What is BS EN 15423 – Fire precautions for air distribution systems in buildings about?
Air terminal devices are component of a ventilation installation which is designed with the purpose of achieving the predetermined movement of air into or from a treated space. These provide ventilation to building spaces which helps in the constant nurturing of fresh air.
BS EN 15423 is a European Standard that discusses ventilation for buildings.
BS EN 15423 aims to provide with best industry fire precautions for air distribution systems in buildings to maintain safety and integrity of ventilation systems in the event of a fire outbreak.
BS EN 15423 gives guidance for system designers, installers, commissioners and maintenance teams on the incorporation of protective measures for air distribution systems including dual purpose systems for smoke and heat exhaust systems within buildings, to prevent the initiation and the spread of fire, smoke and other byproducts of combustion.
BS EN 15423 intends to only support any national (building) regulations, which are the basis of any design of a building or parts of it.
BS EN 15423 applies to all air distribution systems including dual purpose systems (except systems only dedicated to smoke exhaust systems, which are dealt in other European standards) including technical rooms or spaces for the installation of devices to assist in ventilation of a building (e.g. distance of storage of combustible materials to devices and not the fire resistance of the building structure), penetrations, and following components/products used in the system like:
- Inlet/outlet louvres
- Fans not exposed / exposed to the smoke
- Air control dampers
- Ducts
- Fire control dampers
- Air terminal devices
- Anchors and supports
- Duct fittings
- Control panels
- Cables and connections
- Air handling units
- Air filters
- Sound attenuators
- Heat exchangers.
Who is BS EN 15423 - Fire precautions for air distribution systems in buildings for?
BS EN 15423 on fire precautions for air distribution systems in buildings is relevant to:
- Manufacturers of components of air distribution systems
- System designers, installers, commissioners and maintenance teams
- Quality testing personnel
- Installers
- Building management/owners
- Regulatory bodies
- Local and national authorities
Why should you use BS EN 15423 - Fire precautions for air distribution systems in buildings?
Components in the air distribution must be made or installed in such a way that they do not increase the hazard of spreading fire and smoke gases in the case of fire. It must be taken care that the materials used in buildings, air distribution systems and their components do not contribute to the development of fire. For this purpose, BS EN 15423 provides best industry requirements for air distribution systems to ensure the building materials and components offer adequate fire resistance.
BS EN 15423 provides design and installation requirements of air distribution systems and requirements for components intended for fire precautions.
Thus, if you are a manufacturer of components of air distribution systems, compliance with BS EN 15423 requirements can ensure your products are fit for purpose and play a positive role during any fire emergency.