A European directive marks a significant change to the fire resistant ductwork market as the implementation of CE marking within the industry becomes compulsory.

CE marking of fire-resistant ducting will be mandatory from the 1st July 2013, under European directive 93/68/EC, known as the Construction Products Directive (CPR).


Fire Protection Ltd (FPL), have released a useful guidance leaflet to help local authorities, consulting engineers, contractors and specifiers to understand the information provided and appreciate what is necessary to obtain a CE Mark.


Fire resistant duct systems approved to BS EN 12101-7: Smoke Control Ducting or BS EN 15871: Fire Resistant Ducting must have a CE marking label attached to each duct section.


As must any tested in-duct equipment.


Each duct product category must also be issued with a Certificate Of Conformity confirming its performance as part of the fire resistant duct system.


The new guidance leaflet explains the information that should be displayed on the CE Marking label and provides a sample Certificate of Conformity. It also offers a useful summary of the classification symbols relevant to fire-resisting ductwork.


Although the existing BS 476 is not scheduled to be withdrawn until 2013, FPL's fire-resistant ductwork system, Flamebar BW11, is currently being subjected to a rigorous test programme under the new European Product Standard, BS EN 12101.


This will enable it to display a CE Mark, providing specifiers with an assurance that it will comply with the latest European standards.


The new European test follows the BS EN 1363 cellulosic fire curve, which is similar to BS 476 Part 24 (with the exception of single compartment ducts). However, many elements of the test are more challenging.


The new test uses plate thermocouples to control the furnace temperature; it also decreases the maximum allowable reduction of cross-sectional area for smoke extract duct from 25% to 10%.


"It is critical that all those involved in the design, procurement and installation of fire resistant ductwork systems must be aware of requirements of the CPR and specify and procure products which are CE marked.


Technically, the requirement for products to be CE marked may apply to any contracts that bridge the 1st July 2013 implementation date," says FPL director Bob Chapman.


Further information and guidance on CE marking is available as a free download at www.fireprotection.co.uk or e-mail: info@fireprotection.co.uk.