OVERVIEW
BS 476-22 is a testing process used to determine the fire resistance of non-loadbearing vertical elements in building construction (specifically doors and shutters) when subjected to certain heating and pressure conditions.
Zenova commissioned this testing programme at the request of a client to ascertain whether it is possible to improve the fire rating of existing residential doors by applying Zenova FP fire protection paint. This could result in the client painting doors with Zenova FP fire protection paint, rather than having to replace them at great expense.
DESCRIPTION OF TEST
A second hand composite plastic front door with a 30-minute fire rating was installed in the testing laboratory of Warrington Fire, having been sprayed with a 1.3mm coat of Zenova FP fire protection paint.
The door was exposed to heat which simulated the conditions a door would experience if there was a fire outside the front door in a hallway or communal area of a residential building.
TEST RESULTS
The door reached 55 minutes without penetration of flame or excessive heat. The test was then terminated as the fire had caused the wall surrounding the door, door sills and fixings on the door to fail. This concluded that the application of Zenova FP fire protection paint improved the longevity and integrity of the door and thereby increased its fire resistance performance.