1. Scope

1.1 This fire-test-response standard for the comparative surface burning behavior of building materials is applicable to exposed surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The test is conducted with the specimen in the ceiling position with the surface to be evaluated exposed face down to the ignition source. The material, product, or assembly shall be capable of being mounted in the test position during the test. Thus, the specimen shall either be self-supporting by its own structural quality, held in place by added supports along the test surface, or secured from the back side.

1.2 The purpose of this test method is to determine the relative burning behavior of the material by observing the flame spread along the specimen. Flame spread and smoke developed index are reported. However, there is not necessarily a relationship between these two measurements.

1.3 The use of supporting materials on the underside of the test specimen has the ability to lower the flame spread index from those which might be obtained if the specimen could be tested without such support. These test results do not necessarily relate to indices obtained by testing materials without such support.

1.4 Testing of materials that melt, drip, or delaminate to such a degree that the continuity of the flame front is destroyed, results in low flame spread indices that do not relate directly to indices obtained by testing materials that remain in place.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.7 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire-hazard or fire-risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

A390 Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Poultry Fence Fabric (Hexagonal and Straight Line)

C1186 Specification for Flat Fiber-Cement Sheets

C1288 Specification for Discrete Non-Asbestos Fiber-Cement Interior Substrate Sheets

D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Base Materials

D4444 Test Method for Laboratory Standardization and Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters

E69 Test Method for Combustible Properties of Treated Wood by the Fire-Tube Apparatus

E136 Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750C

E160 Test Method for Combustible Properties of Treated Wood by the Crib Test Withdrawn. The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.

E162 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source

E176 Terminology of Fire Standards

E286 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Building Materials Using an 8-ft (2.44-m) Tunnel Furnace

E2231 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

E2404 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Wall or Ceiling Coverings to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

E2573 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

E2579 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Wood Products to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

E2599 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Reflective Insulation, Radiant Barrier and Vinyl Stretch Ceiling Materials for Building Applications to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

E2688 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Tapes to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

E2690 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

NFPA Standards

Keywords

flame spread; flame spread index; smoke developed; smoke developed index; Steiner tunnel; surface burning characteristics; 25 ft tunnel; tunnel test ;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.220.50 (Fire-resistance of building materials and elements); 91.100.01 (Construction materials)

DOI: 10.1520/E0084-04

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.