Overview
EN 1094-2:1998 (CEN) - Insulating refractory products - Part 2: Classification of shaped products - is a European standard derived from ISO 2245:1990 (modified). It defines a classification system for shaped insulating refractory products based primarily on the determination of permanent change in dimension on heating, with a secondary classification by bulk density to identify lightweight products (designated Class L). The standard explicitly excludes products composed of ceramic fibres.
Key topics and requirements
- Classification criteria: Primary classification is determined by measuring the permanent dimensional change after heating, providing a measure of thermal stability for shaped insulating refractories.
- Secondary classification (bulk density): Products with low bulk density are identified as lightweight (Class L), addressing thermal insulation performance and handling characteristics.
- Scope limitation: Ceramic fibre–based insulating products are excluded from this part of the standard.
- Standard lineage: EN 1094-2 implements a modified form of ISO 2245:1990, aligning European classification practice with international methodology.
- Intended outputs: A consistent set of product classes that manufacturers, testers, and specifiers can reference for selection, specification, and quality control of shaped insulating refractories.
Applications and who uses it
EN 1094-2 is practical for professionals involved with high-temperature insulation and refractory selection:
- Manufacturers of shaped insulating refractories (bricks, blocks, preformed shapes) for classifying product lines and communicating performance.
- Materials engineers and designers specifying insulating refractories for furnaces, kilns, incinerators and other high-temperature industrial equipment.
- Procurement and QA teams using standardized classes to set acceptance criteria and perform incoming inspections.
- Testing laboratories that determine permanent dimensional change and measure bulk density for compliance and certification.
- Standards committees and regulatory bodies referencing harmonized classification methods for safety and performance documentation.
Practical benefits include clearer product selection, improved interoperability between suppliers and end-users, consistent quality control, and better matching of insulating refractory performance to thermal and structural requirements.
Related standards
- EN 1094-2 is based on ISO 2245:1990 (modified).
- Users should consult complementary standards and test-method documents for detailed measurement procedures (e.g., standards on refractory test methods, bulk density measurement, and thermal stability testing) when implementing EN 1094-2 classifications.
