Rail Fire Testing Services

Ensure consistency in meeting rail fire standards across old and new rolling stock, whether you’re integrating new systems or retrofitting existing trains. Through our group brand, Warringtonfire, Element offers comprehensive rail fire testing services, ensuring compliance with global standards like EN 45545-2 and BS 6853. With deep industry expertise and a full-service approach across testing, inspection and advisory services, we simplify rail fire safety for your business.

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What is Rail Fire Testing at Element?

Rail fire testing evaluates the fire behavior of materials and components used in rail vehicles to ensure safety and compliance with international standards. Through our Warringtonfire group brand, we provide specialist rail fire testing services. Our accredited laboratories conduct tests in line with key regulations like EN 45545-2 and BS 6853, helping rail manufacturers, operators, and suppliers meet critical safety requirements and protect passengers and assets. Element also provides wider fire testing including flammability, smoke density, toxicity, and heat release testing.

Two Element testing experts in laboratory safety equipment ready for testing

What Can Element Offer You for Rail Fire Testing?

Key Tests Offered

At Element we offer an extensive array of tests, such as flammability testing, smoke density, toxicity tests, and heat release measurements. Our testing ensures that materials meet essential safety standards, including EN 45545-2, BS 6853, and other global fire safety regulations.

Flammability testing (ISO 5658-2, ISO 9239-1)
Smoke density tests (ISO 5659-2)
Toxicity testing (EN 45545-2 Annex C, ISO 4589-2)
Heat release tests (ISO 5660-1, EN 45545-2)

Components and Materials We Test

Our experts offer testing for a wide range of materials used in the rail industry, including:

Wall linings
Ceiling linings
Floor coverings
External surfaces
Fire retardant treatments
Seating (textile)
Cables
Rubber materials
Plastic materials
Foam materials
Glazing systems
Electrotechnical components

Cutting-Edge Equipment We Use

Our labs use advanced equipment, including:

Cone calorimeter (ISO 5660-1) for heat release and flammability tests
Radiant panel (ISO 9239-1) for surface flame spread tests
Smoke density chamber (ISO 5659-2)
Oxygen index tester (ISO 4589-2) for burning behavior

Which Labs Offer This Service

Through our group brand, Warringtonfire, we provide rail fire testing at their specialized laboratories, equipped with cutting-edge technology and staffed by experienced fire safety professionals. Our accredited labs include:

Warrington, UK – UKAS-accredited, offering a range of fire safety tests with high levels of precision and reliability.
Gent, Belgium – BELAC-accredited, ensuring rigorous testing and certification services tailored to meet both European and international rail fire safety standards.

Standards we test to and products we test

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

EN 45545-2

BS 6853

London Underground Limited (LUL) Number S1180

London Underground Limited (LUL) Number S1085

DIN 5510-2

NF F 16-101

U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) requirements

UIC 564-2

ISO 5658-2

ISO 5660-1

ISO 5659-2

EN 45545-2 Annex C

ISO 4589-2

EN ISO 4589-3: Annex A

EN 45545-2 Annex A and B

ISO 9239-1

BS 476: Part 6

BS 476: Part 7

BS 6853 Annex B

BS 6853 Annex D

ISO 1182

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Navigating Complex Regulations

Staying compliant with diverse, evolving fire safety standards can be challenging. Our rail fire testing service ensures compliance with international standards like EN 45545-2 and BS 6853, helping you meet regulatory requirements without hassle.

Ensuring Consistent Fire Safety

Achieving consistent fire safety performance across diverse products is a concern for manufacturers and operators. With a wide range of testing solutions for a variety of materials, you can ensure all components meet strict fire safety requirements.

Managing Multiple Fire Safety Tests

Coordinating and executing numerous tests across various components can be overwhelming. Through our partnership with Warringtonfire, Element offers a streamlined approach, providing all necessary fire testing services, reducing complexity and improving efficiency.

Mitigating Fire Risk in Transit

Ensuring the safety of passengers and assets from fire hazards on rail systems is essential. Advanced fire testing methods such as smoke density and heat release, help minimize these risks, ensuring that your rail vehicles are safe and compliant.

Why Choose Element

Element testing specialist standing among environmental test chambers in product testing lab

Specialist Rail Fire Expertise

We partner with Warringtonfire, leaders in rail fire safety, ensuring your components meet strict global regulations and industry standards.

Tailored Testing for All Components

From seating to cables, we offer precise testing across every material used in rail vehicles, ensuring fire safety is integrated at every level.

Accreditations You Can Trust

Our fire testing is conducted in UKAS and BELAC-accredited labs, ensuring the highest level of quality and compliance across global markets.

Streamlined Compliance for Rail

We manage complex fire safety testing across multiple standards, making it easy for you to meet requirements and move projects forward without delay.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Element ensure the reliability of my rail fire test results?

Element ensures the reliability of your rail fire test results through our partnership with Warringtonfire, which operates UKAS and BELAC-accredited laboratories. This guarantees that our tests are conducted to the highest standards and in compliance with international fire safety regulations, providing you with reliable and certified results. Additionally, we offer fire testing services directly through Element for sectors including construction, aerospace, oil and gas, and EMC.