Certification of non-combustible materials: UK21/F027
Adopted EU recommendation FIRE-086. UK approved recommendation on the correct testing standards for non-combustible materials.
Question
According to International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010 (FTP Code) Part 1, there are 4 acceptance criteria for non-combustibility.
The second criteria states: “The average specimen surface thermocouple temperature rise as calculated in paragraphs 8.4 and 8.5 of the appendix does not exceed 30°C.”
When the surface temperature is not possible to be measured, because the material is thermally unstable, the second criterium is not met.
Is it acceptable to approve thermally unstable materials (when surface temperature measurements cannot be performed accurately due to loss of contact) as non-combustible?
Recommendation
Not in general. A UK Approved Body cannot certify as a non-combustible material if it is not possible to satisfy the acceptance criteria FTP Code Part 1 3.2 (measurement of the surface temperature by using a thermocouple).
All 4 acceptance criteria of FTP Code Part 1 article 3 shall be met.
References
- MSN 1874 as amended
- The Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016 as amended
- International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures, 2010
Items affected
- UK/3.13, Non-combustible materials
More information
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/21
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG
Telephone: +44 (0) 203 817 2000
Email: MEQA@mcga.gov.uk
Website: www.gov.uk/mca