In preparation for upcoming regulatory changes, pre-insulated pipework used in water supply systems will require testing to comply with the latest fire safety and thermal insulation standards required by UK and EU legislation.
This ensures the provision of high-quality, regulation-compliant insulation products that offer enhanced performance and energy efficiency in all commercial installations.
Compliance with Updated Fire Standards:
Pre-insulated pipe systems tested according to BS EN 13501-1:2018 receive a classification based on three specific criteria, resulting in ratings such as B-s1, d0:
- B: Limited Combustibility
- s1: Little or no smoke production
- d0: No flaming droplets or particles during the exposure.
There are products in the market that achieve a B2 classification, but these are tested to DIN 4102-1. This is a different safety standard, with B2 referring to “normal flammability”.
The B-s1, d0 classification offers a higher level of fire safety compared to the B2 classification in DIN 4102-1, as it details and describes a material with limited combustibility, minimal smoke production, and no flaming droplets.
Within the BS EN 13501 standard, B-s1, d0 represents the highest classification achievable by an organic material.
Standards Reference and Regulatory Context:
Approved Document B (Fire Safety):
Approved Document B outlines fire safety requirements for buildings. Recent updates prioritise the use of the European classification system BS EN 13501, replacing older standards such as BS 476.
- 2nd March 2025: references to BS 476 are amended for fire resistance and sprinklers
- 2nd September 2029: BS EN 13501 to replace BS 476 as the sole reference standard.
The BS 476 [Class 0] is now considered an outdated and less detailed system. In contrast, the BS EN 13501-1 standard is a more comprehensive European norm-based system that evaluation additional factors such as smoke production and flaming droplets, providing a more accurate assessment of how products perform in actual fire conditions.
