2.Properties of HPL
The standard differentiates between reaction to fire, which is described in EN 13501-1, and fire resistance, which is described in EN 13501-2. To evaluate the fire behaviours in construction, a differentiation is made between building elements and construction materials. The definitions and classifications for construction materials and building elements with regard to their reaction to fire are described in the European standard EN 13501. Parts 1 and 2 are important for HPL. Part 1 describes the fire classification of construction materials for buildings. Part 2 describes the fire classification of structural elements for buildings.
The reaction to fire of a construction material (e. g. HPL, HPL-Compact, chipboard, plasterboard, substrates covered with HPL) has to be known if the intended installation point (e. g. wall or ceiling panels) is subject to the applicable fire protection regulations.
The reaction to fire is determined either from the applicable standards or through testing. The classification of a construction material can be improved by testing according to the standard compared to the established standard classification.
If a structural element is intended for applications which are subject to the regulation on fire resistance, a classification as per EN 13501-2 has to be conducted.
Fire resistance is the duration of the functional capability of a structural element (e.g. door covered with HPL, including mounted frame) in case of fire, taking into account different criteria (load capacity (R), separation (E), heat insulation (I)). For example: A component which retains its load capacity in case of fire for 120 minutes, its separation function for 60 minutes and its heat insulation for 30 minutes corresponds to fire resistance classification R 120 / RE 60 / REI 30.
