Fire Rated Cladding: BS EN 13501-1 Reaction To Fire Testing
A1 and A2-s1, d0 fire rated rainscreen cladding panels, as certified by BS EN 13501-1
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BS EN 13501-1 fire testing forms an essential part of Finish Facades’ thorough testing procedures before our panels can be delivered to clients.
At Finish Facades, we prioritise the safety of all of our cladding. In the event of a fire, knowing the materials within the walls of your home will not ignite when exposed to fire or rapidly increase the fire's growth is essential.
Our rainscreen cladding panels are tested on an individual basis to ensure they achieve an A1 or A2-s1, d0 fire classification, alongside being CWCT tested, through UKAS approved testing centres. This unique offering provides our clients with the highest level of assurance that their panels are designed for the unexpected as well as the day-to-day.
What is BS EN 13501-1?
BS EN 13501-1 is a European Standard which assesses the reaction of construction products to fire, including cladding panels and the individual elements within this.
The standard measures the spread of flame; ignitability; production of smoke; heat release; and capability to produce flaming droplets or particles.
What are the Requirements of BS EN 13501-1?
The standard utilises a classification system ranging from A1 to F to classify the performance of the panel, with A1 and A2-s1, d0 fire ratings necessary for materials in buildings above 11m.
BS EN 13501-1 Fire Classifications Explained
Construction products such as cladding panels are classified from A1 to F according to their reaction-to-fire performance.
What does A2-s1,d0 mean?
The letters and numbers describe different aspects of performance:
- A2: the product meets the criteria for limited combustibility.
- s1: it meets the strictest smoke-production limits within the s1–s3 scale.
- d0: no flaming droplets or particles occur during the specified test period.
Smoke classifications run from s1 to s3, while flaming-droplet classifications run from d0 to d2. A1 products do not require these additional suffixes.
These classifications describe performance under defined test conditions. They should be read alongside the product’s classification report and its permitted applications.
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The required classification depends on the building’s location, height, use and the applicable regulations. Check the requirements for the specific project before selecting cladding. For projects in England, this includes the relevant Building Regulations and Approved Document B guidance.
