Laboratory → Classification
Classification reports
A test result is data. A classification report is the document a specifier, a building control officer or an insurer will actually read, and it says what the data does and does not cover.
No contribution to fire
Non-combustibility and bomb calorimetry, with every component tested separately. No smoke or droplet sub-class is required.
Very limited contribution
Non-combustibility or bomb calorimetry, plus the SBI. Carries s and d sub-classes.
Limited to medium contribution
SBI plus single flame source. The three classes are separated by FIGRA and total heat release.
Reaction acceptable, or none
Single flame source only for E. F is the classification for products that were not tested or did not reach E.
Direct and extended field of application
Every classification report states what was tested and, separately, the range over which the result may be applied without further testing. The direct field of application comes from the test standard. The extended field comes from an EXAP standard or from a documented assessment.
We write both in plain terms — thickness range, density range, substrate, fixing centres, joint detail — because the most frequent misuse of a fire test report is applying it to a build-up that was never in scope.
What the report will not do
Approve the product
A classification describes performance in a defined test. It is not a certificate and it is not a statement that the product is suitable for a building.
Cover an untested build-up
Change the substrate, the adhesive or the fixing and the report may no longer apply. If in doubt, ask before you specify.
Travel between products
A classification belongs to the product as manufactured on the date the specimens were produced. A reformulation needs new evidence.