Candle fire safety: BS EN 15493 and a real burn-test protocol
BS EN 15493 sets the fire-safety requirements for candles sold in the UK and EU. BS EN 15494 sets the wording for the warning labels. Together they define what a safe candle looks like, and what burn behaviour disqualifies one from sale. You do not need certification to sell, but you do need evidence of testing.
What the standard requires
BS EN 15493 covers vessel temperature, secondary ignition, stability, and flame height. In summary: a candle must not crack its vessel, must not set the wick stub on fire after the candle is out, must not tip over when nudged, and must not produce a flame over the height the standard caps.
- Vessel surface temperature must remain below {{TEMP:100}} during normal burn.
- No flashing or sustained flames after extinguishing.
- Flame height not to exceed roughly {{LENGTH:75}} (size-dependent).
- Candle must remain stable when tilted to 10°.
The 4-burn test protocol
Every wick choice on a new vessel needs four burn tests. Each session should run 3 to 4 hours, with the candle photographed every 30 minutes. Record:
- Melt pool depth and time to reach the wall.
- Wick mushroom size.
- Flame height (use a ruler held at distance).
- Vessel temperature (a thermocouple or infrared thermometer).
- Any sooting or smoke.
Required warning text (BS EN 15494)
BS EN 15494 specifies a set of pictograms and warnings: 'Never leave a burning candle unattended', 'Keep out of reach of children and pets', 'Burn candle out of reach of anything that can catch fire'. The exact pictograms must appear; the wording is regulated.
Put this guide to work.
Troubleshoot a failing burn →Sources
- BSI: BS EN 15493 product page
- BSI: BS EN 15494 product page
- British Candlemakers Federation safety guidance
Compatibility rules
This guide is editorial content from Waxverse, not legal advice. Verify all regulatory claims against the current text of the law and your fragrance supplier's SDS before commercial sale.