Why is the “fire hose stream” (thermal shock) test so important?
The fire hose stream test shows how hot glass will react when hit by water from a fire hose, or perhaps from just a sprinkler. At the same time, the test proves the durability of the window frames and other components. Most types of glazing products are unable to withstand the thermal shock of fire and water. If nearby sprinklers activate during a fire, the “shocked” glass can shatter and vacate the frame within a very few minutes, thus allowing the spread of the deadly flames and smoke. For this reason, and others, national building standards require glass in fire-rated areas to have a fire rating. All glass having a fire listing for 45 minutes or more is required to pass the fire hose Stream test.
The fire hose stream test shows how hot glass will react when hit by water from a fire hose, or perhaps from just a sprinkler. At the same time, the test proves the durability of the window frames and other components. Most types of glazing products are unable to withstand the thermal shock of fire and water. If nearby sprinklers activate during a fire, the “shocked” glass can shatter and vacate the frame within a very few minutes, thus allowing the spread of the deadly flames and smoke. For this reason, and others, national building standards require glass in fire-rated areas to have a fire rating. All glass having a fire listing for 45 minutes or more is required to pass the fire and hose stream test.
