Fire resistance is the strength of a building element to maintain its necessary function, integrity and thermal insulation. No building material is really fireproof. However, in well-built buildings, some tragic events can be prevented by using relatively fire-resistant materials.

In a fire, it takes longer for flames to affect fire-resistant materials. The key is to build a building where the fire will be slower. In this way, people are given sufficient escape time. Therefore, in practice, construction materials are classified according to their degree of influence.

The TS EN 13501 standard issued by the Turkish Standards Institute (TSE) regulates the fire classification of building products and structural elements. According to this:

• Section 1: Classification using data from fire behavior tests

• Section 2: Classification using data obtained from fire resistance tests (excluding ventilation installations)

• Section 3: Classification using data obtained from fire resistance tests on products and elements used in building service installations (fire resistant air ducts and fire dampers)

• Section 4: Classification using data from fire resistance tests on components of smoke control systems

• Section 5: Classification using data from the exposure of roofs to external fires

• Section 6: Classification using data from the reactions of fire tests on electrical cables

Today, using the opportunities of technology, fire-resistant glass windows, fire-resistant concrete and fire-resistant bricks are produced. Fire protection systems are an important component in the security planning of each building, regardless of whether it is a commercial facility, hospital or training facility.

The fire resistance and reaction tests performed by the competent authorities comply with the methods and standards published by domestic and foreign organizations.