Fire resistance

How a material or product behaves as a fuel in the early stages of a fire, covering ignitability, flame spread, heat release and smoke production. It is distinct from fire resistance, which concerns how long a complete construction element withstands a developed fire; in Europe reaction to fire is classified under EN 13501-1.

The European standard series for the fire classification of construction products and building elements. Part 1 covers reaction to fire (the Euroclass system), Part 2 covers fire resistance, and Part 5 covers the external fire performance of roofs, giving classifications such as Broof(t4).

The long-standing British Standard series for fire tests on building materials and structures, including surface spread of flame (Part 7), fire propagation (Part 6) and external fire exposure of roofs (Part 3). It has largely been superseded in UK regulation by the European EN 13501 classifications, but is still referenced in older specifications and certificates.

A passive fire protection coating that reacts to heat by swelling into a thick, insulating char, slowing the rate at which the protected substrate, typically structural steel, loses strength in a fire. Thin film and thick film systems are applied in buildings, offshore installations and industrial plant.