No, the specific fire test requirements of EN13501-1 make the use of any wood-based panel, whether timber wall panels or wood ceilings, almost impossible to achieve A1 or A2 classifications. This is largely due to the test requirements of smaller components and more sensitive ‘calorific’ tests such as ISO 1716 or ISO 1182 required for A1 or A2 fire classifications, which measure the energy release of each sub-component of a system. This makes the use of glues, organic polymers, wood, and any other organic coating involving carbon based materials inappropriate.
Is there a solution for timber panels that need to be A1 or A2 fire rated?
Yes, BCL’s aluminium TIMBER EFFECT is fully tested to EN13501-1 and can achieve A1 cladding or A2 classifications (depending on design) and has thousands of designs, colours and grains to choose from. This unique fire resistant wood effect system allows for the creation of realistic wood tones and accurate grains, in a fully inert non-combustible system, fully tested in UKAS labs. This helps to provide greater assurance to all project stakeholders and can also make the approval process a lot easier, especially when it comes to novel configurations or where a construction program leaves little room for project specific testing.
Is there a difference between walls and ceilings when it comes to UKAS fire testing to EN13501-1?
Yes, but only minimal … The current testing procedure for understanding the main burning characteristics of a product under EN13501-1 is the Single Burn Item test (SBI) known as EN 13823 is a vertical corner wall configuration. The only difference between a wall test and a ceiling test is a 40mm ventilated cavity behind the panels. So it is very easy to test wooden ceilings, to also cover use as a wall panel and why if you have both elements to your project, you should ideally conduct a single test to cover both applications.
BCL are on hand to provide our expertise and advice for any major construction project and if you have a wooden slatted wall or wooden slat ceiling on your project that you would like to discuss with us, please contact is today on +441189 344155 or alternatively email us on info@bcl.uk.net .
