EN 13823 SBI Testing: Which Building Materials Require Testing?
Fire performance is an important consideration when selecting and manufacturing construction products. Materials used in walls, ceilings, insulation systems, and interior finishes may react differently when exposed to heat and flames. Some products may contribute to rapid fire growth, while others may produce considerable smoke or allow flames to spread across their surfaces.
To evaluate these characteristics under controlled conditions, laboratories use standardized reaction-to-fire testing methods. EN 13823 SBI Testing is one of the important methods used to assess the reaction-to-fire performance of applicable construction products.
SBI stands for Single Burning Item. The test exposes a specimen to a controlled burner source and measures the heat release and smoke production generated during the test. It also involves observations of flame spread and other relevant fire behaviors.
EN 13823 SBI Testing is particularly relevant to construction products that fall within the scope of the applicable European reaction-to-fire assessment framework. However, it does not mean that every building material must automatically undergo the same test. The actual testing requirements depend on the product category, intended end use, applicable technical specifications, and regulatory requirements.
For manufacturers, understanding EN 13823 SBI Testing helps determine whether a product needs this type of evaluation before it is placed on a particular market. For laboratories, understanding the product scope helps ensure that the correct specimen configuration and testing method are selected.
2. What Is EN 13823 SBI Testing?
EN 13823 SBI Testing is a reaction-to-fire test method used to evaluate how applicable construction products behave when exposed to a defined fire source.
During the test, two specimen wings are mounted vertically to form a corner arrangement. A burner is positioned near the bottom of the specimen and produces a controlled flame. As the specimen is exposed to heat, it may ignite, release combustible gases, generate smoke, or allow flames to spread.
The combustion products are collected through an exhaust hood and directed into a measurement duct. Instruments installed in the exhaust system measure relevant parameters used to evaluate heat release and smoke production.
The main indicators associated with EN 13823 SBI Testing include:
FIGRA: Fire Growth Rate Index, used to characterize the rate of fire growth.
THR: Total Heat Release, representing accumulated heat released over a defined period.
SMOGRA: Smoke Growth Rate Index, used to characterize the rate of smoke production.
TSP: Total Smoke Production, representing accumulated smoke production over the relevant measurement period.
In addition to numerical results, the test involves observations such as lateral flame spread and flaming droplets or particles where required by the test procedure.
These measurements provide a more detailed picture of how a construction product reacts to fire than a simple ignition test. They help assess the contribution of the tested product to fire growth and smoke production under the specified laboratory conditions.
3. Which Building Materials May Require EN 13823 SBI Testing?
Whether a building material requires EN 13823 SBI Testing depends on its product category and intended application. The following product groups are examples of materials that may fall within the scope of SBI testing, subject to the relevant technical specifications.
3.1 Wall Panels and Interior Wall Linings
Wall panels and interior wall lining products are commonly used in commercial buildings, public facilities, offices, and residential construction.
These products may be manufactured from composite materials, decorative boards, laminated structures, or other surface materials. Their reaction-to-fire behavior can vary depending on their composition, thickness, surface treatment, and installation structure.
EN 13823 SBI Testing may be relevant when the applicable product specification or classification route requires this method.
During testing, the material is exposed to a controlled burner source. The equipment records heat release and smoke production, while operators observe flame development and other relevant behavior.
Manufacturers can use the results to evaluate product designs and support applicable reaction-to-fire classification work.
3.2 Ceiling Panels and Suspended Ceiling Products
Ceiling materials are another product category that may require reaction-to-fire evaluation.
Examples include decorative ceiling boards, suspended ceiling panels, composite ceiling products, and other construction products used in interior spaces.
The fire performance of ceiling products may be influenced by the base material, coating, surface finish, backing layer, and mounting arrangement.
EN 13823 SBI Testing may be applicable to certain ceiling products when specified by the relevant product standard or assessment requirements. However, the suitability of the method should be confirmed for each product rather than assumed based only on its appearance or general use.
3.3 Thermal Insulation Materials
Thermal insulation products are used in walls, roofs, floors, and other parts of building envelopes.
Different insulation materials may have different fire behaviors. Their performance can depend on material composition, density, thickness, facing layers, and installation conditions.
Some insulation products may be evaluated using EN 13823 SBI Testing when their product category and intended use fall within the scope of the applicable requirements.
For insulation products, specimen preparation is particularly important. The test arrangement may need to consider the product structure and the way it is installed in its intended application.
Manufacturers should confirm the required test method and specimen configuration before arranging laboratory testing.
3.4 Composite Building Boards
Composite building boards may contain multiple material layers, such as a core material, decorative surface, protective coating, or backing layer.
Because each layer may respond differently to heat, the fire behavior of a composite product can be more complicated than that of a single-material board.
EN 13823 SBI Testing can help evaluate the overall reaction-to-fire behavior of applicable composite construction products under controlled conditions.
When preparing specimens, laboratories should follow the relevant requirements for product construction, mounting, and exposed surfaces. Changes to the material structure may affect the test results and may require additional evaluation.
3.5 Decorative Interior Construction Products
Decorative panels and interior lining products are often selected for their appearance, surface finish, and installation convenience.
However, decorative performance alone does not indicate how a product will behave during fire exposure. Surface coatings, laminates, adhesives, and base materials may all influence reaction-to-fire behavior.
For products covered by the relevant requirements, EN 13823 SBI Testing may provide useful information about heat release, smoke production, and flame spread.
3.6 Other Construction Products
Other construction products may also require reaction-to-fire evaluation depending on their intended use and applicable technical specifications.
Examples may include certain composite construction elements, wall-facing products, and interior building products.
The key point is that EN 13823 SBI Testing should be selected according to the applicable product requirements. A product should not be considered subject to SBI testing simply because it is used in a building.
4. Do All Building Materials Need EN 13823 SBI Testing?
No. Not all building materials require EN 13823 SBI Testing.
The required test method depends on several factors, including the product's intended use, its technical specification, the applicable regulatory framework, and the classification route used in the target market.
Some construction products may be assessed through other reaction-to-fire test methods. Certain products may also be covered by product-specific standards that define their own testing requirements.
For example, floor coverings may require specific testing methods designed for their application. Fire doors and other fire-resisting elements are evaluated through different test procedures. Structural components may require Fire Resistance Testing rather than reaction-to-fire testing.
It is therefore important to distinguish between two broad concepts:
Reaction-to-fire performance describes how a material or product contributes to fire development, including ignition behavior, heat release, smoke production, and flame spread.
Fire resistance performance describes how a building element maintains specified functions during fire exposure, such as load-bearing capacity, integrity, and thermal insulation.
EN 13823 SBI Testing belongs to reaction-to-fire evaluation. It should not be treated as a substitute for Fire Resistance Testing.
Before ordering an SBI test, manufacturers should identify the product's applicable standard and confirm whether EN 13823 is required or relevant.
5. How Does the EN 13823 SBI Testing Procedure Work?
The EN 13823 SBI Testing procedure follows a controlled sequence. The exact requirements should always be taken from the applicable edition of the standard and relevant product specifications.
Step 1: Specimen Preparation
The first stage involves preparing the test specimens.
The product is cut and conditioned according to the required procedure. Specimen dimensions, thickness, surface condition, and construction details should be checked and recorded.
For composite products, the specimen should represent the relevant product structure and exposed surface according to the applicable requirements.
Step 2: Specimen Mounting
The prepared specimens are installed on the test frame to form the specified corner arrangement.
The two specimen wings must be positioned correctly. The mounting system should maintain the required geometry and provide stable support during testing.
Incorrect specimen installation may affect flame exposure and reduce the comparability of test results.
Step 3: Equipment Inspection
Before testing, the laboratory checks the SBI Test Apparatus and its supporting systems.
Important components include the burner, gas supply, specimen frame, exhaust hood, measurement duct, gas analyzers, smoke measurement devices, and data acquisition system.
Required calibration and verification checks should be completed according to the relevant procedures.
Step 4: Controlled Burner Exposure
Once the equipment and specimen are ready, the burner is operated under the prescribed test conditions.
The flame exposes the specimen to heat. The material may ignite, release heat, produce smoke, or allow flames to spread across its surface.
Operators monitor the test and record relevant observations.
Step 5: Exhaust Gas Collection
The exhaust hood collects the combustion products and directs them into the measurement duct.
The measurement instruments monitor relevant parameters, including gas concentrations, temperature, and smoke-related signals.
These measurements provide the basis for calculating the fire performance indicators required by EN 13823 SBI Testing.
Step 6: Data Analysis and Reporting
After the test, the recorded signals are processed according to the applicable calculation procedures.
The report may include FIGRA, THR, SMOGRA, TSP, and relevant observations about flame spread or flaming droplets.
The results should be interpreted according to the applicable classification requirements rather than used as an independent declaration of overall product safety.
6. Key Performance Indicators in EN 13823 SBI Testing
The indicators generated during EN 13823 SBI Testing provide different information about the reaction-to-fire behavior of a construction product.
6.1 FIGRA – Fire Growth Rate Index
FIGRA characterizes the rate of fire growth during the test.
It helps evaluate how rapidly the heat release behavior develops under the specified conditions. The result is calculated according to the applicable test procedure and contributes to the assessment of reaction-to-fire performance.
6.2 THR – Total Heat Release
THR represents the accumulated heat released over a defined period.
This parameter helps describe the total heat contribution of the tested specimen during the relevant measurement interval.
6.3 SMOGRA – Smoke Growth Rate Index
SMOGRA characterizes the rate of smoke production.
Smoke generation is an important consideration in building fire scenarios because smoke can reduce visibility and complicate evacuation.
6.4 TSP – Total Smoke Production
TSP represents accumulated smoke production during the applicable measurement period.
When considered alongside SMOGRA, TSP provides additional information about the specimen's smoke production behavior.
6.5 Flame Spread and Flaming Droplets
The test also involves observations of lateral flame spread and flaming droplets or particles where applicable.
These observations complement the numerical indicators and help provide a more complete record of the specimen's behavior during the test.
7. How Are SBI Test Results Used in Building Product Classification?
EN 13823 SBI Testing provides data that may be used as part of the reaction-to-fire classification process for applicable construction products.
Under the relevant European classification framework, SBI test results can contribute to the evaluation of fire growth and smoke production characteristics. Other test results and product-specific requirements may also be necessary.
The final classification is not determined by the SBI test alone in every case. The applicable classification rules define which test results, parameters, and additional requirements must be considered.
For manufacturers, this means that arranging EN 13823 SBI Testing is only one step in the overall compliance process.
Before testing, manufacturers should confirm:
The product category and intended end use.
The applicable product specification or technical assessment route.
Whether EN 13823 is required.
Whether additional reaction-to-fire tests are necessary.
The required specimen construction and mounting arrangement.
The classification requirements for the target market.
This preparation helps avoid selecting an unsuitable test method or conducting tests that do not address the product's actual compliance requirements.
8. Why Is EN 13823 SBI Testing Important for Building Material Manufacturers?
For building material manufacturers, EN 13823 SBI Testing provides useful information about product fire behavior.
One important application is product development. Manufacturers may compare different material formulations, surface treatments, or composite structures to understand how these changes affect heat release and smoke production.
The test can also support quality evaluation. When a product specification or manufacturing process changes, further assessment may be necessary to determine whether the change affects its reaction-to-fire performance.
For laboratories, SBI testing provides a standardized approach to collecting and processing fire performance data. The use of controlled burner exposure and measurement systems helps improve consistency under defined conditions.
For buyers and construction professionals, test reports can provide technical information to support product evaluation and selection.
However, EN 13823 SBI Testing should always be used within the scope of the applicable requirements. It does not replace other fire tests that may be needed for a particular product or building application.
9. How to Choose an SBI Test Apparatus for EN 13823 Testing
A suitable SBI Test Apparatus is essential for laboratories that conduct EN 13823 SBI Testing. Buyers should consider the following aspects before selecting equipment.
9.1 Test Method Compatibility
Confirm that the equipment configuration supports the applicable EN 13823 requirements.
Review the specimen mounting arrangement, burner system, exhaust collection structure, measurement section, and data processing functions.
9.2 Burner and Gas Supply System
The burner should provide the controlled exposure required by the test method.
The gas supply should include suitable pressure regulation, flow control, ignition, and safety functions. Laboratory ventilation and gas storage conditions should also be considered.
9.3 Measurement Instruments
The measurement system should include the instruments required for the applicable test procedure.
Buyers should review gas analyzers, temperature sensors, smoke measurement devices, pressure measurement components, and calibration arrangements.
9.4 Data Acquisition Software
The software should support measurement monitoring, data recording, calculation, and report generation.
Clear data presentation helps operators monitor the test and review the results.
9.5 Installation and Technical Support
An SBI Test Apparatus requires suitable laboratory space and supporting facilities.
Before purchasing, confirm installation requirements, exhaust connections, ventilation, electrical supply, gas supply, operator training, maintenance guidance, and technical documentation.
10. Common Mistakes When Arranging EN 13823 SBI Testing
Several common mistakes can cause delays or reduce the usefulness of testing.
Assuming Every Material Requires SBI Testing: Not every construction product falls within the scope of EN 13823. The applicable product requirements should be confirmed first.
Selecting the Wrong Test Method: Reaction-to-fire testing and fire resistance testing address different performance characteristics. They should not be confused.
Ignoring Product Construction: Composite products may contain several layers that affect their fire behavior. Specimen preparation should follow the relevant requirements.
Using Incorrect Mounting Conditions: The specimen arrangement can influence flame exposure and test results.
Overlooking Additional Classification Requirements: SBI results may need to be considered alongside other test results and classification rules.
Choosing Equipment Without Reviewing Technical Configuration: Buyers should evaluate the complete measurement and operating system rather than comparing equipment based only on appearance or price.
Careful planning helps manufacturers and laboratories use EN 13823 SBI Testing more effectively.
11. Frequently Asked Questions About EN 13823 SBI Testing
Q1: Which building materials require EN 13823 SBI Testing?
Certain wall panels, ceiling products, insulation materials, composite boards, and interior construction products may require SBI testing when their product specifications or applicable regulatory requirements call for it. The exact scope depends on the product and intended use.
Q2: Is EN 13823 SBI Testing mandatory for every building material?
No. EN 13823 SBI Testing is not automatically required for every building material. Manufacturers should check the applicable product standard, regulatory requirements, and classification route.
Q3: What does SBI stand for?
SBI stands for Single Burning Item. It refers to a test method that evaluates the reaction-to-fire behavior of applicable construction products under controlled burner exposure.
Q4: What parameters are measured during SBI testing?
Common indicators include FIGRA, THR, SMOGRA, and TSP. The test also includes relevant observations such as lateral flame spread and flaming droplets or particles.
Q5: What equipment is used for EN 13823 SBI Testing?
The main equipment is an SBI Test Apparatus, which generally includes a specimen mounting frame, burner system, exhaust collection hood, measurement duct, gas analyzers, smoke measurement devices, and data acquisition software.
Q6: Is SBI testing the same as fire resistance testing?
No. SBI testing evaluates reaction-to-fire behavior, while fire resistance testing evaluates how a building element maintains specified performance under fire exposure. The two methods have different purposes.
Q7: Can manufacturers use SBI testing during product development?
Yes. Where the method is applicable, manufacturers can use SBI testing to compare material formulations, product structures, and surface treatments. The results can support product development and further Fire Performance Evaluation.
12. Conclusion
EN 13823 SBI Testing is an important method for evaluating the reaction-to-fire performance of applicable construction products. It provides information about heat release, smoke production, fire growth, and other relevant fire behaviors under controlled laboratory conditions.
Building materials that may require this testing include certain wall panels, ceiling products, insulation materials, composite boards, and interior construction products. However, the actual requirement depends on the product category, intended use, applicable technical specifications, and regulatory framework.
For manufacturers, understanding the scope of EN 13823 SBI Testing helps identify the correct testing requirements and prepare suitable specimens. For laboratories, selecting an appropriate SBI Test Apparatus and maintaining reliable measurement systems are essential for obtaining meaningful results.
Before arranging a test, always confirm the applicable product requirements and classification route. This ensures that the selected testing method is relevant to the product and supports the intended fire performance evaluation.
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