EN standards provide a structured and transparent framework for demonstrating fire performance. This includes:

• Clearly defined test methodologies
• Standardised classification systems (EN 13501)
• Consistent reporting across test laboratories
• Defined rules for permitted variations through:
  - Direct Field of Application (DIAP)
  - Extended Field of Application (EXAP)

This framework ensures that fire performance is based on verifiable and repeatable evidence, reducing ambiguity when specifying and assessing systems.

As a result, EN standards are:

• The primary reference in current guidance
• Better aligned with modern regulatory expectations
• Increasingly required within project specifications

Legacy British Standards, such as BS 476, may still be referenced on projects. However:

• They are no longer the primary route within regulatory guidance & will be formally retracted under AD-B in 2029. 
• They do not provide a consistent classification system equivalent to EN 13501
• They do not include formal frameworks such as EXAP to define permitted system variations

As a result, BS based performance can be more open to interpretation, particularly where changes are made to tested constructions.

Where projects still reference BS standards, it is common industry practice to use EN‑tested systems to demonstrate compliance with the intent of the requirement.

This approach is generally accepted because:

• EN test methodologies are accepted to provides equal or greater performance when compared to their direct BS equivalent (such as EN 1364-1 vs. BS 476-22)
• Classification and application rules are more clearly defined
• The evidence base is more structured and transparent

However, acceptance of this approach should always be:

• Confirmed on a project‑specific basis, and
• Agreed with the relevant approving bodies (e.g. Building Control or a fire engineer)

In line with industry and regulatory direction, Siniat undertakes fire testing exclusively to EN standards.

All Siniat systems are:

• Tested to relevant EN fire test standards (e.g. EN 1364 and EN 1365 series)
• Classified in accordance with EN 13501‑2
• Supported by DIAP and EXAP rules, where applicable

This provides a clear, consistent, and future‑aligned approach to fire performance and system specification.