m2 (unless specified otherwise). The results will include the maximum average rate of heat emission (MARHE), which is required information for multiple material types when evaluating their fire safety in railway applications according to EN 45545-2. Other measured parameters include the following: Mass at the start and end of the experiment, Mass loss percentage, Average mass loss rate, Ignition and extinction times, Maximum rate of heat release (RHR), RHR at 180 and 300 seconds after starting the test, Total heat release (THR), Total smoke production per unit area (overall + before and after ignition). We can also offer other reaction-to-fire tests to meet EN 45545-2 requirements, including ISO 5658-2 and ISO 5659-2. Do not hesitate to contact our experts if you need a quote for the full set of tests.

Smoke and toxicity testing by IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 2 is performed on surface materials to assess their suitability for marine use. The specimen is placed in a horizontal position under a cone radiator inside a smoke-density chamber. During the test, the specimen starts to emit smoke, which is collected in the closed chamber. The density of smoke is detected optically. When making toxicity measurements with FTIR, the concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen bromide (HBr), hydrogen fluoride (HF), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitrogen oxides NO_x (NO + NO₂), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) are measured. Classification criteria for smoke An average (D_m) of the maximum of D_s of three tests at each test condition should be within the following limits: D_m 200 for materials used as the surface of bulkheads, linings, or ceilings, D_m 400 for materials used as a primary deck covering, D_m 500 for materials used as a floor covering , D_m 400 for plastic pipes and electric cables. Classification criteria for toxicity The gas concentrations measured at each test condition should be within the following limits: CO 1450 ppm, HCl 600 ppm, HBr 600 ppm, HF 600 ppm, HCN 140 ppm , NO_x 350 ppm , SO₂ 120 ppm (200 ppm for flooring).

Surface flammability testing by IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 5 is to be performed on surface materials to assess their suitability for use in shipbuilding. The specimen is inserted in the specimen holder together with a substrate. It is vertically positioned during the test and is exposed to a heat radiation panel. The test is conducted with a pilot flame. The time of ignition, the spread of flame, extinguishment of flame, and burning droplets are observed and noted. Also, the following parameters are measured: CFE = critical flux at extinguishment (kW/m²), Qsb = heat for sustained burning (MJ/m²), Qt = total heat release (MJ), Qp = peak heat release rate (kW).

IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 9 fire testing assesses the suitability of bedding components for marine use. Test results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). During testing, the ignitability of mattresses, quilts, blankets, pillows, and other bedding components is assessed. Mattresses are placed directly on a test steel rig, while quilts, blankets, pillows, and thin light mattresses are fixed to a mineral wool board that is placed on the test rig. Two ignition sources are used: a smoldering cigarette covered with a cotton wool pad and a small gas flame.

Fire testing according to EN ISO 9239-1 is used to evaluate the ability of flooring to withstand flames and radiant heat. Flame spread, smoke generation, and the lowest radiant heat to sustain burning are measured. The method is primarily used to classify floor coverings according to the European EN 13501-1 fire classification system. Depending on the results, floorings can be categorized as A2fl, Bfl, Cfl, or Dfl. A smoke production classification of s1 or s2 is also provided. Another use case is assessing the burning behavior of floor composites and interior horizontal surfaces used in rail vehicles according to the EN 45545-2 standard. The testing procedure is the following: 1) The test specimen is placed in a horizontal position below a gas-fired radiant panel inclined at 30°, where it is exposed to a defined heat flux. 2) A pilot flame is applied to the hotter end of the specimen. 3) Following ignition, any flame front that develops is noted, and a record is made of the progression of the flame front horizontally along the length of the specimen, measuring the time it takes for the fire to spread to defined distances. 4) Smoke production is recorded as light transmission in the exhaust stack. One specimen is tested in one direction (e.g. production direction) and another in the direction perpendicular to the first specimen. The test that yields the worst results is repeated twice in that direction.

The ISO 4589-2 oxygen index test is used to evaluate the fire behavior of certain railway materials according to the EN 45545-2 standard. It is required to meet requirements R22, R23, and R24, which apply to products such as insulators, seals, pipes, and hoses. The oxygen index (OI) is the minimum volume-based percentage of oxygen in an oxygen-nitrogen mixture required to support the combustion of the sample under specified conditions. For a material to meet EN 45545-2 requirements, the OI must be at least 28% (hazard classes HL1 and HL2) or at least 32% (HL3). Testing is performed on 20 replicate samples, with the required specimen size depending on the material: 80−150 mm x 10 mm x 4 mm for mould-made materials, such as plastics, 80−150 mm x 10 mm x 10 mm for porous materials, such as foams, 140 mm x 52 mm x d, where d < 10.5 mm, for flexible films, sheets, and fabrics.

ISO 5658-2 outlines a method for measuring the lateral flame spread along building and transport products placed in a vertical position. In the test, several representative sample specimens are exposed to a radiant heat flux, and the reaction to this is observed. Measured parameters include the time of ignition, the time of extinction, and the time it takes for the flame front to travel specified distances along the specimen. The results will also include the critical flux at extinguishment (CFE), measured in kW/m2. The CFE is required information when evaluating the reaction-to-fire characteristics of certain components used on trains according to EN 45545-2.

Analysis package for solid recovered fuels (SRF) including the following measurements: Moisture, Ash, Calorific value , CHNSO, Elements (ICP): As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Tl, V. Total chlorine (Cl), total fluorine (F), or additional elements can be added to the analysis package. Please ask for an offer.

The burning rate of vertically mounted materials designed for vehicles and buses must be tested with the UN/ECE R118 Annex 8 test before approval for use. Measurlabs offers this and other accredited R118 fire tests. Upon meeting the requirements outlined in Annex 8, the requirements for horizontal flame spread (annex 6) are also met. In the test method, the exposed side of the vertically mounted test specimen is burned from underneath and the burning rate is measured in mm/min.

The burning rate of horizontally mounted materials designed to be used in vehicles and buses must be tested with the UN/ECE R118 annex 6 test before they can be approved for use. Measurlabs offers this and the other R118 tests with accreditation. In the test method, the exposed side of the test specimen is burned from underneath and the burning rate is measured and expressed in mm/min.

Parts 1 and 2 of the EN 1021 standard are used to assess the ignitability of upholstered seating. A smoldering cigarette and match-flame equivalent are used as ignition sources. Testing is a requirement for upholstered furniture that is designed to be used in public spaces, such as hotels, schools, and restaurants.

The melting behavior of fusible materials used in certain motor vehicles must be determined according to Annex 7 of UN/ECE Regulation 118. In the test, it is monitored whether the specimen ignites, creates flaming droplets, and if these droplets ignite cotton wool placed under the specimen. For the material to pass the test, there must be no formation of flaming drops that ignite the cotton wool. Measurlabs can offer accredited test reports for the UN/ECE R118 Annex 7 test, as well as the Annex 6 and Annex 8 tests. Non-isotropic materials must be tested from both sides, which means that double the number of samples is required.

Materials for maritime use are tested according to the IMO 2010 FTP Code (International Maritime Organization Fire Testing Procedures Code). Results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). Part 1 of the code describes the procedure for non-combustibility testing of maritime materials. First, the moisture content of the material is calculated as a percentage of the dry weight. Test specimens are heated in a ventilated oven at a temperature of 105 ºC for 24 hours and reweighted after cooling in a desiccator. Specimens shall be further tested and heated in an oven at a temperature of 500 ºC for 2 h and reweighted after cooling in a desiccator. The organic content is calculated as a percentage of the dry weight. For the non-combustibility assessment, the test specimens shall be cylindrical and have a diameter of 43 - 45 mm and a height of 50 ± 3 mm. The specimen is placed in a vertical tube furnace with a temperature of 750 °C. The furnace and specimen temperatures are measured continuously during the test. Multiple specimens are tested. The material is non-combustible according to IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 1 if all the following criteria are satisfied: The average furnace thermocouple temperature rise does not exceed 30 °C, The average test specimen surface thermocouple temperature rise does not exceed 30 °C, The average duration of sustained flaming does not exceed 10 s, The average mass loss does not exceed 50 %..

IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 8 testing for upholstered furniture is used to assess the suitability of materials for maritime use. The results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). The testing is performed on the actual product or a small-scale test chair consisting of the cover and filling components of the product. Materials needed for the test are as follows x 3: Cover: 800 mm x 650 mm, Back-filling: 450 mm x 300 mm x 75 mm , Seat-filling: 450 mm x 150 mm x 75 mm. During the cigarette test, a cigarette is lighted and positioned axially along the junction between the seat and the back. The test assembly is not allowed to smolder after one hour from the beginning of the test. In the burner tube test, a burner tube with a propane flame is allowed to burn for 20 seconds, positioned axially along the junction between the seat and the back. No flaming or progressive smoldering is allowed to continue for more than 120 seconds after the removal of the burner tube.

In the test, a vertically oriented test specimen is exposed to a small flame ignition source with a nominal thermal power of 50 W. Together with the horizontal burning test, the results are used to assess plastic materials' flammability performance. One of the following classifications can be granted on the basis of this test: V2, V1, or V0. The test will be performed according to UL 94 sixth edition, clause 8. An ISO 17025 accredited test report will be provided.

In this test, a horizontally oriented test specimen is exposed to a small flame ignition source with a nominal thermal power of 50 W. Together with other UL 94 tests, the results are used to classify plastic materials' flammability performance. The HB classification can be achieved with this test. The test will be performed according to UL 94 sixth edition, clause 7, and you will receive an ISO 17025 accredited test report as a result.

In this test, a horizontally oriented test specimen is exposed to a small flame ignition source with a nominal thermal power of 50 W after being conditioned as per the UL 94 standard. This test is used to classify foamed plastics into one of the following classes: HBF, HF-1, or HF-2. Testing is performed according to UL 94 sixth edition, clause 12, and you will receive an ISO 17025 accredited test report as a result.

Vertically supported textiles and films are to be tested by IMO 2010 FTP Code Part 7 to assess their suitability for marine use. Test results can be used for type approval (wheel mark). At least 20 specimens (170 mm x 220 mm) are cut in both directions of the fabric. If the sides of the fabric are different, both sides shall be tested. Products treated with flame retardants are tested before and after ten full cycles of cleaning and drying. The test specimen is fixed to a vertical metal frame that is placed in the testing cabinet. The specimen is then ignited with a propane gas flame (40 ± 2 mm). Preliminary tests are performed for both directions, the worst case of ignition scenario is chosen, and 5 further tests are conducted in both directions. The after-flame time, burn-through, ignition of cotton wool below, average char length, and surface flash are observed.

In this test, a vertically oriented test specimen is exposed to a small flame ignition source with a nominal thermal power of 500 W. Together with the horizontal burning test and the 50 W vertical burning test, this test is used to classify plastic materials' flammability performance. One of the following classifications can be achieved: 5VB or 5VA. The material should already be classified as V0 or V1 before this test is conducted. Testing is performed according to UL 94 sixth edition, clause 9. You will receive an ISO 17025 accredited report as a result.

Initial explosibility screening, also known as a "go/no go test", to determine whether a fine powder is capable of generating an explosive dust atmosphere. The following determinations are included: Sample preparation and treatment, Grain size analysis with the sieve method, Basic chemical analysis (moisture, volatile matter, ash, fixed carbon), Explosion screening tests according to ISO/IEC 80079-20-2, comprising Hartman tube ignition tests and, if required, a 20-liter sphere ignition test.. As a result, you will get an ISO 17025-accredited test report stating whether or not the sample is classified as combustible dust. We also offer additional tests to determine combustible dust's explosion and ignition parameters. Please ask our experts for more information.

The EN 17084 standard outlines two ways to evaluate the toxicity potential of combustion products that are formed when a material intended for railway applications burns: ISO 5659-2 Smoke chamber test, used to determine the Conventional Index of Toxicity (CITG) of products that cover large surface areas., NF X70-100 Tube furnace test, used to determine the CIT of non-listed products, i.e., small-mass minor components.. We offer both of these tests, along with others described in the EN 45545-2 standard on the fire behavior of railway materials. Please contact our experts for more information and a quote for the full set of tests.

Analysis package to determine the ignitability and explosibility parameters of combustible dust samples after combustibility has been confirmed with the go/no-go screening test. The following are examples of explosibility tests that can be included in the package: MIT – Minimum ignition temperature of dust layers and dust clouds (ISO/IEC 80079-20-2), MIE – Minimum ignition energy (EN 13821), LOC – Limiting oxygen concentration (EN 14034-4+A1) , Resistivity (ISO/IEC 80079-20-2) , LEL – Lower explosive limit (EN 14034-3+A1), Maximum explosion pressure (pmax), pressure increase speed ((dp/dt)max), and explosion constant (KSt) according to EN 14034-1+A1 and EN 14034-2+A1, Classification of the explosive group. An accredited test report will be provided.

Toxicity testing according to NF X 70-100-1 and -2 standards is performed to determine the Conventional Index of Toxicity for non-listed products (CITNLP) used on trains. Testing is needed to meet requirements R22 and R23, as specified in standard EN 45545-2 on the fire behavior of materials used in railway vehicles. The method described in NF X 70-100-2 corresponds to Method 2 under the EN 17084 standard. During the analysis, the sample is burned in a tube furnace at 600 °C, and toxic smoke emissions evolving from the sample are collected and analyzed. The concentrations of the following eight gases are measured and used to calculate the CITNLP parameter: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Carbon monoxide (CO), Hydrogen fluoride (HF), Hydrogen chloride (HCl), Hydrogen bromide (HBr), Hydrogen cyanide (HCN), Sulfur dioxide (SO2), Nitrous oxide (NOx), including both NO2 and NO, expressed as NO2.