How do PVC pipes perform in fire?
PVC-U is inherently self-extinguishing and does not require any additional flame retardants to meet most flammability requirements. Currently some EU-countries have material specific national “reaction to fire” classifications such as the French M1, German B1, Italian Class 1 and the UK Class 1. Piping systems may have to withstand “resistance to fire” given in standards or regulations. In other cases there are no national requirements or regulations for the fire behaviour of piping systems in relation to their function within the building structure. The introduction of the new European system of classification of the reaction to fire test of construction products is described in EN 13501-1 “Reaction to fire classification of construction products and building elements” which includes optional requirements for smoke and burning droplets. The Euroclass system is based on different tests depending on the level of fire protection that is required of the end product in its intended applica
