oSIST prEN 438-7:2014

High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called Laminates) - Part 7: Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for internal and external wall and ceiling finishes

This part of this European Standard specifies requirements for compact laminate produced by using an high pressure process and HPL composite panels for interior and/or external wall and ceiling finishes (non-structural) including suspended ceilings.
It covers full size and cut-to-size panels.
The compact laminate panels and HPL composite panels allow to be mechanically fixed using e. g. screws or rivets.
This part of this European Standard also specifies test methods, provisions for the assessment and verification of constancy of performance (AVCP) of these products and includes requirements for marking.
This part of this European Standard does not cover:
a)   HPLs less than 2 mm thick as defined in EN 438 part 3, part 8 and part 9 not glued on a substrate and placed on the market as a separate product;
b)   overlaid or veneered wood-based panels, where the overlay/veneer is not an HPL;
c)   HPL composite panels intended for use as floor coverings;
d)   panels used for fire protection of walls or ceilings.

Dekorative Hochdruck-Schichtpressstoffplatten (HPL) - Platten auf Basis härtbarer Harze (Schichtpressstoffe) - Teil 7: Kompaktplatten und HPL-Mehrschicht-Verbundplatten für Wand- und Deckenbekleidungen für Innen- und Außenanwendung

Dieser Teil von EN 438 legt die Anforderungen an Kompaktplatten fest, die mit einem Hochdruckverfahren hergestellt wurden, sowie an HPL Mehrschicht Verbundplatten für (nicht tragende) Wand  und Deckenbekleidungen für Innen  und Außenanwendungen, einschließlich abgehängte Decken.
Behandelt sind vollformatige und zugeschnittene Platten.
Die Kompaktplatten und die HPL Mehrschicht Verbundplatten können mit Hilfe von z. B. Schrauben oder Nieten mechanisch befestigt werden.
Darüber hinaus legt dieser Teil der Europäischen Norm Prüfverfahren und Vorschriften zur Bewertung und Überprüfung der Leistungsbeständigkeit (en: assessment and verification of constancy of performance, AVCP) dieser Produkte fest und enthält Anforderungen an deren Kennzeichnung.
Nicht behandelt sind in diesem Teil:
a)   HPL mit einer Dicke kleiner als 2 mm entsprechend EN 438 3, EN 438 8 und EN 438 9, die nicht auf ein Trägermaterial verklebt sind und als eigenständiges Produkt auf dem Markt sind;
b)   mit Deckschicht oder Furnier versehene Platten auf Holzbasis, bei denen die Deckschicht/das Furnier keine HPL ist;
c)   HPL Mehrschicht Verbundplatten für Fußböden;
d)   Platten für den Brandschutz von Wänden und Decken.

Stratifiés décoratifs haute pression (HPL) - Plaques à base de résines thermodurcissables (communément appelées stratifiés) - Partie 7: Panneaux stratifiés compacts et composites HPL pour finitions des murs et plafonds intérieurs et extérieurs

Le présent document spécifie les caractéristiques des panneaux stratifiés compacts et des panneaux composites HPL, pour une utilisation non structurelle pour des applications de finitions intérieures et extérieures de murs et de plafonds (y compris dans des plafonds suspendus).
Le présent document traite de panneaux stratifiés compacts d’épaisseur supérieure ou égale à 2 mm.
Les panneaux stratifiés compacts sont produits par un procédé haute pression et les panneaux composites HPL sont produits en collant une plaque HPL sur un support.
Le présent document couvre les panneaux stratifiés compacts avec les types de stratifiés suivants :
—   les stratifiés compacts, tels que définis dans l’EN 438 4:2016 ;
—   les stratifiés compacts pour usage en extérieur, tels que définis dans l’EN 438 6:2016 ;
—   les stratifiés perlescents compacts, les stratifiés métalliques compacts et les placages bois stratifiés compacts, tels que définis dans l’EN 438 8:2018 ;
—   les stratifiés avec couche d’âme colorée compacts et les stratifiés avec couche d’âme à renfort métallique compacts, tels que définis dans l’EN 438 9:2017.
Le présent document couvre les panneaux stratifiés compacts et les panneaux composites HPL entiers et découpés, par exemple dalles et revêtements.
Le présent document spécifie uniquement les panneaux stratifiés compacts et les panneaux composites HPL fixés mécaniquement, par exemple au moyen de vis ou de rivets.
Les panneaux stratifiés compacts tout comme les panneaux composites HPL peuvent contenir un ignifugeant pour améliorer leur performance de réaction au feu.
Le présent document spécifie également les dispositions relatives à l’évaluation et à la vérification de la constance des performances (EVCP) des caractéristiques, et il inclut des dispositions pour le marquage de ces panneaux.
Le présent document ne vise pas :
a)   les plaques HPL d’épaisseur inférieure à 2 mm, telles que définies dans l’EN 438 3:2016, EN 438 8:2018 ou l’EN 438 9:2017, qui ne sont pas collées sur un support ;
b)   les panneaux à base de bois revêtus ou plaqués lorsque le revêtement/placage n’est pas du HPL ;
c)   les panneaux composites HPL destinés à être utilisés comme revêtement de sol ;
d)   les panneaux utilisés pour la protection contre l’incendie des murs ou des plafonds ;
e)   les performances des systèmes installés pour murs et plafonds avec panneaux stratifiés haute pression compacts ou composites.

Dekorativni visokotlačni laminati (HPL) - Plošče na osnovi duromernih smol - 7. del: Kompaktni laminati in kompozitni paneli HPL za notranjo in zunanjo oblogo zidov in stropov

General Information

• Status: Not Published
• Public Enquiry End Date: 04-Dec-2014
• ICS: 83.140.20 - Laminated sheets
• Technical Committee: IPMA - Polimer materials and products
• Current Stage: 98 - Abandoned project (Adopted Project)
• Start Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Due Date: 20-Jan-2020
• Completion Date: 15-Jan-2020
• Directive: 1015/2010 - Commission Regulation (EU) No 1015/2010 of 10 November 2010 implementing Directive 2009/125/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council with regard to ecodesign requirements for household washing machines
• 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
• Directive: 89/106/EEC - Construction products
• Mandate: M/121 - Mandate to CEN/CENELEC concerning the execution of standardization work for harmonized standards on internal and external wall and ceiling finishes
• Ref Project: prEN 438-7 - High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called Laminates) - Part 7: Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for internal and external wall and ceiling finishes

Relations

• Revised: SIST EN 438-7:2005 - High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called Laminates) - Part 7: Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for internal and external wall and ceiling finishes
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Revised: SIST EN 438-7:2005 - High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called Laminates) - Part 7: Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for internal and external wall and ceiling finishes
• Effective Date: 18-Jan-2023
• Revised: SIST EN 438-7:2005 - High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called Laminates) - Part 7: Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for internal and external wall and ceiling finishes
• Effective Date: 19-Jan-2023

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
oSIST prEN 438-7:2014
01-november-2014
'HNRUDWLYQLYLVRNRWODþQLODPLQDWL+3/3ORãþHQDRVQRYLGXURPHUQLKVPRO
GHO.RPSDNWQLODPLQDWLLQNRPSR]LWQLSDQHOL+3/]DQRWUDQMRLQ]XQDQMRREORJR
]LGRYLQVWURSRY
High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 7: Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for
internal and external wall and ceiling finishes
Dekorative Hochdruck-Schichtpressstoffplatten (HPL) - Platten auf Basis härtbarer Harze
(Schichtpressstoffe) - Teil 7: Kompaktplatten und HPL-Mehrschicht-Verbundplatten für
Wand- und Deckenbekleidungen für Innen- und Außenanwendung
Stratifiés décoratifs haute pression (HPL) - Plaques à base de résines
thermodurcissables (communément appelées stratifiés) - Partie 7: Panneaux stratifiés
compacts et composites HPL pour finitions des murs et plafonds intérieurs et extérieurs
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: prEN 438-7
ICS:
83.140.20 /DPLQDWQHSORãþH Laminated sheets
oSIST prEN 438-7:2014 en,fr,de
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014

EUROPEAN STANDARD
DRAFT
prEN 438-7
NORME EUROPÉENNE

EUROPÄISCHE NORM

September 2014
ICS 83.140.20 Will supersede EN 438-7:2005
English Version
High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on
thermosetting resins (Usually called Laminates) - Part 7:
Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for internal and
external wall and ceiling finishes
Stratifiés décoratifs haute pression (HPL) - Plaques à base Dekorative Hochdruck-Schichtpressstoffplatten (HPL) -
de résines thermodurcissables (communément appelées Platten auf Basis härtbarer Harze (Schichtpressstoffe) - Teil
stratifiés) - Partie 7: Panneaux stratifiés compacts et 7: Kompaktplatten und HPL-Mehrschicht-Verbundplatten für
composites HPL pour finitions des murs et plafonds Wand- und Deckenbekleidungen für Innen- und
intérieurs et extérieurs Außenanwendung
This draft European Standard is submitted to CEN members for enquiry. It has been drawn up by the Technical Committee CEN/TC 249.

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, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey 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: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2014 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. prEN 438-7:2014 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014
prEN 438-7:2014 (E)
Contents Page
Foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 6
4 Product characteristics . 7
5 Testing, assessment and sampling methods . 11
6 Assessment and verification of constancy of performance - AVCP . 13
7 Marking and labelling . 24
Annex A (normative)  Specimen mounting details for SBI fire testing . 25
Annex B (normative) Panel parameters defining family of panels in relation to reaction to fire performance . 32
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing the provisions of the EU Construction Products
Regulation . 33
Bibliography . 49

2

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014
prEN 438-7:2014 (E)
Foreword
This document (prEN 438-7:2014) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 249 “Plastics”, the
secretariat of which is held by NBN.
This document is currently submitted to the CEN Enquiry.
This document will supersede EN 438-7:2005.
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
This European Standard is a revision of EN 438 and consists of nine parts:
 prEN 438-1 Plastics — High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 1: Introduction and general information
 prEN 438-2 Plastics — High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 2: Determination of properties
 prEN 438-3 Plastics — High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 3: Classification and specifications for laminates less than 2 mm thick
intended for bonding to supporting substrates
 prEN 438-4 Plastics — High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 4: Classification and specifications for Compact laminates of thickness
2 mm and greater
 prEN 438-5 Plastics — High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 5: Classification and specifications for flooring grade laminates less than
2 mm thick intended for bonding to supporting substrates
 prEN 438-6 Plastics — High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 6: Classification and specifications for Exterior-grade Compact laminates
of thickness 2 mm and greater
 prEN 438-7 Plastics — High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 7: Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for internal and external
wall and ceiling finishes
 EN 438-8 Plastics — High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 8: Classification and specifications for design laminates
 EN 438-9 Plastics — High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins
(Usually called Laminates) - Part 9: Classification and specifications for alternative core laminates


3

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014
prEN 438-7:2014 (E)
1 Scope
This part of this European Standard specifies requirements for compact laminate produced by using an high
pressure process and HPL composite panels for interior and/or external wall and ceiling finishes (non-structural)
including suspended ceilings.
It covers full size and cut-to-size panels.
The compact laminate panels and HPL composite panels allow to be mechanically fixed using e. g. screws or
rivets.
This part of this European Standard also specifies test methods, provisions for the assessment and verification
of constancy of performance (AVCP) of these products and includes requirements for marking.
This part of this European Standard does not cover:
a) HPLs less than 2 mm thick as defined in EN 438 part 3, part 8 and part 9 not glued on a substrate and
placed on the market as a separate product;
b) overlaid or veneered wood-based panels, where the overlay/veneer is not an HPL;
c) HPL composite panels intended for use as floor coverings;
d) panels used for fire protection of walls or ceilings.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and are indispensable
for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition
of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
prEN 438-1, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called
Laminates) — Part 1: Introduction and general information.
prEN 438-2, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called
Laminates) — Part 2: Determination of properties.
prEN 438-3, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called
Laminates) — Part 3: Classification and specifications for laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding
to supporting substrates.
prEN 438-4, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called
Laminates) — Part 4: Classification and specifications for Compact laminates of thickness 2 mm and greater.
prEN 438-5, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called
Laminates) - Part 5: Classification and specifications for flooring grade laminates less than 2 mm thick intended
for bonding to supporting substrates
prEN 438-6, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called
Laminates) — Part 6: Classification and specifications for Exterior-grade Compact laminates of thickness 2 mm
and greater.
EN 438-8, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called
Laminates) -Part 8: Classification and specifications for design laminates
4

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014
prEN 438-7:2014 (E)
EN 438-9, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) — Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called
Laminates) -Part 9: Classification and specifications for alternative core laminates
EN 717-1, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 1: Formaldehyde emission by
the chamber method.
EN 717-2, Wood-based panels — Determination of formaldehyde release — Part 2: Formaldehyde release by
the gas analysis method.
EN 12664, Thermal performance of building materials and products — Determination of thermal resistance by
means of guarded hot plate and heat flow meter methods — Dry and moist products of medium and low thermal
resistance.
EN 13501-1, Fire classification of construction products and building elements — Part 1: Classification using
test data from reaction to fire tests.
EN 13823, Reaction to fire tests for building products — Building products excluding floorings exposed to the
thermal attack by a single burning item.
EN 13986, Wood-based panels for use in construction — Characteristics, evaluation of conformity and marking.
EN ISO 10140-2, Acoustics - Laboratory measurement of sound insulation of building elements - Part 2:
Measurement of airborne sound insulation
EN ISO 178, Plastics — Determination of flexural properties.
EN ISO 354, Acoustics — Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room.
EN ISO 717-1, Acoustics — Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements — Part 1: Airborne
sound insulation.
EN ISO 1183-1, Plastics — Methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics — Part 1: Immersion
method, liquid pyknometer method and titration method.
EN ISO 10456, Building materials and products - Hygrothermal properties - Tabulated design values and
procedures for determining declared and design thermal values.
EN ISO 11295, Classification and information on design of plastics piping systems used for renovation
EN ISO 11654, Acoustics — Sound absorbers for use in buildings — Rating of sound absorption
EN ISO 12572, Hygrothermal performance of building materials and products — Determination of water vapour
transmission properties.
EN ISO 14025, Environmental labels and declarations - Type III environmental declarations - Principles and
procedures
ISO 13894-1, High-pressure decorative laminates — Composite elements — Part 1: Test methods.
ISO 13894-2, High-pressure decorative laminates -- Composite elements -- Part 2: Specifications for composite
elements with wood-based substrates for interior use.
5

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014
prEN 438-7:2014 (E)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following term and definition applies.
3.1
high-pressure decorative laminate(s) (HPL)
Sheet(s) consisting of decorative surface layer(s) and core layers bonded together by an high pressure process

Note 1 to entry: typical values for the high pressure process are a temperature of ≥ 120 °C and a pressure of
≥ 5 MPa
3.2
surface layer
upper decorative layer consisting in one or more sheets of fibrous material (usually paper) impregnated with
aminoplastic thermosetting resins (usually melamine) or other curable resins or other decorative design
surfaces such as metal foils, wood-veneers and textiles, etc. which are not necessarily treated with
thermosetting resin

Note 1 to entry: The surface layers can appear on one or both side(s) of the laminate(s). In case of one-sided
laminates, the back of the sheet(s) may be made suitable for adhesive bonding to a substrate.

3.3
core layers
core layers consisting of fibrous materials (usually paper) impregnated with thermosetting resins (usually
phenolic based resins) or other curable resins, eventually reinforced by metal layer(s) or metal mesh(es) and
others which are not necessarily treated with thermosetting resin


3.4
HPL composite panels
panels produced by adhesively bonding an HPL, fulfilling the requirements of EN 438 parts 3, 4, 6, 8 or 9, to one
or both sides of a substrate.
HPL composite panels may be supplied in the form of full size or smaller cut-to-size panels.
3.5
substrate of the HPL composite panels
board to which the HPL is bonded.

Note 1 to entry: the substrate can be a wood based product (e.g. particleboard, plywood or fibreboard), a
mineral board (e.g. calcium silicate), an expanded honeycomb, a metal sheet or plastic material, organic or
inorganic foams.
6

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014
prEN 438-7:2014 (E)
3.6
tile
element of regular geometric form with reduced thickness and such dimensions that can be easily held by one
person.

3.7
sidings
elements of regular geometric form in which length predominates over the other two dimensions having reduced
thickness.
4 Product characteristics
4.1 Reaction to fire
Where required, the reaction to fire shall be assessed and classified in accordance with 5.1.
Interior grade non-flame retardant HPL panels are considered to be Classified Without Further
1
Testing (CWFT) in the classes shown in Table 1
Table 1 — Classes of reaction-to-fire performance of high-pressure decorative laminate panels

b

High pressure Product detail Minimum Minimum overall Class
decorative density thickness (mm) (excluding
a 3

laminate panels (kg/m ) floorings)

Interior grade non-FR Compact HPL meeting EN 438-4, 1 350 6 D-s2,d0
Compact HPL panels Type CGS
(3)



Composite panels comprising non-
Interior grade non-FR Wood-based 12 mm wood-based
FR grade HPL meeting the
HPL composite core minimum core with HPL ≥ 0,5
requirements of EN 438-3,
panels with wood- density 600 mm bonded to both
adhesively bonded to both sides of
c
based substrates non-FR grade wood-based core of sides
D-s2,d0

minimum thickness
12 mm complying with EN 13986,
HPL minimum
using PVAc or thermosetting
density 1 350
adhesive at an application rate of
2 2
60 g/m to 120 g/m
a
Either directly fixed (i.e. with no air gap) to a material having a reaction to fire class of A2-s1,d0 or better and a density of at least
3
600 kg/m ; or mounted on a timber or metal batten support frame, with a non-ventilated (i.e. void open only at the top) air gap of at
least 30 mm, the reverse face of the cavity so formed having a reaction to fire classification of A2-s2,d0 or better.
b
Classes as provided for in Table 1 of the Annex to Decision 2000/147/EC
c
Complying with European standard EN 438-7

For products other than those covered by the CWFT Decision, or where the manufacturer seeks a
higher class, the product shall be tested and classified in accordance with 5.1 and the resulting class
and sub-class shall be declared.


th
1
Commission Decision 2003/43/EC of 2003 January 17 (OJEU L 13 of 18.01.2003) as amended by Commission Decision
th
2003/593/EC of 2003 August 7 (OJEU L 201 of 8.08.2003) establishing the classes of reaction-to-fire of certain
construction products.
7

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014
prEN 438-7:2014 (E)
4.2 Water vapour permeability
Water vapour permeability requirement apply only for compact and HPL composite panels intended
for end uses on walls subject to water vapour permeability regulations, and where the panel is
intended to contribute to water vapour resistance.
The water vapour permeability shall be declared as the water vapour resistance factor, μ. The value
shall be taken from Table 2 in both conditions wet and dry.

Table 2 — Water vapour permeability values
a
Product Density Water vapour resistance factor
Wet cup μ Dry cup μ
3
Compact 1 350 kg/m 110 250
laminate panel
3
Particleboard substrate density 300 kg/m
10 50
HPL composite
3
Particleboard substrate density 600 kg/m 15 50
panel
3
Particleboard substrate density 900 kg/m 20 50
Fibreboard substrate density 400 kg/m3 5 10
HPL composite
Fibreboard substrate density 600 kg/m3 12 20
panel
Fibreboard substrate density 800 kg/m3 20 30
a
Linear interpolation for intermediate density values is possible.

When a better performance is thought for declaration, the water vapour permeability of the material
used shall be determined in accordance with 5.2.

4.3  Resistance to fixings
Resistance to fixings is relevant only for compact laminates and for HPL composite panels with
associated fixing intended for uses subject to requirements against accidental fall of objects on transit
areas.
Resistance to fixings shall be determined in case of HPL composite panels as resistance to axial
withdrawn force of wood screws from the face (face screw-holding) in accordance with 5.3.
Screw holding values of Compact panels shall be declared as screw holding values from Table 3.
Table 3 — Resistance to fixings – values for Compact laminate panels
Compact laminate panels thickness Screw holding value
(mm) (Newtons)
2 250
4 1 000
6 2 000
8 3 000
≥ 10 4 000
8

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014
prEN 438-7:2014 (E)

4.4 Bonding strength
Bonding strength requirements only apply to HPL composite tiles and sidings intended for uses
subject to requirements against accidental fall of objects on transit areas.
The bonding strength shall be determined in accordance with 5.5 and the value shall be declared as
perpendicular tensile strength.
The results shall comply with the corresponding requirements of ISO 13894-2 in accordance with 5.3.

4.5 Direct airborne sound insulation
Direct airborne sound insulation requirements apply only to compact laminate panel and HPL
composite panels intended for uses in walls/ceilings subject to acoustic regulations, and where the
manufacturer wishes to declare the performance.
The performance shall be measured in accordance with 5.5 and expressed in accordance with EN
ISO 717-1.

4.6 Flexural tensile strength
Flexural tensile strength requirement is applicable only to compact laminate panels and HPL
composite panels intended for use in suspended ceilings.
The flexural tensile strength of HPL composite panels shall be determined as perpendicular tensile
strength in accordance with 5.6. The result(s) shall be declared and expressed in MPa.
The flexural tensile strength of compact laminate panels shall be determined as flexural strength and
flexural modulus of elasticity according to subclause 5.6. The results shall comply with the
corresponding requirements of EN 438-4 Table 2 for interior use or EN 438-6 Table 2 for exterior use
or EN 438-8 tables 8, 9 and 10 for interior use or EN 438-9 tables 6 and 7 for interior use. The
result(s) shall be declared and expressed in MPa.
4.7 Thermal resistance/conductivity
Thermal resistance/conductivity requirement applies only to compact laminate panels and HPL
composite panels intended for end uses on walls/ceilings subject to thermal insulation regulations,
and where the manufacturer wishes to declare the performance.
4.8 Release of dangerous substances
4.8.1 Formaldehyde emission
Formaldehyde emission levels from Compact laminate panels and from HPL wood-based composite
panels shall be determined in accordance with 5.8.1.

Formaldehyde emission levels from HPL Compact laminate panels comply with Class E1 requirements without
the need for testing.
In the case of HPL wood-based composite panels, if the substrate complies with Class E1 requirements, then
the complete panel shall be accepted as meeting Class E1 without the need for testing.

For initial type testing of HPL wood-based composite panels according to EN 717-1 the release of formaldehyde
shall be declared in terms of formaldehyde class as defined in Table 4.
9

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oSIST prEN 438-7:2014
prEN 438-7:2014 (E)
For factory production control purposes formaldehyde emission may be determined in accordance with the
appropriate values from Table 4 according to EN 717-2.
Table 4 — Release of formaldehyde limit values
EN 717-1 requirement EN 717-2 requirement
Class E1 ≤ 0,12 mg/m3 air ≤ 3,5 mg/m2 h
Class E2 > 0,12 mg/m3 air > 3,5 to ≤ 8,0 mg/m2 h
NOTE For established products, initial type testing may also be done on
the basis of existing data from tests carried out in accordance with EN 120 [1] or
EN 717-2, either from factory production control or from external inspection.

4.8.2 Release of other dangerous substances
National regulations on dangerous substances may require, verification and declaration on release,
and sometimes content, of other dangerous substances, in addition to those dealt with in other
clauses, when construction products covered by this standard are placed on those markets.
In the absence of European harmonized test methods note, verification and declaration on
release/content should be done taking into account national provisions in the place of use.
NOTE: An informative database covering European and national provisions on dangerous substances
is available at the Construction web site on EUROPA accessed through:
http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/construction/cpd-ds/

4.9  Sound absorption
Sound absorption applies only for compact laminate panels and HPL composite panels intended to be
used for acoustical absorbent purposes, and where the panel is intended to contribute to sound
absorption.
Compact laminate panels and HPL composite panels are used most of the time as a component of
building element. The acoustic performance is relevant for the building element of which the panel is a
part.
If the building element including compact laminate panels or HPL composite panels is to be tested for
sound absorption, then it shall be tested in accordance with 5.9 and rated in accordance with EN ISO
11654.
4.10 Additional characteristics for external use (thermal shock)
The thermal shock resistance shall be determined as resistance to climatic shock according to
subclause 5.10. Compact laminate panels shall comply with the requirement specified in EN 438-6
table 4, Resistance to climatic shock.
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4.11 Durability
4.11.1 Compact laminate panels for internal use

The durability of the characteristics of the Compact laminate panels for internal use shall be
demonstrated by testing in accordance with 5.11.1. Compact laminate panels shall comply with the
requirements specified in EN 438-4, table 3, Resistance to immersion in boiling water and Density.
4.11.2 Compact laminate panels for external use

The durability of the characteristics of Compact laminate panels for external use shall be
demonstrated by testing in accordance with 5.11.2. Compact laminate panels shall comply with the
requirements specified in EN 438-6 table 3, Resistance to wet conditions and Density.

4.11.3 HPL composite panels for internal use

The durability of the characteristics of HPL composite panels for internal use shall be demonstrated
by testing in accordance with 5.11.3 and declaring the results.
4.11.4  HPL composite panels for external use

The durability of the characteristics of HPL composite panels for external use shall be demonstrated
by testing in accordance with 5.11.4 and declaring the results.

4.12 Sustainability
For the assessment of the sustainable use of resources and for the impact assessment of building
works on the environment as aspects of sustainability, environmental product declarations in
accordance with 5.12.

5 Testing, assessment and sampling methods

5.1 Reaction to fire
For reaction to fire, the classification of the thinnest either compact laminate panels or HPL composite
panels of the family tested shall be valid for all thicker products of that family. However, testing of
thicker product may be used to prove a better classification.
Panel parameters defining family of panels in relation to reaction to fire performance are reported in
Annex B (normative).
Products other than those covered by the CWFT Decision, or where the manufacturer seeks an
higher class, shall be tested and classified according to EN 13501-1.

Preparation of the test specimens shall be in accordance with the specified test methods.
For the SBI test according to EN 13823, the specimens shall be mounted as defined in Annex A.

5.2 Water vapour permeability
The water vapour permeability of the material used shall be determined according to EN ISO 12572.

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5.3  Resistance to fixings
in case of HPL composite panels the Resistance to fixings shall be determined according to ISO
13894-1, clause 15.

5.4 Bonding strength
The bonding strength shall be determined according to ISO 13894-1 clause 10: Perpendicular tensile
strength.

5.5 Direct airborne sound insulation
The Direct airborne sound insulation shall be measured as described in EN ISO 10140-2.

5.6 Flexural tensile strength
The flexural tensile strength of HPL composite panels shall be determined as perpendicular tensile
strength according to ISO 13894-1 clause 10. The result(s) shall be declared and expressed in MPa.
The flexural tensile strength of compact laminate panels shall be determined as flexural strength and
flexural modulus of elasticity measured in the transverse direction according to EN ISO 178, at a
machine crosshead speed of 10 mm/min. The result(s) shall be declared and expressed in MPa.
5.7 Thermal resistance/conductivity
The thermal resistance/conductivity shall be determined in accordance with EN 12664 or can be
calculated from data taken from EN ISO 10456.
When calculating the thermal conductivity of the HPL composite panels, the contribution of HPL is to
be considered as 0,3 W/(m K)
...