26.01.2022 by Aileen Sammler

New TDP T3 Fire Testing Device for Roofs in Accordance with the European Standard DIN CEN/TS 1187

Fire testing prevents fire fighting. The same applies to the roofs of this world. Along with the TDP T4 fire testing device for roofs, NETZSCH TAURUS Instruments now offers another test instrument for roofs to determine the behavior against external fire loads, the TDP T3.

The first measure 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. Along with the TDP T4 fire testing device for roofs, NETZSCH TAURUS Instruments now offers another test instrument for roofs to determine the behavior against external fire loads, the TDP T3.

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. These four methods assess the performance of roofs under the following conditions:

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

TDP T3: Testing according to Test Method 3

The TDP T4 fire testing device, already available since fall 2021, enables testing according to test method 4. The new TDP T3 allows for testing of multi-layer roof structures under real environmental conditions in accordance with test method 3, i.e., stressed by incendiary devices, wind and supplementary radiant heat.

The TDP T3 measures specimens that are representative of the roof assembly in terms of the type and number of roof layers, including existing thermal insulation layers, vapor barriers, etc. Specimens with a minimum width of 1.2 m and minimum length of 3 m are tested.

In order to carry out a test in accordance with test method 3, the use of a wind device and a radiant heater is required in addition to incendiary devices consisting of wood fiber insulation boards. The TDP T3 is equipped with a wind device allowing a defined airflow to be set parallel to the specimen. The heat radiator mounted above ensures symmetrical heat flow distribution on the surface of the specimen. This provides realistic conditions for investigating the fire behavior of a roof structure. The new TDP device series also enables the user to classify the tested roof construction in accordance with EN 13501-5, Table 1.

For more information, please visit our website or have a look at the new fire testing product catalog.

Picture: The new TDP T3 allows for testing of multi-layer roof structures under real environmental conditions in accordance with test method 3, i.e., stressed by incendiary devices, wind and supplementary radiant heat.

Learn more by visiting our NETZSCH Online Academy (NOA)

In addition to a wide range of fire testing instruments, both the TDP T3 and the TDP T4 allows for investigating samples substitutional for a complete roof easily and conveniently in practical use. We have prepared a video for you in which we present the fire testing products in detail. Watch the video free of charge and visit our e-learning platform NOA.

NETZSCH-Academy – New Fire Testing Devices for Roofs – TDP T3 & TDP T4

Benefit also from further training videos on fire testing devices by NETZSCH TAURUS Instruments using our online learning platform NOA: NETZSCH-Academy – All courses

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