B1 and V0 are two completely different flame retardant standard systems that cannot be directly equated. The core differences lie in the source of the standards, testing methods, assessment dimensions, and application scenarios.
1, Basic positioning
-V0-UL94 (USA) plastic vertical combustion grade, material grade, small sample, self extinguishing ability
-B1: GB8624/EN13501 (China/Europe) Combustion grade of building materials, product grade, large sample, flame spread+smoke production+dripping
2, Core difference (easy to understand at a glance)
Standards and Testing
- V0(UL94)
-Vertical small sample (approximately 125 × 13mm)
-Ignite twice for 10 seconds, self extinguish within ≤ 10 seconds per ignition, total ≤ 50 seconds, and ignite cotton without dripping
-Only consider the self extinguishing property of the material, without assessing smoke and heat release
- B1(GB8624)
-Large scale samples, simulated actual installation (such as bundling, flooring)
-Assessment: Flame spread ≤ 1.5m, heat release, smoke density, dripping, toxicity
-Emphasize overall spread control in fires
Comparison of key indicators
-Self extinguishing time: V0 is stricter (≤ 10s/time); B1 has no single second count, look at the overall spread
-Droplets: V0. It is strictly prohibited to ignite cotton; B1 allows d0/d1/d2, which needs to be marked
-Smoke production/heat release: V0 not assessed; B1 Mandatory requirement for low smoke and low heat release
-Application scenario: V0 → electronic appliances, plastic parts; B1 → Building decoration, cables, insulation
3, One sentence summary
-V0: The material quickly extinguishes upon ignition and does not ignite, suitable for internal components of electrical appliances
-B1: The material is flame retardant, low smoke, and spread control, suitable for buildings and public areas
4, Common Misconceptions
- ❌ Cannot say 'V0=B1': Testing V0 with the same material may be qualified, but testing B1 may be downgraded to B2 due to smoke/heat non-compliance
- ✅ Selection depends on usage: Choose UL94 V0 for electrical appliances; Construction/Decoration/Cable Selection GB8624 B1
