prEN 1364-4

Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements - Part 4: Curtain walling - Part configuration

This document specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of parts of curtain walling and of the perimeter seal. It examines the fire resistance to internal and external fire exposure of:
-   the spandrel panel, i.e. downstand, upstand or a combination thereof;
-   the perimeter seal;
-   the fixing of the framing system (anchoring) used to attach the curtain walling to the floor element;
-   combinations thereof.
NOTE 1   This document does not test fire spread that can be caused through cavities in the test specimen, i.e., inside of the mullions (see note to 9.1.2.3.3).
Results from tests according to this document form the basis for classification of curtain walling type A (see 3.3 for definition).
For curtain walling type B (see 3.4 for definition) results can be used to determine fire resistance of parts of a curtain walling to increase the field of application when previously tested to EN 1364-3. For intended classification EW and for corner/faceted specimens EN 1364-3 can be used.
This document does not cover double skin façades, over-cladding systems and ventilated façade systems on external walls. It does not deal with the reaction to fire behaviour of curtain walling.
This document is intended to be read in conjunction with EN 1363-1 and EN 1363-2 as well as EN 1364-3 for curtain walling type B.
As per the type of curtain walling covered by this document, these are the ones included in EN 13119.
NOTE 2   Annex A gives informative guidance on the principles of testing parts of curtain walling and the test method.
NOTE 3   When tests are made to examine single elements (e.g. perimeter seal), those elements are to be installed as part of a curtain walling system.

Feuerwiderstandsprüfungen für nichttragende Bauteile - Teil 4: Vorhangfassaden - Teilausführung

Dieses Dokument legt ein Verfahren zur Bestimmung der Feuerwiderstandsdauer von Teilen der Vorhangfassade und der Rand-Dichtung fest. Es untersucht den Feuerwiderstand der folgenden Elemente bei Brandbeanspruchung von innen und von außen:
   Brüstungspaneel, d. h. Schürze, aufgeständerte Brüstung oder eine Kombination daraus;
   Rand-Dichtung;
   Befestigung des Rahmensystems (Verankerung) zur Anbringung der Vorhangfassade am Deckenelement;
   Kombinationen dieser Elemente.
ANMERKUNG 1   Dieses Dokument prüft nicht die Ausbreitung von Feuer, die durch Hohlräume im Probekörper verursacht werden kann, d. h. innerhalb der Pfosten (siehe Anmerkung zu 9.1.2.3.3).
Die Ergebnisse der Prüfungen nach diesem Dokument bilden die Grundlage für die Klassifizierung von Vorhangfassaden vom Typ A (siehe 3.3 für die Definition).
Für Vorhangfassaden vom Typ B (siehe 3.4 für die Definition) können die Ergebnisse zur Bestimmung des Feuerwiderstands von Teilen der Vorhangfassade angewendet werden, um den Anwendungsbereich zu erweitern, sofern bereits Prüfungen nach EN 1364 3 durchgeführt wurden. Bei vorgesehener Klassifizierung EW sowie bei Probekörpern mit Ecken/facettierten Probekörpern kann EN 1364 3 angewendet werden.
Dieses Dokument deckt keine Doppelfassaden, Fassadenbekleidungssysteme und hinterlüftete Fassadensysteme an Außenwänden ab. Sie behandelt nicht das Brandverhalten von Vorhangfassaden.
Dieses Dokument ist dafür vorgesehen, zusammen mit EN 1363 1 und EN 1363 2 sowie EN 1364 3 für Vorhangfassaden vom Typ B angewendet zu werden.
Als der in diesem Dokument behandelten Art von Vorhangfassade entsprechend sind sie in EN 13119 enthalten.
ANMERKUNG 2   Anhang A enthält informative Hinweise zu den Grundsätzen der Prüfung von Teilen von Vorhangfassaden und zum Prüfverfahren.
ANMERKUNG 3   Wenn Prüfungen durchgeführt werden, um einzelne Elemente zu untersuchen (z. B. Rand-Dichtungen), müssen diese Elemente als Teil eines Vorhangfassadensystems installiert sein.

Essais de résistance au feu des éléments non-porteurs - Partie 4 : Murs rideaux - Configuration partielle

Le présent document spécifie une méthode permettant de déterminer la résistance au feu de parties de mur rideau et de l'étanchéité périphérique. Il étudie la résistance au feu à l'exposition intérieure et externe :
—   du panneau d'allège, c'est-à-dire panneau d'allège suspendu, en appui ou combinaison des deux ;
—   de l'étanchéité périphérique ;
—   de la fixation du système d'ossature (ancrage) utilisée pour attacher le mur rideau à l'élément de plancher ;
—   de combinaisons de ceux-ci.
NOTE 1   Le présent document n'éprouve pas la propagation du feu qui peut être provoquée par des cavités dans l'élément d'essai, c'est-à-dire à l'intérieur des meneaux (voir la note du 9.1.2.3.3).
Les résultats des essais réalisés conformément au présent document servent de base au classement d'un mur rideau de type A (voir définition en 3.3).
Pour un mur rideau de type B (voir définition en 3.4), les résultats peuvent être utilisés pour déterminer la résistance au feu de parties du mur rideau afin d'étendre le champ d'application, lorsqu'il a été préalablement soumis à essai conformément à l'EN 1364 3. Lorsqu'un classement EW est prévu et pour les éléments d'essai à angles/facettes, l'EN 1364 3 peut être utilisée.
Le présent document ne couvre pas les façades double peau, les systèmes de bardage et les systèmes de façades ventilées sur des murs extérieurs. Il ne traite pas du comportement au feu des murs rideaux.
Le présent document est destiné à être lu conjointement à l’EN 1363 1 et à l'EN 1363 2 ainsi qu'à l'EN 1364 3 pour un mur rideau de type B.
Selon le type de mur rideau couvert par le présent document, ceux-ci sont ceux figurant dans l'EN 13119.
NOTE 2   L'Annexe A donne des lignes directrices concernant les principes et la méthode d’essai de parties de mur rideau.
NOTE 3   Lorsque des essais sont effectués pour examiner des éléments simples (par exemple l'étanchéité périphérique), ces éléments doivent être installés comme une partie d'un système de mur rideau.

Preskusi požarne odpornosti nenosilnih elementov - 4. del: Obešene fasade - Delna fasada

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Publication Date: 14-Dec-2026
• ICS: 13.220.50 - Fire-resistance of building materials and elements
• ICS: 91.060.10 - Walls. Partitions. Facades
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 127 - Fire safety in buildings
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 127/WG 1 - Structural and separating elements
• Current Stage: 4060 - Closure of enquiry - Enquiry
• Start Date: 03-Apr-2025
• Due Date: 21-Oct-2025
• Completion Date: 03-Apr-2025
• Directive: 305/2011 - Regulation (eu) No 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 march 2011 laying down harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing council directive 89/106/eec
• Mandate: M/117 - Horizontal complement to the mandates to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardization work for the valuation of construction products and elements in respect of their resistance to fire
• Ref Project: oSIST prEN 1364-4:2025 - Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements - Part 4: Curtain walling - Part configuration

Relations

• Revises: EN 1364-4:2014 - Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements - Part 4: Curtain walling - Part configuration
• Effective Date: 11-Sep-2024

Overview

The prEN 1364-4:2025 is a European Standard developed by CEN that specifies a detailed method for fire resistance testing of parts of curtain walling systems and their perimeter seals. It focuses on assessing fire resistance under both internal and external fire exposure for various non-loadbearing components used in modern façades, specifically:

• Spandrel panels (downstand, upstand, or combinations)
• Perimeter seals
• Fixings/anchoring of the framing system attaching curtain walling to floor elements
• Combinations of these elements

The standard serves as the basis for classifying curtain walling type A, and also supports the assessment of parts of curtain walling type B when combined with tests according to EN 1364-3.

This standard excludes double skin façades, over-claddings, ventilated façade systems, and does not address reaction to fire behavior. It is designed to be used alongside relevant standards like EN 1363-1, EN 1363-2, and EN 1364-3 to ensure comprehensive fire safety evaluation of curtain wall elements.

Key Topics

• Fire Resistance Testing: Methodology for assessing fire resistance of individual curtain wall parts rather than full assemblies.
• Test Components: Focus on spandrel panels, perimeter seals, and framing fixings, allowing modular fire safety evaluation.
• Curtain Walling Types: Definitions and applications for type A (partial fire resistance) and type B (fully fire-resistant curtain walling).
• Specimen Configuration: Requirements for test specimen size, construction, and installation to simulate realistic fire scenarios.
• Performance Criteria: Clear criteria for rating fire resistance based on temperature rise, integrity, and insulation.
• Test Instruments: Use of thermocouples, pressure monitoring, and radiation measurement to capture fire resistance performance accurately.
• Safety Considerations: Emphasis on hazards, including toxic gases during fire testing, with recommended procedures for safe test execution.
• Annexes and Guidance: Informative annexes provide testing principles, specimen configurations, and radiation calculations for accurate application.

Applications

• Façade Fire Safety: Enables manufacturers and testing laboratories to evaluate fire resistance of individual curtain wall parts to comply with fire safety regulations.
• Building Design: Architects and fire engineers use this standard to specify curtain wall components that meet required fire resistance levels, improving building occupant safety.
• Product Certification: Supports product conformity assessment for curtain walling systems, enhancing market access within the European Union and other regions recognizing CEN standards.
• Retrofitting and Renovation: Assists in assessing fire resistance of curtain wall components during building upgrades or refurbishments.
• Construction Quality Control: Facilitates quality assurance for installation and anchoring systems related to fire safety compliance in façade assemblies.

Related Standards

• EN 1363-1 & EN 1363-2: General requirements and alternative procedures for fire resistance testing.
• EN 1364-3: Fire resistance tests for complete curtain wall assemblies (full configuration).
• EN 13119: Defines terminology used within curtain walling systems.
• EN 13830: Product standard for curtain walling, aligning product requirements with fire testing results.
• EN 13501-1 & EN 13501-2: Fire classification of construction products based on reaction to fire and fire resistance test data.
• EAD 350141-00-1106: Guidance for fire stopping and sealing products relevant to perimeter seals in curtain walling.
• EN ISO 13943: Fire safety vocabulary for consistency across fire safety standards.

Summary

prEN 1364-4:2025 advances fire safety standards for curtain walling non-loadbearing elements by providing a rigorous, modular testing method to evaluate fire resistance of key parts such as spandrel panels and perimeter seals. Its comprehensive approach supports safer building envelope designs, improved product certification, and compliance with EU fire safety directives. It is an essential reference for manufacturers, testing bodies, architects, and fire safety professionals engaged in curtain wall system development and verification.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-marec-2025
Preskusi požarne odpornosti nenosilnih elementov - 4. del: Obešene fasade -
Delna fasada
Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements - Part 4: Curtain walling - Part
configuration
Feuerwiderstandsprüfungen für nichttragende Bauteile - Teil 4: Vorhangfassaden -
Teilausführung
Essais de résistance au feu des éléments non-porteurs - Partie 4 : Murs rideaux -
Configuration partielle
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 1364-4
ICS:
13.220.50 Požarna odpornost Fire-resistance of building
gradbenih materialov in materials and elements
elementov
91.060.10 Stene. Predelne stene. Walls. Partitions. Facades
Fasade
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

DRAFT
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
January 2025
ICS 13.220.50; 91.060.10 Will supersede EN 1364-4:2014
English Version
Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements - Part 4:
Curtain walling - Part configuration
Essais de résistance au feu des éléments non-porteurs - Feuerwiderstandsprüfungen für nichttragende
Partie 4 : Murs rideaux - Configuration partielle Bauteile - Teil 4: Vorhangfassaden - Teilausführung
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee
CEN/TC 127.
If this draft becomes a European Standard, CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.

This draft European Standard was established by CEN in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC
Management Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
Recipients of this draft are invited to submit, with their comments, notification of any relevant patent rights of which they are
aware and to provide supporting documentation.

Warning : This document is not a European Standard. It is distributed for review and comments. It is subject to change without
notice and shall not be referred to as a European Standard.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2025 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 1364-4:2025 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 4
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 Normative references . 6
3 Terms and definitions . 7
4 Test equipment . 9
4.1 General testing principles. 9
4.2 Furnace configuration . 10
4.3 Supporting floor . 11
5 Test conditions . 11
6 Test specimen . 12
6.1 Size . 12
6.2 Number of specimens . 12
6.3 Design . 12
6.3.1 General. 12
6.3.2 Test specimen configuration . 13
6.3.3 Restraint of the specimen . 14
6.3.4 Surfaces . 14
6.3.5 Perimeter seal . 14
6.4 Construction . 15
6.5 Verification . 15
7 Installation of the test specimen . 15
7.1 General. 15
7.2 Supporting floor . 15
7.2.1 Standard supporting floor . 15
7.2.2 Non-standard supporting floor . 15
7.3 Furnace closure . 15
7.4 Fixing of the framing system . 16
8 Conditioning . 16
9 Application of instrumentation . 16
9.1 Thermocouples . 16
9.1.1 Furnace thermocouples (plate thermometers) . 16
9.1.2 Unexposed face thermocouples . 16
9.2 Pressure . 19
9.3 Radiation . 19
10 Test procedure . 19
11 Performance criteria . 19
12 Test report . 21
13 Field of direct application of test results . 21
13.1 Rules for curtain walling type A . 21
13.1.1 General rules . 21
13.1.2 Rules for the complete construction. 22
13.1.3 Framing system . 23
13.1.4 Spandrel panels . 28
13.2 Rules for curtain walling type B . 32
13.3 Perimeter seal . 32
13.3.1 General . 32
13.3.2 Material . 32
13.3.3 Width/depth . 33
13.3.4 Fixing of the perimeter seal . 33
13.3.5 Covering . 33
13.4 Supporting floor . 34
Annex A (informative) Guidance on testing curtain walling – part configuration . 48
Annex B (normative) Test configurations. 55
Annex C (normative) Radiation calculation . 59
Bibliography . 63

European foreword
This document (prEN 1364-4:2025) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 127 “Fire safety
in buildings”, the secretariat of which is held by BSI.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 1364-4:2014.
— Existing definitions updated and new definitions added, in order to avoid misleading interpretation
of the standard;
— Extension of test specimen to bespoke curtain walling;
— Extension of the test specimen configuration (see 6.3) also to unitized curtain walling;
— General revision of Clause 13 “Field of direct application of test results” and of Annex B “test
configurations”;
— Annex D “Field of direct application of test results for unitised construction” deleted.
This document has been prepared under a standardization request addressed to CEN by the European
Commission. The Standing Committee of the EFTA States subsequently approves these requests for its
Member States.
Introduction
WARNING — The attention of all persons concerned with managing and carrying out this fire resistance
test is drawn to the fact that fire testing can be hazardous and that there is a possibility that toxic and/or
harmful smoke and gases can be developed during the test. Mechanical and operational hazards can also
arise during the construction of the test elements or structures, their testing and disposal of test residues.
WARNING — An assessment of all potential hazards and risks to health should be made and safety
precautions should be identified and provided. Written safety instructions should be issued. Appropriate
training should be given to relevant personnel. Laboratory personnel should ensure that they follow
written safety instructions at all times.
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of parts of curtain walling and of
the perimeter seal. It examines the fire resistance to internal and external fire exposure of:
— the spandrel panel, i.e. downstand, upstand or a combination thereof;
— the perimeter seal;
— the fixing of the framing system (anchoring) used to attach the curtain walling to the floor element;
— combinations thereof.
NOTE 1 This document does not test fire spread that can be caused through cavities in the test specimen, i.e.
inside of the mullions (see note to 9.1.2.3.3).
Results from tests according to this document form the basis for classification of curtain walling type A
(see 3.3 for definition).
For curtain walling type B (see 3.4 for definition) results can be used to determine fire resistance of parts
of a curtain walling to increase the field of application when previously tested to EN 1364-3. For intended
classification EW and for corner/faceted specimens EN 1364-3 can be used.
This document does not cover double skin façades, over-cladding systems and ventilated façade systems
on external walls. It does not deal with the reaction to fire behaviour of curtain walling.
This document is intended to be read in conjunction with EN 1363-1 and EN 1363-2 as well as EN 1364-3
for curtain walling type B.
As per the type of curtain walling covered by this document, these are the ones included in EN 13119.
NOTE 2 Annex A gives informative guidance on the principles of testing parts of curtain walling and the test
method.
NOTE 3 When tests are made to examine single elements (e.g. perimeter seal), those elements are to be installed
as part of a curtain walling system.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN 1363-1, Fire resistance tests — Part 1: General Requirements
EN 1363-2, Fire resistance tests — Part 2: Alternative and additional procedures
EN 1364-3, Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements — Part 3: Curtain walling - Full configuration
(complete assembly)
EN 13119, Curtain walling - Terminology
EN 13501-1, Fire classification of construction products and building elements — Part 1: Classification
using data from reaction to fire tests
EN 13501-2:2023, Fire classification of construction products and building elements — Part 2:
Classification using data from fire resistance and/or smoke control tests, excluding ventilation services
EN 13830, Curtain walling - Product standard
EN ISO 13943, Fire safety - Vocabulary (ISO 13943)
EAD 350141-00-1106:2017, Fire stopping and fire sealing products – Linear joint and gap seals
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in EN 1363-1, EN 13119, EN 13830,
EN ISO 13943 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp/
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
3.1
anchoring
devices used to fix brackets to the floor
3.2
associated wall construction
form of construction required to close the vertical side of the furnace
Note 1 to entry: This is not part of the test specimen.
3.3
curtain walling type A
curtain walling without fire-resistant glazing and/or fire-resistant panel outside the spandrel area
Note 1 to entry: This is fire resistant only in the spandrel area.
Note 2 to entry: The fire-resistant spandrel area can include any type of build-up material and layers (e.g. stone,
thermal insulation, metal panel).
Note 3 to entry: The components of the curtain walling system that are not part of the fire-resistance spandrel area
of the curtain walling are part of the test specimen, but not part of the fire classification.
3.4
curtain walling type B
curtain walling with fire-resistant glazing and/or fire-resistant panel outside the spandrel area - fully
fire-resistant curtain walling
3.5
downstand
part of the spandrel area located down in relation to the supporting floor
Note 1 to entry: For more examples, see also Figure A.2.
3.6
fire-resistant glazing
glazing system consisting of one or more transparent or translucent panes with a suitable method of
mounting, with e.g. frames, seals and fixing materials, capable of satisfying the appropriate fire resistance
criteria
3.7
fire-resistant glass
glass product, (i.e. monolithic glass, laminated glass, insulating glass units), that when used in a glazed
assembly, can have its performance determined and classified in accordance with EN 13501-2
Note 1 to entry: The term “insulating” when used as an insulating glass unit according to EN 1279-1, should not be
confused with the term “insulation” used in EN 13501-2 classification standard for fire-resistant glazed element.
[SOURCE: EN 15254-4:2018]
3.8
fixing of the framing system
system used to attach the curtain wall to the supporting floor
Note 1 to entry: It contains the brackets but not the anchor or other devices used to fix the brackets to the floor.
Note 2 to entry: Fixing of the framing system is part of the structural fixing bracket as defined in EN 13119.
3.9
glass product range
group of fire-resistant glass (3.7) products, including products from one or more glass product families,
e.g. monolithic glass, laminated glass, insulating glass units, defined and produced by one manufacturer
for which the characteristic resistance to fire from any one product within the range is valid for all other
products within this range
Note 1 to entry: The glass product families are defined in the relevant product standards.
3.10
glazing system material
all materials used to glaze the fire-resistant translucent or transparent spandrel panel (fire-resistant
glass) into its frame, e.g. glazing strips, pressure plate, cover plate, setting blocks, gaskets and sealant
3.11
horizontally faceted curtain walling
curtain walling with an angle between horizontally adjacent infill panels at the common mullion
Note 1 to entry: See Figure 4.
3.12
insulating glass unit
IGU
assembly consisting of at least two panes of glass, separated by one or more spacers, hermetically sealed
along the periphery, mechanically stable and durable
3.13
over-cladding system
protection system fixed to an external wall for weather protection
3.14
overrun time
time of fire resistance in minutes beyond the envisaged classification time, achieved in the test
3.15
perimeter seal
joint between the curtain walling and adjacent construction designed to give continuity at both the air
and water barriers of the wall
Note 1 to entry: The seals are intended to prevent or to restrict the passage of fire (and/or hot smoke) between
elements or components or to maintain the integrity and insulation performance of one or more fire separating
elements at linear discontinuities for a specified duration and are designed either to accommodate movement or
not to accommodate movement.
Note 2 to entry: See EAD 350141-00-1106.
3.16
spandrel area
area of a curtain walling between two horizontal zones, normally between glazing and concealing the
edge of the supporting floor
Note 1 to entry: Typically, the spandrel area is consisting of a single spandrel panel but it can also be divided in two
parts: upstand (3.21) and downstand (3.5). See also Figures 1 and 2.
3.17
spandrel panel
panel within the spandrel area
3.18
standard test specimen configuration
standard arrangement of curtain walling components in a test specimen
Note 1 to entry: See 6.3.2.
3.19
supporting floor
representation of a floor, forming part of the test construction, to allow the fixing of the test specimen of
the curtain walling and the installation of the perimeter seal
3.20
test configuration
test arrangement of the test specimen into the furnace
Note 1 to entry: See Annex B.
3.21
upstand
part of the spandrel area located up in relation to the supporting floor
Note 1 to entry: For more examples, see also Figure A.2.
4 Test equipment
4.1 General testing principles
Table 1 defines which specific test configuration may be used for each part of the curtain walling
depending on the type of fire exposure and type of curtain walling.
The test equipment specified in EN 1363-1 and EN 1363-2 shall be used where applicable.
Table 1 — Test configurations and heating conditions
Product / component of
Test configuration
Type of curtain
Heating conditions Surfaces
curtain walling to be
a
walling
(see Annex B)
tested for classification
b
Spandrel panel (upstand, A STC or ef 1 S3
downstand or
combinations thereof)
B STC 2 S2, S3
and perimeter seal
b
STC or ef 3 S1
together
c
A STC 1, 4* S2, S3
Perimeter seal only
(without testing spandrel
panel)
c
B STC 2, 4* S2, S3
ef External fire curve as specified in EN 1363-2.
STC Standard temperature / time curve as specified in EN 1363-1.
* Test configuration 4 can be used for classification of perimeter seal only,
according to EN 13501-2:2023 Clause 7.5.8 “Linear seal”
Note 1 to entry: For more information on the test configuration depending on the heating conditions and
explanation, see Table A.1.
a
For definition of type of curtain walling see 3.3 and 3.4
b
Can be affected by national requirements.
c
Measurements on these surfaces are not prescriptive and to be used for information only
4.2 Furnace configuration
A floor or a wall furnace may be chosen. The minimum dimensions of the furnace are given in Figures B.1
to B.4. For the installation of the specimen, wall or floor furnaces shall be modified, if necessary, to
accommodate the three-dimensional construction. The three-dimensional construction includes the
perimeter seal.
The test according to EN 1364-4 is performed on a three-dimensional specimen to allow an exposure of
a number of surfaces of the upstand/downstand (spandrel area) and incorporates a supporting floor,
which provides the support for the curtain walling.
Key
1 Downstand spandrel area
2 Separation of downstand and upstand
Figure 1 — Downstand spandrel area

Key
1 Upstand spandrel area
2 Separation of downstand and upstand
Figure 2 — Upstand spandrel area
4.3 Supporting floor
A supporting floor is provided as a base for the attachment of the fixing of the framing system and as a
location for the perimeter seal under examination. If information on the fire resistance of the curtain
walling in conjunction with a particular type of floor construction is required, such a construction shall
be used, see 7.2.
The evaluation of fire resistance of the supporting floor is outside the scope of this document.
5 Test conditions
The pressure conditions and the furnace atmosphere shall conform to those given in EN 1363-1, subject
to a nominal pressure of 20 Pa at the positions shown in Figures B.1 to B.4.
The heating conditions shall conform to those given in EN 1363-1 and/or EN 1363-2 for the test
configuration selected as given in Table 1. For details see Annex B.
6 Test specimen
6.1 Size
The size of the test specimen shall be as follows:
a) the height of the spandrel area as in practice (normally about 1 m);
b) if the width of the curtain walling in practice is less than 3 m, the specimen shall be full size as in
practice;
c) if the width of the curtain walling in practice is larger than 3 m, the width of the specimen shall be not
less than 3 m.
NOTE 1 A width larger than 3 m can be the result of single panels with a width of more than 3 m or the result of
the repetition of smaller construction units (mullion distance < 3m).
NOTE 2 Regarding the height of test specimens, national requirements can apply.
Where the width of a single spandrel panel (upstand/downstand) is less than 3 m, at least 3 panels with
the mid panel at the maximum dimension shall be incorporated in the test specimen. Where the width of
the panel is greater than or equal to 3 m, at least 3 panels with the mid panel at the maximum width shall
be incorporated in the test specimen. The outer panels may be cut and not be protected any more than
they would be in practice, a minimum distance of 200 mm between the furnace wall and the second
mullion shall be guaranteed.
The height h is the total of upstand and downstand (spandrel area).
If the height of the test specimen is smaller than the vertical opening of the furnace, the furnace opening
shall be closed with a furnace closure according to 7.3.
6.2 Number of specimens
The performance of curtain walling or parts of curtain walling type A for internal and external exposure-
shall be determined from a single test where the specimen is heated from both sides. For details see
Annex B. For curtain walling type B, separate tests shall be performed for internal and external exposure.
NOTE The external exposure can be the external fire curve as specified in EN 1363-2 or the standard
temperature/time curve as specified in EN 1363-1.
6.3 Design
6.3.1 General
This clause applies to both situations of bespoke curtain walling and standard curtain walling test
specimen.
The test specimen shall be:
— either fully representative of the construction intended for use in practice, including fixing of the
framing system, expansion joints, perimeter seals, any surface finishes and fittings which are
essential and may influence its behaviour in the test, or
— a standard test specimen configuration according to Annex B.
NOTE The use of a standard test specimen configuration allows the use of field of application rules to obtain
the widest applicability of the test result to other similar constructions.
The test specimen shall consist of parts of the curtain walling. It shall fully represent the construction on
which information is required. For use of field of application rules, one of the test configurations given in
Table 1 as described in Annex B shall be used, see Clause 13. The test specimen shall consist of:
— the curtain walling part,
— the perimeter seal and
— the fixing of the framing system.
If the scope of the test is the perimeter seal and movement capability is intended to be considered (see
A.3.4) the fixing may be omitted.
All design features which influence fire resistance performance shall be included. If the scope of the test
includes an assessment of the fixing of the framing system additional load may be required to take
account of the part of the curtain walling not included in the test.
6.3.2 Test specimen configuration
6.3.2.1 Standard and bespoke test specimen
A straight test specimen shall comprise a section of the curtain walling with minimum two mullions or
two vertical joints between panels in case of unitized systems or systems without frame or mullions, fully
exposed to the fire, see Figure 5.
In case a transom is located in front of the floor slab in practice the test specimen shall also contain a
transom in front of the supporting floor. Such a transom is not considered being part of the perimeter
seal but part of the framing.
The test specimen should comprise of transoms, when they form part of the fire-resistant area and have
influence on the fire performance.
6.3.2.2 Additional rules for standard test specimen
A faceted specimen shall comprise minimum two sections of the curtain walling forming minimum one
corner of 90 degrees or an angle of 135 degrees, all sections with a minimum width of 500 mm, see
Figures 6a) to 6d) for examples. Two such specimens may be combined to a specimen forming one corner
of 90 degrees and one angles of 135 degrees, see Figures 6e) and 6f) for examples.
A supporting floor shall be used for test specimen configurations 1, 2 and 4. The design of the standard
supporting floor is given in 7.2.1.
6.3.2.3 Test configuration for curtain walling type A
The test specimen shall be heated as per configuration in Table 1. Depending on the requirements for the
external exposure the heating of conditions of the standard temperature/time curve as specified in
EN 1363-1 are maintained on one side only of the test specimen – for details see Figure B.1.
6.3.2.4 Test configuration for curtain walling type B
The test specimen shall be heated as per configuration in Table 1. In test specimen configurations for
curtain walling type B, the furnace closure or fire-resistant glazing may be positioned directly beneath
the upstand/downstand. For the furnace closure see 7.3. For details see Figure B.3.
6.3.3 Restraint of the specimen
The test specimen shall be fixed to the supporting floor using the fixing of the framing system (anchoring)
of the mullions as in practice. When applying test specimen configuration 1, the mullions shall not be
fixed at the lower end, but may be fixed additionally to the furnace frame on the upper end. The mullions
may be fixed by spigot to simulate the situation that the mullions are joint in front of the floor in practice.
In other configurations, the mullions shall be fixed at the lower end.
In case of external fire exposure (test specimen without supporting floor, test configuration 3 according
to Figure B.3) the mullions shall be fixed to the furnace frame at the top of the specimen.
Both vertical edges shall be unrestrained. The furnace closure on the free edge between the associated
wall construction or furnace frame and the mullions, e.g. a mineral wool packing, shall allow unrestrained
movement of the mullions (see Figure 7).
At the top of the specimen a mineral wool packing shall be placed so that the top edge of the test specimen
is unrestrained.
In case no fixing of the framing system is used for a test of the perimeter seal (test configuration 4
according to Figure B.4 but without fixing of the framing system) the mullions shall be fixed to a frame at
top and bottom.
6.3.4 Surfaces
For definition of the surfaces for the installation of the thermocouples see Figure 8. The numbering of the
surfaces is the same as that used in EN 1364-3.
NOTE Surface S2 is the external surface of the curtain walling.
6.3.5 Perimeter seal
6.3.5.1 Test configuration/conditions regarding seal width and depth
6.3.5.1.1 Mineral wool (faced/coated or non-faced/coated)
Where a seal with constant depth but variable joint width is considered, it shall be tested at maximum
nominal joint width. In case of pre-formed perimeter seal or pre-shaped mineral wool, the degree of
initial compression (%) exerted on the seal by the joint width as well as the direction of the compression
(see Figure 20) shall be recorded.
In case mineral wool is used as backing material (e.g. for membrane forming coatings or sealants)
variations of the mineral wool may be used within one test specimen provided the length of the seal with
a particular backing material is minimum the same as the distance between two mullions and it is located
such that the splice between different backing materials is not located in the area of the mullion. The use
of variations of mineral wool within one test specimen shall be duly recorded.
6.3.5.1.2 Membrane forming coatings
The test shall be carried out using the minimum thickness (minimum of tolerance band for the nominal
thickness) of the membrane, minimum depth of mineral wool (or other backfilling material), maximum
width and minimum overlap at the substrate for the intended fire resistance performance. When a primer
is part of the system, it shall be included in the test. Each primer shall be tested separately.
6.3.5.1.3 Compressible strips (including composite)
Where only one seal depth is intended to be specified for all joint widths the maximum intended nominal
joint width shall be used. If the seal depth varies with the joint width a test shall be conducted at the
maximum nominal joint width.
6.3.5.1.4 Elastomeric strips
The test shall be carried out using the minimum thickness (minimum of tolerance band for the nominal
thickness) of the strip, maximum joint width and minimum overlap at the substrate. When a primer is
part of the system it shall be included in the test. Each primer shall be tested separately.
6.3.5.1.5 Sealants
Where only one seal depth, with a specified combination of sealant to backing material thickness, is
intended to be specified for all joint widths the maximum intended nominal joint width shall be used. If
the thickness of the sealant or the backing material varies with the joint width, a test shall be conducted
at the maximum nominal joint width.
For seals made of foams (foamed in situ), the maximum nominal joint width at the lowest seal depth
intended shall be used.
6.4 Construction
The test specimen shall be constructed as described in EN 1363-1, subject to deviating rules given in this
document.
In case a component of the curtain walling is cut, all open gaps shall be closed using material of class A1
according to EN 13501-1.
6.5 Verification
Verification of the test specimen shall be carried out as described in EN 1363-1.
7 Installation of the test specimen
7.1 General
The test specimen shall be fitted to the supporting floor by means of the fixing of the framing system that
are used in practice, see 7.2, or that are similar in terms of material, construction and distance to the
flame exposed side of the test specimen and at least equivalent in performance.
The evaluation of fire resistance of the supporting floor is outside the scope of this document.
7.2 Supporting floor
7.2.1 Standard supporting floor
The standard supporting floor shall have a minimum thickness of 150 mm and minimum width of
500 mm for straight specimens. For faceted specimens the minimum width shall be 200 mm (see
Figure 9). The floor shall be made of reinforced concrete or made of reinforced aerated concrete and shall
be supported at three sides.
7.2.2 Non-standard supporting floor
Any floor construction as in practise may be used.
7.3 Furnace closure
The furnace closure at the bottom end of the test specimen (see Figures B.2 to B.4) shall be made of a
mineral wool packing of approximately 250 mm thickness and a density of maximum 50 kg/m allowing
movement of the specimen to a similar extent as in practice. Additional fixing to prevent falling out of the
mineral wool packing is permitted.
The furnace closure at the top or bottom end of the test specimen (see Figures B.1 to B.3) shall be made
of a mineral wool packing. Intumescent material may be added on top or bottom of the mineral wool
packing to avoid a gap opening in case the specimen sags.
For a test of a curtain walling type B the assembly shall be installed with an additional closure at the
bottom (see Figures B.2 and B.3). Where only the perimeter seal or the fixing of the framing system is
tested, the additional closure shall also be used (see Figure B.4).
7.4 Fixing of the framing system
The fixing shall be done as in practice, subject to the exception given in 6.3.1 for testing perimeter seals.
8 Conditioning
The test construction shall be conditioned in accordance with EN 1363-1.
9 Application of instrumentation
9.1 Thermocouples
9.1.1 Furnace thermocouples (plate thermometers)
Plate thermometers shall be provided in accordance with EN 1363-1 except that the thermometers may
be placed closer than 450 mm to any furnace surface. There shall be at least one plate thermometer on
each heated side every metre length of the specimen or one per 1,5 m exposed surface area per heated
side of the test specimen. The higher resulting number of plate thermometers shall apply. Plate
thermometers T1 and T2 shall be oriented so that side ‘A’ faces the back wall of the furnace, plate
thermometers T3 and T4 shall be oriented so that side ‘A’ faces the floor of the furnace (see Figures B.1
to B.4). For details of location of plate thermometers see Annex B, for faceted specimens see Figures 12
and 14.
The set of thermocouples, designated as T1 and T3 in the figures of Annex B, is used for furnace control.
The thermocouples designated T2, and T4 in the figures of Annex B are for information only.
9.1.2 Unexposed face thermocouples
9.1.2.1 General
The general rules for the attachment and exclusion of unexposed face thermocouples given in EN 1363-1
shall apply.
For internal exposure, if it is not necessary to evaluate the insulation criteria for Surfaces 2 and 5 then
the thermocouples may be omitted.
9.1.2.2 Mean temperature rise
The mean temperature rise shall be measured on Surfaces 1, 2 and 3.
The mean temperature rise shall be measured on each discrete infill / panel area ≥ 0,1 m by means of
one thermocouple per 1,5 m , subject to minimum two thermocouples per discrete area. The
thermocouples shall be located in two opposite corners at a distance of approximately a third of the width
and approximately a third of the length of the heated part of the discrete area, see Figure 10. If due to the
size of the discrete area a third thermocouple is required it shall be positioned close to the centre of the
discrete area. Records from all discrete areas of the same type shall be used for calculating the mean
temperature rise. Thermocouples shall not be positioned closer than 100 mm from any discrete area that
is not being evaluated for insulation.
For discrete areas which are non-uniform, i.e. those which have surface corrugations or ribs, the
temperature of each area/surface type shall be monitored to determine the mean temperature rise.
As there are no evaluation criteria for the perimeter seal, the mean temperature rise is not measured.
9.1.2.3 Maximum temperature rise
9.1.2.3.1 Surface 1
Thermocouples shall be applied to Surface 1 as follows and given in Figure 5a) for straight specimens and
Figure 11 for faceted specimens:
— Thermocouple 1A - 20 mm below the soffit of the upper transom at mid width of the panel;
— Thermocouple 1B - on a mullion surface, parallel to the furnace opening, 20 mm below the soffit
of the upper transom or the upper edge of the uppermost panel;
— Thermocouple 1C - at the junction of a mullion and the lower transom or 20 mm above the bottom
end of the mullion;
— Thermocouple 1F - at mid way between two mullions at the lower transom or 20 mm above the
lower edge of the lowest panel;
— Thermocouple 1G - on a mullion surface, parallel to the furnace opening, at mid way between two
transoms;
— Thermocouple 1H – at mid-height of the panel with the largest area, 20 mm from the mullion for
each type of spandrel panel;
— Thermocouple 1J – in the top corners of the panel with the largest area, for each type of spandrel
panel, 20 mm from the mullion and the transom.
9.1.2.3.2 Surface 2
Thermocouples shall be applied to Surface 2 as follows and given in Figure 5b) for straight specimens
and Figure 9 for faceted specimens:
— Thermocouple 2A – level with the soffit of the supporting floor at mid width of the panel;
— Thermocouple 2B – on a mullion surface, parallel to the furnace opening, level with the soffit of
the supporting floor;
— Thermocouple 2C – at the junction of a mullion and the lower transom;
— Thermocouple 2F – at mid way between two mullions on the lower transom or 20 mm above the
lower edge of the lowest panel;
— Thermocouple 2G – on a mullion surface, parallel to the furnace opening, at mid way between two
transoms;
— Thermocouple 2H – at mid-height of the panel with the largest area, 20 mm from the mullion, for
each type of spandrel panel;
— Thermocouple 2J – in the top corners of the panel with the largest area, for each type of spandrel
panel, 20 mm from the mullion and the transom.
9.1.2.3.3 Surface 3
Thermocouples shall be applied to Surface 3 as follows and given in Figures 5c) and 5d) for straight
specimens and Figure 13 for faceted specimens:
— Thermocouple 3A: on the panel at mid-way between two mullions, 20 mm up from top of the
supporting floor;
— Thermocouple 3B: on a mullion surface, parallel to the furnace opening, 20 mm up from top of
the supporting floor;
— Thermocouple 3C: on a mullion surface, 90° to the furnace opening, 20 mm up from top of
supporting floor.
NOTE If the cavity temperatures are required for information purposes, thermocouples can be fixed on any
surface within the cavity, even if these are to be covered with other materials afterwards.
9.1.2.3.4 Perimeter seal
For the determination of the maximum temperature rise, thermocouples shall be applied to the perimeter
seal as follows (see key A of Figure 15):
— Thermocouple HV: at the top surface of the seal
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