The direct answer: Approved Document B generally identifies C-s3,d2 for wall and ceiling linings in rooms and B-s3,d2 for circulation spaces. The classification must cover the complete proposed wallcovering installation.
This guide summarises the guidance applying in England. Requirements in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland should be confirmed for the individual project.
01 · Approved Document B
When is Class C or Class B required?
Generally used for wall and ceiling linings in rooms, including other rooms and garages.
Generally used for wall and ceiling linings in circulation spaces, including corridors and escape routes.
Permitted for small non-residential rooms with an internal floor area no greater than 30m².
Approved Document B also permits a wallcovering conforming to BS EN 15102 that achieves at least C-s3,d2 when it is bonded to a substrate of at least A2-s3,d2. The proposed specification and evidence should be confirmed for the project.
Official guidance: GOV.UK — Approved Document B.
02 · Reading the classification
What do C-s3,d2 and B-s3,d2 mean?
The first letter is the reaction-to-fire class. Class B represents a higher level of performance than Class C. The s classification relates to smoke production and the d classification relates to flaming droplets or particles.
BS EN 13501-1 describes how a product contributes to the development of fire. It does not give a wall a stated number of minutes of fire resistance.
03 · The tested build-up
Why must the complete wallcovering be tested?
A BS EN 13501-1 classification does not apply to the face fabric in isolation. The result relates to the tested wallcovering product or build-up and its stated end use.
The laboratory may need to consider the fabric, backing or lining, adhesive, substrate, fixing method, any air gap and whether the material is adhered or unadhered. Changing one of these elements can place the proposed installation outside the scope of existing evidence.
- The tested product or representative construction
- The stated installation method and end use
- Variations included within the report’s scope
- Every fabric given the same treatment
- Different adhesives or substrates
- Both adhered and unadhered installations
04 · Classification evidence
Can Fire Proofing Ltd certify a wallcovering?
No. Fire Proofing Ltd cannot issue a BS EN 13501-1 classification for a fabric wallcovering. An appropriate laboratory must test the complete proposed wallcovering build-up and issue the relevant test and classification evidence.
A treatment certificate cannot replace that laboratory evidence.
05 · Treatment before testing
Can the fabric be treated before laboratory testing?
Yes. If requested, Fire Proofing Ltd can fire-retardant treat absorbent fabric before a representative wallcovering build-up is submitted for project-specific laboratory testing.
Treatment may improve the fabric’s reaction to fire, but we cannot guarantee that the complete construction will achieve Class C, Class B or any other classification. The result depends on the laboratory test of the finished build-up.
06 · Preparing for testing
What should be agreed with the testing laboratory?
The laboratory should advise on the required specimen size, conditioning, test programme and how the proposed wallcovering must be constructed for testing.
Information it may request
- Exact fabric manufacturer and product
- Fabric composition, weight, backing and finish
- Proposed adhesive or fixing method
- Substrate specification
- Whether the wallcovering is adhered or unadhered
- Required reaction-to-fire classification
- Intended location and use
A BS 476 Class 1 result should not be described as equivalent to Class C or Class B. New projects should use the classification and evidence required under the current specification.
07 · Common questions
Fabric wallcovering questions
What fire standard applies to fabric wallcoverings?+
Internal fabric wallcoverings are assessed under BS EN 13501-1. The complete proposed installation must be covered by the test and classification evidence.
When is Class C required for a wallcovering?+
Approved Document B generally identifies C-s3,d2 for wall and ceiling linings in rooms, including other rooms and garages. Small non-residential rooms up to 30m² may use D-s3,d2.
When is Class B required for a wallcovering?+
Approved Document B generally identifies B-s3,d2 for wall and ceiling linings in circulation spaces, including corridors and escape routes.
Can a Class C wallcovering be used in a circulation space?+
Approved Document B includes an exception for wallcoverings conforming to BS EN 15102 that achieve at least C-s3,d2 and are bonded to an A2-s3,d2 substrate. Confirm the complete specification and evidence for the project.
Why do the adhesive and substrate matter?+
The classification applies to the tested wallcovering build-up. The fabric, adhesive, substrate, backing and installation method can all affect the result.
Can Fire Proofing Ltd issue a BS EN 13501-1 certificate for a wallcovering?+
No. The complete proposed wallcovering construction must be tested and classified by an appropriate laboratory.
Can fabric be treated before wallcovering testing?+
Yes. We can treat absorbent fabric before a representative build-up is submitted for laboratory testing, but cannot guarantee that the completed construction will achieve the required classification.