EN 520 specifies the characteristics and performance of gypsum plasterboards intended to be used in building construction works including those intended for secondary manufacturing operations. It includes boards designed to receive either direct surface decoration or gypsum plaster. The standard covers the following product characteristics: reaction to fire, water vapour permeability, flexural strength (breaking load), impact resistance, and thermal resistance. The standard does not cover plasterboards, which have been subject to any secondary manufacturing operations (e. g. insulating composite panels, plasterboards with thin lamination, etc.).