ISO/TR 12470-2:2017

Overview

ISO/TR 12470-2:2017 is a technical report from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that provides guidance on interpreting and applying results from fire-resistance tests of non-loadbearing building elements. The standard is particularly focused on offering a methodology for determining how results from controlled fire resistance tests based on the ISO 834 series can be reliably extended to real-world applications. This ensures that non-loadbearing fire containment assemblies and products-such as fire-resisting doors, fixed vertical glazing, linear gap sealing systems, and service penetration sealing systems-can meet safety expectations when installed in buildings, even if their construction differs slightly from test specimens.

The report recognizes the challenges created by the limited size of fire resistance testing furnaces, which may not always represent in-situ building conditions. As a result, both direct application (making straightforward modifications) and extended application (using calculations and expert judgements) are examined as legitimate ways to adapt test results to a wider range of installations and configurations.

Key Topics

• Scope of Applicability

  • Non-loadbearing fire-resistant elements only
  • Includes fire doors (timber and steel), vertical glazing (metal and timber-framed), gap sealing, and service penetration sealing
  • Excludes ductwork and dampers, which are evaluated with different criteria

• Direct Application of Test Results

  • Modifications permitted without further testing are defined as "direct applications"
  • Rules for direct application are generally set out within the relevant test standards

• Extended Application

  • Uses validated calculations, computer models, or expert assessments to extrapolate results
  • Designed for adaptations of tested constructions outside the scope of direct application
  • Relies on expert knowledge and may depend on additional factors and parameters

• Project Specific Application

  • Incorporates unique building-specific conditions and engineering judgement
  • May use a combination of analysis techniques for custom scenarios

• Influencing Factors

  • Material choices, manufacturing methods, and design variables can significantly affect fire resistance performance
  • The document details how to evaluate such influences ensuring reliable safety classification

Applications

ISO/TR 12470-2:2017 serves as an essential tool for fire safety engineers, architects, test laboratories, manufacturers, and regulators in the following practical scenarios:

• Building Design Compliance Ensures that non-loadbearing fire containment products used in buildings meet the required fire resistance ratings, even when there are variations from the tested samples.

• Product Certification & CE Marking Supports manufacturers during certification procedures by clearly outlining under what conditions tested results can be extended to similar products.

• Modification of Standard Designs Provides a standardized approach for adapting fire-resistant assemblies to fit bespoke building requirements without compromising safety.

• Regulatory Guidance Assists authorities in interpreting test results when reviewing submissions for building code compliance, especially when direct test data isn't available for every specific configuration.

Related Standards

ISO/TR 12470-2:2017 is best understood and applied in conjunction with the following standards:

• ISO 834 Series - Fire-resistance tests - Elements of building construction

  • The primary reference for standard fire resistance testing methodology.

• ISO/TR 10295 - Fire testing of service installations

  • Relevant for evaluating fire resistance concerning service penetrations.

• ISO 13943 - Fire Safety Vocabulary

  • Provides definitions of fire safety terminology used throughout the standard.

Professionals using ISO/TR 12470-2:2017 help ensure consistent fire safety performance of critical non-loadbearing building elements, enhancing both regulatory compliance and building occupant protection. This standard is a vital resource for interpreting fire-resistance test results and their application in construction, enabling safer, more reliable built environments.