ASTM E1537-22

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1537 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1537; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 1.10 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard.
conducting these tests.
1.2 The purpose of this test method is to determine the
1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the
burning behavior of upholstered furniture used in public
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
occupanciesbymeasuringspecificfire-testresponseswhenthe
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
specimen of furniture is subjected to a specified flaming
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ignition source under well-ventilated conditions.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.12 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.3 Data are obtained describing the burning behavior from
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
a specific ignition source until all burning has ceased, a period
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
of 1 h has elapsed, or flashover appears inevitable.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.4 This test method does not provide information on the
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
fire performance of upholstered furniture in fire conditions
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
other than those conditions specified. In particular, this test
method does not apply to smoldering ignition by cigarettes.
2. Referenced Documents
See X1.6 for further information.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.5 The rate of heat release of the burning specimen is D123Terminology Relating to Textiles
measured by an oxygen consumption method. See X1.6.4 for E84Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
further information. Building Materials
E176Terminology of Fire Standards
1.6 The production of light obscuring smoke is measured
E603Guide for Room Fire Experiments
and the concentrations of certain toxic gas species in the
E800GuideforMeasurementofGasesPresentorGenerated
combustion gases are determined. See X1.6.5 for further
During Fires
information.
E1354Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
1.7 The burning behavior is visually documented by photo-
Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con-
graphic or video recordings, whenever possible. sumption Calorimeter
E2067Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calo-
1.8 Thesystemofunitstobeusedinrefereedecisionsisthe
rimetry Fire Tests
SI system of units, see IEEE/ASTMSI-10 only. The units
E2257Test Method for Room Fire Test of Wall and Ceiling
given in parentheses are for information only.
Materials and Assemblies
1.9 This standard is used to measure and describe the
IEEE/ASTMSI-10International System of Units (SI): The
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
Modern Metric System
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
2.2 ISO Standards:
incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
ISO 4880 Burning Behaviour of Textiles and Textile
assessment of the materials, products or assemblies under
Products—Vocabulary
actual fire conditions.
ISO 9705Fire Tests—Full Scale Room Test for Surface
Products
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.15 on Furnishings contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
and Contents. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2022. Published May 2022. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1993. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as E1537–16. DOI: Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St.,
10.1520/E1537-22. 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1537 − 22
ISO 13943Fire Safety—Vocabulary material, (2) contains upholstery material, and (3) is intended
or promoted for sitting upon.
2.3 UL Standard:
UL 1056Fire Test of Upholstered Furniture (withdrawn)
3.2.5 upholstery cover material, n—the outermost layer of
2.4 CA Standard:
fabric or related materials used to enclose the main support
CA Technical Bulletin 133 FlammabilityTest Procedure for
system, or upholstery materials, or both, used in the furniture
Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies (with-
unit.
drawn)
3.2.6 upholsterymaterial,n—thepadding,stuffing,orfilling
2.5 BSI Standard:
material used in a furniture unit, which may be either loose or
BS 5852Fire Tests for Furniture. Methods of Test for the
attached, enclosed by an upholstery cover material, or located
Ignitability of Upholstered Composites for Seating by
between the upholstery cover material and support system, if
Flame Sources
present.
2.6 Nordtest Standard:
3.2.6.1 Discussion—This includes, but is not limited to,
Nordtest Method NT Fire 032Upholstered Furniture: Burn-
material, such as foams, cotton batting, polyester fiberfill,
ing Behavior—Full Scale Test
bonded cellulose, or down.
2.7 NFPA Standards:
NFPA 265Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating
4. Summary of Test Method
Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on
4.1 This test method determines a number of fire-test-
Full Height Panels and Walls
response characteristics from a full-scale specimen of uphol-
NFPA 286Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating
stered furniture ignited with a propane gas burner. Measure-
Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room
ments to be made include rate of heat and smoke release, total
Fire Growth
amount of heat and smoke released, rate and concentration of
3. Terminology carbon oxides released, and rate and amount of mass of
specimenlost.Otheroptionalmeasurementsarealsodescribed.
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method and 4.2 Three options are provided, in all of which the uphol-
associated with fire issues, refer to the terminology contained stered furniture specimen to be tested is placed on a weighing
in Terminology E176 and in ISO 13943. The definitions given platformandmeasurementsofheatrelease,smokerelease,and
in Terminology E176 shall prevail in case of conflict. For combustion gas release are made in an exhaust duct.
definitions of terms used in this test method and associated
4.3 In Options A and B the duct is located outside the
with textile issues, refer to Terminology D123 and ISO 4880.
doorwayofatestroom.InOptionCtheductislocateddirectly
The definitions given in Terminology D123 shall prevail in
over the specimen.
case of conflict.
4.4 Additional (optional) instrumentation placed in the test
3.1.2 For definitions of terms used in this test method and
room is also described.
associatedwithtextileissuesrefertotheterminologycontained
in Terminology D123.
5. Significance and Use
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 product, n—the upholstered furniture for which infor-
5.1 This test method provides a means to measure a variety
mation is required.
of fire-test-response characteristics resulting from burning a
specimen of upholstered furniture. The upholstered furniture
3.2.2 specimen, n—manufactured item of the product, rep-
resentative prototype of the product, or mock-up of the specimen is allowed to burn freely under well-ventilated
conditions after ignition using a propane gas burner. The most
product.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The mock-up shall be constructed as important fire-test-response characteristic measured is the rate
of heat release, which quantifies the intensity of the fire
described in Annex A1.
generated.
3.2.3 upholstered, adj—covered with material (as fabric or
padding) to provide a soft surface.
5.2 The rate of heat release is measured by the principle of
oxygen consumption. The assumptions and limitations of
3.2.4 upholstered seating furniture, n—a unit of interior
oxygen depletion calorimetry are discussed in Annex A4, and
furnishing that (1) contains any surface that is covered, in
in particular in A4.1.2.
whole or in part, with a fabric or other upholstery cover
5.3 Other fire-test-response characteristics are measured,
namelysmokeobscurationandcombustiongasrelease,asthey
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd.,
are also important in making decisions on fire safety.
Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, http://www.ul.com.
Available from Bureau of Household Goods and Service (BHGS), State of
5.4 The most important gaseous components of smoke are
California, Dept. of ConsumerAffairs, 3485 Orange GroveAve., North Highlands,
thecarbonoxides,presentinallfires.Theyareindicatorsofthe
CA 95660-5595, http://www.bhgs.dca.ca.gov/industry/tb133.
Available from British Standards Institution (BSI), 389 Chiswick High Rd.,
toxicityoftheatmosphereandofthecompletenessofcombus-
London W4 4AL, U.K., http://www.bsigroup.com.
tion. Measurement of concentrations of carbon oxides are
Available from Nordtest, PO Box 22, SF-00341, Helsingfors, Finland.
useful for two purposes: as part of fire hazard assessment
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org. calculations and to improve the accuracy of heat release
E1537 − 22
measurements. Other toxic combustion gases, which are spe- 25 mm by 2.44 m 6 25 mm high (8 by 12 by 8 ft high). The
cific to certain materials, are less crucial for determining room shall have no openings other than a doorway opening
combustion completeness and are optional measures, but fire 0.76 m 6 6.4 mm by 2.03 m 6 6.4 mm (30 by 80 in.), located
hazard assessment often requires their measurement. asindicatedinFig.1,andothersmallopenings,asnecessaryto
maketestmeasurements.Constructthetestroomofwoodenor
5.5 The type of ignition chosen (a flaming source) is
metal studs, and line it with fire rated gypsum wallboard or
common in both accidental and intentional fires in public
calcium silicate wallboard. Position a hood, as described in
occupancies.Thistestmethodisthusapplicabletoupholstered
AnnexA2,outsideoftheroomdoorway,suchthatitcollectsall
furniture in public occupancies. Such facilities include, but are
the combustion gases. There shall be no obstructions to the air
not limited to, jails, prisons, nursing care homes, health care
supply to the test setup.
facilities, public auditoriums, hotels, and motels.
NOTE 1—Both Type X gypsum wallboard and calcium silicate wall-
5.6 Ithasbeenshownthatifthegasburnerisusedataflow
board with a thickness of at least 13 mm (0.5 in.) have been found
rateof13L/minfor80s(equivalentto19.3kW),asisthecase
acceptable. If the thickness of the wallboard is larger, it will not affect the
in California Technical Bulletin (CATB) 133, it approximates
results of this test.
the ignition propensity of five crumpled sheets of newspaper
7.2 Test Room Layout (Test Configuration B)—The test
located on the seating cushion.
room shall have dimensions of 3.05 m 6 25 mm by 3.66 m 6
5.7 This test method specifies both a particular flow rate of
25 mm by 2.44 m 6 25 mm high (10 by 12 by 8 ft high). The
propane gas and a period of gas flow. If the ignition conditions
room shall have no openings other than a doorway opening
are changed, the results would then deviate from the model
0.97 m 6 6.4 mm by 2.06 m 6 6.4 mm (38 by 81 in.), located
selected for this test.
as indicated in Fig. 2, and other small openings, as necessary,
tomaketestmeasurements.Constructthetestroomofwooden
5.8 This test method is not applicable to ignition of uphol-
or metal studs, and line it with fire-rated gypsum wallboard or
stered furniture by cigarettes.
calcium silicate wallboard. Position a hood, as described in
5.9 One of the following three test configurations is to be
AnnexA2,outsideoftheroomdoorway,suchthatitcollectsall
used in this test method:
5.9.1 A—A test room with the following dimensions: 3.66
by 2.44 by 2.44 m high.
5.9.2 B—A test room with the following dimensions: 3.66
by 3.05 by 2.44 m high.
5.9.3 C—An open calorimeter (or furniture calorimeter).
5.10 Measurements in the three test configurations listed in
5.9 have been shown to give similar results for heat release in
the duct, for heat release rates lower than 600 kW (see X1.4)
(1).
5.11 Measurementsoftemperatures,gasconcentrations,and
smoke obscuration in the room, which are optional in this test
method, are dependent on room size.
5.12 This test method has been designed to give details for
the means to build and operate equipment capable of running
tests as required by CATB 133. This test method is, however,
more general than that technical bulletin.
6. Test Specimen
6.1 The test specimen consists of a full-size manufactured
item of upholstered furniture, a representative prototype of the
upholstered furniture, or a mock-up of the upholstered
furniture, constructed in accordance with Annex A1.
6.2 When a full-scale upholstered furniture mock-up is
used, the mock-up shall in all possible respects reflect the
construction of the actual furniture that it is intended to
represent.
7. Room Layout and Instrumentation
7.1 Test Room Layout (Test Configuration A)—The test
room shall have dimensions of 2.44 m 6 25 mm by 3.66 m 6
NOTE 1—See text for tolerances; room instrumentation is optional.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of FIG. 1 Test Room Configuration for Option A for Items of Furni-
the text. ture Less Than 1 m Across
E1537 − 22
NOTE 1—See text for tolerances; room instrumentation is optional.
FIG. 3 Test Room Configuration for Option A for Items of Furni-
ture Between 1 and 2.44 m Across
7.6.2.1 Over the geometric center of the igniter, 25 mm (1
NOTE 1—See text for tolerances; room instrumentation is optional.
in.) below the ceiling (ceiling thermocouple), and
FIG. 2 Test Room Configuration for Option B for Items of Furni-
7.6.2.2 At a distance of 0.91 m (3 ft) in front of the center
ture Less Than 1 m Across
oftheigniter,awayfromthefurniturespecimen,and1.22m(4
ft) below the ceiling.
7.6.3 Carry out optional optical density of smoke measure-
the combustion gases. There shall be no obstructions to the air ments with a smoke obscuration monitor, placed at a height of
supply to the test set-up. (See Note 1.)
1.22 m (4 ft) above the floor level. A white light or laser
photometersystemsimilartothatdescribedfortheductisalso
7.3 Open Calorimeter Layout (Test Configuration C)—The
suitable (see 8.2.4 or Annex A3).
area surrounding the test specimen shall be sufficiently large
7.6.4 Carry out optional carbon monoxide concentration
that there are no heat radiation effects from the walls or any
measurements with a gas sampling line located 165 mm (6.5
other nearby objects. The airflow to the test specimen shall be
in.) below the ceiling and 165 mm (6.5 in.) from each wall of
symmetrical from all sides.
the corner where the specimen is placed.
7.4 GeneralDiscussionofRoomLayout—Heatreleasemea-
7.7 Location of Specimen:
surements in the duct, made in OptionsA, B, and C have been
7.7.1 Test Configurations A or B:
shown to give similar results for heat release rates lower than
7.7.1.1 Position the furniture specimen on a weighing plat-
600 kW (see X1.4) (1).
forminacornersothatthefurnitureisatadistanceofbetween
7.5 Other Test Room Furnishings—The test room shall
0.10 and 0.25 m (4 and 10 in.) from both walls.
contain no furnishings except for the item to be tested.
7.7.1.2 The location for the furniture specimen is such that
7.6 Test Room Instrumentation (Optional): it faces the wall containing the doorway, with the preferred
7.6.1 Location of optional test room instruments is de- location at the greatest distance from the doorway.
scribed in Figs. 1-4. 7.7.1.3 If the furniture specimen is no more than 1.0 m (40
7.6.2 Carry out optional room temperature measurements in.) in width, refer to Fig. 1 or 2 for the furniture specimen
with chromel-alumel Type K thermocouples, shielded against location. If the furniture specimen is more than 1.0 m (40 in.)
high heat with insulation resisting up to 1200 °C. Use a wire in width, refer to Fig. 3 or Fig. 4.
gauge in the range of 24 to 30 AWG (0.51 to 0.36 mm) 7.7.1.4 These test configurations shall not be used to test
diameter, and mount the thermocouples in two test locations: furniture specimens that are more than 2.44 m (8 ft) in length.
E1537 − 22
NOTE 1—See text for tolerances; room instrumentation is optional.
FIG. 4 Test Room Configuration for Option B for Items of Furni-
ture Between 1 and 2.44 m Across
NOTE 1—All tubing 13 mm outside diameter, stainless steel, 0.89 mm
wall thickness.
NOTE 2—All holes 1 mm in diameter.
7.7.2 Test Configuration C:
NOTE 3—All units are mm unless otherwise noted.
7.7.2.1 Position the furniture specimen on a weighing plat-
NOTE 4—See text for tolerances.
form underneath the hood.
FIG. 5 Plan View of Square Gas Burner
7.7.2.2 Thistestmethod,inTestConfigurationC,issuitable
for furniture specimens more than 2.44 m (8 ft) in length only
if the hood is large enough to collect all the smoke generated.
7.8 Ignition Source:
7.8.1 Use a square gas burner, as described in Figs. 5 and 6,
and Fig. 7.
7.8.2 Construct the 250 6 10 by 250 6 10 mm (approxi-
mately 10 by 10 in.) square burner of 13 6 1 mm (0.5 in.)
outside diameter stainless steel tubing, with 0.89 6 0.05 mm
(0.035in.)wallthickness(seeFig.5).Thefrontsideshallhave
14 holes pointing straight out and spaced 13 6 1 mm (0.5 in.)
apart and nine holes pointing straight down and spaced 13 6 1
mm (0.5 in.) apart.The right and left sides shall have six holes
pointing straight out and spaced 13 6 1 mm (0.5 in.) apart and
four holes pointing inward at a 45° angle and spaced 50 6 2
FIG. 6 Side View of Square Gas Burner
mm(2in.)apart.Allholesshallbeof1 60.05mm(0.039in.)
diameter(seeFig.5,Fig.6,andFig.7).Thestraightarmofthe
burner shall be 1.07 6 0.05 m (42 in.) long and welded on to
thoroughly, if required. Take care not to enlarge the holes when cleaning
the rear of the front side (see Fig. 5) at a 30° angle. Mount the them.
burneronanadjustableheightpoleataheightof460 613mm
7.8.3 The burner is described in detail in Ref. (2).
(18 6 0.5 in.) and balance it by a counterweight or other
7.8.4 Usepropanegas,withaknownnetheatofcombustion
appropriate mechanism (see Fig. 8).
of 2050 6 50 kJ/mol, as a fuel for this ignition source. Meter
the flow rate of propane and keep it constant throughout the
NOTE 2—Caution: It is common for the burner holes to become
cloggedupfollowingatest.Inspectburnerholesaftereachtest,andclean test.
E1537 − 22
7.10.3 The barrier shall consist of a galvanized steel pan
withgypsumboardliningplacedunderthefurniturespecimen.
The pan shall be constructed of nominally 1.6–mm ( ⁄16 in.)
thick steel, and have dimensions of no less than 1.0 by 1.0 m
(which corresponds to approximately 39 by 39 in.), with a
uniform raised lip of the same material, 100 6 10 mm
(approximately 4 in.) high, on each side, to catch falling
FIG. 7 Cross-sectional View of Each Side of Square Gas Burner
material. The bottom of the pan shall be covered by a tight
fitting section of standard gypsum board (finish side up), of
nominally 13 mm (0.5 in.) thickness. The gypsum board shall
be clean before the start of a test; the board shall be replaced
for each test. Pans with dimensions of 1.2 6 0.1 by 2.1 6 0.1
m(4ft 64in.by8ft 64in.)havebeenfoundsatisfactoryfor
testing large furniture specimens.
7.10.4 Measure the specimen mass continuously with a
device capable of an accuracy of no less than 6150 g, up to at
least 90 kg. Install it in such a way that neither the heat from
theburningspecimennoranyeccentricityoftheloadaffectthe
accuracy. Do not make any range shifts during measurements.
Install all parts of the mass measuring device below the top
level of the thermal barrier.
7.10.5 The distance from the upper surface of the thermal
barrier to floor level shall not exceed 0.5 m (20 in.). The area
betweenthethermalbarrierandthefloorlevelshallbeshielded
inordertoavoidliftingforces,duetofireinducedairflow,that
NOTE 1—See text for tolerances.
influence the measurement.
FIG. 8 Positioning of Square Gas Burner on a Chair
8. Exhaust Collection System
7.8.5 Use the gas burner at a flow rate of 13 6 0.25 L/min
8.1 General:
for a total of 80 s. Measure the gas flow rate at a pressure of
8.1.1 The exhaust collection system shall consist of a
101 6 5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure, measured at the
blower, steel hood, duct, bidirectional probe, thermocouple(s),
flow gauge) and a temperature of 20 6 5 °C.The approximate
oxygen measurement system, smoke obscuration measuring
ratio of heat release rate output to gas flow rate is 1.485 kW
system (white light photocell lamp/detector or laser), and
min/L, under standard conditions.
combustion gas sampling and analysis system. It shall be
7.9 Location of Gas Burner:
constructed as shown in Fig. A2.1 and as explained in Annex
7.9.1 If the furniture specimen is less than 1.0 m wide
A2.
(overall), place the gas burner at the center of the furniture
8.1.2 The system for collecting the combustion products
seating surface, 50 65mm(2 6 0.2 in.) away from the
shall have a capacity and be designed in such a way that all of
furniture back and 2565mm(1 6 0.2 in.) above the seating
the combustion products leaving the burning specimen are
surface.
collected.Designthecapacityoftheevacuationsystemsoasto
7.9.2 Test any specimen over 1.0 m wide with the gas
exhaust all combustion gases leaving the furniture specimen
burner located at 125 6 10 mm (5 6 0.4 in.) from the side of
(see A2.1.4).
the piece of furniture, 50 65mm(2 6 0.2 in.) away from the
8.1.3 Place probes for sampling of combustion gas and for
furniture back and 25 65mm(1 6 0.2 in.) above the seating
measurement of flow rate in accordance with 8.2.
surface.
8.1.4 Measure all combustion product (smoke obscuration
7.9.3 In order to facilitate repeatability and reproducibility,
and gas concentrations) at a position in the exhaust duct where
it has been found useful to determine the exact location of the
the exhaust is uniformly mixed and there is a nearly uniform
gas burner on the furniture by using a back line marker gauge.
velocity across the duct section. A distance of 10 to 30 duct
7.10 Mass Loss Measurements:
diameters is satisfactory for this purpose.
7.10.1 Useaweighingplatformtocontinuouslymeasurethe
8.2 Details of Instrumentation in Exhaust Duct:
mass of the burning specimen. Construct a weighing platform,
8.2.1 The following specifications are minimum require-
consisting of a horizontal thermal barrier, as described in
mentsforexhaustductinstrumentation.Additionalinformation
7.10.2 and 7.10.3, and placed on top of a mass measuring
is found in Annex A3.
device.
7.10.2 Construct a thermal barrier large enough to prevent 8.2.2 Flow Rate—Measure the flow rate in the exhaust duct
melting or falling material from the tested furniture specimen by means of a bidirectional probe located at the center line of
fromfallingoffthethermalbarrier.Thebarriershallbeusedto the duct (see A3.1 for further details). Measure the flow rate in
protect the load cell. the exhaust duct with an accuracy of at least 66%. The
E1537 − 22
response time to a stepwise change of the duct flow rate shall
be a maximum of5sto reach 90% of the final value.
8.2.3 Combustion Gas Analysis:
8.2.3.1 Sampling Line—Make the sampling line tubes of a
material not influencing the concentration of the combustion
gas species to be analyzed. The recommended sequence of the
gas train is: sampling probe, soot filter, cold trap, gas path
pump, vent valve, plastic drying column and carbon dioxide
removal columns (if used), flow controller and oxygen ana-
FIG. 10 Optical System, Using a White Light
lyzer (see Fig. 9 and A3.2 for further details). The gas train
shall also include appropriate spanning and zeroing facilities.
8.2.3.2 OxygenMeasurement—Measuretheoxygenconcen-
9. Calibration
trationwithanaccuracyofatleast 60.04%offullscaleinthe
9.1 Calibrateallinstrumentscarefullywithstandardsources
outputrangeof0to21vol%oxygen,or 60.01vol%oxygen,
afterinitialinstallation.Amongtheinstrumentstobecalibrated
inordertohaveadequatemeasurementsofrateofheatrelease.
are load cells or weighing platforms, smoke meters, flow or
Take the combustion gas sample from the end of the sampling
velocity transducers, and gas analyzers. Perform recalibration
line. Calculate the time delay, including the time constant of
tests on the entire system, for example, using standard output
the instrument, from the test room; it is a function of the
burners.
exhaust duct flow rate. It shall be a maximum of 30 s. (See
9.2 Heat Release:
A3.3 for further details.) A discussion of the calculations for
9.2.1 Perform the calibration of the heat release instrumen-
rate of heat release is given in Annex A4.
tation in the exhaust duct by burning propane or methane gas
8.2.3.3 Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide
and comparing the heat release rates calculated from the
Measurement—Measure the combustion gas species with an
metered gas input and those calculated from the measured
instrument having an accuracy of at least 60.1 vol % for
oxygen consumption. The value of net heat of combustion for
carbon dioxide and 60.02 vol % for carbon monoxide. A
methane is 50.0 MJ/kg and that for propane is 46.5 MJ/kg.
suitable output range is 0 to 1 vol % for carbon monoxide and
Position the burner in the same location where the upholstered
0 to 6 vol % for carbon dioxide. Take the combustion gas
furniture specimen is to be placed during the test. Measure the
sample from the end of the sampling line. Calculate the time
gas flow rate at a pressure of 10 1 6 5 kPa (standard
delay, including the time constant of the instrument, from the
atmospheric pressure, measured at the flow gauge) and a
test room; it is a function of the exhaust duct flow rate. It shall
temperature of 20 6 5 °C.
be a maximum of 30 s. (See A3.3 for further details.)
9.2.2 Asuitablecalibrationburnerisasanddiffusionburner
8.2.4 Smoke Obscuration Measurement—Install an optical
with a 0.3 by 0.3-m (12 by 12-in.) top surface and a 0.15-m
system for measurement of light obscuration across the cen-
(6-in.) depth. Construct such a gas burner with a 25 mm (1 in.)
terlineoftheexhaustduct.Determinetheopticaldensityofthe
thick plenum. Alternatively, use a minimum 100 mm (4 in.)
smoke by measuring the light transmitted with a photometer
layer of Ottawa sand to provide the horizontal surface through
system consisting of a lamp, plano convex lenses, an aperture,
which the gas is supplied.This type of burner is shown in Fig.
a photocell, and an appropriate power supply. See Fig. 10 and
12. The gas supply to the burner shall be propane, of the same
A3.4 for further details. Construct the system so that soot
qualityasthatusedfortheignitionburner,ormethane.Thegas
deposits on the optics during a test do not reduce the light
for the burner flame shall not be premixed with air. Meter the
transmission by more than 5%.Alternatively, instrumentation
flow rate of gas and keep it constant throughout the calibration
usingalaserbeamsystem,withan0.5to2.0mWhelium-neon
test.
laser, instead of white light system is also acceptable. See Fig.
9.2.3 Another suitable calibration burner is a pipe, with an
11 and A3.4 for further details. It has been shown that white
innerdiameterof100 61.5mm(4in.),suppliedwithgasfrom
light and laser systems will give similar results (see Refs
beneath (see ISO 9705).The gas for the burner flame shall not
(3-6)).
be premixed with air.
9.2.4 Obtain a minimum of two calibration points. Obtain a
lower heat release rate value of 40 kW and then a higher heat
release rate value of 160 kW.Approximate propane flow rates
for any required heat release rate value are estimated using the
following constant: 1.485 kW min/L, determined at a pressure
of 101 6 5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure, measured at
theflowgauge)andatemperatureof20 65°C.Accurateflow
ratesofpropanegasarecalculatedusingthemassflowrate(Eq
A5.1 or Eq A5.2).
9.2.5 Take measurements at least once every 6 s and start 1
min prior to ignition of the burner. Determine the average rate
of heat release over a period of at least 1 min by the oxygen
FIG. 9 Schematic of Gas Train consumption method and calculating the heat release rate from
E1537 − 22
FIG. 11 Laser Extinction Beam
9.2.6 Perform a calibration test according to 9.5 prior to
each continuous test series. Perform a full basic calibration on
a new system or when modifications are introduced.
9.2.7 When calibrating a new system, or when modifica-
tions are introduced, it is recommended to check the response
time of the measuring system by the following test sequence:
Time, min Burner Output, kW
0to5 0
5to10 40
10 to 15 160
15 to 20 0
Take measurements at least once every 6 s. The response of
the system to a stepwise change of the heat output from the
burner shall be a maximum of 12 s to 90% of final value.
9.2.8 Checktheprecisionofthesystematvariousflowrates
byincreasingtheflowintheexhaustductinfoursteps,starting
3 −1
from 0.25 m s (at 0.1 MPa and 25 °C) up to maximum. The
recommended heat output from the burner is 160 kW. The
change in measured rate of heat release, comparing time
average values over 1 min, shall not be more than 10% of the
actual heat output from the burner.
9.2.9 Theuseofahigherrateofheatreleaseforcalibration,
for example 500 kW, will generally lead to higher accuracy in
test results.
9.3 Mass Loss—Perform calibration of the mass measuring
device by loading the weighing platform with known masses
correspondingtothemeasuringrangeofinterest,toensurethat
the requirements of accuracy in 7.10.3 are fulfilled. Carry out
this calibration daily, prior to testing.
9.4 SmokeObscuration—Calibratethesmokemeterinitially
to read correctly for two neutral density filters of significantly
different values and also at 100% transmission. Once this
NOTE 1—See text for tolerances.
calibration is set, only the zero value of extinction coefficient
FIG. 12 Calibration Gas Burner
(100% transmission) needs to be verified each day, prior to
testing. Investigate any excessive departure from the zero line
the gas mass flow rate and the net heat of combustion. The
at the end of a test, and correct it.
difference between the two values shall not exceed 5%. Make
9.5 Gas Analysis—Calibrate gas analyzers daily, prior to
this comparison only after steady state conditions have been
reached. testing (see Guide E800 for further guidance).
E1537 − 22
10. Conditioning 12.2 Calculate smoke release data using the equations
presented in A5.2.
10.1 Prior to testing, condition the specimen for at least 48
h in an atmosphere at a temperature of 21 63°C(70 6 5 °F) 12.3 Calculate gas yield data using the equations presented
and a relative humidity of less than 55 6 5%. Test specimens in A5.3.
within 10 min of removal from such conditions if test room
13. Test Report
conditions differ from the above.
13.1 Report the following information:
11. Procedure
13.1.1 Descriptive Information:
13.1.1.1 Name and address of the testing laboratory,
11.1 Initial Conditions:
13.1.1.2 Date and identification number of the report,
11.1.1 The ambient temperature shall be above 15 °C (60
13.1.1.3 Name and address of the test requester,
°F) and the relative humidity shall be less than 75%.
13.1.1.4 Test option used: A, B or C,
11.1.2 The horizontal air flow, measured at the surface and
13.1.1.5 Name of product manufacturer or supplier, if
at a horizontal distance of 0.5 m (20 in.) from the edge of the
−1
known,
weighing platform, shall not exceed 0.5 ms .
13.1.1.6 Name or other identification marks and description
11.1.3 Position the specimen to be tested centrally on the
of the product,
weighing platform.
13.1.1.7 Density, or mass per unit surface area, total mass,
11.1.4 Have available means for extinguishing a fully de-
thicknessofthemaincomponentsinthespecimen,andmassof
veloped fire.
combustible portion of specimen, if known,
11.2 Test Procedure:
13.1.1.8 Description of the specimen, if different from the
11.2.1 Placethesquaregasburnerabovetheseatcushion,as
product,
specified in 7.9.
13.1.1.9 Conditioning of the specimens,
11.2.2 Start all recording and measuring devices 2 min
13.1.1.10 Date of test, and
before starting the ignition burner.
13.1.1.11 Test number and any special remarks.
11.2.3 Light the ignition burner.
13.2 Test Results (see also Annex A1):
11.2.4 Expose the specimen to the gas burner flames for 80
13.2.1 Table of Numerical Results Containing:
s, at a flow rate of 13 L/min, determine at a pressure of 101 6
13.2.1.1 Peak rate of heat release (in kW) and the time at
5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure, measured at the flow
which it occurred,
gauge) and a temperature of 20 6 5 °C.
13.2.1.2 Total heat released (in MJ),
11.2.5 After the specified burning period extinguish the gas
2 −1
13.2.1.3 Peak rate of smoke release (in m s ) and the time
flame and remove the burner.
at which it occurred,
11.2.6 Perform a photographic or a video recording before
13.2.1.4 Total smoke released (in m ),
and during each test. A clock shall appear in all photographic
13.2.1.5 Total mass loss (in kg),
records, giving time to the nearest 1 s.
13.2.1.6 Total percentage of mass loss (in %),
11.2.7 During the test record the following events and the
13.2.1.7 Peak concentration of carbon monoxide (in ppm),
timewhentheyoccur,withrespecttothetimeofignitionofthe
13.2.1.8 Peak temperatures (in °C),
burner:
13.2.1.9 Equations used to calculate rate of heat release,
11.2.7.1 Ignition of the specimen,
13.2.1.10 Peak optical density of smoke (optional),
11.2.7.2 Position of flame front,
13.2.1.11 Averageopticaldensityofsmoke,overthe10min
11.2.7.3 Melting and dripping,
period including the peak (optional),
11.2.7.4 Formation of flaming droplets,
13.2.1.12 Total percentage of combustible mass loss (in %)
11.2.7.5 Occurrence of pool fire under the specimen,
(optional),
11.2.7.6 General description of the burning behavior, and
13.2.1.13 Average yield of carbon monoxide (in g CO/g
11.2.7.7 Any other event of special interest.
fuel) (optional),
11.2.8 Terminate the test after the first of:
13.2.1.14 Average yield of carbon dioxide (in g CO /g fuel)
11.2.8.1 Burning has ceased,
(optional),
11.2.8.2 One hour of testing has elapsed, or
13.2.1.15 Carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide molar yield ra-
11.2.8.3 Flashover appears inevitable.
tio (optional),
11.2.9 Note,fromvisualinspectionofthespecimenafterthe
13.2.1.16 Average yield of any other measured combustion
test, the approximate percentage of each surface that was
gas (in g combustion gas/g fuel) (optional), and
burned or charred, and the approximate depth of fire damage.
13.2.1.17 Report smoke obscuration, carbon monoxide, and
temperature measurements in the room in the same fashion, if
12. Calculation
they have been made (optional).
12.1 Considerations for heat release measurements are pre- 13.2.2 Graphical Results (Optional):
sented in Annex A4. Calculate heat release data, using the 13.2.2.1 Plot of rate of heat release versus time,
equations presented in A5.1. The testing laboratory shall 13.2.2.2 Plot of rate of smoke release versus time,
choose one of the equations in Annex A5 to calculate heat 13.2.2.3 Plot of optical density versus time,
release. 13.2.2.4 Plot of mass loss versus time,
E1537 − 22
13.2.2.5 Plot of concentration of carbon monoxide versus conduct an analysis of the data that excludes all incorrect data
time, butdoesnotexcludeoutliers,butthatwasnotdone.Aresearch
13.2.2.6 Plot of concentration of carbon dioxide versus report has been submitted to ASTM that includes all the
time, information required for a full understanding of results. The
13.2.2.7 Plots of concentration of any other measured com-
userisencouragedtoconsultthisresearchreportentitled,“Test
bustion gas versus time, MethodsE1537andE1822InterlaboratoryStudy,Preparedby:
13.2.2.8 Plot of mass flow rate in the exhaust duct versus
ASTM E05.15” (2001).The abbreviations used are as follows:
time, peak rate of heat release (Pk RHR), total heat released (THR),
13.2.2.9 Plot of duct temperature versus time, and
mass loss at 10 min (Mass Loss @ 10), peak rate of smoke
13.2.2.10 Report smoke obscuration, carbon monoxide, and release (Pk RSR), total smoke released (RSR), standard devia-
temperature measurements in the room in the same fashion, if
tion for repeatibility and reproducibility (STD repeat and STD
they have been made.
Repro), relative standard deviation for repeatibility and repro-
13.2.3 Descriptive Results:
ducibility (RSD repeat and RSD Repro), repeatability (r) and
13.2.3.1 Photographs or videotape of the fire development,
reproducibility (R).
and
14.2 Bias:
13.2.3.2 All available information requested in 11.2.7.
14.2.1 No information is presented on the bias of the
14. Precision and Bias
procedure in this test method because correct values of
fire-test-response characteristics of upholstered furniture can
14.1 Precision—The precision of this test method has not
only be defined in terms of a test method. Within this
been determined. Table 1 and Table 2 show the precision
limitation, this test method has no known bias and can be
obtained in an interlaboratory round-robin evaluation con-
accepted as a reference method.
ducted with four laboratories, using four sets of upholstered
chairs(labeledU1toU4),suppliedbydifferentmanufacturers, 14.2.2 For solid specimens of unknown chemical
and all commercially available. Two of the laboratories con- composition, as used in building materials, furnishings, and
ducted the tests using the “ASTM room,” and the other two common occupant fuel load, it has been documented that the
used the “California room.” The data obtained from all four use of the oxygen consumption standard value of 13.1 MJ/kg
laboratories were analyzed. In Table 2, outliers and “obviously oxygen for the net amount of heat released per unit of oxygen
incorrect data” were excluded, using standard statistical con- consumed for complete consumption, results in an expected
siderationsandinformationfromthetestlabreportssubmitted. error band of 65% compared to the true value. For homoge-
It should be noted that some tests in some laboratories were neous materials with only a single pyrolysis mechanism, this
incorrectly terminated before the mandated end point, after uncertainty is reduced by determining the net heat of combus-
tion from oxygen bomb measurements and the stoichiometric
some guidelines were exceeded. The complete set of major
data was also analyzed, without eliminating any data point, oxygen/fuel mass ratio from ultimate elemental analysis. For
testing relevant to this standard, this is not practical, since
withthestatisticalanalysisincludedasTable3.Itispossibleto
TABLE 1 Intralaboratory and Interlaboratory Precision Results of Round Robin Evaluation Excluding Outliers and Incorrect Data
Chair Property/Units Average STD repeat STD Repro R R RSD repeat RSD Repro
U1 Pk RHR/kW 25.2 3.9 4.1 11.0 11.6 15.5 16.5
U2 Pk RHR/kW 799.7 364.3 364.3 1020.0 1020.0 57.5 57.5
U3 Pk RHR/kW 21.7 7.7 7.7 21.4 21.4 35.3 35.3
U4 Pk RHR/kW 37.8 18.9 18.9 52.8 52.8 50.0 50.0
U1 THR @ 10/MJ 2.5 1.2 1.3 3.5 3.5 48.6 49.6
U2 THR @ 10/MJ 76.6 26.3 28.3 73.6 79.4 34.4 37.0
U3 THR @ 10/MJ 1.7 1.3 1.3 3.5 3.5 68.6 68.6
U4 THR @ 10/MJ 3.1 1.5 1.5 4.2 4.2 48.6 48.6
U1 time to Pk RHR/s 141.6 17.0 52.3 47.7 146.3 12.0 36.9
U2 time to Pk RHR/s 229.3 40.6 78.7 113.5 220.3 17.7 34.3
U3 time to Pk RHR/s 108.4 29.6 54.2 82.8 151.6 27.3 49.9
U4 time to Pk RHR/s 112.2 28.1 58.8 78.6 164.6 25.0 52.4
U1 Mass Loss @ 10/kg 0.1 0.02 0.03 0.05 0.09 18.7 31.7
U2 Mass Loss @ 10/kg 2.8 2.0 2.0 5.5 5.5 71.1 71.1
U3 Mass Loss @ 10/kg 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.2 0.2 61.8 61.8
U4 Mass Loss @ 10/kg 0.4 0.07 0.2 0.2 0.7 18.6 64.6
U1 Pk RSR, m /s 2.0 0.2 1.3 0.4 3.6 7.8 64.6
U2 Pk RSR, m /s 6.1 1.7 3.4 4.8 9.5 28.2 55.6
U3 Pk RSR, m /s 1.4 0.9 1.0 2.4 2.7 63.9 71.9
U4 Pk RSR, m /s 1.7 2.5 2.5 7.0 7.0 143.3 143.3
U1 TSR, m 238.8 180.2 243.8 504.5 682.5 75.5 102.1
U2 TSR, m 862.8 393.6 571.9 1102.1 1601.3 45.6 66.3
U3 TSR, m 160.1 35.8 93.0 100.1 260.3 22.3 58.1
U4 TSR, m 543.3 546.9 622.7 1531.4 1743.7 100.7 114.6
U1 time to Pk RSR/s 80.2 19.2 19.2 53.6 53.6 23.9 23.9
U2 time to Pk RSR/s 207.3 18.0 23.6 50.5 66.0 8.7 11.4
U3 time to Pk RSR/s 85.3 6.9 6.9 19.3 19.3 8.1 8.1
U4 time to Pk RSR/s 96.8 9.4 11.8 26.3 32.9 9.7 12.2
E1537 − 22
TABLE 2 Intralaboratory and Interlaboratory Precision Results of Round Robin Evaluation
Chair # of labs Average STD repeat STD Repro r R RSD repeat RSD Repro
Peak RHR/kW
U1 3 32.2 21.2 23.6 59.4 66.1 65.8 73.3
U2 4 632.7 182.3 467.8 510.4 1309.8 28.8 73.9
U3 4 21.7 3.9 4.0 10.8 11.3 17.7 18.6
U4 4 152.7 233.1 233.1 652.7 652.7 152.7 152.7
Total Heat Released @ 10 min/MJ
U1 3 2.54 0.89 1.5 2.5 4.2 35.0 59.1
U2 4 60.25 13.29 44.18 37.2 123.7 22.1 73.3
U3 4 1.83 0.63 0.89 1.8 2.5 34.4 48.6
U4 4 3.1 0.79 1.23 2.2 3.4 25.5 39.7
time to peak RHR/s
U1 3 210.1 205.9 205.9 576.5 576.5 98.0 98.0
U2 4 230.1 22.2 124.6 62.2 348.9 9.6 54.2
U3 4 108.4 15.2 84.9 42.6 237.7 14.0 78.3
U4 4 418.8 648.2 648.2 1815.0 1815.0 154.8 154.8
Mass Loss @ 10 min/kg
U1 3 0.14 0.11 0.13 0.3 0.4 78.6 92.9
U2 4 2.73 1.01 1.55 2.8 4.3 37.0 56.8
U3 4 0.11 0.04 0.05 0.1 0.1 36.4 45.5
U4 4 0.74 0.91 1.06 2.5 3.0 123.0 143.2
Peak RSR/m /s
U1 3 2.01 0.12 2.23 0.3 6.2 6.0 110.9
U2 3 1.78 1.54 5.67 4.3 15.9 86.5 318.5
U3 4 1.47 0.23 1.38 0.6 3.9 15.6 93.9
U4 4 1.74 2.23 2.38 6.2 6.7 128.2 136.8
Total Smoke Released @ 10 min/m
U1 3 238 180 368 504.0 1030.4 75.6 154.6
U2 3 689 731 888 2046.8 2486.4 106.1 128.9
U3 4 159.8 18.2 154 51.0 431.2 11.4 96.4
U4 4 286.2 115.1 354 322.3 991.2 40.2 123.7
Total Smoke Released entire test/m
U1 3 239 180 367 504.0 1027.6 75.3 153.6
U2 3 929 381 983 1066.8 2752.4 41.0 105.8
U3 4 160.2 18.3 154 51.2 431.2 11.4 96.1
U4 4 529 496 865 1388.8 2422.0 93.8 163.5
time to peak RSR/s
U1 3 136.8 170 171.4 476.0 479.9 124.3 125.3
U2 3 208.4 14 33 39.2 92.4 6.7 15.8
U3 4 85.3 4.26 4.38 11.9 12.3 5.0 5.1
U4 4 240.3 336.8 336.8 943.0 943.0 140.2 140.2
specimens are finished products, some of which are nonhomo- 15. Keywords
geneous and capable of exhibiting degradation reactions.
15.1 calorimetry; carbon dioxide; carbon monoxide; fire;
Therefore, for unknown specimens, a 65% accuracy limit is
fire-test-response; heat release; ignition; mock-up; oxygen
seen. For reference materials, however, careful determination
consumption; smoke obscuration; toxic combustion gases;
ofthenetheatreleasedperunitofoxygenconsumedcanmake
upholstered furniture
this source of uncertainty substantially less.
E1537 − 22
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1. DESIGN OF MOCK-UP
A1.1 Inlieuoftestingfinishedproducts,full-scalemock-up
testing is performed on mock-ups constructed according to the
following specimen construction directives:
A1.1.1 The test specimen shall consist of component cush-
ions that duplicate the thickness, construction, and design
features of a product suitable for use.
A1.1.2 A metal test frame (see Fig. A1.1 and Fig. A1.2)
shall be used to support seat and back cushions and, if
necessary, arm cushions. The test frame shall be of steel
construction. The back wall shall be constructed so that it is
adjustable to a maximum angle of 135° from the horizontal
plane. The test frame shall be adjustable to accommodate test
cushions of
...