For decades, the BS 476 standard has been the foundation for testing fire doors and related fire protection products in the UK, but this British standard for fire doors is gradually being phased out as building regulations evolve, and European standards gain wider adoption. Specifiers now need to understand how the BS EN1634 test series changes the way fire performance is measured and certified.
This shift isn’t just technical; it has real implications for how fire doors, fire-rated expanding foam, packers and sealants are specified and approved. This article explains what’s changed, why it matters and how Blue60 products have been tested and certified under both systems, ensuring continued compliance and proven performance.
A Quick Look Back: What BS 476 Standard Meant For Fire Safety
The BS 476 standard, first introduced in the mid-20th century, became the long-standing British standard for fire doors and other building elements. Its various parts covered everything from fire resistance to the surface spread of flame and non-combustibility.
For fire doors, BS 476 Part 22 was a key reference point. It tested complete assemblies, including doors, frames, seals and glazing, as well as how long they could resist flames and maintain integrity. Common ratings were 30 minutes (FD30) and 60 minutes (FD60).
Under BS 476, results focused on integrity and insulation:
- Integrity measured how long the door was able to resist flames.
- Insulation assessed how long it took for heat to transfer through the door to the unexposed side.
The Arrival of BS EN1634: A European Approach To Fire Testing
The BS EN1634 series was developed as part of the move toward common European standards. Specifically, BS EN1634-1 focuses on fire resistance tests for doors, shutters and openable windows.
While the purpose of BS EN1634 remains similar to BS 476 (to determine how long a product resists fire), the test conditions are more precise and representative of real-life scenarios.
Differences include:
- More detailed pressure and temperature measurements across the test sample.
- Stricter testing procedures, including how gaps, seals and frame junctions are assessed.
- Consistent European benchmarks, making results directly comparable across EU countries and the UK.
Why The Change Matters For Specifiers
For specifiers, the move from BS 476 to BS EN 1634 means rethinking how compliance is demonstrated. Certificates or test evidence based solely on BS 476 are gradually being replaced by new EN-based certification.
This affects:
- Product selection: Specifiers should now check that fire doors, frames and accessories have BS EN1634-1 test evidence.
- System compatibility: Because EN tests are more system-based, it’s crucial to specify components, such as fire-rated expanding foam and packers, that have been tested as part of the same assembly.
- Documentation: Fire performance certificates should clearly state which standard the product was tested to and the achieved duration (e.g., 30 or 60 minutes).
How Blue60 Bridges The Two Standards
During this transition, one key question arises: how can products proven under BS 476 remain trusted while aligning with BS EN1634?
Blue60 has addressed this challenge head-on. Our range of fire protection materials, including Blue60 fire foam and packers, has been tested under both BS 476 Part 22 and BS EN1634-1 conditions. These tests confirm performance of up to 30 and 60 minutes across a variety of door frames and wall types, giving specifiers complete confidence in product consistency and compliance.
What Specifiers Should Look For Now
To ensure full compliance and peace of mind, specifiers should:
- Check test standards carefully. Confirm whether the product has certification to BS EN1634-1 (or BS476 if still in use).
- Ask for evidence. Reliable manufacturers like Blue60 provide full test reports and classification documents from UKAS-accredited labs, giving specifiers peace of mind.
- Verify duration and application. Ensure the test covers your specific frame, wall, or door configuration.
- Avoid mixing untested systems. Combining components tested separately under different standards can compromise the overall fire rating and could cause the door to fail an inspection.
- Stay updated. As more projects move to EN testing, review your specifications regularly to stay compliant.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Future For Fire Safety
The move to BS EN1634 is part of a broader effort to align fire safety testing across Europe and improve public confidence in certified fire protection systems. While BS 476 remains valid in some cases, the industry is steadily embracing EN-based testing as the new benchmark.
By testing our full product range under both systems, we’ve shown that our foam, packers and wedges meet the latest safety standards and provide consistent, reliable performance when it matters most. Our rigorous, transparent testing leads to better outcomes for specifiers, installers and building occupants alike.