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LPCB Certification Requirements
Differences between structurally supported external panel systems and self supporting internal panel systems have long been known.
This has now been recognised by the insurers with the introduction of LPS 1181 2003: Parts 1 and 2. Information in this section seeks to clarify the performance requirements according to the new standards.
Definitions
FPA - Fire Protection Association
Fire Protection Association (FPA) is responsible for the LPC Design Guide for the Fire Protection of Buildings. This is a 300 page manual covering all aspects of fire protection in building design.
Ref - www.thefpa.co.uk
LPCB Loss Prevention Certification Board
This organisation is part of BRE Certification and is responsible for certifying fire safety products. It publishes the List of Approved Fire and Security Products and Services (otherwise known as the Red Book). The book is published once per year but the contents are updated on the BRE Certification website approx every month.
Ref - www.brecertification.co.uk
LPS Loss Prevention Standard
These are standards which define the test requirements for LPCB approval. With regard to Kingspan products the 2 key standards are LPS 1181 and LPS 1208.
BRE Building Research Establishment
The UK body responsible for compiling, drafting and advising the Government on new building regulations.
Ref - www.bre.co.uk
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New LPS 1181 Introduction
The original Loss Prevention Standard LPS 1181: Issue 3 1999 has now been replaced by - LPS 1181 : 2003. Requirements and Tests for LPCB Approval of Wall and Ceiling Lining Products and Composite Cladding Products.
- Part 1 External Envelopes
- Part 2 Internal Enclosures
The introduction of LPS 1181: 2003 recognises the need for differentiation between the performance and certification requirements of external envelopes and internal enclosures. The test methodologies recognise the different ways that external and internal panels are mounted in practice (i.e. structurally supported versus free standing) and the categories of performance are more appropriate.
The basic test methodology remains the same as LPS 1181: Issue 3 1999 with the exception of a gas burner with higher fire load being introduced to assess the highest risk category for internal enclosures only. This test is becoming known as the enhanced burner test.
New LPCB Certification Requirements
External Envelope
Grades of performance are now described as EXT-A and EXT-B.
These grades are identical to the original Grade A and Grade B respectively. For the vast majority of external cladding applications EXT-B will continue to be suitable. EXT-A will only be required for buildings with special risks as defined by an appropriate risk assessment or in boundary wall conditions.
Internal Enclosures
This new standard is aimed at ‘box within a box’, applications - particularly the food and drinks sector but also covers pharmaceutical and electronics industry clean rooms etc.
Performance requirements are:-
INT1
This grade is achieved by testing to LPS 1181: 2003: Part 2 using the enhanced burner (tested in internal box configuration) plus 60/60 insulation/integrity in BS 476 Part 22 (tested both ways for walls and from underneath for ceilings). Recommended for very high risk processes such as deep fat frying.
INT2
This grade is achieved by testing to LPS 1181: 2003: Part 2 (tested in internal box configuration) plus 30/30 insulation/integrity in BS 476 Part 22 (tested both ways for walls and from underneath for ceilings). Recommended for medium-high risk processes in small compartments and normal risk processes.
INT3
This grade is achieved by testing to LPS 1181: 2003: Part 2 (tested in internal box configuration). Recommended for normal risk processes.
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