IFAB is an accredited testing laboratory according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 for the performance of fire tests as proof of effectiveness of water-based fire fighting systems. This includes the recording of the measured variables temperature, system pressure of the fire fighting systems or extinguishing systems and gas concentrations (oxygen as well as fire gases carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide). The real fire tests and the measurements are carried out according to valid standards and guidelines of IMO, FM, CEN, DIN, VdS for buildings and industrial buildings as well as according to the ARGE guideline or UNI 11565 for rail vehicles.

Other measured variables (visibility, flow velocities of air and media, gas concentrations, humidity, etc.) required by the standards and norms are recorded by means of the mobile IFAB measuring equipment. Heat release rates are determined in real time using recognized calculation methods.

The following standards and guidelines have been applied for standardized fire tests so far:

IFAB performs smoke tests and fog tests for the different applications mentioned above, such as industrial buildings, tunnels, metro stations or rail vehicles. For this purpose IFAB has the necessary equipment with heat sources, fog generators and smoke generators. This is used to provide evidence for the effectiveness of smoke extraction systems, to investigate the dispersion of smoke gases or to validate the positioning of smoke detectors in rail vehicles. The following standards and guidelines have been applied for smoke tests to date:

Hot smoke tests in rail vehicles in accordance with ARGE Guideline Part 1 represent a special feature. They serve to prove the correct positioning of smoke detectors. The aim is to test the detection time of the designed system. Furthermore, other objectives can be used, such as localization of the fire for zone activation of a fire fighting system. Hot smoke tests are the practical and realistic implementation of the verification of smoke detection systems in rail vehicles.

The tests are carried out in a non-destructive manner and are not dangerous for persons or the vehicle. IFAB's test equipment complies with the specifications of the ARGE guideline. The reaction time of the fire detection system is determined and evaluated on the basis of recognized criteria.

During the tests it is important to include any operating conditions. These can be, for example: air conditioning settings and opening of doors. Such conditions may affect smoke movement. Other detection methods, e.g. based on temperature or flame criteria, can be validated either experimentally or via computer simulations. However, these methods are not commonly used in personal areas. IFAB can, however, demonstrate the effectiveness of such systems when required (e.g. in machinery spaces).

IFAB offers comprehensive support from a single source. Our employees handle the entire process - from test conception - through coordination and organization with the test laboratories to the provision of customized measurement technology solutions and including data acquisition and data evaluation. Together with the customers and, if necessary, authorities and approval bodies, the required documentation and reports for fire tests and smoke tests are prepared.

In addition to accredited test methods for large-scale fire tests, IFAB, as an independent test laboratory, also develops application-specific test methods that are not standardized. Applications can be e.g.:

For the above-mentioned applications, IFAB develops test concepts using the methods from DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, which serve to demonstrate the effectiveness of the following systems:

Special attention is paid to the development and dimensioning of the design fires and design fire scenarios. These must be designed in such a way that, on the one hand, they represent the application case and, on the other hand, they can be reproduced with sufficient accuracy. These requirements are ensured by the use of suitable surrogate fire loads whose combustion characteristics are precisely known.

Such test series are developed in close consultation with the approval bodies (VdS Schadenverhütung GmbH, TÜV Nord, TÜV Süd or TÜV Rheinland, DEKRA, etc.) so that passing the evaluation criteria defined in the test concept leads to approval for the tested application.

- Proof of the efficiency of smoke and heat exhaust systems

- Analysis and optimization of smoke and heat exhaust systems

- Determination of available evacuation time (ASET)

- Determination of detection times of a smoke detection system

- Verification of component load-bearing capacity under the influence of heat

- Determination of the heat input into building components

- Effect of a fire on surrounding persons or objects

- Determination of detection times of heat detectors

- Proof of the efficiency of a fire fighting concept

- Optimization of the arrangement

- Determination of the required evacuation time (RSET)

- Analysis and optimization of escape routes

- Verification of escape route efficiency

- Effects of smoke, pollutant and heat exposure on persons

- Determination of the heat release rates (HRR) of rail vehicles