What is BS476?
BS476 is the British Standard series for fire tests on building materials and structures. For fire-rated glazing, the relevant parts are BS476-20 (general method for fire resistance) and BS476-22 (method for non-loadbearing elements such as partitions, walls and glazing).
Unlike the Australian system that uses FRL (Fire Resistance Level), BS476 classifies performance using E, EI and EW ratings, which correspond to integrity, insulation and radiation control respectively.
BS476-20 vs BS476-22 for Glazing
BS476 Part 20
The general methodology for fire resistance testing. Establishes the furnace conditions, temperature-time curve and instrumentation requirements used across all parts of the standard.
BS476 Part 22
The specific test for non-loadbearing elements such as glazed screens, partitions and curtain walling. Measures integrity and insulation under standard fire exposure.
BS476 Part 7
Surface spread of flame classification (Class 0 to Class 4). Required for the frame material and any exposed finishes. Class 0 is the highest rating, required for high-rise escape routes.
E, EI and EW Ratings Explained
BS476-22 uses the European classification system for fire resistance ratings. The letter indicates the performance criteria; the number indicates minutes of performance.
- E (Integrity): Prevents the passage of flames and hot gases. The system must not develop gaps or cracks that allow flame penetration. Example: E60 = 60 minutes integrity.
- EI (Integrity + Insulation): Prevents flame passage and limits temperature rise on the unexposed face to a maximum average of 140 degrees C (with no point exceeding 180 degrees C). Example: EI60 = 60 minutes of both.
- EW (Integrity + Radiation): Prevents flame passage and limits radiant heat transfer through the glazing to specified levels. Used where insulation is not required but heat radiation control is. Example: EW30.
| Rating | Performance | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| E30 | 30 min integrity only | Internal low-risk partitions, smoke control |
| E60 | 60 min integrity only | Commercial fire compartment boundaries |
| EI30 | 30 min integrity + insulation | Escape corridors, small fire doors |
| EI60 | 60 min integrity + insulation | Office fire walls, healthcare wards |
| EI90 | 90 min integrity + insulation | High-rise compartment walls, atria |
| EI120 | 120 min integrity + insulation | Basements, tall buildings, hospitals |
Approved Document B (ADB)
Approved Document B is the official UK government guidance supporting Building Regulations Part B (fire safety). For fire-rated glazing, ADB specifies:
- Where fire-resisting construction is required (compartment walls, protected shafts, escape routes)
- Minimum fire resistance periods (typically 30, 60 or 90 minutes depending on building height and use)
- Maximum unprotected areas in external walls (relevant for curtain walling and windows)
- Requirements for fire doors including vision panels
ADB references BS476-22 or EN 1364/EN 1634 as acceptable test standards. The specifier must ensure the chosen product meets or exceeds the ADB minimum for the specific building element and building class.
BS476 Fire Glass Specifications Quick Reference
| Application | Typical Rating | Max Panel | PyroSpec Product | Test Standard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire door vision panel | EI30 to EI60 | 1.1m x 2.0m | PS-FR Door Vision | BS476-22 |
| Internal fire partition | EI30 to EI120 | 3.0m x 3.5m | PS-FR Partition | BS476-22 |
| Curtain walling (external) | E60 to EI60 | 1.5m x 3.0m | PS-FR Curtain | BS476-22 |
| Atrium barrier | EI30 to EI60 | 2.0m x 2.5m | PS-Atrium Guard | BS476-22 |
| Smoke control screen | E30 | 2.5m x 3.0m | PS-Smoke Guard | BS476-22 |
| Healthcare corridor | EI60 to EI90 | 1.8m x 2.7m | PS-FR Healthcare | BS476-22 |
UKCA Marking, CE Marking and Brexit
After Brexit, Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) now requires UKCA marking instead of CE marking for construction products placed on the GB market. Key points:
- Great Britain: UKCA marking is required for new products. CE-marked products placed on the market before 1 January 2023 may still be used.
- Northern Ireland: CE marking (or CE+UK(NI)) continues to be accepted under the Windsor Framework.
- Technical equivalence: The fire test standard EN 1363/1364/1634 is technically equivalent to BS476-20/22. A test report to either standard covers the same performance criteria.
- UKAS accreditation: Test reports for UKCA marking must come from a UKAS-accredited laboratory (Warringtonfire, BRE, Exova, etc.).
PyroSpec systems are tested to both BS476 and EN standards, with test reports from UKAS-recognised facilities, supporting UKCA certification arrangements.
BS476 in Commonwealth Countries
Jurisdictions that reference or adopt BS476
- United Arab Emirates (UAE): The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code explicitly references BS476-20/22 as an acceptable test standard for fire-rated glazing.
- Singapore: SCDF accepts BS476 as an alternative to SS (Singapore Standard) fire tests for building elements, particularly in international projects.
- Hong Kong: The Fire Services Department (FSD) references BS476 alongside EN standards for fire-resisting construction.
- Malaysia / Qatar / Oman: BS476 is commonly accepted for imported fire-rated systems where the national standard does not conflict.
- Cyprus / Gibraltar / Bermuda: British Overseas Territories typically adopt BS476 directly with local amendments.
When supplying to Commonwealth projects outside the UK, always verify the specific adoption status and any additional local requirements (such as Civil Defence approval in the UAE) before finalising the specification.
How to Pass UK Building Control
Confirm ADB requirement
Check Approved Document B for the required fire resistance period (30, 60, 90 or 120 minutes) and whether E or EI rating is needed for your building element.
Select a tested system with UKAS report
Choose a glazing system that has a current BS476-22 test report from a UKAS-accredited test house. Verify the report covers your exact panel size and framing configuration.
Confirm UKCA or CE conformity
Obtain the UKCA Declaration of Performance (for GB) or CE DoP (for NI / EU / Commonwealth). Ensure factory production control (FPC) documentation is current.
Submit to building control
Provide the test report, DoP, installation instructions, and written confirmation from the supplier that the supplied system matches the tested configuration. Include structural calculations if required.
Why UK and Commonwealth Projects Choose PyroSpec
UKAS-Recognised Test Reports
BS476-22 and EN 1364 test reports from laboratories recognised by UKAS, accepted by LABC, BRE Global and approved inspectors.
UKCA / CE Documentation
Factory production control (FPC), DoP and third-party certification available for UKCA and CE marking requirements.
Matched Systems
Glass, framing, seals and hardware supplied as a complete tested system. No risk of substitution voiding your building control approval.
Commonwide Export Experience
Direct supply to projects in the UK, UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong and beyond with full shipping, HS code and customs documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is BS476 Part 20 and Part 22?
BS476-20 is the general method for determining the fire resistance of building elements. BS476-22 is the specific method for non-loadbearing elements such as walls, partitions and glazing systems. For fire-rated glass, the relevant test is typically BS476-22, which measures integrity and insulation performance under standard fire conditions.
What do E, EI and EW ratings mean in BS476?
E stands for Integrity, meaning the system prevents flame and hot gas passage. EI means Integrity plus Insulation, meaning the system also limits temperature rise on the non-fire side. EW means Integrity with some radiation control. The number following the letter indicates the minutes of performance, for example EI60 means 60 minutes of integrity and insulation.
Is BS476 still valid after Brexit?
Yes. BS476 remains the primary British standard for fire resistance testing. While the UK now uses UKCA marking instead of CE marking for products placed on the market in Great Britain, the testing methodology under BS476 has not changed. Northern Ireland continues to accept CE marking under the Windsor Framework. Many Commonwealth nations including the UAE, Singapore and Hong Kong continue to reference BS476.
What is Approved Document B (ADB)?
Approved Document B is the UK government guidance that supports Building Regulations Part B (fire safety). It specifies where fire-resisting construction is required and the minimum performance levels. For fire-rated glazing, ADB typically references BS476-22 or EN 1364/EN 1634 test results and specifies minimum E or EI ratings for different building types and locations.
Can I use CE-marked fire glass in the UK?
In Great Britain, CE marking alone is no longer sufficient for new products. Products must carry UKCA marking unless they were CE marked before 1 January 2023 and remain unchanged. However, the underlying fire test reports (to EN 1363/1364/1634) are equivalent to BS476 results in technical content. Northern Ireland continues to accept CE marking under existing arrangements.
What documents does a UK building control officer need for fire glazing?
The building control officer or approved inspector typically requires the fire test report from a UKAS-accredited laboratory (such as Warringtonfire, BRE or Exova), evidence of ongoing factory production control (FPC), UKCA or CE declaration of performance, installation instructions, and confirmation that the supplied system matches the tested configuration exactly.
Do Commonwealth countries accept BS476 for fire glazing?
Many Commonwealth jurisdictions either adopt BS476 directly or reference it alongside their national standards. The UAE Fire and Life Safety Code explicitly references BS476-20/22. Singapore's SCDF accepts BS476 as an alternative to SS standards. Hong Kong's FSD references BS476. Always verify the specific adoption status with the local authority for your project.
Does PyroSpec supply UKCA-marked fire glazing systems?
PyroSpec supplies fire-rated glazing systems tested to BS476-22/EN 1364 standards with full UKAS-accredited test reports. UKCA marking arrangements and factory production control (FPC) documentation are available for projects in the UK and Commonwealth markets requiring them.
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