7 Controlled pressure position; maximum 20 Pa at the top of the test specimen for arrangements at floor position h Height above furnace floor X Pressure at height h above furnace floor
General
Part configuration test specimens are used in two different ways for the purpose of assessing the fire resistance of a closure and conveyor system assembly (see B.2 and B.3).
Changes to the penetrating components
In order to prevent the need for repeated tests on full size test specimens due to changes in the penetrating components, a part configuration test is permitted (see 7.6).
Large test specimen
When a test furnace is insufficiently sized for the intended specimen's heat exposure, and no alternative furnace is available, testing may be performed on sections of the complete closure for a conveyor system and the complete penetration assembly, provided the penetration is adjacent to the closure leaf It is essential to test the largest possible complete test specimen in full size before evaluating results from any part configuration test specimen.
The pressure conditions outlined in section 7.6 must be adhered to for the part configuration test specimen, mirroring the test conditions of the full-size specimen When testing the full-size specimen in a floor position, the corresponding part configuration test specimen should also be tested in the same manner, ensuring that the pressure at the top of the specimen meets the minimum required for that specific configuration The pressure \( P_2 \) at the top of the penetration part configuration test specimen, derived from the full test specimen, must be adjusted using an enlargement factor \( \alpha \) as specified in B.3.2.1 Similarly, for the closure part configuration test specimen, the pressures \( P_1 \) from the full test specimen should be applied at the top This principle also applies to tests conducted in a raised position, where the pressure control is managed at the bottom of the part configuration test specimen.
Figure 11 illustrates a configuration featuring a penetration within the closure section This particular setup is not applicable for testing specimens that exceed size limitations.
B.3.2 Installation and part configuration test specimen
The part configuration test specimen with the complete penetration assembly shall be constructed and installed as given in 7.6
The test specimen for the conveyor system must be constructed according to the specifications outlined in clause 7 The full penetration section of the test specimen will be disregarded and substituted with supporting construction that adheres to the minimum dimensions specified in section 7.2.3.
The procedure for conducting two-part configuration tests involves several key steps: first, the largest complete test specimen suitable for the furnace must be tested at full size; second, the maximum size of the part configuration test specimen, as specified in B.3.2.1, should be established; third, one test will include the complete closure for a conveyor system, excluding any penetration, anchored in the supporting construction and tested at the maximum size allowed by the test furnace; finally, another test will focus on the complete part configuration test specimen for the penetration, installed in the supporting construction and also tested at the maximum size permitted by the test furnace.
B.3.2.1 Establishing the size of the part configuration test specimen
The size limitations of a conveyor system's part configuration or the penetration assembly part configuration dictate the maximum dimensions for a furnace and test construction To determine the largest possible size for the two-part configuration test specimens, the complete test specimen must be scaled up using an enlargement factor, denoted as α max, ensuring that one of the part configurations fits within the test construction The smaller part configuration test specimen will also be scaled using the same enlargement factor α max to maintain consistent relative proportions with the complete test specimen at its maximum size.
If only a smaller size than the maximum is needed for the two largest part configuration test specimens, the maximum enlargement factor \( \alpha_{\text{max}} \) can be applied with a different enlargement factor \( \alpha \).
1 < α < α max to establish the sizes of the two part configuration test specimens
B.3.3 Classification of the complete closure and conveyor system assembly
The fire resistance classification for a complete closure and conveyor system assembly is determined by the lower of two test results from part configuration test specimens If the lower fire resistance time from these tests is not more than 10% above the next lower classification time, the lower classification time should be applied For instance, if the first test shows a fire resistance time of 67 minutes and the second test shows 63 minutes, the lower value of 63 minutes is used, as it is less than 10% above the next lower classification time of 60 minutes Consequently, the classification time for the complete closure and conveyor system assembly would be set at 45 minutes Additionally, the classification time for the entire conveyor system cannot exceed the classification time of the largest complete test specimen tested at full size.
General guidance on the design of closure and conveyor system assemblies and their classification for self closing durability
General
This informative annex offers a classification for non-fire related characteristics of closure and conveyor system assemblies, along with general design guidance, in the absence of a European Technical Specification.
Self closing durability
Self closing tests for closure and conveyor system assemblies should, where applicable, be carried out in accordance to prEN 14600
These tests may be done on different test specimens other than with that used for fire testing
NOTE The classes and classification for the performance criterion "self closing" C0 to C5 are given in prEN 14600
If a classification for any self-closing device as part of a closure is envisaged, the tests may be done in accordance to prEN 14600
The following expansions of performance parameters for non-fire related characteristics are given as:
C for closures for conveyor systems equipped with a self-closing device, e.g EI 2 30-C0, where the classes C0 to C5 are defined in prEN 14600
T operational capability of a clearing device to clear the free area of the closure and/or a separating device
The self-closing property is essential for conveyor systems, enabling the automatic release of 'hold open' devices to ensure reliable closure during fire incidents or power failures This feature allows closures to shut automatically from a predetermined position upon detecting fire or smoke signals, effectively overcoming any resistance encountered.
The operational capability of clearing and separating devices in a conveyor system is crucial for the overall performance of the closure and conveyor system assembly The performance of these devices is denoted by a 'T' and is combined with the C criterion if a durability test is conducted according to prEN 14600 This test must demonstrate the same number of cycles as the C-class (0 to 5), such as C1-T.
Full details regarding the clearing and separating devices of the conveyor system must be provided, along with the results of the self-closing test, in addition to the items specified in clause 12.
General guidance for closure and conveyor system assemblies
The effectiveness of closure and conveyor system assemblies in preventing the spread of fire and smoke is influenced not only by their fire resistance classification but also by their ability to seal apertures during a fire The potential for failure in fire safety technology makes these apertures a significant risk when penetrated by conveyor systems Consequently, building authorities and fire insurers pay close attention to ensuring that the fire risk associated with these assemblies is deemed acceptable.
Reliable closure of apertures requires an interconnected system that coordinates the mechanical and electrical functions of closure and conveyor assemblies with the aperture monitoring, control devices, and power supply Evaluating the fire resistance of the closure and conveyor system is essential, but it is only one aspect of ensuring the mechanism's reliable performance throughout its lifespan Regular maintenance of the system is crucial to uphold safety functions during its operational life.
C.3.2 Design for closure and conveyor system assemblies and their test specimens
Heat significantly affects the load-bearing capacity of anchoring systems for larger and heavier closure and conveyor assemblies As a result, it is essential to demonstrate structural load-bearing capacity and incorporate adequate safety factors for anchoring Additionally, these larger assemblies may necessitate further structural analysis, especially for closure and conveyor systems intended to operate in an elevated position.
In construction, it is essential to incorporate necessary compensatory measures in the test specimen to address significant factors such as elongation, shrinkage, or bending This includes ensuring that adequate connections and attachments are integrated into the design of the test specimen.
Closure and conveyor system assemblies are integrated into fire-resistant separating elements Their design must account for various factors, including bending, elongation, and shrinkage of the individual components.
Significant variations exist among the cables, electrical wiring, and pipes utilized in practice, particularly concerning their insulation and heat conduction properties, as well as their specific applications When conducting tests in accordance with this standard, it is crucial to consider all potential scenarios to accurately assess the worst-case conditions, thereby minimizing practical limitations in real-world applications.
C.3.3 Thermally induced changes on the test construction
Thermally induced changes in test specimens can negatively impact the standard supporting construction, potentially leading to premature failure if the structure is insufficiently robust to absorb the acting forces Such failures can significantly reduce the fire resistance time of the closure and conveyor system assembly.
EN 1366-2, Fire resistance tests for service installations — Part 2: Fire dampers prEN 14600, Fire resisting and/or smoke control doorsets and operable windows — Requirements and classification.