Direct application of test results (DA) is the process by which the results of testing a given product in a certain representative end use condition may be applied to another product and/or end use condition different from that tested. Rules and limits are given for this, often within European Standards, and these rules can be applied by anyone.

Extended application (EXAP) goes further than DA in that, by further testing, calculation and/or assessment, results (either with or without modification) may be applied to products and/or end uses which differ beyond any rules given for DA.

DA and EXAP have traditionally been used in the field of fire testing and acoustics, where they are intended mainly to reduce the cost and burden of testing imposed on manufacturers. However, there is no reason, in principle, why the same principles cannot or should not be applied to many other characteristics.

APSR Associates, with our extensive knowledge of the construction sector, are willing to advise manufacturers, firstly, on how to specify test conditions so as to give the widest range of DA and maximum possibility for using EXAP and, secondly, to work with Test Laboratories and other specialists to help develop either product-specific or more general DA and EXAP rules. Contact us via our Research or Advocacy Services.