How does the Euroclass system work?
The Euroclass system was introduced to harmonise standards across the EU. It categorises products into one of seven reaction to fire classes ranging from A1 down to F (the worst performing class in terms of combustibility), using a defined test or combination of tests. It also provides additional classification (typically associated with reaction to fire classes D – B) for smoke production (from s1 - little or no smoke, to s3 - substantial smoke) and flaming droplets / particles (from d0 - none, to d2 - quite a lot).
During its development, the European Commission’s Fire Regulators Group wanted the system to directly address the hazards in an actual fire scenario — a fire in a room. To do this, they used a room corner test (ISO 9705-1: 2016 - Room corner test for wall and ceiling lining products) as the reference point. Crucially, this test method was specifically designed to measure the burning behaviour of internal wall and ceiling lining products.
What tests are used within the Euroclass system?
When assessing construction products (other than flooring), the Euroclass system uses four tests:
BS EN ISO 1182: 2019 (Non-combustibility test)
This is a small-scale test designed to assess whether a product will contribute towards a fire.
A small specimen is placed within the cylindrical furnace which is maintained at 750°C. During the 30 minute test, temperature changes on the surface and at the centre of the specimen are monitored via thermocouples (sensors). The specimen is also observed for signs of sustained flaming. At the end of the test, mass loss from the specimen is calculated.
The test criteria used within the Euroclass system are:
• ∆T – temperature rise on specimen thermocouples
• ∆m – mass loss of specimen
• tf - sustained flaming time
