This page explains the implications on the withdrawal of BS 476-22 as a fire resistance standard and its replacement with EN 1364-1.
This page will provide specific guidance on the specification of Building Systems UK offerings which have already been successfully tested to the EN 1364-1 standard.
Timeline for this change
The government has outlined the following transition dates relating to the withdrawal and replacement of BS 476-22:
BS 476-22 and BS EN 1364-1 are fire resistance test methods for non-load bearing walls that both utilise the ISO 834 standard fire curve and assess performance against integrity and insulation criteria. The principal differences lie in the furnace control methodology, specimen construction requirements and classification system. EN 1364-1 uses plate thermocouples in accordance with EN 1363-1, whereas BS 476-22 uses sheathed thermocouples.
EN 1364-1 also contains more prescriptive requirements relating to specimen geometry, joint positioning, free-edge arrangements and supporting constructions. Under 1364-1, following testing, results are classified in accordance with BS EN 13501-2 using harmonised European classifications such as E and EI, with fire resistance declared at standard classification periods (e.g. EI 15, EI 30, EI 60, EI 120).
Construction products that have been tested and used in buildings in accordance with BS 476-22 do not need to be replaced, provided they satisfied the relevant regulatory and project requirements applicable at the time of installation.
For new building projects, we recommend that products are supported by EN 1364 test evidence. Although BS 476-22 remains recognised during the transition period until 2029, specifying products tested to EN 1364 now helps future-proof projects, aligns with current industry practice, and reduces the risk of re-specification as the industry transitions to the European standard.
Building Systems UK can meet the new EN 1364-1 requirements
Whilst some manufacturers have published technical guidance indicating that certain wall systems do not achieve the fire resistance performance required for their intended application when assessed in accordance with BS EN 1364-1, and have subsequently steered the market towards alternative solutions, Building Systems UK has undertaken a significant fire resistance testing programme covering both Trisobuild® site-assembled insulated wall systems and Trisomet® & Trimapanel® roof and wall panel systems. These systems have successfully demonstrated fire resistance performance through testing to BS EN 1364-1 and have achieved classifications in accordance with BS EN 13501-2, providing specifiers with tested solutions that support compliance with the European fire resistance testing and classification framework.
The UK government has initiated the withdrawal of BS 476-22 as a fire resistance standard and is replacing it with EN 1364-1. The timeline for this transition was March 2025 when BS 476 references for reaction to fire were withdrawn, and September 2029 when the resistance to fire testing under BS 476 will no longer be valid.
From this point only EN 1364-1 (for non-load bearing walls) can be used to define fire performance. EN 1364 is a more demanding standard when compared with BS 476-22 with the use of more precise measurements on testing and the EN framework itself utilises individual standards for different applications rather than BS 476-22 which covers multiple non-load bearing applications (e.g. doors and partitions). We recommend checking with your supplier to confirm that their products are now tested to EN 1364, and recommend that, whilst BS 476-22 is not being phased out until 2029, all newly specified cladding systems should comply with the EN 1364 standard.
Building Systems UK have undertaken a significant testing programme for our Trisobuild® site-assembled insulated wall systems and Trisomet® & Trimapanel® roof and wall panel systems, and have demonstrated compliance with the performance requirements of EN 1364-1. The test results can be used to support compliance with the fire resistance requirements of UK Building Regulations and will future proof your building specification.
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