Comparison Between BS476 part 20 and

American Standard E 2079

A comparison of the two standards has been undertaken and an analysis
of the key aspects of test has been undertaken.

Time Temperature

The specified time temperature curve is the same for both standards and
is based on the international standard ISO 834.

Measuring Devices

The UK Furnaces Use the 1.5mm Inconel sheathed thermocouple and the
American Standards uses the bare wired thermocouple sheathed in a
12mm metal tube.

This difference will mean that a specimen heated to the American

Standard will experience a slightly greater thermal exposure than one
tested to BS 476 part 20. The American sheathed thermocouple is going
to have a Thermal Inertia (ie how quickly it reacts to changed in
temperature) similar to the plate that this has reduced the performance of
certain products (such as timber door sets) by up to 15% for 30 minutes
products. As the period of exposure increases the difference in
performance reduces and at 120 minutes exposure the difference is
negligible.

Failure Criteria

Both standards specify insulation and integrity failure criteria.

Insulation

In the BS test the insulation criteria is based on an average temperature

rise of 140 deg C and a maximum temperature rise of 180 deg C
measured by any unexposed thermocouple.

In the UK there is also the roving thermocouple which can be used to

measure the temperature of local hot spots to the maximum temperature
rise criteria.
In the US the insulation criteria is based on the time to achieve 250 deg F
(139 deg C), 425 deg F (250 deg C), 650 deg F (361 deg C) or
uncontrolled above 650 deg F.

Integrity

Both standards use sustained flaming for a period of 10 seconds and the
cotton pad test.

The UK evaluates the creation of through gaps in the construction. The

maximum gap size are 25mm diameter and 6mm by 150mm. in the US
gaps are not measured but distortion is after the fire test and after the hose
stream test is controlled.

Pressure distribution within furnace

In the BS test the specimens have been tested to positive pressure within
the furnace for over 30 years, whereas in the US positive pressure has
only been introduced in the last few years.

The BS standard specifies 5 pascals pressure 1m up from the threshold of

the sample with a gradient of 8.5 pascals/meter. This means a 2m high
sample will have a pressure of 20 pascals at the top.

The US standard has 2 pressure sensors which when the pressure

distribution between the sensors stabilized it has to be maintained.

The introduction of positive pressure into the American standards will

have a significant effect on the design of the products, because it has the
effect of pushing hot gases out from any gaps within the construction.
This can cause ignition of combustible materials on the exposed face.
This does not happen when products are tested to negative pressure (as
was 2 years ago) because cold gases are sucked into the furnace so it
becomes harder to ignite combustible materials on the exposed face.

The most onerous condition is positive pressure.

Direction of exposure

BS476 states that any specimen must be tested from its worse side, to
establish the maximum performance.
Additional testing requirement

There are no additional tests in the UK but it is usual to test a sample until
it fails both the insulation and integrity criteria. This enables the full fire
performance of the product to be established.

In the US, the hose stream test has been established as a way of
evaluating the robustness of the sample at the end of the fire test. It is not
intended to evaluate the any condition, which the sample will experience
in use ie in a fire fighting scenario.

Conclusions

Now that the USA test methods have adopted positive pressure, testing of
their products the testing regime between the two standards is similar.
However, there will be many products the testing regime between the two
standards is similar. Therefore, there will be many products, which have
been tested to the old negative pressure test (USA Test), so care will be
needed when reviewing the different tests as the UK test is the better.

The hose stream test is used in America, but not in any of the European
countries.

A method of test is linked to the regulations in that country ie the fire

resistance periods. The robustness after the fire test is not really an issue
because the sample will have served its fire resisting function for the
required period.