This part of EN 1364 specifies a method for determining the fire resistance of ceilings, which in themselves possess fire resistance independent of any building element above them. This European Standard is used in conjunction with EN 1363-1.
The method is applicable to ceilings, which are either suspended by hangers or fixed directly to a supporting frame or construction, and to self-supporting ceilings.
Within this test method, the ceiling is exposed to fire, with the exposure being applied either:
a) from below the ceiling, or
b) from above the ceiling to simulate fire within the cavity above the ceiling.
The contribution to fire resistance which a suspended ceiling might provide as a protective membrane to loadbearing elements is determined using the procedure given in EN 13381-1. The fire resistance of loadbearing floors in conjunction with a suspended ceiling can also be assessed by using tests according to EN 1365-2.