EN 1363 Fire Resistance Tests

The European standard “EN 1363 Fire resistance tests” consists of the following sub-sections published under the same title:

• The standard “EN 1363-1 Part 1: General requirements” describes the general principles for determining the fire resistance of various building elements when exposed to fire conditions. Alternative and additional procedures for meeting specific requirements are included in the standard EN 1363-2.

The principle contained in all European standards relating to fire resistance testing is that when aspects and procedures of a test are common to all specific test methods (e.g., temperature/time curve), they are specified in that test method. If a general principle is common to many specific test methods, but the details vary depending on the element being tested (e.g., measurement of the temperature of the unexposed surface), the principle is given in this document, but the details are given in the specific test method. If some aspects of the test are specific to a particular test method (e.g., air leakage test for fire dampers), no details are given in this document.

The obtained test results can be directly applied to other similar elements or variations of the element being tested. The extent to which this application is permitted depends on the direct application area of ​​the test result. This is constrained by providing rules that limit deviation from the tested sample without further evaluation. The rules for determining permitted deviations are given for each specific test method.

Deviations beyond those permitted by direct application are addressed under the extended application of test results. This is the result of an in-depth examination of the design and performance of a particular product through testing by a recognized authority. Further information on direct and extended application is provided in the standard annex (Annex A).

The period during which the tested element meets certain criteria, whether directly or as modified by its extended application area, will allow for further classification.

All values ​​given in this standard are nominal unless otherwise specified.

The main objective of the EN 1363-1 standard is to establish a uniform and reliable method for evaluating how structural elements behave when exposed to fire. This standard provides:

• Tests are performed consistently across laboratories.
• The results are comparable across different countries.
• Fire performance is measured under standardized conditions.

The EN 1363-1 standard does not test a specific product. Instead, it defines a general framework used in conjunction with other fire testing standards. This standard applies to:

• Walls and partitions
• Floors and ceilings
• Doors and shutters
• Structural elements (beams, columns)
• Fire protection systems

The test uses a controlled temperature-time relationship, known as the standard fire curve, which simulates a real fire scenario:

• The temperature rises rapidly (to approximately 1000 degrees).
• The samples are exposed to an oven.
• Performance Criteria

Three main criteria are evaluated during the test:

• Integrity: The ability to prevent the passage of flames and hot gases.
• Insulation: The ability to limit temperature increase on the unexposed side.
• Load-bearing capacity: The ability to maintain structural stability under fire.
• The standard “EN 1363-2 Part 2: Alternative and additional procedures” describes alternative heating conditions and other procedures that may be required in specific situations. This standard should be read in conjunction with EN 1363-1. Details of alternative hydrocarbon, slow heating, and external fire exposure heating curves, as well as additional pulse testing and radiation measurement procedures, are included in this standard.

The main purpose of the EN 1363-2 standard is to provide flexibility in fire testing in the following ways:

• Simulating different types of fires (not just the standard fire curve)
• Assessing specific risks such as grinding or slow-heating fires.
• Providing additional procedures for specialized structural elements.

In terms of fire exposure, EN 1363-1 uses a standard fire curve, while EN 1363-2 uses alternative fire curves. In terms of scope, EN 1363-1 is based on general rules, while EN 1363-2 is based on advanced/specific conditions. In terms of flexibility, EN 1363-1 shows limited flexibility, while EN 1363-2 shows high flexibility. Essentially, EN 1363-2 is an extension of EN 1363-1.

The test methods described in the EN 1363-2 standard are as follows:

• Hydrocarbon fire curve: Represents rapid, high-temperature fires. Commonly used in petrochemical plants, tunnels, and offshore platforms. The temperature rises much faster than in standard fires (can quickly exceed 1000 degrees).
• External fire exposure curve: Simulates fire exposure from the outside of a building. Used on exterior walls and facades.
• Slow-heating fire (smoldering fire): Represents fires with poor ventilation and a slow temperature increase. Areas where it is important are insulated panels and storage areas.

Like the EN 1363-1 standard, this standard also evaluates the following:

• Integrity: No flame transfer.
• Insulation: Temperature control
• Load capacity: Structural stability

However, these have been tested under different fire conditions.

• The standard “EN 1363-3 Part 3: Verification of furnace performance” describes the procedure for verifying the thermal and pressure characteristics of fire-resistant furnaces used for testing separation elements. The procedure should be applied to new furnaces, when the furnace lining is renewed (at least 30% of the lining is replaced), when the furnace is overhauled, or every two years, whichever occurs first. Information on additional measurements is included in the standard annex (Annex A).

The main purpose of the EN 1363-3 standard is to confirm that fire test furnaces verify the following:

• It must follow the necessary temperature-time curves.
• Ensuring even heat exposure
• It produces repeatable and comparable results.

Without this verification, fire resistance test results may not be reliable.

The fundamental concept is furnace calibration. Fire resistance tests largely depend on furnace accuracy. This standard provides procedures to verify the following:

• Temperature accuracy: Ensures the furnace conforms to the standard fire curve. Thermocouples must read accurately.
• Temperature homogeneity: Heat distribution must be consistent throughout the oven. This prevents uneven exposure of test samples.
• Pressure conditions: The furnace pressure must simulate real fire conditions. It controls the movement of flames and hot gases.
• Reproducibility: Results should be consistent across multiple tests.

The test methods described in the EN 1363-3 standard are as follows:

• Plate thermometer method: A key feature of this standard is the use of the following:
• Plate thermometer
• It measures heat flow more accurately than standard thermocouples.
• It simulates heat transfer to real building elements.
• Verification process:
• The measuring devices are placed inside the oven.
• The furnace is operated according to the standard fire curve.
• The measured values ​​are compared with the required limits.
• If deviations occur, the oven is adjusted.
• The standard “EN 1363-4 Part 4: Specific requirements for vertical ovens” describes the method for determining the fire resistance of curtain wall systems and perimeter seals. It examines the fire resistance of the following against internal and external fire exposure:
• A spandrel panel, meaning it has a downward projection, an upward projection, or a combination thereof.
• Perimeter seal.
• The connection of the frame system (anchorage) used to attach the curtain wall system to the floor element.
• Or combinations thereof.

The results of tests conducted according to this standard form the basis for the classification of Type A curtain wall systems. For Type B curtain wall systems, the results can be used to determine the fire resistance of parts of curtain wall systems previously tested according to the EN 1364-3 standard and to expand their application area. For the intended EW classification and corner/polygonal samples, the EN 1364-3 standard should be used.

This standard does not cover double-walled facades, cladding systems, or ventilated facade systems in exterior walls. This standard does not address the fire response behavior of shear walls. This standard is intended to be read in conjunction with EN 1363-1 and EN 1363-2 standards, as well as EN 1364-3 for type B shear walls.

The main objectives of the EN 1363-4 standard are as follows:

• Defining technical requirements for vertical fire test furnaces.
• To ensure homogeneous heat exposure for vertically placed samples.
• To support accurate and repeatable fire resistance tests.

This standard applies especially to vertical ovens used for testing structural elements such as:

• Walls and partitions
• Fire doors and shutters
• Glass systems
• Facade elements

These elements are mounted vertically, simulating real building conditions.

This standard focuses specifically on vertical kiln configuration and performance.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services in accordance with the EN 1363 standard.