SR137 Development of vertical channel test for regulatory control of combustible exterior cladding systems (2005)

The aim of the vertical channel test is to provide a cost-effective alternative fire test method for evaluation of the propensity for vertical flame spread on combustible claddings.

Presently in New Zealand, approved test methods are the small-scale cone calorimeter or the very large and expensive full-scale tests offered only internationally.

A pre-screening method is also developed to provide a low-cost alternative to vertical channel testing of cladding materials for research and development purposes.

Recommendations have been made for inclusion of the vertical channel test method into the New Zealand Building Code Acceptable Solutions as a suitable test method for the assessment of combustible claddings.