The location and period of fire resistance is determined by the relevant legislation, codes of practice or the accepting authority. In England and Wales, requirements with respect to fire resistance are outlined in Approved Document B Parts 1 & 2.
Fire resistance can be determined through destructive fire testing designed to replicate the product’s intended end-use. The specimen to be tested is built into an appropriate supporting construction which is then built into a restraint frame and mounted on the front of a furnace. The temperature within the furnace is controlled according to an internationally accepted time/temperature regime.