ASTM E662-06
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials
Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method provides a means for determining the specific optical density of the smoke generated by specimens of materials and assemblies under the specified exposure conditions. Values determined by this test are specific to the specimen or assembly in the form and thickness tested and are not to be considered inherent fundamental properties of the material tested. Thus, it is likely that closely repeatable or reproducible experimental results are not to be expected from tests of a given material when specimen thickness, density, or other variables are involved.
The photometric scale used to measure smoke by this test method is similar to the optical density scale for human vision. However, physiological aspects associated with vision are not measured by this test method. Correlation with measurements by other test methods has not been established.4
At the present time no basis is provided for predicting the density of smoke generated by the materials upon exposure to heat and flame under other fire conditions.
The test method is of a complex nature and the data obtained are sensitive to variations which in other test methods might be considered to be insignificant (see Section 6). A precision statement based on the results of a roundrobin test by a prior draft version of this test method is given in 14.1
In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible by or from this test method to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in this procedure.
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers determination of the specific optical density of smoke generated by solid materials and assemblies mounted in the vertical position in thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25.4 mm).
1.2 Measurement is made of the attenuation of a light beam by smoke (suspended solid or liquid particles) accumulating within a closed chamber due to nonflaming pyrolytic decomposition and flaming combustion.
1.3 Results are expressed in terms of specific optical density which is derived from a geometrical factor and the measured optical density, a measurement characteristic of the concentration of smoke.
1.4 This test method is intended for use in research and development and not as a basis for ratings for regulatory purposes.
This standard measures and describes 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.
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.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. Values stated in parentheses are for information only.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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An American National Standard
Designation: E 662 – 06
Standard Test Method for
Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid
1
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E662; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope ing or Decomposition of Plastics
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers determination of
the specific optical density of smoke generated by solid
3. Terminology
materials and assemblies mounted in the vertical position in
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms found in this test
thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25.4 mm).
method refer to Terminology E176.
1.2 Measurement is made of the attenuation of a light beam
by smoke (suspended solid or liquid particles) accumulating
4. Summary of Test Method
within a closed chamber due to nonflaming pyrolytic decom-
4.1 This test method employs an electrically heated radiant-
position and flaming combustion.
energy source mounted within an insulated ceramic tube and
1.3 Resultsareexpressedintermsofspecificopticaldensity
positioned so as to produce an irradiance level of 2.2 Btu/
which is derived from a geometrical factor and the measured
2 2
s·ft (2.5 W/cm ) averaged over the central 1.5-in. (38.1-mm)
optical density, a measurement characteristic of the concentra-
diameter area of a vertically mounted specimen facing the
tion of smoke.
radiant heater. The nominal 3 by 3-in. (76.2 by 76.2-mm)
1.4 This test method is intended for use in research and
specimen is mounted within a holder which exposes an area
development and not as a basis for ratings for regulatory
9 9
measuring 2 ⁄16 by 2 ⁄16 in. (65.1 by 65.1 mm). The holder is
purposes.
able to accommodate specimens up to 1 in. (25.4 mm) thick.
1.5 This standard measures and describes the response of
This exposure provides the nonflaming condition of the test.
materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
4.2 For the flaming condition, a six-tube burner is used to
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all
apply a row of equidistant flamelets across the lower edge of
factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the
the exposed specimen area and into the specimen holder
materials, products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
trough. This application of flame in addition to the specified
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
irradiance level from the heating element constitutes the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
flaming combustion exposure.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4.3 The test specimens are exposed to the flaming and
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
nonflaming conditions within a closed chamber.Aphotometric
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
systemwithaverticallightpathisusedtomeasurethevarying
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
light transmission as smoke accumulates. The light transmit-
as standard. Values stated in parentheses are for information
tance measurements are used to calculate specific optical
only.
density of the smoke generated during the time period to reach
3
the maximum value.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5. Significance and Use
D2843 Test Method for Density of Smoke from the Burn-
5.1 This test method provides a means for determining the
specificopticaldensityofthesmokegeneratedbyspecimensof
1
materials and assemblies under the specified exposure condi-
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.21 on Smoke and
tions. Values determined by this test are specific to the
Combustion Products.
specimen or assembly in the form and thickness tested and are
Current edition approved July 15, 2006. Published August 2006. Originally
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as E662–05.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Additionalparameters,suchasthemaximumrateofsmokeaccumulation,time
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on to a fixed optical density level, or a smoke obscuration index provide potentially
the ASTM website. useful information. See Appendix X1.
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