What is BS 8414-2:2020 about?
This British Standard is the second in a two-part series on how to test the fire performance characteristics of non-loadbearing external cladding systems. This standard covers systems that are fixed to and supported by a structural steel frame. BS 8414-2:2020 was developed from BRE Fire Note 9.
Who is BS 8414-2:2020 for?
- UKAS-accredited labs undertaking the tests
- MHCLG and fire and rescue services
- Local authorities
- Fire engineers
BS 8414 is used in the UK, Australia and the Middle East
Why should you use BS 8414-2:2020?
This British Standard sets out a test method for determining the fire performance characteristics of non-loadbearing external cladding systems, fixed to and supported by a structural steel frame when exposed to an external fire under controlled conditions. The peak fire exposure is representative of an external fire source or a fully-developed (post-flashover) fire in a room, venting through an aperture, or from an external fire source that exposes the cladding to the effects of external flames.
BS 8414-2:2020 is solely intended to give an indication of fire spread across or within an external cladding system. The purpose of the test is to provide data to enable evaluation of the fire performance of the cladding components tested in combination. It does not apply to non-loadbearing external rainscreen overcladding systems or external wall insulation systems applied to the face of a building, the fire testing of which is covered in BS 8414-1.
NOTE 1: This British Standard does not cover the performance of glass or its supporting frame intended for glazed window openings. It does not test the total configuration of a construction incorporating additional windows, doors, balconies or ancillary penetrations nor cover exposure to radiant heat from a fire in an adjacent building.
NOTE 2: Performance Criteria and Classification methodology for of the external fire performance can be found in references such as Report BR 135: Fire performance of external thermal insulation for walls of multi-storey buildings [3].
What’s new about BS 8414-2:2020?
BS 8414-2:2019 supersedes BS 8414-2:2015+A1:2017, which is withdrawn. This is a full revision of the standard, taking into account comments raised by industry after June 2016, and introducing the following principal changes:
a) Amendments to Clause 6
b) Expansion of Clause 9 and Clause 10