The EN 1047-1 Fire Test

The EN 1047-1 fire test is a European standard which applies in all the countries of the European Union. It is a particularly stringent test. Manufacturers from outside the EU often submit their products to this test, as achieving certification is a sure mark of quality.

For the fire resistance test, a sample cabinet is taken randomly from the manufacturer’s production line. Advanced thermometers are fitted to its interior. It is then placed in a furnace and heated to temperatures of around 1000° Celsius for one to two hours, depending on the rating being sought.

For the fire shock and impact test, a second identical cabinet is rapidly heated for around 30 minutes. It is then removed from the furnace and dropped from a height of 9.1 metres onto a bed of rubble. This simulates a building collapse. Assuming it survives the drop without rupturing, the cabinet is returned to the furnace another spell of heating, then finally left to cool.

For cabinets designed to store paper, the internal temperature must not rise above 170° Celsius. Cabinets that achieve this will be classified S 60 P or S 120 P (1 hour and 2 hours respectively).

Cabinets meant for data media such as hard drives and CDs must maintain an internal temperature no higher than 70° Celsius, and must also keep humidity levels below 85%. Those that pass are classified S 60 D and S 120 D.

Cabinets meant to provide protection for fragile computer diskettes must maintain an internal temperature no higher than 50° Celsius with humidity below 85%. These will be classified S 60 DIS and S 120 DIS.

Another frequently used European fire test standard is the EN 15659 LFS test.