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BRITISH STANDARD BS EN
438-3:2005

High-pressure
decorative laminates
(HPL) — Sheets based
on thermosetting resins
(Usually called
laminates) —
Part 3: Classification and specifications
for laminates less than 2 mm thick
intended for bonding to supporting
substrates

The European Standard EN 438-3:2005 has the status of a

British Standard

ICS 83.140.20

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
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BS EN 438-3:2005
This British Standard was
published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee
on 26 July 2005
© BSI 26 July 2005
ISBN 0 580 45454 1
National foreword
This British Standard is the official English language version
of EN 438-3:2005. BS EN 438-3:2005 together with BS EN 438 Parts 1, 2 and
4 to 7 supersedes BS EN 438-1:1991 and BS EN 438-2:1991 which are
withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
PRI/76, Laminated sheet for decorative purposes, which has the responsibility
to:
— aid enquirers to understand the text;
— present to the responsible international/European committee any
enquiries on the interpretation, or proposals for change, and keep the
UK interests informed;
— monitor related international and European developments and
promulgate them in the UK.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
Cross-references
The British Standards which implement international or European
publications referred to in this document may be found in the BSI Catalogue
under the section entitled “International Standards Correspondence Index”,
or by using the “Search” facility of the BSI Electronic Catalogue or of
British Standards Online.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.
Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, the EN title page,
pages 2 to 15 and a back cover.
The BSI copyright notice displayed in this document indicates when the
document was last issued.
Amendments issued since publication
Amd. No. Date Comments
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EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 438-3

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM January 2005

ICS 83.140.20 Supersedes EN 438-1:1991, EN 438-2:1991

English version

High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on

thermosetting resins (Usually called Laminates) - Part 3:
Classification and specifications for laminates less than 2 mm
thick intended for bonding to supporting substrates

Stratifiés décoratifs haute pression (HPL) - Plaques à base
de résines thermodurcissables (communément appelées
stratifiés) - Partie 3 : Classification et spécifications des
stratifiés d'épaisseur inférieure à 2 mm destinés à être
collés sur des supports
Dekorative Hochdruck-Schichtpressstoffplatten (HPL) -
Platten auf Basis härtbarer Harze (Schichtpressstoffe) -
Teil 3: Klassifizierung und Spezifikationen für Platten mit
einer Dicke kleiner als 2 mm, vorgesehen zum Verkleben
auf ein Trägermaterial

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 August 2004.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the Central Secretariat or to any CEN member.

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official
versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: rue de Stassart, 36 B-1050 Brussels

© 2005 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 438-3:2005: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

Contents

page
Foreword..............................................................................................................................................................3
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................4
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................4
3 Term and Definition ...............................................................................................................................4
4 Material types .........................................................................................................................................4
5 Classification systems ..........................................................................................................................5
6 Requirements .........................................................................................................................................7
Annex A (informative) Addendum to Table 5 relating to test method 25: Scratch Resistance. ..............12
Annex B (informative) Addendum to Clause 6.4.3, relating to fire performance. .....................................13
Annex C (informative) Addendum relating to electrostatic properties .......................................................14
Bibliography ......................................................................................................................................................15

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 438-3:2005) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 249 “Plastics”, the
secretariat of which is held by IBN.

This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by July 2005, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by
July 2005.

This document supersedes EN 438-1:1991 and EN 438-2:1991.

This Standard consists of seven parts:

Part 1: Introduction and general information
Part 2: Determination of properties
Part 3: Classification and specifications for laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding to supporting
substrates
Part 4: Classification and specifications for Compact laminates of thickness 2 mm and greater
Part 5: Classification and specifications for flooring grade laminates less than 2 mm thick intended for bonding to
supporting substrates
Part 6: Classification and specifications for Exterior-grade Compact laminates of thickness 2 mm and greater
Part 7: Compact laminate and HPL composite panels for internal and external wall and ceiling finishes

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

1 Scope
This Part of EN 438 applies to laminates less than 2 mm thick normally intended for bonding to supporting
substrates to produce HPL composite panels and establishes a classification system for high-pressure decorative
laminates according to their performance and main recommended fields of application, including materials with
special characteristics, for example formability or defined reaction to fire. This Part of EN 438 also specifies
requirements for the properties of the various types of laminates covered by this classification system.

High-pressure decorative laminates are characterised by their qualities, durability and functional performance. HPL
sheets are available in a wide variety of colours, patterns and surface finishes; they are resistant to wear,
scratching, impact, moisture, heat and staining; and possess good hygienic and anti-static properties, being easy to
clean and maintain.

EN 438-2 specifies the methods of test relevant to this Part of EN 438. Parts 4, 5, etc. of EN 438 are reserved for
special types of HPL materials.

2 Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references,
only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.
EN 438-2, High-pressure decorative laminates (HPL) - Sheets based on thermosetting resins (Usually called
Laminates) – Part 2: Determination of properties.
EN 12721:1997, Furniture - Assessment of surface resistance to wet heat (ISO 4211-2:1993 modified)
EN ISO 1183-1:2004, Plastics - methods for determining the density of non-cellular plastics - Part 1: Immersion
method, liquid pyknometer method and titration method (ISO 1183-1:2004)

3 Term and Definition

For the purposes of this document, the following term and definition applies:

3.1
High-pressure decorative laminate(s) (HPL)
Sheet(s) consisting of layers of cellulosic fibrous material (normally paper) impregnated with thermosetting resins
and bonded together by the high pressure process described below. The surface layer(s) on one side, having
decorative colours or designs, are impregnated with melamine based resins. The core layers are impregnated with
phenolic based resins. The back of the sheet(s) is made suitable for adhesive bonding to a substrate.

The high pressure process is defined as the simultaneous application of heat (temperature ≥ 120° C) and high
specific pressure (≥ 5 MPa), to provide flowing and subsequent curing of the thermosetting resins to obtain a
homogeneous non-porous material with increased density (≥1,35 g/cm³), and with the required surface finish.

4 Material types
4.1 Type S - Standard grade decorative laminates.

4.2 Type P - Postformable decorative laminates; similar to type S but can also be formed at elevated
temperature.

4.3 Type F - Decorative laminates with improved fire retardance; similar to types S or P but also meeting special
requirements of specified fire tests which may vary according to the application (e.g. construction, marine,
transport) and the country of use (see Clause 6.4.3 and Annex B).

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

5 Classification systems

5.1 General

Two different HPL classification systems are commonly used in Europe, and both have been included in this
document as alternatives.

5.2 Numerical classification system

In this system the classification of a letter denoting material type (see Clause 4) followed by three index numbers
showing the levels of performance for wear resistance, impact resistance and scratch resistance respectively.
Table 1 shows the performance levels corresponding to the index numbers.

Table 1 — Numerical classification

FIRST INDEX NUMBER - WEAR RESISTANCE a)

2 3 4

INITIAL POINT(revs) ≥50 ≥ 150 ≥ 350

WEAR VALUE (revs) ≥150 ≥ 350 ≥ 1000

SECOND INDEX NUMBER - IMPACT RESISTANCE a)

2 3 4

SMALL DIAMETER BALL (N) ≥ 15 ≥ 20 ≥ 25

THIRD INDEX NUMBER - SCRATCH RESISTANCE a)

2 3 4

SCRATCH RESISTANCE (Rating) 2 3 4

a) Index numbers 2, 3, and 4 are specified to maintain consistency with EN 438:1991. Index number 1 represents a
lower quality level that does not apply to HPL covered by the scope of this part of the standard.

5.3 Alphabetical classification system

This system uses three letters to classify laminates as shown in Table 2.

Table 2 — Alphabetical classification

FIRST LETTER SECOND LETTER THIRD LETTER

H (HORIZONTAL GRADE) G (GENERAL PURPOSE) S (STANDARD GRADE)

or V (VERTICAL GRADE) or D (HEAVY DUTY) or P (POSTFORMABLE GRADE)

or F (FLAME-RETARDANT GRADE)

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

Table 3 compares the alternative classification systems and shows how different HPL products relate to some
typical applications. The list of typical applications shown for each category is for guidance only and is not intended
to be comprehensive.

Table 3 — Classification system and typical applications

PERFORMANCE MATERIAL NUMERICAL CLASSIFICATION EQUIVALENT EXAMPLES OF TYPICAL
CATEGORY TYPE INDEX NUMBERS ALPHABETICAL APPLICATIONS
CLASSIFICATION

WEAR IMPACT SCRATCH

RESIST- RESIST- RESIST-
ANCE ANCE ANCE

VERY HIGH HDS (HORIZONTAL COUNTER TOPS,

RESISTANCE TO HEAVY-DUTY INSTITUTIONAL
SURFACE WEAR S, F or P 4 4 4 STANDARD), APPLICATIONS (PRISONS,
HDF (HORIZONTAL MILITARY BARRACKS, ETC.)
VERY HIGH HEAVY-DUTY FLAME-
RESISTANCE TO RETARDANT), OR
IMPACT HDP (HORIZONTAL
HEAVY- DUTY
POSTFORMING)
VERY HIGH
RESISTANCE TO
SCRATCHING

HIGH HGS (HORIZONTAL KITCHEN AND OFFICE

RESISTANCE TO GENERAL-PURPOSE WORKING SURFACES,
SURFACE WEAR STANDARD), RESTAURANT AND HOTEL
HGF (HORIZONTAL TABLES, DOORS AND WALL
HIGH GENERAL-PURPOSE COVERINGS IN PUBLIC
S, F or P 3 3 3 FLAME-RETARDANT), OR AREAS, INTERIOR WALLS OF
RESISTANCE TO
IMPACT HGP (HORIZONTAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT
GENERAL-PURPOSE VEHICLES
POSTFORMING)
HIGH
RESISTANCE TO
SCRATCHING

MEDIUM VGS (VERTICAL FRONT PANELS FOR

RESISTANCE TO GENERAL-PURPOSE KITCHEN, OFFICE AND
SURFACE WEAR STANDARD), BATHROOM FURNITURE,
VGF (VERTICAL WALL COVERINGS, CEILING
MEDIUM GENERAL- PURPOSE PANELS, SHELVES , AND
S, F or P 2 2 2 FLAME-RETARDANT), OR FURNITURE ELEMENTS
RESISTANCE TO
IMPACT VGP (VERTICAL
GENERAL-PURPOSE
POSTFORMING)
MEDIUM
RESISTANCE TO
SCRATCHING

NOTE 1 Combinations of wear, impact and scratch resistance index numbers other than those shown in Table 3 are possible and can be specified
using the numerical classification system. In such cases properties other than wear resistance, impact resistance and scratch resistance shall meet
the requirements specified for type VG in Table 5.

NOTE 2 Some HPL products intended for vertical applications, having special optical effects (e.g. pearlescent laminates) are also available. With
the exception of wear resistance, these products may meet the requirements of type VG, but are outside the scope of this part of the standard.

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

5.4 Nomenclature

In addition to the abbreviation “HPL” and the number of this document, materials can be specified either by the
numerical classification system, or by the alphabetical classification system. For example, horizontal general-
purpose postformable laminate can be specified as HPL/EN 438-3/P333 or HPL/EN 438-3/HGP.

6 Requirements

6.1 Compliance

Laminates classified in Table 3 shall meet all appropriate requirements specified in Clauses 6.2, 6.3 and 6.4. This
applies to both full-size sheets and cut-to-size panels.

6.2 Inspection requirements

6.2.1 General

Inspection shall be carried out in accordance with EN 438-2, Test Method 4 at a distance of 1,5 m.

6.2.2 Colour and pattern

When inspected in daylight or D65 standard illuminant and again under tungsten illuminant F, there shall be no
significant difference between the corresponding colour reference sample held by the supplier and the specimen
under test.

NOTE Where colour and surface finish are critical, it is recommended that sheets be checked for colour and surface-finish
compatibility before fabrication or installation.

6.2.3 Surface finish

When inspected at different viewing angles, there shall be no significant difference between the corresponding
surface-finish reference sample held by the supplier and the specimen under test.

NOTE Where colour and surface finish are critical, it is recommended that sheets be checked for colour and surface-finish
compatibility before fabrication or installation.

6.2.4 Reverse side

The reverse side of sheets shall be suitable for adhesive bonding (e.g. sanded). In the case of sanded backs, slight
chatter marks are permitted.

6.2.5 Visual inspection

The following inspection requirements are intended as a general guide, indicating the minimum acceptable quality
for laminates. Cut-to-size panels and certain applications involving full-size sheets may call for special quality
requirements which can be negotiated between supplier and purchaser; in such cases the following requirements
may be used as a basis for agreement. It shall be noted that only a small percentage of sheets in a
batch (the level to be agreed with the customer) shall contain defects of the minimum acceptable level.

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

6.2.5.1 Surface quality

The following surface defects are permissible:

Dirt, spots and similar surface defects

The admissible size of such defects is based on a maximum contamination area equivalent to 1,0 mm²/m² of
laminate and is proportional to the sheet size under inspection.

The total admissible area of contamination may be concentrated in one spot or dispersed over an unlimited
amount of smaller defects.

Fibres, hairs and scratches

The admissible size of defects is based on a maximum contamination length equivalent to 10 mm/m² of laminate
and is proportional to the sheet size under inspection.

The total admissible length of contamination may be concentrated in one defect or dispersed over an unlimited
amount of smaller defects.

6.2.5.2 Edge quality

Visual defects (e.g. moisture marks, lack of gloss, corner damage, etc.) can be present on all four edges of the
laminate, providing the defect-free length and width are at least the nominal size minus 20mm.

6.3 Dimensional tolerance requirements

Dimensional tolerance requirements are specified in Table 4.

Table 4 — Dimensional tolerance requirements

PROPERTY TEST METHOD REQUIREMENT

(EN 438-2CLAUSE No.)

THICKNESS 5 0,5 ≤ t ≤ 1,0mm: ± 0,10mm maximum

variation

1,0 < t < 2,0mm: ± 0,15mm maximum

variation

(where t = nominal thickness)

a)
FLATNESS 9 60mm/m maximum deviation

b)
LENGTH AND WIDTH 6 + 10 mm / - 0 mm

b)
STRAIGHTNESS OF EDGES 7 1,5mm/m maximum deviation

b)
SQUARENESS 8 1,5mm/m maximum deviation

a) Provided that the laminates are stored in the manner and conditions recommended by the manufacturer they shall
comply with the flatness requirements specified inTable 4 when measured in accordance with EN 438-2Clause 9.

b) Tolerances for cut-to-size panels shall be agreed between supplier and purchaser.

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6.4

6.4.1
Test requirements

General requirements

General requirements specified in Table 5.

EN 438-3:2005 (E)

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

Table 5 — General requirements.

Property Test method Property or attribute Unit (max or min) Laminate grade
(EN 438-
2Clause no.
Unless
otherwise HDS HGS VGS
stated) HDF HGF VGF
HDP HGP VGP

444 333 222

Resistance to surface wear 10 Wear resistance revolutions (min)

initial point 350 150 50
wear value 1000 350 150

Resistance to impact by small 20 Spring force N (min) 25 20 15

diameter ball

Resistance to impact by large 21 Drop height mm (min) 1000 800 600

diameter ball (optional) Indent diameter mm (max) 10 10 10

Resistance to scratching 25 Force Rating (see Annex A) 4 3 2

Dimensional stability at elevated 17 Cumulative dimensional % (max) La) 0,45 0,55 0,75
temperature change
Tb) 0,90 1,05 1,25

Resistance to immersion in 12 Appearance Rating (min)

boiling water gloss finish 3 3 3
other finishes 4 4 4

Resistance to dry heat (180°C) 16 Appearance Rating (min)

gloss finish 3 3 3
other finishes 4 4 4

Resistance to wet heat (100°C) EN Appearance Rating (min)

12721:1997 gloss finish 3 3 3
other finishes 4 4 4

Resistance to staining 26 Appearance Rating (min)

groups 1 & 2 5 5 5
group 3 4 4 4

Light fastness (xenon arc) 27 Contrast Grey scale rating 4 to 5 4 to 5 4 to 5

Resistance to water vapour 14 Appearance Rating (min)

gloss finish 3 3 3
other finishes 4 4 4

Resistance to cigarette burns 30 Appearance Rating (min) 3 3 3

Resistance to cracking under 23 Appearance Rating (min) 4 4 4

stress (optional)

Density EN ISO Density g/cm3 (min) 1,35 1,35 1,35

1183:1987

a) L = in the longitudinal (or machine) direction of the fibrous sheet material (normally the direction of the longest dimension of the laminate).
b) T = in the cross-longitudinal (cross-machine) direction of the fibrous sheet material (at right angles to direction L).

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

6.4.2 Additional requirements for Type P laminates.

In addition to meeting the appropriate requirements specified in Table 5, Type P postformable laminates of
thickness ≤ 1,5mm shall meet the values specified in Table 6 for formability and blister resistance.

Table 6 — Additional requirements for Type P laminates

Property Test method Property or Unit Requirement

(EN 438-2, attribute
Clause no.)

Formability 31 or 32 Radius mm

L a) ≤10 x laminate
nominal thickness
T b) ≤20 x laminate
nominal thickness

Resistance to 33 or 34 Time to blister Seconds

blistering (t2 - t1) Nominal thickness <0,8 mm ≥10
Nominal thickness ≥ 0,8 mm ≥15

a) L = axis of bending parallel to the fibre direction (usually parallel to the direction of sanding).
b) T = axis of bending at right angles to the fibre direction.

6.4.3 Notes on requirements for reaction to fire (see Annex B)

The requirements for reaction to fire are determined by the fire regulations of the country in which the material is to
be used.The reaction-to-fire of construction products is classified in accordance with EN 13501-1.For applications
other than construction, fire test methods and performance requirements may vary from one country to another,
and at present it is not possible, with any test, to predict compliance with all national and other requirements.No fire
performance test is therefore included in this specification, however Annex B gives examples of how high-pressure
laminates relate to EN 13501-1 and some of the more common European fire test methods.

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

Annex A
(informative)

Addendum to Table 5 relating to test method 25: Scratch Resistance.

The degree to which decorative laminates show scuff and scratch marks is influenced by surface finish and colour,
and the limits given in Table 5 indicate the minimum acceptable performance for each grade of laminate. However,
superior scratch resistance performance can be achieved by selecting particular combinations of surface finish,
colour and pattern.

In general terms, scuff and scratch marks are less easily seen on textured surfaces than on plane surface finishes;
light colours are better than dark colours; and prints are usually better than plain colours.

Figure A.1 gives an indication of the effect of surface finish and colour on the scratch resistance performance of
laminates. The choice of surface finish, colour and print can be made to suit the particular application.

1 3

5 6 7
Key:
1. Scratch resistance (force)
2. Deep textures
3. Shallow textures
4. Smooth finishes
5. Dark colours
6. Medium colours
7. Light colours

Figure A.1 - Effects of surface finish and colour on scratch resistance

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

Annex B
(informative)

Addendum to Clause 6.4.3, relating to fire performance.

In Europe, laminate panels intended for construction applications are tested in accordance with EN 13823 (SBI
test) and EN ISO 11925-2 (Small-burner test), and the resulting reaction-to-fire performance is expressed in
accordance with EN 13501-1.

Table B.1 shows typical EN 13501-1 reaction-to-fire classifications of HPL composite panels with wood-based
substrates.

Table B.1 Typical EN 13501-1 classifications of HPL composite panels with wood-based substrates.
Product type Typical EN 13501-1 classification

Composite panels comprising FR HPL bonded to B-s2,d0

FR wood-based substrates

Composite panels comprising non-FR HPL bonded D-s2,d0

to non-FR wood-based substrates

NOTE Fire test performance will depend on laminate thickness and construction, substrate type and thickness, and adhesive used.
The laminate manufacturer should be contacted for details of test reports and certifications held, and for information on fire test
methods and specifications.

For applications other than construction, test methods and specifications may vary from one country to another.
Table B.2 shows some examples of how high-pressure laminates typically relate to some of the more common
European test methods.

Table B.2 Examples of typical fire performance of high-pressure laminates.

Typical performance levels

Test method Test standard EN 438-3 HPL EN 438-3 HPL
Types S and P
Type F
Spread of flame BS 476-7 Class 1 Class 2
Brandschacht DIN 4102-1 B1 B2
Epiradiateur NF P 92-501 M1 M3 or better
Smoke density and NF F 16-101 F2 or better F2 or better
toxicity
Heat release IMO Res.A653(16) Pass Pass
NOTE Fire test performance will depend on laminate thickness and construction, substrate type and thickness, and
adhesive used. The laminate manufacturer should be contacted for details of test reports and certifications held, and for
information on fire test methods and specifications.

NOTE Flame-retardant additives used in high-pressure decorative laminates are not halogen based and remain effective
throughout the service life of the product.

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

Annex C
(informative)
Addendum relating to electrostatic properties

9 12
High-pressure decorative laminates have a surface resistivity of between 1 × 10 and 1× 10 Ω under normal
ambient conditions (i.e. 23 ºC ± 2 ºC and 50 % ± 10 % RH).
HPL surfaces do not easily build-up an electrostatic charge, and do not attract dust.
For special applications such as computer tables, dissipative HPL is available with surface resistivity between
5 9 5 9
1 × 10 and 1 × 10 Ω and volume resistivity between 7,5 × 10 and 1×10 Ω cm (according to EN 61340-5-1 and
EN 61340-5-2).

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EN 438-3:2005 (E)

Bibliography

EN 13501:2002, Fire classification of construction products and building elements – Part 1: Classification using test
data from reaction to fire tests

EN 13823:2002, Reaction to fire tests for building products – Building products excluding floorings exposed to the
thermal attack by a single burning item

EN ISO 11925-2:2002, Reaction to fire tests – Ignitability of building products subjected to direct impingement of
flame – Part 2: Single-flame source test (ISO 11925-2:2002)

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BS EN
438-3:2005
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