EN 520 Gypsum Boards - Definitions, Requirements and Test Methods

The EN 520 standard, a European standard, describes definitions and requirements for gypsum boards and provides test methods. This standard covers the properties and performance of gypsum boards intended for use in building construction, including those intended for secondary manufacturing processes.

It includes boards intended for use directly as surface decoration or gypsum plaster.

The EN 520 standard is specifically intended to specify the following performance characteristics of these products:

• Reaction to fire
• Water vapor permeability
• Bending strength (breaking load)
• Impact resistance
• Thermal resistance

In addition, the following performance characteristics are associated with systems installed with plasterboards:

• shear strength
• Fire resistance
• Impact resistance
• Direct airborne sound insulation
• Acoustic absorption (this value is measured according to the relevant European test methods)

If needed, these tests should also be performed on mounted systems that simulate end-use conditions.

The EN 520 standard also covers additional technical features and reference tests for these features that are important for the use and acceptance of the product by the construction industry. With these tests, the conformity of the product to this standard is evaluated.

However, this standard does not cover any secondary manufacturing process, for example insulating composite panels, thin laminated gypsum boards and gypsum boards that have been similarly treated.

In the EN 520 standard, the requirements are organized under the following headings:

- Mechanical properties

• Shear strength (strength of switchboard / infrastructure connection)
• Flexural strength (expressed as flexural breaking load)
• Deviation under load

- Fire behavior

• Reaction to fire
• Fire resistance

- Impact resistance

- Water vapor permeability (expressed as water vapor resistance factor)

- Air permeability

- Acoustic features

• Direct airborne sound insulation
• acoustic absorption

Briefly, this standard describes the properties and performance of drywall used in building construction, including those intended for secondary manufacturing processes, and includes sheets designed for surface decoration or gypsum plastering.

Our organization also provides testing services for gypsum boards within the scope of EN 520 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.