Even though a European product standard for doors and windows has been drawn up, until now, no roof windows have been tested for their fire-spreading characteristics in accordance with the special Reaction to Fire testing method.
 
This is because the fire testing standards referred to in the standard EN13501-1 are unsuitable for testing roof windows, which consist of a multi-layer glazing in a sash/frame construction. The testing methods were developed for testing and classification of level wall, ceiling and floor constructions but not for roof windows, which are composed of different materials and have an uneven geometric structure.

In order to be able to develop suitable testing methods, it was necessary to set up new installation instructions for the element of the Reaction to Fire test relating to a Single Burn Item test (corner fire testing) in particular, in accordance with EN 13823.

A set of installation instructions were therefore drawn up by a group of fire and window technology experts, established under the CEN (European Committee for Standardization) Technical Committee for Fire, TC 127.

Developing the testing method
Based on these installation instructions, the Danish roof window producer VELUX A/S took the initiative to develop a testing method themselves. This was done in collaboration with the Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology (DBI) at their fire laboratory in Hvidovre.

Visit dbi-net.dk/en and see some photos from the laboratory.