30.09.2021 by Aileen Sammler

TDP T4 – New Fire Testing Device for Roofs in accordance with European Standard

For the construction industry, the fire behavior of building materials, including flammability and flame spread of building components, are of major importance. With the TDP T4 fire testing device for roofs, NETZSCH TAURUS Instruments offers a new instrument to determine the behavior of roofs against external fire loads.

The first action to avoid the development or spread of a fire is the proper selection of building materials and components. For the construction industry, the fire behavior of building materials, including flammability and flame spread of building components, are of major importance. With the TDP T4 fire testing device for roofs, NETZSCH TAURUS Instruments offers a new instrument to determine the behavior of roofs against external fire loads.

 

Fire Tests for European Roofing Products

The DIN CEN/TS 1187 specifies four methods for determining the fire behavior of roofs when exposed to external fire. The four methods assess the performance of roofs under the following conditions:

Method 1: stressed by an incendiary device
Method 2: stressed by an incendiary device and wind
Method 3: stressed by an incendiary device, wind and supplementary radiant heat
Method 4: with two stages incorporating an incendiary device, wind and supplementary radiant heat

The test methods assess the fire spread across the surface of the roof, the fire spread within the roof construction (test methods 1, 2 and 3) and the fire penetration through the roof (test methods 1, 3 and 4). In addition, the occurrence of burning droplets or burning particles, either falling from the underside of the roof or from the exposed surface of the roof (test methods 1, 3 and 4) are observed. Regarding the four tests no hierarchy is given. Every test method is regarded as an independent method.

Two-stage Testing according to test method 4

The TDP T4 enables a test in accordance with test method 4. The T4 test evaluates fire spread on the roof surface. The measurement is carried out with two stages incorporating burning brands, wind and supplementary radiant heat. Testing is carried out in two stages, the so-called Preliminary Test Level (Level 1) and the Burn-Through Test (Level 2). The Preliminary Test determines whether the test sample is ignited by the presence of a simulated incendiary device without being exposed to thermal radiation. In the burn-through test, the fan and the radiant panel simulate additional wind and radiant heat, in order to test the flammability of the roof sample under real conditions.

In addition to the duration of the flames, the extent of flame spread, the time and type of roof penetration, and the appearance, dripping and falling of burning or molten material are used to classify the test sample. With the help of the mobile stainless steel base frame, it is possible to move the sample carrier trolley easily and individually.

The new TDP T4 Fire Testing Device for Roofs

Added value for customers by an expanded product portfolio

The TDP T4 allows investigating samples substitutional for a complete roof, with dimensions of 840 x 840 mm. With this instrument, NETZSCH TAURUS Instruments is adding another application to its standard product portfolio in the field of preventive fire testing of construction components. Find here more information about our fire testing product portfolio.

Sources:
DIN CEN/TS 1187 – 2012-03 – Beuth.de