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The laboratory is accredited by the Dutch Accreditation Council (RvA), registration number L334, for determining the fire resistance of walls, doors, and ceilings according to harmonised European standards and NEN 6069. It is also accredited for assessing the fire behaviour of most construction products. Peutz is recognised as a Notified Body by the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations under number NB 2264.
Fire resistance indicates how long a structure can withstand fire. To determine this, the structure is placed in a furnace measuring 4 metres wide and 3 metres high. For horizontal constructions, the (tiltable) furnace is used in a lying position, with the structure placed on top. The temperature inside the furnace is increased according to a standardised fire curve—reaching over 800 °C after half an hour and nearly 1000 °C after one hour. Other fire curves, such as the external fire curve or the hydrocarbon (HC) curve, are also possible. During the test, surface temperature, radiation, and flame tightness are assessed.
Based on the test results, Peutz can translate the achieved fire resistance into the European classification system, in accordance with EN 13501-2.
Fire behaviour (reaction to fire) of construction products focuses on flammability and the amount of heat and smoke produced during combustion.
For classes B to E (and BL to EL for pipe insulation), fire behaviour is determined using two tests: the Small Flame Test and the Single Burning Item (SBI) Test. These tests can be conducted in Peutz’s Laboratory for Fire Safety.
The results are expressed in fire class or Euroclass, and Peutz can also provide this classification (EN 13501-1).
Accreditation according to NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025 (RvA registration number L334) and designation as Notified Body (NB 2264) ensure the use of qualified test facilities, equipment, and methods.
The results of an accredited fire test conducted in the Laboratory for Fire Safety are undisputed and valid across all EU Member States. These results can also be used for CE marking of construction products.
Recently, the guideline for drafting Expert Judgements has been updated. This guideline, developed in collaboration with Efectis, ensures quality and provides transparency regarding the criteria our assessments meet.
