EN 1090 EXC2 vs EXC3 — Execution Class Selection for Aluminium Structures

EN 1090 is the European Union's CE marking standard for structural aluminium components. A manufacturer (like Alcodec) must certify every load-bearing aluminium component sold into the EU market against EN 1090-3. The standard defines four Execution Classes (EXC1–EXC4) reflecting how strict the production-side quality control must be. For pergolas, fences and glass railings, EXC2 or EXC3 is the operative range.

EXC2 is designed for aluminium structures with a 50-year design life that do not pose a direct threat to human life on failure. Quality controls: welder qualification per EN ISO 9606-2, welding procedure validated via WPQR, factory production control (FPC) under an in-house procedure. An EXC2-certified facility covers pergolas, garden fences, balcony railings and standard glass railings. In practice, ~95 % of LuxaShade pergolas exported into the EU ship as EXC2.

EXC3 is mandated in four scenarios: (1) tall buildings (curtain walling > 30 m), (2) load-bearing components of public works (airports, rail stations, hospitals), (3) structures under heavy dynamic loading (bridge accessories, crane gantries), (4) when the structural calc explicitly calls for EXC3. Quality requirements: 100 % visual inspection on every weld, NDT (radiography or ultrasonic) on critical connections, third-party certification body audit.

Upgrading from EXC2 to EXC3 adds 15–25 % to aluminium component cost and 2–3 weeks of lead time. NDT and audit reports are separate cost items. If an architect's tender specifies 'EXC3', verify whether the structural calc actually requires it — if EXC2 covers the calc, you get the same safety class for less money.

Alcodec extrusion and assembly facilities are EN 1090-3 EXC2 certified. EXC3-class projects can be run on a project-by-project basis with third-party certification body oversight. Product documentation file (EU Performance Declaration, WPQR welding procedure, FPC report) is delivered within 24 h on request.