Fire Resistance Testing

Your products need to perform reliably when exposed to fire, meeting complex regulatory standards across global markets. Element’s independent fire resistance testing delivers authoritative verification for passive fire protection products, supporting your certification needs to help you get to market faster without delays or unnecessary costs, whilst always keeping end user safety front and centre.

Element testing technician in blue lab coat standing in front of reaction to fire testing equipment

What is Fire Resistance Testing at Element?

Fire resistance testing evaluates how building materials and components withstand fire conditions over time. The term is often used interchangeably with passive fire protection product testing, which refers more to the methods and materials used to contain and limit fire spread. Both are actually required together for a robust testing program.

At Element, we provide independent, globally accredited testing services designed to replicate your product's intended end-use. Our testing processes mount specimens onto furnaces with internationally accepted time/temperature regimes to accurately assess performance against relevant standards and certification requirements.

Standards we test to

Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

BS (British Standards)EN (European Standards)IMO (International Maritime Organization)ISO (International Organization for Standardization)ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)NF (French Standards)NES (Naval Engineering Standards)UIC (International Union of Railways)UL (Underwriters Laboratories)ABD (Airbus Directives)CFR (FAR/JAR/CS) (Code of Federal Regulations)FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards)CMVSS (Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards)

Element fire safety engineer in protective gear conducting building materials flammability testing

What Can Element Offer You For Fire Resistance Testing?

Products and materials we test

Your passive fire protection products require comprehensive evaluation to ensure regulatory compliance and performance. Element tests building materials, doorsets, ducts, dampers, floors, glazing, pipes, penetrations, intumescent products, load-bearing and non-load bearing elements, suspended ceilings, walls, and partitions—all with the expertise to maximize your certification scope.

Building construction elements
Fire protection coatings and seals
Doorsets and hardware components
Glazing and window systems
Duct and damper assemblies

Key tests offered

Our extensive range of destructive fire resistance tests are designed to replicate your product's intended end-use in a real-world fire situation, with temperature-controlled furnace conditions following internationally accepted time/temperature regimes.

Insulation performance evaluation
Structural integrity assessment
Load-bearing capacity testing
Flame penetration resistance
Heat transfer measurement
Smoke leakage evaluation

Methods and solutions offered

Access tailored testing strategies developed by our experienced technical consultants who work with you throughout the process. We identify the correct fire resistance test procedures for your specific needs, maximizing the scope of coverage generated by your test program.

Custom test configurations
Comprehensive documentation support
Extended application assessments
International certification guidance
Regulatory compliance navigation
Third-party certification support

Global certification expertise
Navigate complex international certification requirements with confidence. Our group company Warringtonfire, along with Element's global network, provides comprehensive support for multiple regional certification needs including EU, UK, North American, and international markets.

Notified Body services for European markets
Approved body status for UK requirements
Documentation and compliance packages for multiple regions
Cost-effective multi-market solutions
Expert guidance on evolving standards and regulations

Cutting-edge equipment we use

Your products are tested using state-of-the-art furnaces and monitoring equipment that precisely control and measure temperature according to international standards. Our facilities are designed to accommodate various specimen sizes and configurations, ensuring accurate and reliable results that reflect real-world fire scenarios.

Advanced furnace technology
Precision temperature control systems
Comprehensive measurement instrumentation
Data acquisition and analysis capabilities
Specialized restraint frames and mounting systems

Which labs offer this service

Our global network of accredited facilities is ready to meet your regional and international compliance needs. Our fire resistance testing services are available at our UKAS-accredited facilities in Warrington, High Wycombe, and Dubai, our BELAC-accredited facility in Gent, and our specialized laboratories in Toronto, CA and Plano and Jupiter, USA.

Standards we test to and components we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

BS (British Standards)
EN (European Standards)
IMO (International Maritime Organization)
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials)
NF (French Standards)
NES (Naval Engineering Standards)
UIC (International Union of Railways)
UL (Underwriters Laboratories)
ABD (Airbus Directives)
CFR (FAR/JAR/CS) (Code of Federal Regulations)
FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards)
CMVSS (Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards)

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Compliance with Changing Regulations

Element ensures that your fire-resistant products comply with evolving national and international fire safety regulations, so you never face compliance issues, no matter where you’re working.

Minimizing Testing Delays

Our global testing network ensures fast, efficient testing, reducing your time to market and keeping your projects on schedule.

Accessing Accredited Testing Facilities

With accredited laboratories in multiple global locations, Element makes it easy for you to access the necessary testing, regardless of your location, with high-quality, reliable results.

Seamless Global markets access

Different regions require different approvals for your products. Our worldwide network of accredited facilities in the UK, Belgium, Dubai, Canada and USA provides consistent testing services to international standards, supporting your products' entry into multiple markets with coordinated certification support.