Fire rated lockers from Probe

Probe steel lockers have been independently tested for reaction-to-fire performance in accordance with EN 13501-1:2007 +A1:2009. This makes the range relevant where a project specification needs documented information about how locker materials behave when exposed to fire.

It is important to use the terminology correctly. EN 13501-1 is a reaction-to-fire classification. It is not the same as a fire-resistance rating expressed as a period such as 30, 60 or 90 minutes.

This guide explains what the Probe fire-performance documentation means, where this information may be useful in schools and public buildings, and what should be checked before Probe steel lockers are included in a project specification.

Probe fire-tested steel lockers

Probe steel products have been fire tested and approved in line with the European Standard EN 13501-1:2007 +A1:2009. Total Locker Service’s current Probe Metric locker datasheet continues to state this fire-test position for Probe steel products.

The independent classification report was prepared for Lion Steel Equipment Limited and records the product as Probe Steel Products. The report is specifically titled as a classification of reaction-to-fire performance in accordance with EN 13501-1.

Reaction to fire vs fire resistance

The distinction matters because the phrases are often confused.

Term	What it means in this context
Reaction to fire	How a product or material contributes to the development and spread of fire when exposed to it.
Fire resistance	How long a building element can maintain specified performance under fire conditions, normally expressed as a time period.

Probe’s EN 13501-1 documentation relates to reaction to fire. The lockers should therefore not be described as providing a 30-minute, 60-minute or other timed fire-resistance performance unless separate evidence specifically supports that claim.

Why fire performance may matter for lockers

Locker banks are often installed in schools, workplaces, factories, healthcare buildings, leisure facilities and public buildings. Where a project team is considering lockers in or near circulation areas, corridors, cloakrooms or other controlled locations, the reaction-to-fire characteristics of the product may form part of the specification review.

The existence of fire-test documentation does not automatically make every location suitable for lockers. Positioning still needs to be checked against the building fire strategy, escape-route requirements, access to safety equipment and any site-specific restrictions.

Probe lockers in schools and public buildings

Probe steel lockers are widely used in schools and other managed buildings because they combine robust steel construction with a documented reaction-to-fire test position.

For education projects, this documentation can be useful when the project team is reviewing the locker specification alongside the building’s fire-safety requirements. It should be treated as supporting product evidence rather than as a blanket statement that lockers can be installed in any corridor or circulation space.

What to check before specifying Probe fire-tested lockers

• Confirm that the selected locker is part of the Probe steel product range covered by the current documentation.
• Check the latest manufacturer datasheet and fire-test information.
• Use the correct term: reaction-to-fire performance rather than a timed fire-resistance claim.
• Check the proposed location against the building fire strategy.
• Confirm that the locker bank does not obstruct escape routes, doors, fire equipment or required circulation.
• Confirm the required locker size, configuration, lock type and accessories separately.
• Check installation, restraint and fixing requirements for the selected locker bank.

What EN 13501-1 does not tell you

The fire classification should not be used to make claims that are outside the scope of the test evidence.

• It does not by itself provide a 30, 60 or 90 minute fire-resistance rating.
• It does not mean lockers can automatically be installed in every corridor or escape route.
• It does not replace the building fire strategy or project-specific fire-risk assessment.
• It does not remove the need to check the exact locker range and current manufacturer documentation.

Probe steel locker features

Fire-performance documentation is only one part of the product decision. Probe steel lockers are also available in multiple compartment configurations, colours, door styles, lock options and accessory combinations.

• Powder-coated steel construction.
• Multiple door and compartment configurations.
• Key, hasp and other lock options depending on range.
• Support frames and sloping tops on suitable models.
• Integrated bench seating options on compatible ranges.
• Ventilation features on relevant doors.

For current commercial options, see our Probe locker range. Product dimensions, colours, lock choices and accessories should always be checked against the current specification before ordering.

Probe locker fire-test documentation

Total Locker Service publishes both the current Probe Metric locker datasheet and the independent EN 13501-1 fire-classification report for Probe steel products.

• Probe Metric Locker Datasheet
• Probe Steel Products EN 13501-1 Classification Report

These documents should be used when a project needs evidence of the tested fire-performance position rather than relying on historic marketing wording.

Fire performance and locker specification planning

If reaction-to-fire performance is a project requirement, record it clearly in the locker specification rather than treating it as an informal preference after the product has been selected.

For the wider procurement brief, use Locker Specification Planning UK. For the installation stage, including route checks, positioning, restraint and fixing, use Locker Installation Planning UK.

Related Probe locker guides

• Probe Lockers – current commercial Probe locker range.
• Probe Lockers: Durable and Secure Storage – broader Probe range information.
• Probe Locker Parts – replacement locks, keys and accessories.
• Probe Replacement Locker Keys – replacement keys cut to code.
• Locker Specification Planning UK – defining project requirements before ordering.

Probe Fire-Tested Lockers UK FAQs

Are Probe lockers fire rated?

Probe steel products have been independently tested for reaction-to-fire performance in accordance with EN 13501-1:2007 +A1:2009. It is more accurate to describe this as reaction-to-fire classification rather than a timed fire-resistance rating.

What does EN 13501-1 mean for Probe lockers?

EN 13501-1 is the European classification standard for reaction-to-fire performance of construction products and building elements. Probe’s documentation records the tested classification of Probe steel products under this standard.

Does EN 13501-1 mean the lockers have a 30 or 60 minute fire rating?

No. A reaction-to-fire classification is different from a timed fire-resistance rating. A 30 or 60 minute claim would need separate evidence specifically supporting that performance.

Can Probe lockers be installed in school corridors?

The fire-test documentation can support a project specification, but the suitability of lockers in a corridor depends on the building fire strategy, escape-route requirements, available circulation space and site-specific approval.

Where can I find the Probe fire-test certificate?

Total Locker Service publishes the EN 13501-1 classification report for Probe steel products together with the current Probe Metric locker datasheet in its document library.

Summary: Probe locker fire performance

Probe steel lockers have a documented and independently tested reaction-to-fire position under EN 13501-1:2007 +A1:2009. That gives architects, facilities teams, schools and contractors useful evidence when fire performance forms part of the locker specification.

The key is to describe that evidence accurately. EN 13501-1 concerns reaction to fire, not a timed fire-resistance rating, and the final locker location still needs to be checked against the building fire strategy and project requirements.

Browse the Probe locker range or contact Total Locker Service for help matching a Probe locker specification to your project.