What is the difference between BS and BS EN fire resistance test standards for plasterboard partitions?

BS EN 1363-1 better replicates the way a dry lining system is installed on site. In a BS 476-20 fire test, partitions are generally constructed to no more than 3m in height. The standard allows for maximum partition heights above 3m to be based on a ‘cold-state’, without the need to test at the heights they could be installed at on site.

In contrast to this, the newer BS EN 1363-1 tests all systems to their maximum claimed height, or uses field of application rules to determine the fire performance above what is practicable to test in a lab. British Gypsum supports the drive for improvements throughout the construction industry, and so our new White Book Specification Selector tool only contains specifications tested to the BS EN fire test standards.