BS EN 17886:2023
Thermal insulation products. Assessment of the susceptibility to mould growth. Laboratory test method
- Standard No.
- BS EN 17886:2023
- Release Date
- 2023
- Published By
- British Standards Institution (BSI) GB / BSI
- Latest
- BS EN 17886:2023
- Introduction
Analysis of the core content of the standard
BS EN 17886:2023 standard specifies laboratory test methods for evaluating the sensitivity of building instrumental insulation materials to mold growth under specific climatic conditions. It is applicable to factory-prefabricated products (such as panels, mats) and on-site formed products.
Technical framework of the test method
Key elements Technical requirements Implementation points Test strains 6 standard strains (Aspergillus niger, Trichoderma viride, etc.) Must be from the official strain collection center Sample preparation ≥20cm² area, 8-10mm thickness Inhomogeneous materials need to be tested in parts Test conditions 4 temperature and humidity combinations (e.g. 28℃/95%RH) At least 4 weeks
Key technical implementation points
1. Preparation of bacterial suspension
Use Malassez counting plate to ensure that the spore concentration reaches 1×10⁶/mL, and each strain accounts for 1.67×10⁵/mL. Use physiological saline containing 0.05% wetting agent as the carrier.
2. Sample inoculation
The inoculation amount is controlled at 10⁴spores/cm³ sample, and the spraying water amount is (0.015±0.002)g/cm³. For wet construction products, the actual water content needs to be simulated.
3. Culture verification
The glass fiber filter of the control group must reach Grade 2 growth (visible mold spots) to be considered a valid test.
Result evaluation system
A four-level evaluation standard is used:
- Grade 0: No visible mold growth
- Grade 1a: Sporadic bacterial plaques under the microscope (<30% field of view)
- Grade 2: Local mold spots visible to the naked eye
- Grade 3: Large area of dense mold spots
Statistical difference analysis (p=0.05) is required in combination with CFU counts (logarithmic transformation).
Recommendations for the implementation of the standard
- Laboratories need to be equipped with Class II biosafety cabinets and γ irradiation sterilization equipment
- It is recommended to increase material moisture content monitoring (formula: mc=(mwet-mdry)/mdry×100%)
- For antimicrobial treated materials, the additive composition and concentration must be indicated
Analysis of standard evolution
Main improvements compared with the previous version:
1. Add 14℃/95%RH test conditions to simulate cold climates
2. Clarify the test requirements for sub-components of heterogeneous materials
3. Introduce statistical analysis methods to enhance the reliability of results
BS EN 17886:2023 Referenced Document
- EN ISO 3696 Water for Analytical Laboratory Use- Specification and Test Methods (ISO 3696 : 1987)
- EN ISO 7218 Microbiology of the food chain - General requirements and guidance for microbiological examinations (ISO 7218:2024)*， 2024-07-03 Update
- EN ISO 846:2019 Plastics - Evaluation of the action of microorganisms (ISO 846:2019)
BS EN 17886:2023 history
- 2023 BS EN 17886:2023 Thermal insulation products. Assessment of the susceptibility to mould growth. Laboratory test method
