Significance and Use
4.1 This test method is intended to provide only comparative measurements of surface flame spread and smoke density measurements with that of select grade red oak and fiber-cement board
surfaces under the specific fire exposure conditions described herein.
4.2 This test method exposes a nominal 24-ft (7.32-m) long by 20-in. (508-mm) wide specimen to a controlled air flow and flaming fire exposure adjusted to spread the flame along the entire
length of the select grade red oak specimen in 5 1 / 2 min.
4.3 This test method does not provide for the following:
4.3.1 Measurement of heat transmission through the tested surface.
4.3.2 The effect of aggravated flame spread behavior of an assembly resulting from the proximity of combustible walls and ceilings.
4.3.3 Classifying or defining a material as noncombustible, by means of a flame spread index by itself.
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 standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and
are not considered 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
NFPA262 Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces (2007)
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
ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.
ASTM E84