What is EN1363?
EN1363 is the European standard series for fire resistance tests. It establishes the general principles, furnace conditions and performance criteria used across all European fire testing. For fire-rated glazing, the relevant standards are:
- EN1363-1: General requirements for fire resistance testing
- EN1363-2: Alternative and additional procedures
- EN1364-1: Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing walls (including glazed partitions)
- EN1634-1: Fire resistance tests for door and shutter assemblies (including fire door glazing)
EN1363 vs EN1364 vs EN1634
EN1363
The general methodology for all fire resistance testing. Defines the standard temperature-time curve, furnace instrumentation and general performance criteria. Used as the basis for all other EN fire tests.
EN1364-1
Tests non-loadbearing walls and partitions, including glazed screens and curtain walling. Measures integrity and insulation under standard fire exposure. Results in EI or E ratings.
EN1634-1
Tests door and shutter assemblies, including fire doors with vision panels. Evaluates the complete door assembly with glazing, frame and hardware. Results in EI or E ratings.
E, EI and EW Ratings in Europe
European fire resistance classifications use three performance criteria, with the number indicating minutes of performance:
- E (Integrity): Prevents flame and hot gas passage. No 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 max average 140 degrees C (no point exceeding 180 degrees C). Example: EI60 = 60 minutes of both.
- EW (Integrity + Radiation): Prevents flame passage and limits radiant heat transfer to specified levels. Used where insulation is not required but radiation control is needed. Example: EW30.
| Rating | Performance | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| E30 | 30 min integrity only | Smoke barriers, low-risk partitions |
| E60 | 60 min integrity only | Fire compartment boundaries, atria |
| 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 |
| EI120 | 120 min integrity + insulation | Basements, tall buildings, hospitals |
CE Marking and the Construction Products Regulation
Fire-rated glazing sold in the European Economic Area must carry CE marking under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) 305/2011. Key requirements:
- Harmonised Standard: Fire-rated glazing must be tested to a harmonised EN standard (EN1364-1 or EN1634-1) or have a European Technical Assessment (ETA) under ETAG 003.
- Declaration of Performance (DoP): The manufacturer must issue a DoP stating the essential characteristics and performance levels, including the fire resistance rating.
- Factory Production Control (FPC): Ongoing quality control must be maintained, typically audited by a Notified Body.
- CE Marking: The product must bear the CE mark with the Notified Body number and the standard reference.
ETAG 003 and European Technical Assessments
For fire-resistant glazing kits that do not fall entirely within a harmonised standard, ETAG 003 (Guideline for European Technical Approval of Fire Resistant Glazing) provides an alternative route to CE marking:
- ETAG 003 covers glazing kits (glass + framing + seals) as a system
- Testing is performed by a Technical Assessment Body (TAB)
- Results in a European Technical Assessment (ETA) instead of a harmonised standard certificate
- The ETA supports CE marking under CPR Article 19
PyroSpec systems are tested to both harmonised EN standards and ETAG 003, providing flexibility for different European markets.
Notified Bodies and Technical Assessment Bodies
European fire testing and certification involves several types of organisations:
- Test Laboratories: Perform the actual fire tests (e.g., Warringtonfire, IFAB, CSTB, IBMB)
- Notified Bodies: Audit factory production control and issue certificates for harmonised standards (e.g., UL International, BSI, Kiwa)
- Technical Assessment Bodies (TABs): Issue ETAs for products not fully covered by harmonised standards
- Approval Bodies: Some countries (e.g., Germany, France) have additional national approval requirements
Country-Specific Requirements
While CE marking is harmonised across the EEA, some countries have additional requirements:
- Germany: May require additional approval from the Deutsches Institut fur Bautechnik (DIBt) for certain applications
- France: Some projects require Avis Technique from CSTB in addition to CE marking
- Netherlands: KOMO certification may be required for specific building types
- Nordic Countries: May require additional testing for cold climate performance
- UK (post-Brexit): Now requires UKCA marking instead of CE for Great Britain; Northern Ireland continues to accept CE
EN 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 | EN1634-1 |
| Internal fire partition | EI30 to EI120 | 3.0m x 3.5m | PS-FR Partition | EN1364-1 |
| Curtain walling (external) | E60 to EI60 | 1.5m x 3.0m | PS-FR Curtain | EN1364-1 |
| Atrium barrier | EI30 to EI60 | 2.0m x 2.5m | PS-Atrium Guard | EN1364-1 |
| Smoke control screen | E30 | 2.5m x 3.0m | PS-Smoke Guard | EN1364-1 |
| Healthcare corridor | EI60 to EI90 | 1.8m x 2.7m | PS-FR Healthcare | EN1364-1 |
How to Pass European Building Control
Confirm required rating from national building code
Check your country's building regulations for the required fire resistance period and whether E or EI rating is needed for the specific building element.
Select a CE-marked tested system
Choose a glazing system with a valid CE mark, Declaration of Performance and test report to EN1364-1 or EN1634-1. Verify the report covers your panel size and configuration.
Confirm FPC and Notified Body certification
Obtain evidence of ongoing factory production control and Notified Body audit reports. Ensure the DoP is current and references the correct harmonised standard.
Submit to building control or notified body
Provide the test report, DoP, CE marking evidence, installation instructions and structural calculations. Include ETA documentation if applicable.
Why European Projects Choose PyroSpec
Harmonised Standard Testing
Test reports to EN1364-1 and EN1634-1 from accredited European laboratories, supporting CE marking under CPR.
CE Marking Documentation
Full DoP, FPC evidence and Notified Body certification available for all European markets.
ETAG 003 Coverage
European Technical Assessments available for glazing kit configurations not fully covered by harmonised standards.
Direct Export to Europe
Experience shipping to Germany, France, Netherlands, Nordics and beyond with full customs and CE documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between EN1363 and EN1364?
EN1363 is the general methodology for all fire resistance testing. EN1364-1 is the specific test for non-loadbearing walls and partitions, including glazed systems. EN1363 defines the furnace conditions; EN1364-1 defines how to apply them to walls.
Is CE marking mandatory for fire-rated glass in Europe?
Yes. Under the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) 305/2011, fire-rated glazing sold in the EEA must carry CE marking. This requires testing to a harmonised standard (EN1364-1 or EN1634-1) or having an ETA under ETAG 003.
Can I use BS476 test reports for CE marking?
No. CE marking requires testing to harmonised EN standards. However, the technical content of BS476-22 and EN1364-1 is very similar. Some manufacturers have dual testing to both standards to serve both UK and European markets.
What is a Declaration of Performance (DoP)?
The DoP is a document issued by the manufacturer stating the essential characteristics and performance levels of the product, including the fire resistance rating. It must reference the harmonised standard and be supported by test reports and FPC evidence.
Does PyroSpec supply CE-marked fire glazing systems?
Yes. PyroSpec supplies fire-rated glazing systems tested to EN1364-1 and EN1634-1 with full CE marking documentation, including DoP, FPC evidence and Notified Body certification.
Ready to Specify EN-Compliant Glazing?
Get CE marking documentation, test reports and pricing for your European project.