NF EN 520+A1

NF EN 520+A1
NOVEMBRE 2009
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Afnor, Normes en ligne pour: SINIAT le 08/01/2013 à 11:08 NF EN 520+A1:2009-11
FE165054 ISSN 0335-3931
European standard NF EN 520+A1

November 2009
French standard Classification index: P 72-600
ICS: 91.100.10
Gypsum plasterboards
Definitions, requirements and test methods
F : Plaques de plâtre — Définitions, spécifications et méthodes d'essai

D : Gipsplatten — Begriffe, Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
French standard approved

by decision of the Director General of AFNOR on October 28, 2009 taking effect on
November 28, 2009.
© AFNOR 2009 — All rights reserved
Replaces the approved standard NF EN 520 dated April 2005.
Correspondence The European standard EN 520:2004+A1:2009 has the status of French standard.
Analysis This document specifies the characteristics and performance of gypsum plasterboards
intended to be used in building construction works including those intended for secondary
manufacturing operations.
It includes boards designed to receive either direct surface decoration or gypsum plaster.
Plasterboard can be fixed by various methods, such as nailing or screwing or gluing
with mortar made from plaster or other types of adhesives. They can also be introduced
in a suspended ceiling system.
This document falls within the context of European Directive 89/106/EC on construction
products.
Descriptors Technical International Thesaurus: plasterboard, definitions, mechanical properties,

breaking load, fire tests, acoustic properties, thermal resistance, dimensions, dimensional
tolerances, tests, flexural strength, water absorption tests, cohesion, density (mass/volume),
shock resistance, shear strength, conformity tests, designation, marking, sampling.
Modifications With respect to the replaced document, limited revision regarding the following points:
— modification des articles and paragraphs 2, 3.2.6, 4.9.1, 4.9.1.3, 4.9.2.3, 4.10, 5.9.2.3, C.1,
ZA.1, ZA.2, ZA.3 and of Annex B;
— addition of paragraph 3.4.
Corrections
Published and distributed by Association Française de Normalisation (AFNOR — French standard institute) — 11, rue Francis de Pressensé —
93571 La Plaine Saint-Denis Cedex — Tel.: + 33 (0)1 41 62 80 00 — Fax: + 33 (0)1 49 17 90 00 — www.afnor.org
© AFNOR 2009 AFNOR 2009 1st issue 2009-11-P

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 520:2004+A1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM August 2009
ICS 01.040.91; 91.100.10 Supersedes EN 520:2004
English Version
Gypsum plasterboards - Definitions, requirements and test

methods
Plaques de plâtre - Définitions, spécifications et méthodes Gipsplatten - Begriffe, Anforderungen und Prüfverfahren
d'essai
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 16 August 2004 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 20 July 2009.
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 CEN Management Centre 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 CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,
France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG
Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels
© 2009 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 520:2004+A1:2009: E
worldwide for CEN national Members.
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Contents
page
Foreword ..............................................................................................................................................................3
Introduction .........................................................................................................................................................4
1 Scope ......................................................................................................................................................7
2 Normative references ............................................................................................................................7
3 Terms and definitions ...........................................................................................................................8
4 Requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 12
5 Test methods....................................................................................................................................... 17
6 Evaluation of conformity .................................................................................................................... 34
7 Designation of plasterboards ............................................................................................................ 36
8 Marking, labelling and packaging ..................................................................................................... 37
Annex A (informative) Sampling procedure for testing............................................................................... 38
A.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 38
A.2 Sampling procedure ........................................................................................................................... 38
A.2.1 Random sampling .............................................................................................................................. 38
A.2.2 Representative sampling ................................................................................................................... 38
Annex B (normative) !Conditions for reaction to fire classification of gypsum plasterboards without
further testing...................................................................................................................................... 40
B.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 40
B.1 End use application ............................................................................................................................ 40
B.1.1 General ................................................................................................................................................. 40
B.1.2 (Method 1) Mechanically fixed to a supporting substructure ........................................................ 40
B.1.3 (Method 2) Mechanically fixed to a solid wood-based substrate .................................................. 41
B.1.4 (Method 3) Mechanically fixed or bonded to a solid substrate (dry lining system)" ............... 41
Annex C (normative) Mounting and fixing in the test according to EN 13823 (SBI test) ......................... 42
C.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 42
C.1 General applications .......................................................................................................................... 42
C.2 Limited applications regarding joint filling ...................................................................................... 44
C.3 Limited applications regarding wood based substrates" ........................................................... 44
Annex ZA (informative) Clauses of this European Standard addressing provisions of EU Construction
Products Directive .............................................................................................................................. 46
ZA.1 Scope and relevant characteristics .................................................................................................. 46
ZA.2 Attestation and declaration of conformity of gypsum plasterboards ........................................... 47
ZA.3 CE marking and labeling .................................................................................................................... 51
Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................................... 54
2
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Foreword
This document (EN 520:2004+A1:2009) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 241 “Gypsum and
gypsum based products”, the secretariat of which is held by AFNOR.
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 February 2010, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest
by February 2010.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights.
CEN [and/or CENELEC] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 2009-07-20.
This document supersedes EN 520:2004.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags!"͘
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European
Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following
countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.
3
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Introduction
Gypsum plasterboards are composed of a plaster core encased in, and firmly bonded to paper liners to form flat
rectangular boards. !This composition allows them properties which make gypsum plasterboards particularly
suitable for use in situations where fire protection, sound and thermal insulation are required."
Gypsum plasterboards may be fixed by various methods e.g. nailing, screwing or sticking with gypsum based or
other adhesives. They may also be inserted in a suspended ceiling system.
Gypsum plasterboards are selected for use according to their type, size, thickness and edge profile. The boards
may be used for example to provide dry lining finishes to walls, to fixed and suspended ceilings, to partitions, or as
cladding to structural columns and beams. Other uses may be for flooring and sheathing application.
Diagrams 1 and 2 show the relationship between this standard and the package of standards prepared to support
the families of gypsum and ancillary products.
4
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
"
Diagram 1 — Family of gypsum products
5
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
"
Diagram 2 — Family of ancillary products
6
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
1 Scope
This document specifies the characteristics and performance of gypsum plasterboards intended to be used in
building construction works including those intended for secondary manufacturing operations. It includes boards
designed to receive either direct surface decoration or gypsum plaster.
This document covers the following product performance characteristics: reaction to fire, water vapour permeability,
flexural strength (breaking load), impact resistance and thermal resistance.
The following performance characteristics are linked to systems assembled with plasterboards: shear strength, fire
resistance, impact resistance !," direct airborne sound insulation and acoustic absorption to be measured
according to the corresponding European test methods. If required, tests should be done on assembled systems
simulating the end use conditions.
This document covers also additional technical characteristics that are of importance for the use and acceptance of
the product by the Construction Industry and the reference tests for these characteristics.
It provides for the evaluation of conformity of the product to this document.
This document does not cover plasterboards, which have been subject to any secondary manufacturing operations
(e.g. insulating composite panels, plasterboards with thin lamination, etc.).
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 336, Structural timber — Sizes, permitted deviations
EN 338, Structural timber — Strength classes
EN 1995-1-1, Eurocode 5 — Design of timber structures
EN 12114, Thermal performance of buildings — Air permeability of building components and building elements —
Laboratory test method
EN 12524, Building materials and products — Hygrothermal properties — Tabulated design values
EN 12664, Thermal performance of building materials and products — Determination of thermal resistance by
means of guarded hot plate and heat flow meter methods — Dry and moist products of medium and low thermal
resistance
EN 13501-1, Fire classification of construction products and building elements — Part 1: Classification using test
data from reaction to fire tests
EN 13501-2, Fire classification of construction products and building elements — Part 2: Classification using data
from fire resistance tests, excluding ventilation services
EN 13823, Reaction to fire tests for building products — Building products excluding floorings exposed to the
thermal attack by a single burning item
!EN 13963", Jointing materials for gypsum plasterboards — Definitions, requirements and test methods
EN 14195, Metal framing components for gypsum plasterboard systems — Definitions, requirements and test
methods
7
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
!EN 14566", Mechanical fasteners for gypsum plasterboard systems — Definitions, requirements and test
methods
EN ISO 140-3, Acoustics — Measurement of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements — Part 3:
Laboratory measurements of airborne sound insulation of building elements (ISO 140-3:1995)
EN ISO 354, Acoustics — Measurement of sound absorption in a reverberation room (ISO 354:2003)
EN ISO 536, Paper and board — Determination of grammage (ISO 536:1995)
EN ISO 717-1, Acoustics — Rating of sound insulation in buildings and of building elements — Part 1: Airborne
sound insulation (ISO 717-1:1996)
EN ISO 12572, Hygrothermal performance of building materials and products — Determination of water vapour
transmission properties (ISO 12572:2001)
EN ISO 20535, Paper and board — Determination of water absorptiveness — Cobb method (ISO 535:1991)
ISO 7892, Vertical building elements — Impact resistance tests — Impact bodies and general test procedures
3 Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
3.1 gypsum plasterboard

product composed of a plaster core encased in, and firmly bonded to strong durable paper liner to form a flat
rectangular board. The paper surfaces may vary according to the use of the particular type of board and the core
may contain additives to impart additional properties. The longitudinal edges are paper-covered and profiled to suit
the application
3.1.2
edge
paper-covered longitudinal side
3.1.3
end
side transverse to the edges, showing exposed core
3.1.4
face
surface on which the paper extends continuously to cover the edges
3.1.5
back
surface opposite to the face
3.1.6
width
shortest distance between the edges of the board
3.1.7
nominal width (w)
width stated by the producer
3.1.8
length
shortest distance between the ends of the board
8
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
3.1.9
nominal length (l)
length stated by the producer
3.1.10
thickness
distance between the face and the back, excluding edge profiles
3.1.11
nominal thickness (t)
thickness stated by the producer
3.1.12
squareness (s)
rectangularity of the board
3.2 Types of gypsum plasterboards
3.2.1 General
The performance of the types of gypsum plasterboards defined below may be combined in one board in which case
the letter identifying each type of performance satisfied shall be given in the designation.
3.2.2
gypsum plasterboard Type A
plasterboard with a face to which suitable gypsum plasters or decoration may be applied. For the purposes of
identification these boards are designated Type A
3.2.3
gypsum plasterboard Type H (plasterboard with reduced water absorption rate)
types of boards which have additives to reduce the water absorption rate. They may be suitable for special
applications in which reduced water absorption properties are required to improve the performance of the board.
For the purposes of identification, these boards are designated Type H1, H2 and H3, with different water absorption
performance
3.2.4
gypsum plasterboard Type E (gypsum sheathing board)
boards specially manufactured to be used as sheathing board in external walls. They are not intended to receive
decoration. They are not designed to be permanently exposed to external weather conditions. This type of
wallboard has reduced water absorption rate. They shall have a minimum water vapour permeability. For the
purposes of identification these boards are designated Type E
3.2.5
gypsum plasterboard Type F (gypsum plasterboard with improved core adhesion at high temperature)
plasterboard with a face to which suitable gypsum plasters or decoration may be applied. These boards have
mineral fibres and/or other additives in the gypsum core to improve core cohesion at high temperatures. For the
purposes of identification these boards are designated Type F
3.2.6
!gypsum plasterboard Type P
boards which have a face intended to receive gypsum plaster or to be combined by collage with other materials in form of
boards or panels. In case of boards intended to receive gypsum plaster, the edges are either square or round
NOTE For the purpose of identification these boards are designed Type P."
3.2.7
gypsum plasterboard Type D (gypsum plasterboard with controlled density)
These boards have a controlled density, with a face to which suitable gypsum plasters or decoration may be
applied. This enables improved performance in certain applications to be obtained. For the purposes of
identification these boards are designated Type D
9
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
3.2.8
gypsum plasterboard Type R (gypsum plasterboard with enhanced strength)
These boards for special applications where higher strength is required have both increased longitudinal and
transverse breaking loads. They have a face to which suitable gypsum plasters or decoration may be applied. For
the purposes of identification these boards are designated Type R
!3.2.9
gypsum plasterboard Type I (gypsum plasterboard with enhanced surface hardness)
boards which are used for applications where higher surface hardness is required. They have a face to which
suitable gypsum plasters or decoration may be applied. For the purposes of identification these boards are
designated Type I
3.3 Edge and end profiles of gypsum plasterboards"
The paper-covered edges of gypsum plasterboard are square, bevelled, tapered, half-rounded or rounded, or a
combination of each (see examples in Figures 1 to 6).
!deleted text"
Key
1 face
2 back
Figure 1 — Square edge
Key
1 face
2 back
Figure 2 — Bevelled edge
10
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Key
1 face
2 back
Figure 3 — Tapered edge
Key
1 face
2 back
Figure 4 — Half-rounded edge
Key
1 face
2 back
Figure 5 — Half-rounded tapered edge
Key
1 face
2 back
Figure 6 — Rounded edge"
3.4 !Symbols and abbreviations
For the purpose of simplification in product marking and performance information characteristics may be identified
through the symbols and abbreviations given in Table 1.
11
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Table 1 — Symbols and abbreviations
Requirement Sub-clause Symbol or abbreviation

Reaction to fire 4.2.1 R2F
Shear strength 4.1.1 ↑↓
Water vapour factor 4.4 µ
Thermal conductivity 4.7 λ
Fire resistance 4.2.2 FR
Impact resistance 4.3 →I
Flexural strength 4.1.2 F
Acoustic absorption 4.6.2 α
Sound insulation 4.6.1 R
See literature www.company.com
"
4 Requirements
4.1 Mechanical characteristics
4.1.1 Shear strength (strength of board/substructure connection)
When the intended use of plasterboards is for stiffening timber framed building assemblies (i.e. walls, partitions,
roof truss structures, etc.), the conventional shear strength of the plasterboard shall be determined in accordance
with the test method described in 5.13.
NOTE It should be noted that this test does not measure the actual shear strength of the board but rather the strength of
the board/substructure connection that is the relevant property for this application.
4.1.2 Flexural strength (expressed as flexural breaking load)
4.1.2.1 The flexural breaking load of gypsum plasterboard types A, D, E, F, H, I determined in accordance with
the test method described in 5.7, shall not be less than the values given in !Table 2".
Additionally, no individual test shall demonstrate the product to be more than 10 % below the values given
in !Table 2".
12
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
!Table 2" — Flexural breaking load of gypsum plasterboards (Types A, D, E, F, H, I)
Nominal board thickness Flexural breaking load

Thickness mm N
Transverse direction Longitudinal direction
9,5 160 400
Common 12,5 210 550
15,0 250 650
Other thickness t 16,8 ⋅ t 43 ⋅ t
4.1.2.2 The flexural breaking load of enhanced strength gypsum plasterboard type R, or combined determined
in accordance with the test method described in 5.7, shall not be less than the values given in !Table 3".
Additionally, no individual test shall demonstrate the product to be more than 10 % below the values given
in !Table 3".
!Table 3" — Flexural breaking load of enhanced strength gypsum plasterboards (Type R or combined)

Thickness mm N
12,5 300 725
Common
15,0 360 870
Other thickness t 24 ⋅ t 58 ⋅ t
4.1.2.3 The flexural breaking load of gypsum baseboards (type P) determined as described in 5.7, shall not be
less than the values given in !Table 4".
In addition, no individual test shall demonstrate the product to be more than 10 % below the values given
in !Table 4".
!Table 4" — Flexural breaking load of gypsum baseboards (Type P)

mm N
9,5 125 180
12,5 165 235
4.1.3 Deflection under load
When required, the deflection under load shall be determined in accordance with the test method described in 5.8.
4.2 Fire behaviour
4.2.1 Reaction to fire
Where subject to regulatory requirements, the plasterboard shall either be Classified Without Further Testing
according to the provisions of Annex B or it shall be tested and classified according to EN 13501-1.
13
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Plasterboards tested according to EN 13823 (SBI test) shall be mounted and fixed in accordance with Annex C or
when the producer wishes to claim performance for a specific intended use, the mounting and fixing shall be
representative of that intended use.
When required, the paper grammage shall be determined according to EN ISO 536.
4.2.2 Resistance to fire
NOTE Resistance to fire is a characteristic dependent on an assembled system and not of the product in isolation.
When required, the fire resistance of a system including gypsum plasterboard shall be classified in accordance with
EN 13501-2.
4.3 Impact resistance
NOTE Impact resistance is a characteristic dependent on an assembled system and not of the product in isolation.
When required, the impact resistance of a system including gypsum plasterboard shall be determined in
accordance with ISO 7892.
4.4 Water vapour permeability (expressed as water vapour resistance factor)
When the intended use of gypsum plasterboards is for moisture diffusion control, tabulated design values of water
vapour resistance factor for gypsum plasterboards given in EN 12524 may be used.
Alternatively, the water vapour resistance factor shall be determined using the method given in EN ISO 12572.
4.5 Air permeability
When the intended use of gypsum plasterboards is sheathing in external walls, a design value of
1,4 x 10-6 m3/m2·s·Pa may be used for air permeability of gypsum plasterboards.
When required, air permeability shall be determined in accordance with EN 12114.
4.6 Acoustic properties
4.6.1 Direct airborne sound insulation
NOTE Direct airborne sound insulation is a characteristic dependent on an assembled system and not of the product in
isolation.
When required, the direct airborne sound insulation of a system including gypsum plasterboard shall be determined
in accordance with EN ISO 140-3 and EN ISO 717-1.
4.6.2 Acoustic absorption
NOTE Acoustic absorption is a characteristic dependent on an assembled system and not of the product in isolation.
When plasterboards are intended to be used for acoustic conditioning, acoustic absorption shall be measured
according to EN ISO 354.
4.7 Thermal resistance (expressed as thermal conductivity)
When the intended use of plasterboards is to contribute to thermal resistance in building construction works (walls,
partitions, ceilings, etc.), the design values of thermal conductivity for gypsum plasterboards given in EN 12524
may be used.
When required, thermal conductivity shall be determined in accordance with EN 12664.
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EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
4.8 Regulated substances
Materials used in products shall not release any regulated substances in excess of the maximum permitted levels
specified in a relevant document for the material or permitted in the national regulations of the member state of
destination.
4.9 Dimensions and tolerances
4.9.1 !Gypsum plasterboards (Type P)"
4.9.1.1 Width
NOTE Common nominal widths are 400 mm, 600 mm, 900 mm and 1 200 mm. Other widths are also possible.
The width shall be measured as described in 5.2 and compared to the nominal width.
0
The tolerance shall be −8 mm.
4.9.1.2 Length
NOTE Common nominal lengths are 1 200 mm, 1 500 mm, 1 800 mm and 2 000 mm. Other lengths are also possible.
The length shall be measured as described in 5.3 and compared to the nominal length.
0
The tolerance shall be −6 mm.
4.9.1.3 Thickness
NOTE The nominal thicknesses are normally 9,5 mm and 12,5 mm.
The thickness shall be measured as described in 5.4 and compared to the nominal thickness.
!The tolerance shall be +−00,,66 mm."
4.9.2 Gypsum plasterboards Types A, H, D, E, F, I, R or combined
4.9.2.1 Width
NOTE Common nominal widths are 600 mm, 625 mm, 900 mm, 1 200 mm and 1 250 mm. Other widths are also possible.
The width shall be measured as described in 5.2 and compared to the nominal width.
0
The tolerance shall be −4 mm for each individual measurement.
4.9.2.2 Length
The length shall be measured as described in 5.3 and compared to the nominal length.
0
The tolerance shall be −5 mm for each individual measurement.
4.9.2.3 Thickness
NOTE Common nominal thicknesses are 9,5 mm, 12,5 mm and 15 mm. Other nominal thicknesses are also possible.
15
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
The nominal thickness shall be at least 6,0 mm.
The thickness shall be measured as described in 5.4 and compared to the nominal thickness.
!Tolerances for nominal thicknesses below 18 mm shall be +−00,,55 mm."
!For boards of nominal thickness equal to or greater than 18 mm, the tolerance shall be +−0,04
0,04 × thickness in mm
rounded to the nearest 0,1 mm."
The difference between individual thickness measurements on any individual board shall not exceed 0,8 mm.
4.9.2.4 Squareness of ends
The deviation from squareness measured as described in 5.5 shall not exceed 2,5 mm per metre of width.
4.9.2.5 Edge and end profiles
The edge and end profiles may vary widely depending upon the jointing system and decorative and aesthetic
considerations. The exception is the tapered edge and the half-rounded tapered edge profile.
For the tapered edge and the half-rounded tapered edge profile, when measured as described in 5.6, each
individual reading shall be between the following limits:
 depth of taper: between 0,6 mm and 2,5 mm;
 width of taper: between 40 mm and 80 mm.
4.10 Additional requirements for gypsum plasterboards Types H1, H2, H3 (with reduced water
absorption)
!The surface water absorption of the board determined by the method described in 5.9.1 for the face of the
board shall not be greater than the values shown in Table 5.
The total water absorption of boards, determined by the method described in 5.9.2, shall not be greater than the
values shown in Table 5.
Table 5 — Water absorption classes
Surface water absorption Total water absorption

Water absorption classes 2
g/m %
H1 180 ≤5
H2 220 ≤ 10
H3 300 ≤ 25
"
4.11 Additional requirements for gypsum plasterboards Type E (sheathing boards)
This type of boards shall conform to type H1, H2 or H3 requirements.
The water vapour resistance factor of boards type E determined in accordance with the method described in
EN ISO 12572 shall not be greater than 25.
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EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
4.12 Additional requirements for gypsum plasterboards Type F (with improved core cohesion at
high temperature)
When a type F plasterboard (or combined) is subjected to the test described in 5.10, none of the 6 specimens shall
break.
4.13 Additional requirements for gypsum plasterboards Type D (with controlled density)
The density of gypsum plasterboard type D (or combined) determined as described in 5.11, shall be at least
0,8 x 103 kg/m3.
4.14 Additional requirements for gypsum plasterboards Type I (with enhanced surface hardness)
The surface hardness of gypsum plasterboard type I (or combined) is characterised by the diameter of the
depression produced in the surface according to the test method described in 5.12.
The diameter of the depression shall not be greater than 15 mm.
5 Test methods
5.1 Sampling
Testing shall require three boards of each type and thickness on which tests as described in 5.2 to 5.6 to be carried
out.
Tests according to 5.7 to 5.12 shall be carried out on specimens cut out from the same three boards.
5.2 Determination of width
5.2.1 Principle
The width shall be measured at 3 positions along the length of the board.
5.2.2 Apparatus
A metal rule or tape permitting readings to 1 mm.
5.2.3 Procedure
Take three measurements between the extremities of the boards (see Figure 7) to the nearest 1 mm, one near
each end and one near the middle of the board.
17
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Figure 7 — Determination of width
5.2.4 Expression of results
Each measured value expressed in mm shall be recorded.
5.3 Determination of length
5.3.1 Principle
The length shall be measured at 3 positions across the width of the board.
5.3.2 Apparatus
Figure 8 — Determination of length
5.3.3 Procedure
Take three measurements between the extremities of the board (see Figure 8) to the nearest 1 mm, one near each
edge end and one near the middle of the board.
Each measured value expressed in mm shall be recorded and compared to the nominal length of the board.
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EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
5.4 Determination of thickness
5.4.1 Principle
The thickness of the board shall be measured at 6 points near to one end of the board.
5.4.2 Apparatus
A micrometer, dial gauge, or callipers with an anvil diameter not less than 10 mm and permitting readings to
0,1 mm.
5.4.3 Procedure
Take six measurements (see Figure 9) to the nearest 0,1 mm across one end at approximately equal intervals
across the width and at least 25 mm from the end and 100 mm from the edges. For boards of nominal width not
greater than 600 mm, three measurements shall be sufficient.
Dimensions in millimetres
Figure 9 — Determination of thickness
Record to the nearest 0,1 mm the average of the values obtained for each board.
5.5 Determination of squareness of ends
5.5.1 Principle
Two boards shall be compared with each other and the squareness measured.
5.5.2 Apparatus
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EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
5.5.3 Procedure
Place one board on top of another so that they coincide along one edge and at one corner (circled in Figure 10).
Measure to the nearest 1 mm the distance ∆1 (see Figure 10) between the ends of the opposite edges.
Turn the top board over so that the same ends are together as for the first measurement and ensure that the corner
of the top board coincides with that corner of the lower board used in the first measurement (circled in Figure 10).
Measure the new distance ∆2 between the ends of the opposite edges.
There are three boards, so one shall be used twice.
Figure 10 — Determination of squareness of ends
∆1 + ∆ 2
The squareness is characterised for one of the boards by the half sum and for the other by the half
2w
∆ 2 − ∆1
difference expressed in millimetres per metre.
2w
20
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
5.6 Determination of taper profile
5.6.1 Taper width
5.6.1.1 Principle
A flat metal rule shall be applied to the face of the board and over the taper area.
5.6.1.2 Apparatus
A flat metal rule at least 250 mm long permitting readings to 1 mm.
5.6.1.3 Procedure
Measure the taper width on each edge (300 ± 50) mm from each end.
Determine the taper width (AB) by applying a metal rule to the face of the board parallel to the end as shown in
Figure 12 for tapered edge boards and in Figure 11 for half-rounded tapered edge boards.
Key
1 Face
2 Back
Figure 11 — Determination of taper width - Half-rounded tapered edge
21
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Key
1 Face
2 Back
Figure 12 — Determination of taper width - Tapered edge
5.6.1.4 Expression of results
Record the distance in millimetres between the edge of the board (point A) and the point B at which the rule
touches the face of the board as the taper width (two measurements on each board).
5.6.2 Taper depth
5.6.2.1 Principle
The taper depth shall be measured with a special gauge.
5.6.2.2 Apparatus
A dial gauge mounted on a special measuring device as shown in Figure 13 permitting readings to 0,01 mm.
Key
1 Width to be 25 mm minimum
2 Grip
3 Diameter 2 mm to 5 mm with hemispherical tip
Figure 13 — Device for determination of taper depth
22
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
5.6.2.3 Procedure
Measure the taper depth on each edge (300 ± 50) mm from each end. Place the board on a flat surface. Place the
measuring device on the face of the board, with the gauge 150 mm from the edge and adjust the scale to zero.
Move the device towards the edge and take the reading (10 ± 1) mm from the edge, for the tapered edge board
and (20 ± 1) mm from the edge for the half-rounded tapered edge board.
Record each measurement of taper depth to the nearest 0,1 mm.
5.7 Determination of flexural strength (flexural breaking load)
5.7.1 Principle
The flexural strength of plasterboards shall be characterised by the flexural breaking load.
Specimens (400 x 300) mm cut off the boards shall be subjected to a load which is increased at a controlled rate
until failure occurs.
5.7.2 Apparatus
A loading machine capable of being read to 2 % and capable of applying the necessary load with a rate of
(250 ± 125) N/min.
5.7.3 Procedure
5.7.3.1 Preparation of specimens
Cut two specimens from each board measuring [(400 ± 1,5) x (300 ± 1,5)] mm with all edges square from each
board (as shown in Figure 14).
One specimen is taken in the longitudinal direction (designated L) and the other in the transverse direction
(designated T) (see Figure 14).
Cut the specimens at least 100 mm from ends and edges of the board, except in the case of boards of less than
600 mm width where the distance from the edge may be reduced and shall be equal on either side of the sample.
Dry the specimens to constant mass1) at (40 ± 2) °C and perform the test within 10 min of removal from the drying
oven.
5.7.3.2 Testing
Place each specimen into the loading machine, face down in the case of longitudinal specimens and face up in the
case of transverse specimens, on two parallel supports rounded to a radius between 3 mm and 15 mm, with the
centres (350 ± 1) mm apart.
Apply the load at a rate of (250 ± 125) N/min at the centre ± 2 mm of the span parallel to the supports, by means of
a platen with a rounding radius between 3 mm and 15 mm. Record each failure value to the nearest 1 Newton.
The time from the application of the load to the failure of the specimen shall exceed 20 s.
1) Constant mass is defined as two successive weighings 24 h apart, differing by less than 0,1 %.
23
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Key
1 Zone for sampling other specimens
Figure 14 — Sampling of specimens for determination of flexural breaking load

(example for a 1 200 mm wide board)
Record each individual value and calculate the flexural breaking load as the mean of the 3 longitudinal specimen
values (L) or of the three transverse specimen values (T).
5.8 Determination of deflection under load
The test shall be the same as the one used for flexural breaking load but a continuous record of deflection
produced by the applied load shall be made.
Calculate the mean deflection under load of the 3 longitudinal specimens (L) and also the 3 transverse specimens
(T) as the average of the recorded values for any given load.
5.9 Determination of water absorption
5.9.1 Surface water absorption
5.9.1.1 Principle
The surface of a conditioned specimen shall be exposed to water at (23 ± 2) °C for a fixed time and the increase in
mass shall be determined.
5.9.1.2 Apparatus
a) Balance permitting readings to 0,01 g;
b) clock or watch permitting readings to 1 min;
c) Cobb apparatus in accordance with EN 20535 with a cylinder height of 25 mm.
24
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
5.9.1.3 Procedure
Cut two specimens measuring [125 ± 1,5) x (125 ± 1,5)] mm from each board, one for a test on the face and the
other for a test on the back. Condition the specimens to constant mass2) at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % relative
humidity and carry out the test immediately.
Weigh a specimen to within 0,01 g and place it in the Cobb apparatus (100 cm2) which has previously been
conditioned at (23 ± 2) °C, with the side to be exposed to the water tap uppermost. Fill the ring of the apparatus
with water at (23 ± 2) °C until the test surface of the specimen is covered by 25 mm of water.
Leave the specimen for 2 h ± 2 min in the apparatus and then pour the water out of the apparatus and remove the
specimen.
Immediately remove excess water by blotting with dry absorbent paper and re-weigh the specimen to the nearest
0,01 g.
Calculate the difference (in grams) between the dry mass and the wet mass of each specimen.
Calculate for the face and for the back the average difference in mass and multiply this by 100. Record this value
2
as the surface absorption of the face or of the back of the gypsum plasterboard expressed in g/m .
5.9.2 Total water absorption
5.9.2.1 Principle
Conditioned specimens (as in 5.9.1.3) are immersed in water at (23 ± 2) °C and the percentage increase in mass is
determined.
5.9.2.2 Apparatus
a) Balance permitting readings to 0,1 g;
b) water bath at (23 ± 2) °C large enough to hold the specimen.
5.9.2.3 Procedure
Cut a specimen measuring [(300 ± 1,5) x (300 ± 1,5)] mm from each board, approximately half-way between the
edges and at least 150 mm from the ends. !deleted text"
Condition the specimens to constant mass3) at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % relative humidity, weigh to the nearest
0,1 g and carry out the test immediately.
Immerse the specimen in a water bath at (23 ± 2) °C covered with 25 mm to 35 mm of water for 2 h ± 2 min.
Place the specimen horizontally but not resting flat on the bottom of the container.
After removal from the bath, wipe excess water from the surface and edges of the specimen and weigh
immediately to the nearest 0,1 g.
25
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Calculate increase in mass of each specimen as a percentage of the initial mass. Record the average percentage
increase in mass as the water absorption of the gypsum plasterboard.
5.10 Determination of core cohesion at high temperature
5.10.1 Principle
A bending moment shall be applied to a specimen that is heated between two burner flames. On heating, the
bending moment causes the sample to deflect. When deflection is complete the specimen shall be examined for
breakage.
5.10.2 Apparatus
5.10.2.1 Meker burners
The nozzle diameter shall be (29 ± 1) mm with a gas orifice diameter of (0,75 ± 0,05) mm.
Key
1 Burners
2 Specimen
3 Alignment
Figure 15 — Alignment of specimens with respect to burners
5.10.2.2 Thermocouples
Insulated chromelalumel (Type K) with a diameter of 1,5 mm.
5.10.2.3 Mounting device
Any form of device capable of supporting the specimen with weight in the horizontal plane.
26
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Key
1 Mounting sleeve
2 Burner
3 Load
Figure 16 — Side view of the apparatus for determination of core cohesion
5.10.2.4 Specimen support
The specimen shall be mounted between the burners with its long edge horizontal and its short edge vertical. The
lower long edge of the board and the lowest point of the burner nozzles shall be aligned (see Figure 15). The mid-
point of the burner nozzle is (100 ± 1) mm from the point of support. For 12,5 mm nominal board a load of
(300 ± 10) g is suspended from the specimen at a point (260 ± 1) mm from the point of support. The distance
through which the part of the specimen between the burners and the load may deflect is limited to (10 ± 1) mm (see
Figures 16 and 17). For boards of greater nominal thickness (t) the load is increased proportionately (i.e.
t
to 300 ) and rounded to the nearest 50 g.
12,5
5.10.2.5 Heating system
Two propane Meker burners shall be mounted with their nozzles facing each other and each nozzle (25 ± 1) mm
from the specimen. The axes of the burners shall be aligned to within 1 mm. The thermocouples shall be placed
(10 ± 1) mm from each burner and aligned with the top of the burners (see Figure 17). Commercial propane gas
shall be supplied to each burner from a single source via a tube with a Y fitting. A reducing valve with a manometer
and a flowmeter shall be installed in the line between the source and the Y fitting. Gas pressure valves shall be
placed on each supply line (see Figure 18). The burners shall be operated with the air ports fully open.
27
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Dimension in millimetres
Key
1 Mounting sleeve
2 Thermocouple
3 Burners
4 Load
Figure 17 — Top view of apparatus for determination of core cohesion
Key
1 Gas supply
2 Reducing valve and manometer
3 Flow meter
4 Y-fitting
5 Burners
6 Pressure control valves
Figure 18 — Diagram of the gas supply line
5.10.3 Procedure
Cut six specimens (300 ± 5) mm long by (45 ± 1) mm wide with the long edge of the specimen parallel to the edge
of the board (two specimens from each board, see 5.1). Place one specimen in the supporting device ensuring that
the short edge is vertical. The distance between the bottom of the load and the platform shall be (10 ± 1) mm. The
lower long edge shall be aligned with the lowest point of the burner nozzle (see Figure 16). Apply the load to the
unsupported end of the specimen.
28
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
The point of application of the load shall be (260 ± 1) mm from the limit of the mounting device. Light the burners.
Adjust the gas flow to give a temperature of (1 000 ± 50) °C on each thermocouple.
When the load reaches the platform or after 15 min (whichever is the sooner) examine the specimen for cohesion.
Repeat the procedure on each specimen.
If any of the specimens breaks (separates into two or more pieces) the board is deemed to have failed.
5.11 Determination of density
5.11.1 Principle
The density shall be calculated from the measured mass and the dimensions of the specimen.
5.11.2 Apparatus
a) Metal rule or tape permitting readings to 1 mm;
b) micrometer, dial gauge, or callipers with an anvil diameter not less than 10 mm and permitting readings to
0,1 mm;
c) balance permitting readings to 0,1 g.
5.11.3 Procedure
Prepare six specimens as described in 5.7.3.1. Weigh the specimens to 0,1 g.
Measure the specimen dimensions according to 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4.
Calculate the density of each specimen by dividing the mass (in kg) by the volume (in m 3) determined from the
measured dimensions of the specimen. The density is the average of the six individual results rounded to
0,1 x 103 kg/m3.
5.12 Determination of surface hardness of the board
5.12.1 Principle
The surface damage caused by a small steel sphere dropped from a predetermined height shall be measured.
5.12.2 Apparatus
a) Steel sphere with a diameter of 50 mm and a mass of (510 ± 10) g;
b) rigid, flat and horizontal table large enough to support the whole surface of the specimen with an inertia
sufficient to withstand the impact (e.g. steel table with a thickness of 20 mm);
c) carbon paper;
d) graduated rule permitting readings to 0,5 mm;
e) support for the steel sphere.
29
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
5.12.3 Procedure
5.12.3.1 Preparation of specimen
Cut one specimen measuring 300 mm x 400 mm from the board to be tested. Condition the specimen to constant
mass4) at (40 ± 2) °C.
5.12.3.2 Testing
Place the specimen, face up, on the rigid table and cover it with the carbon paper (see Figure 19); then place the
sphere between the clamps of the support with a distance of (500 ± 5) mm from the board surface to the underside
of the sphere (see Figure 19).
Let the sphere fall down onto the board (see Figure 19). Then take off the carbon paper and measure to the
nearest mm, the diameter of the coloured impact onto the board (see Figure 19).
Repeat this test, three times on the same specimen.
30
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Key
1 Rigid table
2 Specimen (board)
3 Face of the board
4 Carbon paper
5 Steel sphere
6 Coloured impact
Figure 19 — Surface hardness test procedure
31
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Calculate for each specimen the average of the three measured values to the nearest mm.
The surface hardness of the board shall be characterised by this average value.
5.13 Determination of shear strength (strength of board/substructure connection)
5.13.1 Principle
Two plasterboard sample pieces are fixed on each side of two timbers.
The wood pieces are pulled apart using suitable tensile testing machine and the force required to induce failure is
determined.
5.13.2 Apparatus
a) Conditioning room at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % relative humidity;
b) tensile testing machine with a capacity of 5 kN permitting readings to 10 N;
c) metal rule or tape permitting readings to 1 mm;
d) timber to EN 338, Class C16, having a maximum moisture content of 14 %;
e) trumpet headed screws to !EN 14566" with a length equal to the board thickness plus at least 20 mm and
a head diameter of 8,0 mm ± 0,2 mm with a shank diameter of 3,8 mm ± 0,2 mm (outer diameter including the
threads).
5.13.3 Procedure
Cut 4 board samples 600 mm by 170 mm in the longitudinal direction (L) in the sampling zone of each board (see
Figure 14) (12 samples in total). Condition samples at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % of relative humidity to constant
mass5).
Construct a specimen by fixing a sample on either side of the two pieces of wood using the screws. The distance
from the axis of the screws to the cut edge of the board shall be (15 ± 1) mm (see Figure 20).
The penetration of the fastener screws shall be carefully controlled to avoid early cracks in the samples and with
the top of the head just below the surface of the board.
Place the specimen in the testing machine.
Load at a deformation rate of 10 mm/min ± 20 % until the breaking load is reached.
32
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Figure 20 — Specimen for determination of conventional shear strength
Record:
 type and thickness of the board;
 breaking load (B) in Newtons.
Repeat the procedure for the remaining 5 specimens.
Calculate the breaking load per fastener (b) for each of the six specimens by dividing the measured breaking load
by 4:
B
b=
4
The conventional shear strength of the board expressed in Newtons shall be the average of the 6 values calculated
above.
33
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
5.14 Determination of paper grammage
When required, the paper grammage shall be determined according to EN ISO 536.
6 Evaluation of conformity
6.1 General
The compliance of gypsum plasterboards with the requirements of this document and with the stated values
(including classes) shall be demonstrated by:
 initial type testing (ITT);
 factory production control by the producer (FPC).
For the purposes of testing, gypsum plasterboards may be grouped into families, where it is considered that the
selected property is common to all gypsum plasterboards within that family.
The decision on those products or properties which fall within a family shall be made by the producer.
6.2 Type testing
6.2.1 General
Sampling and testing shall be in accordance with Clause 5.
The results of all type tests shall be recorded and held by the producer for at least 5 years.
6.2.1.1 Initial type testing
Initial type testing shall be performed to show conformity with this document.
Initial type testing shall be performed at the beginning of the production of a new gypsum plasterboard type (unless
it is a member of a family previously tested) or at the beginning of a new method of production (where this may
affect the stated properties).
Tests previously performed in accordance with the provisions of this document (same product, same
characteristic(s), test method, sampling procedure, system of attestation of conformity, etc.) may be taken into
account.
All product characteristics in Clause 4 applicable to the intended uses shall be subject to initial type testing, with the
following exceptions :
 release of regulated substances may be assessed indirectly by controlling the content of the substance
concerned;
 when design values are used.
6.2.1.2 Further type testing
Whenever a change occurs in the gypsum plasterboard design, the raw material or supplier of the components, or
the production process (subject to the definition of a family), which would change significantly one or more of the
characteristics, the type tests shall be repeated for the appropriate characteristic(s).
34
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
6.3 Factory production control (FPC)
6.3.1 General
The producer shall establish, document and maintain an FPC system to ensure that the products placed on the
market conform with the stated performance characteristics. The FPC system shall consist of procedures, regular
inspections and tests and/or assessments and the use of the results to control raw and other incoming materials or
components, equipment, the production process and the product.
An FPC system conforming with the requirements of EN ISO 9001, and made specific to the requirements of this
document, shall be considered to satisfy the above requirements.
The results of inspections, tests or assessments requiring action shall be recorded, as shall any action taken. The
action to be taken when control values or criteria are not met shall be recorded and retained for the period specified
in the producer’s FPC procedures.
6.3.2 Equipment
a) Testing
All weighing, measuring and testing equipment shall be calibrated and regularly inspected according to
documented procedures, frequencies and criteria.
b) Manufacturing
All equipment used in the manufacturing process shall be regularly inspected and maintained to ensure use, wear
or failure does not cause inconsistency in the manufacturing process. Inspections and maintenance shall be carried
out and recorded in accordance with the producer’s written procedures and the records retained for the period
defined in the producer's FPC procedures.
6.3.3 Raw materials and components
The specifications of all incoming raw materials and components shall be documented, as shall the inspection
scheme for ensuring their conformity.
6.3.4 Product testing and evaluation
The producer shall establish procedures to ensure that the stated values of all of the characteristics are maintained.
6.3.5 Non-conforming products
The producer shall have written procedures which specify how non-conforming products shall be dealt with. Any
such events shall be recorded as they occur and these records shall be kept for the period defined in the
producer’s written procedures.
6.3.6 Other test methods
For factory production control, other test methods may be used provided that:
a) they can show a correlation to exist between the results from the EN reference test and those of the alternative
test;
b) the information on which the correlation is based is available for inspection.
35
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
7 Designation of plasterboards
Gypsum plasterboards shall be designated as follows:
a) by the wording "gypsum plasterboard";
b) by type letter:
 A;
 D;
 E;
 F;
 H (1, 2 or 3);
 I;
 P;
 R;
NOTE Types D, E, F, H, I, R may be combined as appropriate6). Types A and P cannot be combined.
c) by reference to this document;
d) by the dimensions in millimetres in the following order:
 width;
 length;
 thickness;
e) by edge profile:
 square;
 bevelled;
 tapered;
 half-rounded;
 half-rounded tapered;
 rounded;
 special purpose.
6) The designation letters should be given in alphabetical order.
36
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
EXAMPLES OF DESIGNATION:
Gypsum plasterboard A / EN 520 - 1200 / 2400 / 9,5 / tapered edge.
Gypsum plasterboard FH2 / EN 520 - 1250 / 3000 / 12,5 / half-rounded tapered edge.
Gypsum plasterboard DFH 2 / EN 520 - 1250 / 3000 / 12,5 / rounded edge.
8 Marking, labelling and packaging

Gypsum plasterboards complying with this document shall be clearly marked on the board or on the accompanying
label or on the packaging or on the accompanying commercial documents (e.g. a delivery note) with the following
items:
 reference to this document;
 name, trademark or other means of identification of the producer of the plasterboard;
 date of production;
 means of identifying the plasterboards and relating them to their designation according to Clause 7.
NOTE Where the CE marking also requires the above items, compliance with CE marking would be deemed to satisfy the
requirement of this Clause.
37
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Annex A
(informative)
Sampling procedure for testing
A.1 General
The required number of plasterboards to determine the compliance with specification should be sampled from a
delivery consignment of boards.
The appropriate consignment size should be agreed between representatives of any involved parties who should
have the opportunity to be present at the time of sampling.
A.2 Sampling procedure
NOTE The choice of the method of sampling should be as defined in A.2.1 and A.2.2 as appropriate.
A.2.1 Random sampling 7)
Whenever practically possible, the random sampling method should be used, in which every plasterboard in the
consignment has an equal chance of being selected for the sample.
Three boards of each type should be selected from positions throughout the consignment without any consideration
given to the condition or quality of the selected boards.
A.2.2 Representative sampling
A.2.2.1 General
When random sampling is impracticable or not convenient, e.g. when the boards form a large stack or stacks with
ready access to only a limited number of boards, a representative sampling procedure should be used.
A.2.2.2 Sampling from a stack
The consignment should be divided into at least three real or imaginary sections, each of a similar size. One board
should be selected at random from within each section in order to give the required number of samples as indicated
in 5.1.
NOTE It will be necessary to remove some sections of the stack or stacks in order to gain access to boards within the body
of such stacks when taking samples.
7) In practice, random sampling is normally only convenient either when the boards forming the consignment are being moved
in a loose (unpacked) form from one place to another or when they have been split into a large number of small stacks awaiting
installation.
38
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
A.2.2.3 Sampling from a consignment formed of banded or wrapped packs
At least three packs should be selected at random from the consignment. The packaging around each of the
selected packs should be removed and one board should be sampled at random from within each pack in order to
give the required number of samples without any consideration given to the condition or quality of the selected
boards.
39
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Annex B
(normative)
!Conditions for reaction to fire classification of gypsum plasterboards

without further testing
[This annex reproduces conditions set out in Commission Decision 2006/673/EC. If Commission Decision is
amended, then the amended conditions apply.]
B.0 Introduction
Boards complying with the limits given in the table below are classified in the Euroclass shown for the end use
applications stated.
Table B.1 — Classes of reaction to fire performance of gypsum plasterboards
Nominal board Gypsum core Paper Class b

Gypsum thickness (e) grammage a
Density (M) Reaction to Substrate (excluding
plasterboard
(mm) fire class (G) (g/m2) floorings)
(kg/m3)
G ≤ 220 Any wood-based product A2-s1, d0

with density ≥ 400 kg/m3
6,5 ≤ e < 9,5 M ≥ 800
220 < G ≤ 320 or any product of at least B-s1, d0
Conforming class A2-s1, d0
to EN 520 G ≤ 220 Any wood-based product A2-s1, d0
(except A1 with density ≥ 400 kg/m3
perforated or any product of at least
boards) e ≥ 9,5 M ≥ 600 class A2-s1, d0 or any
220 < G ≤ 320 insulating product of at B-s1, d0
least class E-d2 mounted
according to method 1
a
Determined according to EN ISO 536 and with no more than 5 % organic additive content.
b
Classes as provided for in Table 1 of the Annex to Commission Decision 2000/147/EC.
B.1 End use application
B.1.1 General
The gypsum plasterboards shall be mounted and fixed using one of the three following methods.
B.1.2 (Method 1) Mechanically fixed to a supporting substructure
The gypsum boards, or (in the case of multi-layer systems) at least the outermost layer of boards, shall be
mechanically fixed to a metal substructure (made from components detailed in EN 14195) or to a timber
substructure (in accordance with EN 336 and EN 1995-1-1).
When the substructure provides supporting members in one direction only, the maximum span between the
supporting members shall not exceed a dimension equal to 50 times the thickness of the gypsum boards.
When the substructure includes supporting members in two directions, the maximum span in either direction shall
not exceed a dimension equal to 100 times the thickness of the gypsum boards.
40
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
The mechanical fixings shall be screws, staples or nails, which shall be fixed through the thickness of the gypsum
boards into the substructure at centres not exceeding 300 mm measured along the length of each supporting
member.
Behind the gypsum boards may be an air space, or an insulating product. The substrate may be:
3
a) any wood-based product with density ≥ 400 kg/m or any product of at least class A2-s1, d0 in case of gypsum
boards of ≥ 6,5 mm and < 9,5 mm nominal thickness and ≥ 800 kg/m3 core density; or
3
b) any wood-based product with density ≥ 400 kg/m or any product of at least class A2-s1, d0 in case of gypsum
boards of ≥ 9,5 mm nominal thickness and ≥ 600 kg/m3 core density; or
c) any insulating material of at least class E-d2 in case of gypsum boards of ≥ 9,5 mm nominal thickness and
3
≥ 600 kg/m core density.
Each joint between adjoining gypsum boards shall have a gap width ≤ 4 mm. This provision applies for any joint
regardless of that the joint is or is not supported directly by a substructure supporting member and regardless of
that the joint is or is not filled with a jointing material.
In cases (a) and (b) each joint between adjoining gypsum boards, which is not supported directly by a substructure
supporting member and which has a gap width > 1 mm, shall be fully filled with a jointing material as specified in
EN 13963 (the other joints may remain unfilled).
In case (c) all joints between adjoining gypsum boards shall be fully filled with a jointing material as specified in
EN 13963.
B.1.3 (Method 2) Mechanically fixed to a solid wood-based substrate

3
The gypsum boards shall be mechanically fixed to a solid wood-based substrate with density ≥ 400 kg/m .
There shall be no cavity between the gypsum boards and the substrate.
The mechanical fixings shall be screws, staples or nails. The distance between the mechanical fixings shall
correspond to the rules given above for method 1.
Each joint between adjoining gypsum boards shall have a gap width ≤ 4 mm and may remain unfilled.
B.1.4 (Method 3) Mechanically fixed or bonded to a solid substrate (dry lining system)
The gypsum boards shall be fixed directly to a solid substrate with a reaction to fire classification of at least class
A2-s1, d0.
The gypsum boards may be fixed using screws or nails fixed through the thickness of the gypsum boards into the
solid substrate or may be bonded to the substrate using “dabs” of a gypsum based adhesive as specified in
EN 14496.
In either case the screw or nail fixings or the adhesive “dabs” shall be positioned at maximum 600 mm vertical and
horizontal centres.
All joints between adjoining gypsum boards may remain unfilled."
41
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Annex C
(normative)
Mounting and fixing in the test according to EN 13823 (SBI test)
C.0 Introduction
When the conditions (e.g. thickness of the board, gypsum core, paper grammage, etc.) stated in Annex B do not
apply or if regulatory demands require the testing of the reaction to fire behaviour of gypsum plasterboard
assemblies on substrates other than those of at least Class A2-s1,d0, the following rules for mounting and fixing
shall apply.
C.1 General applications

The gypsum plasterboards shall be mounted and fixed using the following method. This provides the most onerous
conditions and the resultant classification shall be applied to all end use applications. Results obtained for a given
thickness of board apply for all thicker boards.
The boards shall be mechanically fixed to a metal sub-structure (made from components detailed in EN 14195) as
shown in Figures C.1a to C.1c.
The structure shall be vertical steel studs with a web width of 70 mm to 80 mm and a metal thickness of 0,5 mm to
0,6 mm positioned as shown in Figure C.1b.
The mechanical fixings shall be screws, which shall be fixed through the thickness of the boards into the
sub-structure at (300 ± 30) mm centres measured along the length of each supporting member.
Both vertical and horizontal joints shall be included positioned as shown in Figure C.1a. All joints between adjoining
boards shall be butted and unfilled.
The cavity formed behind the boards by the sub-structure shall be filled with a non-fire resistant treated
3
polyurethane (PUR) of (35 ± 5) kg/m density. The thickness shall be 10 mm to 15 mm less than the web width.
An 40 mm air gap shall be left between the PUR and the calcium silicate boards.
42
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
!Dimensions in millimetres
Figure C.1 a) — Joints Figure C.1 b) — Sub-structure
43
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Figure C.1 c) — Mechanical fixings
Key
1 gypsum plasterboard
2 metal stud
3 U-channel
4 calcium silicate baseboard
5 PUR panel
6 air gap
Figure C.1 — Mounting and fixing of plasterboard to a metal sub-structure"
C.2 Limited applications regarding joint filling

The gypsum plasterboards shall be mounted and fixed and the cavity shall be filled in the same way as described
in C.1 above, but the joints shall be treated with jointing materials complying with !EN 13963".
!The results obtained shall apply to all end use applications provided the joints are treated with jointing materials
complying with EN 13963. Results obtained for a given thickness of board shall apply for all thicker boards.
C.3 Limited applications regarding wood based substrates"

The gypsum plasterboards shall be mounted and fixed using the following method. The resultant classification may
be applied to any wood based substrate with a density of at least 350 kg/m 3 as stated below and also any end use
substrate of Class A1 and A2. Results obtained for a given thickness of board shall apply for all thicker boards.
The boards shall be mechanically fixed to a (15 to 20) mm ± 2 mm thick non-fire resistant treated continuous timber
background, with a density of (350 ± 50) kg/m3 (see Figures C.1a and C.2).
44
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
The mechanical fixings shall be screws, which shall be fixed through the thickness of the boards into the substrate
at 300 mm ± 30 mm centres around all perimeters of the boards.
Both vertical and horizontal joints shall be included positioned as shown in Figure C.1a. All joints between adjoining
boards shall be butted and unfilled.
Key
1 Gypsum plasterboard
2 Timber sheet
3 Air gap
4 Calcium silicate baseboard
Figure C.2 – Plasterboard fixing in wood based substrates
45
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Annex ZA
(informative)
Clauses of this European Standard addressing provisions of EU

Construction Products Directive
ZA.1 Scope and relevant characteristics

This European Standard has been prepared under a Mandate M/106 “Gypsum products” given to CEN by the
European Commission and European Free Trade Association.
The Clauses of this European Standard, shown in Table ZA.1 below, meet the requirements of the Mandate given
under EU Construction Products Directive (89/106/EEC).
Compliance with these Clauses confers a presumption of fitness of the plasterboards covered by this Annex for
their intended uses indicated herein; reference shall be made to the information accompanying the CE marking.
WARNING — Other requirements and other EU Directives, not affecting the fitness for intended use(s), may
be applicable to the plasterboards falling within the scope of this European Standard.
NOTE 1 In addition to any specific Clauses relating to regulated substances contained in this standard, there may be other
requirements applicable to the products falling within its scope (e.g. transposed European legislation and national laws, regulations
and administrative provisions). In order to meet the provisions of the EU Construction Products Directive, these requirements need
also to be complied with, when and where they apply.
NOTE 2 An informative database of European and national provisions on regulated substances is available at the
Construction web site on EUROPA (accessed through
! http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/construction/internal/dangsub/dangmain_en.htm ").
This Annex has the same scope as Clause 1 of this standard with regard to the products covered. It establishes the
conditions for the CE marking of gypsum plasterboards intended for the use indicated below and shows the
relevant Clauses applicable (see Table ZA.1).
46
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Table ZA.1 — Scope and requirement Clauses relevant for CE marking
Product: Gypsum plasterboards

Intended use(s): General building construction (see Clause 1)
Essential characteristics Requirements Clause Mandated level Notes
from the Mandate in this European and/or class
standard
Shear strength (for stiffening timber framed 4.1.1 − N (Newtons)
external walls and timber roof truss
structures)
Reaction to fire (for exposed situations) 4.2.1 A1 to F A1 to F
4.4 (except type E) dimensionless
Water vapour permeability (for moisture
4.11 for type E − dimensionless
diffusion control)
Threshold value
4.1.2 N (Newtons)
Flexural strength −
Threshold value
4.3 kJ
Performance declared is
*Impact resistance (in end use conditions)
for the system of which
the product is a part
4.6.1 dB
*Direct airborne sound insulation (in end use Performance declared is
−
conditions) for the system of which
4.6.2 dimensionless
Performance declared is
*Acoustic absorption (in end use conditions) −
for the system of which
4.7 Expressed as thermal
Thermal resistance − conductivity in W/(m.K)
*Note These characteristics are system dependent and will be provided in producer's literature based upon intended use.
The requirement on a certain characteristic does not apply in those Member States where there are no regulatory
requirements on that characteristic for the intended use of the product. In this case, producers placing their
products on the market of these Member States are not obliged to determine nor to declare the performance of
their products with regard to this characteristic and the option "No Performance Determined" (NPD) in the
information accompanying the CE marking (see ZA.3) may be used.
The NPD option may not be used, however, where the characteristic is subject to a threshold level .
ZA.2 Attestation and declaration of conformity of gypsum plasterboards

The system(s) of attestation of conformity of gypsum plasterboards in accordance with the Decision of the
Commission 95/467/EC as given in the Annex III of the Mandate M/106 "Gypsum products" is shown in Table ZA.2
for the intended uses and relevant level(s) or class(es).
Reaction to fire performance is not susceptible to change during the production process for a given paper. The
paper weight per unit area is controlled regularly and therefore only Attestation of Conformity systems 3 and 4 are
applicable.
47
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Table ZA.2 — Systems of attestation of conformity (AoC)
Product Intended use Characteristics AoC system
In all uses subjected to reaction to fire Reaction to fire 3 / 4a

requirements Others 4
Gypsum plasterboards For stiffening timber framed wind load Shear strength 3
bearing walls or timber roof structures Others 4
For situations and uses not mentioned All 4
above
a For products complying with the Commission Decision 2003/43/EC as amended (see section 5.2.1) system 4 applies.
System 3: See Directive 89/106/EEC (CPD) Annex III.2.(ii), Second possibility.

System 4: See Directive 89/106/EEC (CPD) Annex III.2.(ii), Third possibility.
The assignation of tasks between the producer and the Approved Body is shown in Tables ZA.3a, ZA.3b and ZA.3c
for the indicated intended uses. Where more than one intended use applies for the product the tables should be
read in conjunction.
48
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Table ZA.3a — Assignment of evaluation of conformity tasks for gypsum plasterboards intended to be
used where they are subject to reaction to fire requirements : Systems 3 and 4
!
Clauses of this
Tasks Content of the task
standard to apply
Reaction to fire is ensured by 6.1 and 6.3
controlling:
— the thickness of the board;
— the grammage and organic
additive content of the paper
All relevant liner;
Factory Production — the density of the board;
characteristics of
Control (FPC)
Table ZA.1 — the reaction to fire of the
core by controlling the organic
additive of the core.
Water vapour permeability a
Flexural strength
Thermal resistance d
Tasks for the
Reaction to fire is determined by 6.1 and 6.2
producer
testing according to the
requirements of the CWFT
decision:
— the thickness of the board;
Those relevant — the grammage and organic
characteristics of additive content of the paper
Initial Type Testing
Table ZA.1 not liner;
(ITT)
tested by the — the density of the board;
approved body — the reaction to fire of the
core.
Water vapour permeability a
Flexural strength
Thermal resistance d
Tasks for the Initial Type Testing 6.1 and 6.2
approved body c (ITT) Reaction to fire b
a Testing may not be necessary if design value is used; for type E, design value cannot be used.
b For products not complying with CWFT requirements in Commission Decision 94/611/EC or 2006/673 EC as amended.
c System 3 products only.
d Not necessary if design value is used.
"
49
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Table ZA.3b — Assignment of evaluation of conformity tasks for gypsum plasterboards intended for
stiffening timber framed wind load bearing walls or timber roof truss structures : System 3
Tasks Content of the task Clauses of this

standard to apply
Shear strength
All relevant Water vapour

Factory Production permeabilitya
characteristics of
Control (FPC)
Table ZA.1 Flexural strength
Tasks for the
Thermal resistanceb
producer
Water vapour 6
Those relevant permeabilitya
Initial Type Testing characteristics of
(ITT) Table ZA.1 not tested Flexural strength
by the approved body
Thermal resistanceb
Tasks for the Initial Type Testing
Shear strength
approved body (ITT)
a Not necessary if design value is used; for type E, design value cannot be used.
b Not necessary if design value is used.
Table ZA.3c — Assignment of evaluation of conformity tasks for gypsum plasterboards intended to be
used in situations not mentioned above : System 4
Tasks Content of the task Clauses of this

standard to apply
As ZA.1 Water vapour permeabilitya
Factory Production
Flexural strength
Control (FPC)
Tasks for the Thermal insulationb
6
producer As ZA.1 Water vapour permeabilitya
Initial Type Testing
Flexural strength
(ITT)
Thermal resistanceb
a Not necessary if design value is used; for type E, design value cannot be used.
b Not necessary if design value is used.
(In case of products under system 3): When compliance with the conditions of this Annex is achieved, the producer
or his authorised representative established in the EEA, shall prepare and retain a declaration of conformity (EC
declaration of conformity) which entitles the producer to affix the CE marking. This declaration shall include:
 name and address of the producer, or his authorised representative established in the EEA;
 description of the product (type, identification, intended use, etc.) and a copy of the information accompanying
the CE marking;
 provisions to which the product conforms (i.e. Annex ZA of this document);
 particular conditions applicable to the use of the product (e.g. provisions for use under certain conditions);
 name and address of the approved body;
 name of, and position held by, the person empowered to sign the declaration on behalf of the producer or of
his authorised representative.
50
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
(In case of products under system 4): When compliance with this Annex is achieved, the producer or his agent
established in the EEA shall prepare and retain a declaration of conformity (EC Declaration of conformity), which
entitles the producer to affix the CE marking. This declaration shall include:
 name and address of the producer, or his authorised representative established in the EEA;
 description of the product (type, identification, intended use, etc.) and a copy of the information accompanying
the CE marking;
 provisions to which the product conforms (i.e. Annex ZA of this document);
 particular conditions applicable to the use of the product (e.g. provisions for use under certain conditions);
 name of, and position held by, the person empowered to sign the declaration on behalf of the producer or of
his authorised representative.
NOTE Duplication of information between the declaration and certificate should be avoided. To avoid duplication of
information, cross-referencing between documents may be made when one contains more information than the other.
The above mentioned declaration and certificate shall be presented in the official language or languages of the
Member State of the EU in which the product is to be used.
ZA.3 CE marking and labelling

The producer or his authorised representative established within the EEA is responsible for the affixing of the CE
marking. The CE marking symbol to affix shall be in accordance with Directive 93/68/EC and shall be shown on the
plasterboard (or when not possible it may be on the accompanying label, the packaging or on the accompanying
commercial documents e.g. a delivery note). The following information shall accompany the CE marking symbol :
 name or identifying mark and registered address of the producer;
 the last two digits of the year in which the marking is affixed;
 reference to this document;
 description of the product: generic name, material, dimensions and intended use;
 information on those relevant essential characteristics listed in Table ZA.1 which are to be declared presented
as:
 declared values and, where relevant, level or class (including "pass" for pass/fail requirements where
necessary) to declare for each essential characteristic as indicated in "Notes" in Table ZA.1;
 "no performance determined" for characteristics where this is relevant;
 as an alternative, a standard designation which shows some or all of the relevant characteristics (where
the designation covers only some characteristics, it will need to be supplemented with declared values for
other characteristics as above).
The "no performance determined" (NPD) option may not be used when the characteristic is subject to a threshold
level. Otherwise, the NPD option may be used when and where the characteristic, for a given intended use, is not
subject to regulatory requirements in the Member State of destination. The CE conformity marking shall consist of
the initials "CE" taking the following form:
51
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
 if the CE marking is reduced or enlarged the proportions given in the above graduated drawing must be
respected;
 the various components of the CE marking must have substantially the same vertical dimension, which may
not be less than 5 mm.
Example of marking on the board itself :
AnyCo Ltd A-EN 520 A2-s1,d0 (C1)
CE conformity marking Name or identifying Type of the board and Reaction to fire and
mark of the producer number of the European Annex for mounting and
Standard fixing conditions (for ex.
Annex C1)
52
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
and in addition, the entire marking shall be given on the accompanying label, or on the packaging or on the
accompanying commercial documents. An example is given below:
CE conformity marking, consisting of the “CE”-

symbol given in directive 93/68/EEC
AnyCo Ltd Name or identifying mark of the producer
PO Box 21, B-1050 and its registered address
!09" The last two digits of the year in which the CE

marking was affixed
A-12,5 - EN 520 Type and thickness of the board and number

of the European Standard
Information on regulated characteristics

Reaction to fire: A2-s1,d0 (C1) Note For Reaction to fire the Annex
referred to into brackets specifies the end use
Shear strength per fastener: NPD
condition in which the board is used. For
Water vapour resistance factor: 10 boards used in end use conditions not
covered by Annex B or Annex C the
Thermal conductivity: 0,25 W/(m.K) conditions under which the test was carried
out must be stated.
Airborne sound insulation:

See producer’s
Impact resistance: literature
Acoustic absorption:
NOTE In addition to any specific information relating to regulated substances shown above, the product should also be
accompanied, when and where required and in the appropriate form, by documentation listing any other legislation on regulated
substances for which compliance is claimed, together with any information required by that legislation. European legislation
without national derogation need not be mentioned.
When marking is carried out as described above, the full requirements for CE marking are complied with and no
further documentation is necessary.
53
EN 520:2004+A1:2009 (E)
Bibliography
[1] EN ISO 9001, Quality management systems — Requirements (ISO 9001:2000)
54

NF EN 520+A1 - Gypsum plasterboard

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FE165054 ISSN 0335-3931

European standard NF EN 520+A1

French standard Classification index: P 72-600

F : Plaques de plâtre — Définitions, spécifications et méthodes d'essai

French standard approved

Replaces the approved standard NF EN 520 dated April 2005.

Descriptors Technical International Thesaurus: plasterboard, definitions, mechanical properties,

© AFNOR 2009 AFNOR 2009 1st issue 2009-11-P

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 520:2004+A1

ICS 01.040.91; 91.100.10 Supersedes EN 520:2004

Gypsum plasterboards - Definitions, requirements and test

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

This document includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 2009-07-20.

This document supersedes EN 520:2004.

Diagram 1 — Family of gypsum products

Diagram 2 — Family of ancillary products

It provides for the evaluation of conformity of the product to this document.

EN 336, Structural timber — Sizes, permitted deviations

EN 338, Structural timber — Strength classes

EN 1995-1-1, Eurocode 5 — Design of timber structures

EN ISO 536, Paper and board — Determination of grammage (ISO 536:1995)

3 Terms and definitions

3.1 gypsum plasterboard

3.2 Types of gypsum plasterboards

3.3 Edge and end profiles of gypsum plasterboards"

Figure 1 — Square edge

Figure 2 — Bevelled edge

Figure 3 — Tapered edge

Figure 4 — Half-rounded edge

Figure 5 — Half-rounded tapered edge

3.4 !Symbols and abbreviations

Table 1 — Symbols and abbreviations

Requirement Sub-clause Symbol or abbreviation

4.1 Mechanical characteristics

4.1.1 Shear strength (strength of board/substructure connection)

4.1.2 Flexural strength (expressed as flexural breaking load)

!Table 2" — Flexural breaking load of gypsum plasterboards (Types A, D, E, F, H, I)

Nominal board thickness Flexural breaking load

Nominal board thickness Flexural breaking load

!Table 4" — Flexural breaking load of gypsum baseboards (Type P)

Nominal board thickness Flexural breaking load

4.1.3 Deflection under load

4.2 Fire behaviour

4.2.1 Reaction to fire

4.2.2 Resistance to fire

4.3 Impact resistance

4.4 Water vapour permeability (expressed as water vapour resistance factor)

4.5 Air permeability

When required, air permeability shall be determined in accordance with EN 12114.

4.6 Acoustic properties

4.6.1 Direct airborne sound insulation

4.6.2 Acoustic absorption

4.7 Thermal resistance (expressed as thermal conductivity)

When required, thermal conductivity shall be determined in accordance with EN 12664.

4.8 Regulated substances

4.9 Dimensions and tolerances