This part of BS 8414 provides a test method for determining the fire performance characteristics of non‑loadbearing external cladding systems, rainscreen overcladding systems and external wall insulation systems when fixed to, and supported by, a masonry substrate and exposed to an external fire under controlled conditions. The peak fire exposure is intended to be representative of an external fire source or a fully developed (post-flashover) fire in a room venting from an aperture that exposes the cladding to the effects of external flames.
This part of BS 8414 is solely intended to give an indication of fire spread across or within an external cladding system. The purpose of the test is to provide data to enable evaluation of the fire performance of the components when combined to form a complete cladding system.
This part of BS 8414 does not cover the performance of glass or its supporting frame intended for glazed window openings.
This part of BS 8414 does not test the total configuration of a construction incorporating additional windows, doors, balconies or ancillary penetrations.
This part of BS 8414 does not cover exposure to radiant heat from a fire in an adjacent building.
NOTE 1 Performance criteria and classification methodology for the external fire performance can be found in references such as Report BR 135 [2].
NOTE 2 Further information on the application of results from BS 8414‑1 is given in BS 9414.