As a manufacturer of Euroclass-B (fully tested to EN 13501-1) wall and ceiling linings, Vtec Group is receiving a growing number of urgent, last-minute enquiries. These typically arise when non-compliant options are rejected late in the process, creating a scramble for compliant alternatives.
EN 13501-1 requires that products be tested in the form and mounting (end-use condition) that is representative of how they will be used in practice.
This means that the product, as tested, must represent the end-use application.
This is often ignored, meaning when checked late in the day, suddenly the product is non-compliant. The only way to avoid this last-minute disaster is to ensure from the get-go that the products have a valid Classification Report for the assembled item, and also that the Field of Application covers the intended use of the product on the project.
Requests are coming from architects—often when technical submissions from contractors fail or clients scrutinise specifications more closely. Main contractors and subcontractor installers are also reaching out when their intended suppliers cannot provide the necessary documentation to confirm compliance.
Despite heightened awareness following the Grenfell Disaster, along with the drive to improve safety standards and the introduction of the Building Safety Act, the required cultural shift has not permeated all areas of the industry.
Fire classification is still sometimes considered too late, or worse, some suppliers gamble on being able to provide documentation later, which often turns out to be inadequate.
Assumptions persist, such as believing that using a non-compliant product without a valid classification report is acceptable, or that applying a coating will ensure compliance. These assumptions are incorrect unless the product has been tested and proven.
Historically, the industry assumed that Building Control approval was sufficient. This previous vagueness did nothing to assist Clients and building owners in their undoubted desire to protect persons and property, which in turn is taken forward by the specifiers and installers.
However, the Building Safety Act clarifies responsibilities, making it clear that responsible parties are accountable for compliance failures.
No. Coatings do not guarantee compliance unless the entire system has been tested and certified. Misunderstandings like these can lead to serious safety risks and project delays.
Not anymore. The Building Safety Act has shifted the burden of responsibility, and Building Control sign-off is no longer a catch-all assurance of compliance.
Clients and architects now demand complete assurance that products are suitable and compliant. They actively check documentation and expect transparency and reliability from suppliers.
Northern Transport Hub – Assumed Fire Performance Without Full Testing
In this project, the product was ordered and a deposit paid based on the assumption that individual components meeting fire ratings would guarantee overall compliance. However, the assembled product had never been tested to EN 13501-1. When tested, it failed, leaving the client scrambling for a compliant solution and facing additional costs and delays.
South Eastern Office Hub – Fire Classification Checked Too Late
Here, the product was fully installed across three floors before anyone requested the fire classification report. When the client finally asked for documentation, none existed. The result? Complete removal and replacement of the installed product, an expensive and disruptive mistake that could have been avoided with early compliance checks.
Vtec Group manufactures fully tested ranges of architectural linings for walls and ceilings. These are tested as assembled items to EN 13501-1 and meet Euroclass B classification.
It is a mistake to assume that individual elements rated Class B mean the whole installed product is compliant. The entire panel must be tested, and the classification report must cover the intended use. The field of Application shown on the Classification report must cover the use on-site.
Through advanced manufacturing processes and rigorous testing, Vtec Group ensures that all products within its range meet Euroclass B standards. This gives everyone in the project chain, from specifiers to installers – complete confidence in fire safety compliance.
