Element Expands Smoke Leakage Testing Capability to Support Evolving Fire Door Requirements
29 July 2026, London, UK: Warringtonfire, part of Element Materials Technology ("Element"), has added a dedicated smoke leakage testing rig to its Birchwood facility, giving doorset manufacturers access to a wider range of UKAS-accredited test methods.
The investment is in response to growing demand for integrated testing as manufacturers prepare for the transition to EN classification. EN classification is designed to communicate the different performances that the manufacturer wishes to declare for a product using a common technical language.
The drive towards EN classification is being led by the forthcoming withdrawal of the BS 476 series from Approved Document B (England).
Peter Barker, Technical Manager at Warringtonfire, Element, commented:
"Manufacturers that are aiming to achieve fire and smoke classification to EN 13501-2 for their doorset designs should engage with Warringtonfire to understand how integrated fire and smoke test programmes can help them meet their objectives.”
"By expanding our smoke leakage testing capability, we can better support doorset manufacturers with coordinated test programmes that generate robust evidence for both fire resistance and smoke leakage that can be used to prepare an EN classification for their designs."
The smoke leakage rig is the latest addition to Element's £24 million Birchwood facility, which opened in January 2025.
The facility provides fire resistance testing, technical assessments, extended field of application reports and classification services across many other construction products. It is home to two vertical furnaces, two horizontal furnaces, an indicative furnace for rapid testing, preparation bays and client witnessing facilities.
For more information about Warringtonfire's smoke leakage and fire resistance testing services, visit: https://www,warringtonfire.com
ENDS
About Element Materials Technology
Element is one of the world’s leading providers of laboratory-based testing services. We support 50,000+ customers operating in some of the world’s most technical and highly regulated industries where failure in use of their products, materials and technologies is not an option. Headquartered in London, UK, Element’s 8,500+ scientists, engineers, and technologists, work across a global network of 270+ laboratories, and support customers from early R&D, through complex regulatory approvals, and into production ensuring their products are safe and sustainable and achieve market access.
For more information about Element, please visit our website, connect with us on LinkedIn, X, Instagram and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
About Element Built Environment
Element Built Environment, a business unit of Element Materials Technology, provides testing, inspection, and certification services for the global construction industry. Supported by the Warringtonfire and BM TRADA brands, we operate across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia Pacific.
Our expertise spans environmental testing, building envelope systems, windows, doors, HVAC, trains, packaging, furniture, and material evaluations, including fire performance and structural integrity testing. By integrating local market knowledge with global reach, we enable clients to meet evolving standards, reduce risk, and bring products to market with confidence.
Warringtonfire exists to help make certain that the materials, products, and processes that we test, inspect and certify for our customers are safe, compliant, and fit for its intended purpose. Warringtonfire is proud to be part of Element Materials Technology.
Media Contacts:
Kate Aldridge, VP Communications, E: kate.aldridge@element.com, M: +44 7767 705364
Katie Lee, Strategic Marketing Director, Built Environment, E: Katie.lee@element.com M: +44 7345 418 175