When we talk with building material manufacturers and testing laboratories about fire performance, one question comes up again and again: how will a product behave when it is exposed to a developing fire? A material may look solid, feel durable, and perform well during everyday use, but its reaction to heat and flame needs to be evaluated under controlled conditions. This is where an SBI Single Burning Item Test Apparatus becomes important.

At Guangzhou Chuangge Automation Equipment Co., Ltd., we specialize in customized testing equipment for industrial and laboratory applications. We understand that a testing system is not simply a collection of burners, sensors, and control units. It must work as a coordinated system, support a clearly defined test method, and provide useful data that engineers and testing professionals can interpret.

Our work covers testing equipment for construction materials and components, wires and cables, plastics and textiles, electrical plugs, sockets, switches, electronic products, and household appliances. For an SBI Testing project, we focus on the customer's intended application, the applicable test standard, the required measurement functions, the available laboratory space, and the practical needs of daily operation.

The Single Burning Item Test is commonly associated with EN 13823, a European reaction-to-fire test method for construction products, excluding floorings and certain other product groups. It examines how a test specimen responds when exposed to a specified burner. Depending on the test configuration, the system can measure heat release and smoke production while allowing the operator to observe flame spread and burning droplets or particles.

In this article, we explain how an SBI Single Burning Item Test Apparatus works, which measurements matter, what buyers should check before ordering, and how we approach equipment customization and delivery. Our aim is to make the technical details easier to understand while helping laboratories and manufacturers make a better-informed equipment decision.

1. What Is an SBI Single Burning Item Test Apparatus?

An SBI Single Burning Item Test Apparatus is a fire testing system used to evaluate the reaction-to-fire performance of applicable building products when exposed to thermal attack from a single burning item. Rather than judging a material by appearance or by a simple flame exposure alone, the test creates a defined arrangement and records how the specimen behaves during the test.

The method is especially relevant to construction products such as wall and ceiling systems, insulation-related products, boards, coatings, decorative surfaces, and other materials that fall within the scope of the selected test method. The exact suitability of a product must be checked against the applicable standard and the relevant product rules. Not every construction material can be evaluated using the same procedure.

In a typical SBI arrangement, two specimen sections are mounted vertically to form a right-angled corner. A burner is positioned near the bottom of the corner, exposing the test specimen to a controlled flame. Combustion gases are collected through an exhaust hood and passed through a measurement section. The system then uses measured values and prescribed calculation procedures to determine relevant fire-performance parameters.

This arrangement is useful because it provides more information than a simple observation of whether a specimen catches fire. It helps assess how quickly a fire develops, how much heat the specimen releases, how much smoke is produced, and whether flame spreads along the specimen. Depending on the test method and reporting requirements, the operator may also record the occurrence of flaming droplets or particles.

For manufacturers, this information can support product development, material comparison, and quality evaluation. For laboratories, it provides a structured way to carry out a defined test procedure. For organizations working on product approval or regulatory documentation, SBI results may form part of a wider reaction-to-fire assessment. The apparatus itself, however, does not independently grant a product certification or determine every requirement for market access.

We recommend that customers begin with the intended test application rather than selecting equipment based on its name alone. If a laboratory needs to follow EN 13823, its equipment configuration, measurement systems, calibration procedures, specimen preparation, and data processing must be suitable for that method. If a different national or industry procedure applies, the requirements should be reviewed before the system design is finalized.

What does SBI mean in fire testing?

SBI stands for Single Burning Item. The term describes the test method in which a building product is exposed to a specified burning source under controlled conditions. It is often used in connection with European reaction-to-fire classification, including the framework set out in EN 13501-1. The SBI test contributes important information, but the final classification may also depend on other required tests and criteria.

Customers should also distinguish between reaction to fire and fire resistance. Reaction-to-fire testing evaluates how a material or product contributes to the early development of a fire, including heat release, smoke production, and flame spread. Fire Resistance Testing addresses a different question: how a construction element performs under specified fire exposure over time, such as its ability to maintain integrity or insulation. An SBI apparatus is not a general-purpose fire resistance furnace.

Typical components of an SBI testing system

A complete installation may include a test room, specimen trolley, mounting frame, burner assembly, exhaust hood, gas collection section, ducting, exhaust system, measuring instruments, calibration equipment, and data acquisition software. The final arrangement depends on the intended standard and the specific configuration being supplied.

Each part has a job. The specimen trolley helps position the sample. The burner provides the defined thermal exposure. The hood and ducting collect and transport combustion gases. The measurement section records parameters needed for heat-release and smoke calculations. The control and data system supports test operation, data storage, and result review.

These components must work together. A good-looking control cabinet cannot compensate for unsuitable exhaust flow, poorly positioned sensors, incorrect specimen mounting, or an incomplete calibration process. When we discuss an SBI project, we therefore consider the apparatus as a complete test system rather than treating every component as an isolated product.

2. Working Principle: From Flame Exposure to Test Data

The basic principle of an SBI test is straightforward: expose a correctly prepared specimen to a controlled burner and measure its reaction under the specified conditions. The detailed procedure is more demanding because test results depend on how the sample is mounted, how the burner is operated, how combustion gases are collected, and how the measuring equipment is calibrated.

For a common EN 13823 arrangement, the specimen consists of two vertical wings that form a corner. The sample is installed on a trolley or an equivalent prescribed support arrangement. The mounting method, substrate, air gap, joints, and fixing details must reflect the test requirements and the intended end-use configuration. These details are not minor installation choices. They can influence how the product behaves during exposure.

A burner positioned at the base of the corner provides the heat source. Published descriptions of the EN 13823 method commonly identify a burner Heat Release Rate of 30 kW and a test period of approximately 21 minutes, including the prescribed test stages. The exact procedure, timing, equipment settings, and calculations must always be checked against the edition of the standard applicable to the project.

As the specimen is exposed to the flame, the system collects combustion gases through an exhaust hood. Instruments in the measuring section record the relevant gas and flow parameters. Heat release can be calculated using the oxygen consumption principle, which uses the relationship between oxygen consumed during combustion and the heat released. Smoke production is evaluated through an optical measurement arrangement, subject to the requirements of the test method.

In simple terms, the apparatus helps answer several practical questions. How much heat is released as the test proceeds? How quickly does the heat release increase? How much smoke is produced? Does flame spread laterally along the specimen? Are flaming droplets or particles observed? The recorded values and observations are then processed according to the applicable method.

It is important to understand that the apparatus does not make the material fire-safe. It measures the behavior of a specimen under defined test conditions. The interpretation of those results belongs within the applicable testing and classification framework, taking account of the product's composition, thickness, mounting, intended use, and other relevant factors.

Key measurements and what they tell the user

Heat Release Rate, usually abbreviated as HRR, describes the rate at which heat is released. Total Heat Release, or THR, represents the accumulated heat release over a defined period. These values help characterize the intensity and development of the fire response during the test.

FIGRA means Fire Growth Rate Index. It relates heat release to the time at which the release occurs, using the thresholds and calculation procedures defined in the relevant standard. It is intended to provide a way of evaluating the rate of fire development rather than simply reporting one peak value.

Smoke measurements provide another part of the picture. Smoke Production Rate, or SPR, describes the rate of smoke production, while Total Smoke Production, or TSP, represents the accumulated smoke production over a specified period. SMOGRA, the Smoke Growth Rate Index, characterizes how quickly smoke production develops according to the prescribed calculation.

Lateral Flame Spread, commonly shortened to LFS, concerns the spread of flame along the specimen's longer wing. Flaming droplets and particles are also observed because burning material falling away from a product can be relevant to the overall reaction-to-fire assessment. Not every result is produced by the same sensor; some observations require visual assessment under the test procedure.

Source: Parameter terminology and test-method context are based on EN 13823:2020+A1:2022 and published descriptions of the SBI method. See the standard overview at EN 13823:2020+A1:2022 and the NETZSCH SBI 915 method description. Users should consult the applicable official standard for complete definitions and calculation rules.

3. Main Features and Technical Considerations When Choosing an SBI Apparatus

When customers compare SBI Single Burning Item Test Apparatus options, we encourage them to look beyond the basic equipment name. Two systems may both be described as SBI Testing Equipment, but their supplied configurations, measurement capabilities, software functions, installation requirements, and documentation may differ. The right choice is the one that fits the laboratory's real testing needs and the applicable method.

Controlled burner operation

The burner is a central part of the test system. It must provide the specified exposure and operate in a controlled, repeatable manner. Burner design, gas supply, ignition, flame monitoring, safety interlocks, and the relevant adjustment procedure all deserve attention during technical review.

Before ordering, we suggest confirming the intended gas type, gas supply conditions, local utility requirements, ignition method, flame detection arrangements, and any necessary safety provisions. Customers should also clarify which gas supply components are included and which must be provided by the laboratory. These details affect both installation planning and the final project cost.

Reliable heat-release measurement

Heat-release measurement depends on several related factors, including exhaust flow, gas analysis, temperature measurement, pressure measurement, and data processing. A sensor's presence alone does not establish that the complete system meets the requirements of a particular test method. The overall arrangement and its calibration procedures matter just as much.

For laboratories that need EN 13823 testing, the measurement section should be assessed against the applicable standard's requirements. Ask for information about the measurement principle, relevant instruments, calibration arrangements, data acquisition, and maintenance access. If a project requires a particular sensor model, measurement range, or data output format, this should be confirmed in the technical specification before manufacturing begins.

Smoke measurement and exhaust handling

Smoke is an important part of reaction-to-fire testing. The system must collect combustion gases and provide a suitable measurement path. Optical components, the gas flow arrangement, exhaust temperature, and the stability of the measurement environment can all affect the usefulness of the recorded data.

The exhaust system also has a practical role in laboratory safety and operation. Customers need to consider the route from the test apparatus to the exhaust outlet, the availability of suitable ventilation, maintenance access, and the requirements of local building and safety rules. The equipment should be installed and operated by trained personnel following the manufacturer's instructions and the applicable test procedure.

Data acquisition and reporting

Testing creates little value if the results cannot be reviewed, stored, or traced. Data acquisition software should support the required channels, recording process, calculations, and reporting workflow. Depending on the supplied configuration, the system may display test values during operation and save test data for later review.

When evaluating software, we recommend asking practical questions. Can the operator identify the test being run? Can relevant calibration information be recorded? Are the measurement channels clearly displayed? Can the data be exported in a usable format? Does the system retain information needed for the laboratory's internal traceability process? Which functions are included as standard, and which require separate configuration?

There is no need to pay for every possible feature if it is unrelated to the intended application. At the same time, leaving out a required measurement or reporting function may create expensive changes later. We therefore prefer to establish the test requirements first and confirm the software configuration against them.

Equipment structure and serviceability

An SBI installation includes hot surfaces, gas-handling components, exhaust ducting, sensors, and other parts that may require inspection or maintenance. The mechanical structure must be appropriate for the operating environment, while the layout should provide practical access to parts that need periodic checking.

During equipment planning, we consider the room layout, operator access, sample loading, cleaning, sensor inspection, and the route for moving replacement components. These points may sound basic, but they have a direct effect on everyday laboratory work. A system that is difficult to access can increase downtime and make routine maintenance more complicated.

Important items to confirm before purchase

Source: This purchasing checklist is a practical summary of considerations arising from the equipment components and procedures described in EN 13823 and the published SBI system description from NETZSCH. It is not a substitute for the standard's mandatory requirements or a complete equipment specification.

4. Where Is an SBI Single Burning Item Test System Used?

The SBI method is most relevant to suitable building products whose reaction to fire needs to be evaluated under a defined test procedure. It can support material development, internal quality assessment, laboratory testing services, and work connected with applicable product regulations. The precise scope depends on the product family and the requirements of the destination market.

Building material manufacturers

Manufacturers of wall panels, decorative boards, insulation-related products, surface coatings, and other eligible construction products may use SBI testing to understand how a product behaves under the specified fire exposure. Test results can help teams compare formulations, review changes in material composition, and investigate whether a product modification affects its fire response.

For example, a manufacturer may change a coating, adhesive, core material, thickness, or substrate. These changes can affect the behavior of the complete product system. A properly planned testing program helps the manufacturer examine those changes rather than relying on the assumption that a visually similar product will behave in the same way.

It is important to remember that a test result applies to the tested specimen and the relevant field of application. Mounting, orientation, joints, fixing methods, and the substrate can influence the outcome. A classification should not automatically be transferred to a different product configuration without checking the applicable rules.

Independent testing laboratories

Testing laboratories need equipment that fits their scope of work, staffing, room layout, and reporting procedures. Some laboratories conduct tests for external customers, while others support internal product development or research. In either case, the SBI system needs to fit the laboratory's quality management and measurement practices.

For a laboratory planning a new SBI capability, the apparatus is only one part of the project. Room construction, exhaust arrangements, gas supply, environmental conditions, calibration resources, operator training, and maintenance planning also need attention. We recommend discussing these requirements early because laboratory infrastructure can influence the final equipment layout and commissioning schedule.

Research and development organizations

Universities, research institutes, and industrial development teams may use fire testing to study the behavior of construction products and compare experimental formulations. The ability to record heat and smoke behavior can help researchers identify patterns that are not obvious from visual inspection alone.

In research applications, the test plan is especially important. The team should define the variables being compared, maintain suitable specimen preparation records, and avoid changing multiple factors at once unless the study is designed to investigate those changes. A well-planned test is more useful than a large collection of results that cannot be compared fairly.

Inspection and product evaluation organizations

Inspection agencies and organizations involved in product evaluation may need reaction-to-fire information to support their defined activities. They should confirm the relevant standard, acceptance criteria, reporting obligations, and any applicable accreditation or regulatory requirements before selecting an apparatus.

An equipment supplier can help clarify system configuration and technical functions, but purchasing an SBI apparatus does not automatically make a laboratory accredited or authorize it to issue every type of test report. Those matters depend on the organization's competence, procedures, scope, and applicable legal or accreditation framework.

Products that may need a different method

Not every product should be tested using the SBI method. Floorings, certain linear products, and other excluded or specially regulated product groups may require different procedures. Electrical cables, for example, have their own fire-test methods and product-specific requirements. The fact that a material is used in a building does not by itself mean EN 13823 is the correct test.

When a customer is unsure, we suggest identifying the product category, intended end use, destination market, and standard referenced by the customer or regulator. These details help establish whether an SBI system is suitable or whether another testing method should be considered.

5. Understanding Standards, Test Results, and Fire Classification

Standards are essential in fire testing because they make the procedure more consistent and define how measurements should be interpreted. For the SBI method, EN 13823 specifies the reaction-to-fire test procedure for applicable construction products exposed to thermal attack by a single burning item. EN 13501-1 provides the broader framework for reaction-to-fire classification of construction products and building elements within its scope.

These standards perform different jobs. EN 13823 describes how the SBI test is conducted and how relevant results are determined. EN 13501-1 sets out how results from the required test methods are used within a classification system. A product's classification may require more than SBI data alone, depending on its intended class and product category.

The applicable edition matters. Standards can be revised, and regulatory references may not change at exactly the same time as a standard is published. For this reason, laboratories and manufacturers should verify the current edition and its status in the market where the product will be sold. They should also check whether a harmonized or otherwise legally recognized version applies to their specific situation.

Illustrative context for reaction-to-fire classes

The table below gives a simplified overview of how the SBI method relates to certain European reaction-to-fire classes. It is intended to explain the role of the test, not to provide a complete classification checklist. Actual classification involves the exact criteria, thresholds, supplementary classes, and additional test requirements specified in the applicable legal and technical documents.

Source: European Commission, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/364, which sets out classes of reaction-to-fire performance for construction products within its stated scope. The table is deliberately simplified and should not be used to determine a product's class without reviewing the complete regulation, the applicable standards, and the product-specific requirements.

Why specimen preparation matters

One common mistake in fire testing is to focus on the apparatus while overlooking the specimen. The test result can be affected by how the product is cut, mounted, fixed, supported, or combined with other materials. A panel tested with one substrate or air gap may behave differently from the same panel installed in another configuration.

For that reason, specimen preparation needs to follow the applicable method. The laboratory should document the product identification, thickness, mounting details, substrate, joints, and other relevant conditions. If the test is intended to represent an end-use installation, the specimen arrangement should be selected accordingly within the standard's rules.

This is also why a classification report should be read carefully. It describes the tested product and the applicable field of application. A buyer should not assume that the same classification automatically covers a different thickness, coating, fixing arrangement, or product combination. Any proposed extension needs to be assessed under the applicable rules by competent parties.

Calibration and quality control

Calibration helps confirm that the measuring system performs as expected against defined references or procedures. The exact calibration steps depend on the instrument and the standard. For an SBI system, the laboratory should establish a suitable program covering the relevant measurement channels, gas analysis, flow-related measurements, and other equipment elements required by the method.

We encourage customers to ask about calibration access, reference materials, instrument documentation, routine checks, and the records that can be maintained. A clear maintenance and calibration plan is useful not only for formal quality procedures but also for diagnosing unexpected results. If a measurement drifts, the laboratory needs a practical way to investigate whether the cause lies in the sensor, the flow path, the calibration procedure, the specimen, or the test conditions.

For laboratories working under an accreditation framework, the equipment and its maintenance must be integrated into the laboratory's own documented procedures. The laboratory remains responsible for demonstrating competence and meeting the applicable requirements. An equipment supplier can provide technical documentation and support, but it cannot replace the laboratory's responsibilities.

6. Our Customization, Manufacturing, and Delivery Process

At Guangzhou Chuangge Automation Equipment Co., Ltd., we work on customized testing equipment for different industrial and laboratory applications. We believe the best starting point is a clear discussion about what the customer needs to measure, which standard applies, and how the equipment will be used. This approach helps avoid a situation where a system looks suitable on paper but does not fully match the laboratory's real workflow.

Step 1: Confirming the application

We first ask about the product type, intended test method, destination market, specimen configuration, and expected testing workload. If the project is based on EN 13823, we need to understand the required measurement and reporting functions, the applicable edition, and any customer-specific requirements that are compatible with the standard.

We also discuss the laboratory environment. Available room dimensions, ventilation, exhaust routing, gas supply, power supply, and access for installation can all influence the project. These details are best reviewed before the equipment design is finalized, particularly for a large testing system that requires dedicated laboratory space.

Step 2: Defining the technical configuration

After the initial review, the required equipment configuration can be discussed in detail. This may cover the test structure, specimen handling arrangement, burner system, exhaust and measurement sections, data acquisition, safety-related features, and supporting accessories. We distinguish between requirements that are essential to the selected method and optional functions that may improve the customer's workflow.

Where the customer has a written specification, drawing, or standard clause list, we use it as the basis for technical confirmation. If information is missing, we identify the open points rather than assuming that every project requires the same configuration. The final scope should be documented so that both parties have a clear understanding of the supplied equipment and its intended application.

Step 3: Manufacturing and assembly

Once the configuration has been confirmed, manufacturing and assembly can proceed according to the agreed project plan. A complex fire testing system involves multiple mechanical, electrical, gas-handling, measurement, and control elements. Their interfaces need to be considered carefully so that the assembled equipment can operate as a coordinated system.

For customized testing equipment, manufacturing is not just a matter of putting parts together. The assembly must follow the approved design, and the relevant connections, moving parts, measurement components, and control functions need to be checked. The exact inspection process depends on the equipment configuration and the agreed acceptance requirements.

Step 4: Inspection and functional checks

Before delivery, the agreed inspection and functional checks are carried out according to the project scope. These checks may cover the appearance and assembly condition, the operation of specified functions, the control system, the available documentation, and other agreed acceptance items.

Customers should understand the difference between a factory functional check and a formal performance qualification or calibration carried out under a specific standard. The two are not automatically equivalent. If the purchase requires a particular calibration certificate, witnessed acceptance test, reference material, or third-party verification, it should be discussed and recorded before the order is confirmed.

Step 5: Documentation and shipment preparation

Delivery documentation is prepared according to the confirmed order requirements. Depending on the project, the package may include operating instructions, equipment information, electrical or system documentation, maintenance guidance, and other relevant technical records. The precise list should be confirmed in the contract or technical agreement.

We normally allow approximately 30–60 days for production of customized construction-material and component testing equipment, depending on the specifications, level of customization, component availability, and project complexity. This is a planning estimate rather than a guaranteed lead time for every SBI order. The actual schedule should be confirmed after the technical scope and delivery requirements have been reviewed.

Step 6: Packing, transportation, and installation planning

Testing equipment needs suitable protection during transportation. Depending on the dimensions, weight, structure, and destination, packaging may use protective materials and sturdy wooden cases. Fragile instruments, optical components, sensors, and other sensitive parts require appropriate protection against shock, movement, dust, and moisture during shipment.

Transportation can be arranged by sea, air, or land according to the destination, urgency, shipment size, and customer requirements. Sea freight is often considered for large equipment, while air freight may be more suitable for urgent or smaller consignments. The best option depends on the total logistics plan rather than on a single factor.

Before shipment, we recommend that customers prepare the installation area, confirm access routes for bringing equipment into the laboratory, and arrange the required utilities. For an SBI system, exhaust routing and gas supply are especially important planning items. Early coordination can help prevent delays after the equipment arrives.

Payment and commercial terms

Payment terms can be negotiated according to the order requirements and the agreed commercial arrangement. The payment schedule, delivery terms, packing details, shipping responsibilities, documentation requirements, and any acceptance conditions should be clearly stated in the order or contract.

For a customized system, we recommend finalizing the technical configuration before the commercial terms are treated as complete. A change to the measurement system, software functions, sample arrangement, or other major component may affect the project cost and schedule. Recording changes in writing helps both parties manage expectations and keep the project on track.

7. Why Work With Guangzhou Chuangge Automation Equipment Co., Ltd.?

Choosing testing equipment is a technical decision as well as a purchasing decision. The apparatus needs to fit the test method, but the supplier should also understand that laboratories have practical concerns about installation, documentation, maintenance, and long-term use. Our approach is to discuss those requirements clearly and build the project around the confirmed application.

Experience with customized testing equipment

We specialize in customized testing equipment used in different product sectors, including construction materials and components, wires and cables, plastics and textiles, electrical accessories, electronic products, and household appliances. Different industries have different testing objectives, and a useful equipment solution begins with understanding those objectives.

For an SBI Single Burning Item Test Apparatus project, we focus on the relationship between the required test procedure and the proposed system configuration. We encourage customers to provide their standard references, sample information, measurement needs, and laboratory constraints so that the technical discussion is based on real requirements rather than assumptions.

A standards-aware approach

Relevant standards help define what the apparatus needs to do and how the results should be produced. We take those requirements seriously when discussing the configuration of testing equipment. At the same time, we do not treat a standard reference as a blanket guarantee that every possible configuration automatically meets every requirement.

The applicable edition, product scope, measurement functions, calibration procedures, and reporting requirements must be confirmed for each project. If the customer needs a particular compliance statement, test report, or certification-related document, the scope and responsibility for providing it should be clarified before the order is placed.

Established management systems and intellectual property

Guangzhou Chuangge Automation Equipment Co., Ltd. has obtained ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management, and ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management system certifications. These systems reflect our commitment to organized management practices in the areas covered by the respective certifications.

We also maintain a portfolio of more than 20 patents, including invention patents, utility model patents, and software patents. Our company philosophy is to ensure survival through high technology and drive development through high quality. We aim to apply that philosophy to the practical work of designing, producing, and supplying customized testing equipment.

Customers should note that company management-system certifications and patents do not automatically establish that a particular SBI apparatus has been independently certified to a particular test standard. Product-specific capabilities and any required verification need to be confirmed against the project documentation.

Practical communication throughout the project

We know that technical questions often emerge before a purchase is finalized. A customer may need to confirm the gas supply, available floor space, sample mounting method, data export requirements, or the difference between an SBI test and another fire test. These questions should be addressed early, when they can still be incorporated into the project plan.

Our preferred working method is to document the intended application, confirm the technical scope, review the delivery schedule, and agree on inspection and documentation requirements. This makes it easier for the customer to compare proposals fairly and understand what is included in the final equipment package.

Support for the complete equipment lifecycle

Equipment planning should not end when the shipment leaves the factory. Installation, operator training, routine inspection, calibration, maintenance, and replacement-part planning all affect the usefulness of a laboratory system over time. The specific support available should be discussed and confirmed for the individual order.

Before purchasing, we encourage customers to ask which operating documents are supplied, what installation conditions must be met, how routine maintenance should be performed, and which components may need periodic replacement or calibration. These questions help establish a realistic plan for long-term operation.

8. Frequently Asked Questions About SBI Single Burning Item Test Apparatus

Q1. What is the main purpose of an SBI Single Burning Item Test Apparatus?

Its main purpose is to evaluate the reaction-to-fire behavior of applicable construction products under a defined exposure from a single burning item. Depending on the test configuration, the system measures heat release and smoke production and supports observation of flame spread and flaming droplets or particles. The resulting information can contribute to product development, testing, and reaction-to-fire classification where the relevant framework requires it.

Q2. Which standard is commonly associated with SBI testing?

EN 13823 is commonly associated with the Single Burning Item test for construction products within its scope. EN 13501-1 is relevant to the broader European reaction-to-fire classification framework. Customers should verify the edition applicable to their market and product category, as well as any regulatory references or additional test methods required for classification.

Q3. Can the apparatus test every type of building material?

No. The test method has a defined scope and excludes certain product groups, while other products may require specific procedures. The suitability of SBI testing depends on the product category, intended use, applicable standard, and destination-market requirements. Before ordering, identify the product and the test method required by the customer, regulator, or classification program.

Q4. What information should I prepare before requesting a quotation?

We recommend preparing the product name and application, the applicable standard and edition, the expected specimen dimensions, mounting and substrate details, required measurements, data reporting needs, destination country, and available laboratory space. Information about gas supply, power, ventilation, exhaust routing, and installation access is also helpful. If you already have a technical specification or test procedure, sharing it can make the discussion more efficient.

Q5. How long does production take?

For customized construction-material and component testing equipment, a typical planning period is around 30–60 days, depending on the configuration, customization level, component availability, and order requirements. The exact lead time for an SBI apparatus should be confirmed after the technical scope is finalized. Shipping time, customs clearance, and installation arrangements may add time beyond the manufacturing period.

Q6. What is included in delivery?

The delivery scope depends on the confirmed order. It can include the agreed equipment configuration, inspection and functional checks, and relevant technical documentation. Customers should confirm whether installation assistance, training, calibration services, special acceptance tests, accessories, and particular certificates are included or need to be arranged separately.

Q7. How is the equipment usually shipped?

Shipping may be arranged by sea, air, or land, depending on the destination, urgency, shipment size, and customer preference. Large testing systems often need carefully planned packing and handling. Protective materials and sturdy wooden cases may be used as appropriate to reduce the risk of damage during transportation. The packing specification and shipping terms should be agreed before dispatch.

Q8. Can the apparatus be customized?

Customization can be discussed according to the intended test method and laboratory requirements. Relevant topics may include specimen handling, system layout, data acquisition, reporting, and supporting accessories. However, customization must not compromise the requirements of the applicable test method. Any special request should be reviewed against the standard before it is included in the final specification.

Q9. Does buying an SBI apparatus automatically certify our products?

No. An SBI apparatus is testing equipment, not a product certificate. The test results must be obtained using the appropriate procedure and interpreted under the applicable classification or regulatory framework. Product certification, laboratory accreditation, and authorization to issue specific reports are separate matters that depend on the relevant requirements and competent organizations.

Q10. Does an SBI result depend only on the material itself?

No. The behavior recorded during a test can depend on the material as well as its thickness, substrate, mounting, orientation, joints, fixing method, and other features of the tested configuration. A classification should be interpreted within its stated field of application. If a product is changed or installed differently, the manufacturer should check whether the existing evidence still applies.

Q11. What maintenance should a laboratory plan for?

Maintenance depends on the actual system configuration and the manufacturer's instructions. A laboratory should plan routine inspection of the burner and gas supply components, exhaust path, sensors, optical measurement components, connections, and control system. Calibration and functional checks should be carried out according to the applicable procedure and the laboratory's quality system. Maintenance records can help identify changes in performance and support troubleshooting.

Q12. How can I compare two SBI testing equipment proposals?

Start by comparing the stated standard and edition, included measurement functions, burner arrangement, gas analysis, smoke measurement, calibration facilities, software and data export, safety provisions, installation requirements, documentation, warranty, and after-sales support. Also check which utilities and accessories are included, which items must be supplied by the customer, and what acceptance checks will be completed before shipment. A clear, itemized specification is more useful than comparing prices alone.

Conclusion: Choose an SBI Testing System Around the Test Requirements

An SBI Single Burning Item Test Apparatus is a specialized tool for evaluating how applicable construction products respond to a defined fire exposure. Its value lies in the complete testing process: correct specimen preparation, controlled burner operation, suitable exhaust and measurement arrangements, reliable data acquisition, and interpretation according to the applicable standard.

For manufacturers, the results can help support product development and material comparison. For testing laboratories, a properly planned system can become an important part of their testing capability. For organizations working toward product classification, the first step is to confirm the required standard, product scope, and complete set of tests rather than assuming that SBI results alone answer every compliance question.

At Guangzhou Chuangge Automation Equipment Co., Ltd., we approach customized testing equipment by starting with the customer's application and working toward a clearly defined technical configuration. We discuss the applicable standard, specimen arrangement, measurement needs, laboratory conditions, inspection requirements, documentation, and delivery schedule before finalizing a project.

If you are planning to purchase an SBI Single Burning Item Test Apparatus, we recommend preparing your target standard, product details, required measurements, and laboratory installation information first. With these details in hand, we can discuss a configuration that better matches your testing objectives and practical operating needs.

Contact Guangzhou Chuangge Automation Equipment Co., Ltd. to discuss your SBI testing equipment requirements, technical configuration, customization options, production schedule, and delivery arrangements.

Technical References

• EN 13823:2020+A1:2022 — Reaction to fire tests for building products exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning item. Refer to the applicable official publication for the complete test procedure and requirements.

• Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/364. European reaction-to-fire performance classes for construction products within the regulation's scope.

• NETZSCH SBI 915 — Single Burning Item. Published example of SBI system components, method description, measurements, and data handling.

• RISE — Fire testing of building products according to EN 13823 (SBI). Overview of the method and its use in building-product fire testing.

• UK Government — Approved Document B fire safety FAQs. Guidance on reaction-to-fire classification and the importance of tested product configurations.

Note: Standards, regulatory references, and classification requirements may change. The information in this article is intended as a general technical and purchasing guide, not as a substitute for the complete applicable standard, formal test instructions, or advice from a competent testing or certification organization. Confirm the current requirements and the exact capabilities of the proposed equipment before placing an order.