Overview
EN 15254-5:2026 is a key European standard developed by CEN for the extended application of fire resistance test results to non-loadbearing walls made from metal sandwich panels. This document provides technical guidance, defines essential rules, and establishes procedures for applying fire resistance test outcomes to wall configurations with variations in certain parameters. The standard is specifically intended for both internal and external non-loadbearing walls using double skin metal faced sandwich panels, with an insulating core bonded to both facings as described in EN 14509. These structures are not intended to stabilize entire buildings or sections thereof.
By allowing tested results to be extended to similar constructions with permitted variations, EN 15254-5 helps manufacturers, designers, and specifiers demonstrate regulatory fire performance and optimize the use of fire-tested metal sandwich panels in compliance with fire safety requirements.
Key Topics
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Scope of Extended Applications
The standard outlines the principles by which the results of fire resistance tests (conducted to EN 1364-1) can be validly extended to sandwich panel walls with certain differing characteristics, maintaining classification validity to EN 13501-2.
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Permitted Variations
EN 15254-5 specifies the types and extents of permissible variations in:
- Materials, including facing metals, adhesives, and core insulants
- Panel and construction parameters such as thicknesses, widths, span lengths, joint detailing, and fixing systems
- Orientation and installation heights
- Boundary or support conditions
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Rules and Procedures
Clear rules are provided on materials changes (e.g., facings/coatings, adhesives, core types), construction changes (e.g., panel size, joint configurations), and calculation or test methods required to assess and report the implications of changes.
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Assessment and Reporting
Guidance is included on collecting relevant test data, defining panel families for assessment, extrapolating results for various span lengths or panel orientations, and documenting the extended application analysis.
Applications
EN 15254-5 is highly relevant for:
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Manufacturers of Metal Sandwich Panels:
Enables demonstrating fire resistance compliance for various wall configurations, reducing repeated testing for each product variant.
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Building Designers and Specifiers:
Supports proper selection of sandwich panel systems for interior and exterior non-loadbearing walls in buildings subject to fire safety regulations.
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Testing Laboratories:
Provides a standardized approach for interpreting test data and preparing extended application assessments in line with European requirements.
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Regulatory Compliance:
Ensures that the application of tested results remains within the regulatory framework, supporting classification to EN 13501-2 and harmonized product acceptance across EU markets.
Typical applications include partition walls, façade infills, and internal linings that use factory-made insulated metal sandwich panels in commercial, industrial, and public buildings-situations where verifying fire performance is mandatory but the panels are not part of the primary building stabilisation.
Related Standards
EN 15254-5 is part of a broader suite of fire resistance standards and aligns closely with:
- EN 14509 - Specification for self-supporting double skin metal faced insulating panels
- EN 1364-1 - Fire resistance tests for non-loadbearing elements – Walls
- EN 13501-2 - Fire classification using data from fire resistance tests
- EN 15725 - Extended application reports on fire performance
- EN 1363-1 / EN 1363-2 - General and additional procedures for fire resistance testing
- EN 1993-1-2 (Eurocode 3) - Structural fire design of steel components
These related documents ensure technical consistency and comprehensive coverage of fire resistance and classification for building elements and materials.
By providing clear procedures for extending fire resistance test results, EN 15254-5:2026 facilitates efficient, reliable, and compliant use of metal sandwich panel wall systems throughout European construction projects. This supports both regulatory demands and innovative use of modern insulated panel products.
