BS 8414-1:2015 pdf download.Fire performance of external cladding systems – Part 1: Test method for non-loadbearing external cladding systems applied to the masonry face of a building.
6 Test specimen
6.1 General
The test specimen shall include all relevant components assembled and installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
6.2 Dimensions of the test specimen
The test specimen shall extend horizontally from the finished corner of the test sample, at least 2 400 mm on the main test face and at least 1 200 mm on the wing. The system shall extend from the base of the test apparatus to a height of at least 6 000 mm above the top of the combustion chamber opening on both faces. The test specimen shall not obstruct the combustion chamber opening.
If the external cladding system does not offer any protection to openings in practice, the interface between the test specimen and the combustion chamber shall also remain unprotected.
Edge detailing and terminations shall also be representative of end use design.
If horizontal joints are incorporated into the external wall cladding system, the test specimen shall incorporate horizontal joints at intervals specified by the manufacturer, with at least one joint placed (2 400 ±100) mm above the combustion chamber opening.
If vertical joints are incorporated into the external wall cladding system, the test specimen shall incorporate vertical joints at intervals specified by the manufacturer, with a joint extending upwards on the centre line of the combustion chamber opening, with a tolerance of ±100 mm.
7 Conditioning
After application of the test specimen to the test apparatus, it shall be left for a period of time which is sufficient for all components to cure in accordance with the test sponsor’s installation specifications.
The test apparatus shall be protected from adverse environmental conditions such as water, windload and ambient temperatures outside the range -5°C to +40 °C during the application, curing and test period.
8 Procedure
8.1 Environmental test conditions
The ambient temperature at the start of the test shall be within the range (20 ±15) °C.
The test shall not be conducted during fog or precipitation.
The air velocity at level 2 when measured (1 000 ±10) mm forward from the centre line of the combustion chamber opening in any direction shall be less than 2 mIs at the start of the test.
8.2 Data acquisition
The data acquisition and audio visual records shall commence at least 5 mm prior to ignition of the fuel source.
8.3 Fuel source
At least 5 mm after the start of the data acquisition, the fuel source shall be ignited as described in Annex A.
8.4 Test observations
The times of significant events such as the change of flaming conditions and any change in the mechanical behaviour of the cladding system shall be recorded, especially the detachment of any part of the cladding system (whether flaming or otherwise) or any fire penetrations through fire stops incorporated within the cladding system.
8.5 Test duration
The test duration shall be a maximum of 60 mm. The heat source shall be extinguished 30 mm after ignition (see A.2.4). Data and audio visual records shall continue to be recorded for 60 mm after ignition of the fuel source unless all visual flaming has ceased and the measured temperatures have been decreasing for a period of 10 mm.
8.6 Early test termination criteria
The test shall be terminated if:
a) flame spread extends above the test apparatus at any time during the test duration (see 8.5); or
b) there is a risk to the safety of personnel or impending damage to equipment.
9 Post-test examination
The cladding system shall be examined when cooled (within 24 h of the test) for damage, such as spalling, melting, deformation and delamination but not smoke staining or discolouration, ensuring that the following features are included and recorded in the examination (some dismantling of the system might be necessary):
a) extent of flame spread over the surface of the cladding system (both vertically and horizontally);
b) extent of flame spread and damage within any intermediate layers (both vertically and horizontally);
c) estimate of any flame spread and damage within the cavity, if present, (both vertically and horizontally);
d) extent to which the external face of the cladding system has burnt away or become detached;
e) details of any collapse or partial collapse of the cladding system (see 3.1).BS 8414-1 pdf download.