DIN 4102 - B1 German fire protection standard

In Germany, DIN 4102 regulates the fire behaviour of building materials and products. Fire protection class B1 according to DIN 4102-1 is for materials that are difficult to ignite and must extinguish by themselves after removal of the source of the fire. DIN 4102-1 continues to be valid. The newer DIN EN 13501 regulates the classification of building materials throughout Europe. The two standards are only partially comparable, because the European standard also takes into account the secondary effects of fire, such as smoke development and burning debris or dripping.

In most cases, the individual VstättVO regulate the use of materials that may be used at public events, such as theatre or trade fair construction. Since the safety of visitors is paramount, a test certificate must be available for the materials used. The high safety requirements stipulate that only materials may be used that support fire. Class A is awarded to non-flammable building materials. Class B defines flammable building materials. This class is subdivided into "difficult to ignite" B1, "normally flammable" B2 and "easily ignited" B3.

Floor coverings, textiles and other materials labelled B1 "difficult to ignite" according to DIN 4102 have been tested by experts in controlled fire tests and may therefore be used.

It should not go unmentioned that, depending on their absorbency, certain materials canalso be treatedwith fire protection impregnations or flame protection sprays to make them flame retardant