Roofing Tests for European Roofing Products

(ENV 1187 Test 1, 2, 3 and 4)

The tests assess the fire spread across the external surface of the roof, the fire spread within the roof (Tests 1, 2 and 3), the fire penetration (tests 1, 3 and 4) and the production of flaming droplets or debris falling from the underside of the roof or from the exposed surface (tests 1, 3 and 4). Tests 2 and 3 are not applicable to geometrically irregular roofs or roof mounted appliances e.g. ventilators and roof lights.

The four tests listed above do not imply any ranking order. Each test stands on its own without the possibility to substitute or exchange one for another. This document provides information on instrumentation of all four Tests that are available from FTT.

ENV 1187 Test 3 – with burning brands, wind & supplementary radiant heat.

The ENV 1187 Test 3 Roofing Test is an instrument used to determine the performance of roofs to external fire exposure. The test method incorporates burning brands, wind and supplementary radiant heat.

Main Frame

In the ENV 1187 Test 3 Roofing Test, the test sample is placed on the Specimen Holder which lays on the Lifting Bed as part of the Sample Assembly. The Specimen Holder can be tilted and supported on stands in a 5° or 30° position depending on the type of roof sample being tested. The Sample Assembly is used to move the Sample into the correct position for testing. The height of the Sample Assembly can be adjusted by the electrically powered lift table and it can be wheeled into position between the Guide Rails. The Sample Alignment Jig and a system of Stops are provided to ensure the correct position of the assembly.

The Air Nozzle Blower Assembly is positioned behind the Sample Assembly so that a uniform airflow is applied over the surface of the test sample. The air velocity is established using the anemometer according to the requirements detailed in the standard. The volume flow rate of the blower is controlled via the Touch Screen interface on the Diverter Stand.

The Radiant Panel Assembly (mounted on the Main Frame) provides the supplementary radiant heat source directed onto the surface of the test sample. The Radiant Panel can be tilted to provide the 5° or 30° position and consists of four surface combustion heaters which are independently controlled from the Dual Diverter Assembly and Control Box. The air and gas flow to each burner can be adjusted to provide an incident radiant heatflux distribution in accordance with the standard (such that the heat flux meters each measure 12 ± 0.5 kW/m² at the centre and 10 ± 0.5 kW/m² at the four locations on the major axes).

The Calibration Assembly Trolley contains the Calibration Element holding the five Heat Flux Meters. The Calibration Element is tilted to the 5° or 30° position and supported on the arms of the trolley. The Assembly is wheeled into position between the calibration guide rails. The Heat Flux Meters are supplied with water via a manifold mounted on the assembly.

ENV 1187 Test 4 – with two stages incorporating burning brands, wind & supplementary radiant heat.

The ENV 1187 Test 4 Roofing Test is a two stage test method incorporates burning brands, wind and supplementary radiant heat. Similar to ENV 1187 Test 3 it is also used to determine the performance of roofs to external fire exposure.

In the ENV 1187 Test 4 Roofing Test, the test sample is placed in a Sample Holder which is placed on the Specimen Cover and an air seal is created. The Specimen Cover can be tilted and supported at an angle of 45° or horizontal depending on the type of roof sample being tested. The underside of the sample can be viewed during the test through the viewing window in the Specimen Cover which is mounted on the Sample Trolley Assembly to move the Sample into the correct position for testing. The height of the Sample Trolley can be adjusted. The Sample Alignment Jig and a system of Stops are provided to reach the correct position.

The Burner Wand Assembly is used as the ‘burning brand’. The brand comprises a simulated town gas flame.

The Suction Box Assembly is connected to the Specimen Cover with a Suction Hose to simulate the effect of ‘wind’. A pressure reduction on the underside of the sample is established and controlled using the Inclined Tube Manometer and Speed Controller Assembly mounted on the Dual Diverter Stand. There is also a blowout panel on the other side of the Specimen Cover.

The Radiant Panel Assembly (mounted on the Main Frame) provides the ‘supplementary radiant heat’ source directed onto the surface of the test sample. The Radiant Panel can be tilted and supported at an angle of 45° or horizontal. The Radiant Panel consists of four surface combustion heaters which are individually controlled from the Dual Diverter Assembly and Control Box. The air and gas flow to each burner can be adjusted to provide an incident radiant heat flux distribution such that the heat flux meters each measure 12 ±1.5 kW/m².

The Calibration Assembly contains the Calibration Element holding the four Heat Flux Meters. The Assembly is contained on a Sample Holder which rests on the Specimen Cover. The Heat Flux Meters are supplied with water via a Manifold mounted on the assembly.

We are the only authorized Fire Testing Technology Agent in North America.