BS EN 13823:2020, Reaction to fire tests for building products. Building products excluding floorings exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning item

BS EN 13823:2020, Reaction to fire tests for building products. Building products excluding floorings exposed to the thermal attack by a single burning item. This is the 'Single Burning Item' (SBI) test standard. It is the primary method used in Europe and the UK for determining the 'reaction to fire' performance of construction products, excluding floorings. The test evaluates a product's contribution to fire growth, smoke production, and the generation of flaming droplets. The results of the SBI test are used to classify products into the Euroclass system (e.g., A2, B, C, D, E). This classification is a fundamental part of the building regulations for controlling the fire performance of materials used on building surfaces, particularly wall linings and external cladding systems. This page provides a structured summary, key provisions, and practical guidance on the application of BS EN 13823 (SBI Test) to UK fire safety engineering, building design, and Building Safety Act compliance.