ASTM E2102-21

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: E2102 − 21 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Measurement of Mass Loss and Ignitability for Screening
Purposes Using a Conical Radiant Heater
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2102; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
The screening fire-test-response method described in this standard uses a radiant energy source
similar to that used in the cone calorimeter, Test Method E1354. However, the test method apparatus
is much simpler, because it excludes measurements of oxygen consumption or of smoke obscuration,
which are incorporated into the cone calorimeter to measure heat and smoke release. A fire-test-
response standard describes a test method from which one or more fire-test-response characteristics
can be measured, as a result of exposure to a prescribed source of heat or flame, under controlled
conditions. There are many occasions, typically for initial research and development, when there is a
need for screening samples of materials, products, or assemblies, using a simple test. This allows the
user to verify whether certain fire-test-response characteristics of the sample fall within the expected
margins. Screening tests, as related to fire, are described in fire terminology as fire-response tests
performed to determine whether a material, product, or assembly (a) exhibits any unusual fire-related
characteristics, (b) has certain expected fire-related characteristics, or (c) is capable of being
preliminarily categorized according to the fire characteristic in question. Screening tests addressing
fire properties should be chosen so that the energy input (as heat or flame) is representative of that in
the fire test method for which screening is desired.
1. Scope* universal formula exists for calculation of heat release using
masslossmeasurements(seealsoadditionallimitationsin5.7).
1.1 This fire-test-response standard provides a means of
measuring mass loss and ignitability, for screening purposes,
1.4 The fire-test-response characteristics obtained from this
from essentially planar materials, products, or assemblies
test method are also obtainable with the apparatus used in Test
(including surface finishes), exposed to controlled levels of
Method E1354 (the cone calorimeter) or in an applications
radiant heating, with or without an external ignitor. This test
standards of that equipment (see also 5.4). The referenced test
method is intended for screening purposes only.
methodspermitmeasurementsofaddedfire-test-responsechar-
1.2 The principal fire-test-response characteristics obtained acteristics.
from this test method are those associated with mass loss from
1.5 The fire-test-response characteristics obtained by this
the specimens tested, as a function of time. Time to sustained
test method are specific to the specimen tested, in the form and
flaming is also determined. Heat release is, optionally, deter-
thickness tested, and are not an inherent property of the
mined using thermopile measurements detailed in Annex A2.
material, product, or assembly.
1.2.1 The fire-test-response characteristics obtained from
this test are best used for comparisons between materials with
1.6 This fire-test-response method does not provide infor-
some similarities in composition or structure.
mation on the fire performance of the test specimens under fire
conditions other than those conditions specified in this test
1.3 The relationship between mass loss and heat release
method. For additional limitations of this test method, see 5.7.
depends on the material, product, or assembly tested, and no
1.7 Use the SI system of units in referee decisions; see
IEEE/ASTM SI-10. The units given in parentheses are for
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
information only.
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.21 on Smoke and
Combustion Products.
1.8 This standard is used to measure and describe the
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021. Published January 2022. Originally
responseofmaterials,products,orassembliestoheatandflame
approved in 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E2102 - 17. DOI:
10.1520/E2102-21. under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate
*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
E2102 − 21
all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the Covering or Ceiling Covering Composites Using a Cone
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. Calorimeter
E1822 Test Method for Fire Testing of Stacked Chairs
1.9 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 International System of Units (SI) The
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
Modernized Metric System
conducting these tests. See also Section 7.
2.2 ISO Standards:
1.10 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ISO 3261 Fire Tests–Vocabulary
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
ISO 5657 Fire Tests–Reaction to Fire–Ignitability of Build-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
ing Products
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
ISO 5660-1 Fire Tests–Reaction to Fire–Rate of Heat Re-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
lease from Building Products (Cone calorimeter method)
1.11 This international standard was developed in accor-
ISO 9705 Fire Tests–Full Scale Room Test for Surface
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
Products
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
ISO 13943 Fire Safety Vocabulary
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical 2.3 British Standards:
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. BS 476, Part 15, Fire Tests– Reaction to Fire–Rate of Heat
Release from Building Products (Cone calorimeter
2. Referenced Documents method)
BS 6809 Method of Calibration of Radiometers for Use in
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Fire Testing
D5537 Test Method for Heat Release, Flame Spread, Smoke
Obscuration, and Mass Loss Testing of Insulating Mate-
3. Terminology
rialsContainedinElectricalorOpticalFiberCablesWhen
Burning in a Vertical Cable Tray Configuration 3.1 Definitions: For definitions of terms used in this test
D6113 Test Method for Using Cone Calorimeter to Deter-
method refer to the terminology contained in Terminology
mineFire-Test-ResponseCharacteristicsofInsulatingMa- E176, ISO 3261 and ISO 13943. In case of conflict, the
terials Contained in Electrical or Optical Fiber Cables
definitions given in Terminology E176 shall prevail.
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
E535 Practice for Preparation of Fire-Test-Response Stan-
3.2.1 assembly, n—a unit or structure composed of a com-
dards bination of materials or products, or both.
E603 Guide for Room Fire Experiments
3.2.2 continuous (as related to data acquisition), adj—
E638 Test Method for Calibration of Heat Transfer Rate
conducted at data collection intervals of5sor less.
Calorimeters Using a Narrow-Angle Blackbody Radiation
3 3.2.3 critical heat flux for ignition, n—the midpoint within
Facility (Withdrawn 2001)
the range of heat fluxes between the maximum (highest) heat
E906 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
flux that produces no ignition and the minimum (lowest) heat
Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile
flux that produces ignition, for a specified exposure time.
Method
3.2.4 essentially flat surface, n—surface where the irregu-
E1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
larity from a plane does not exceed 61 mm.
Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con-
sumption Calorimeter 3.2.5 exposed surface, n—that surface of the specimen
E1474 Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate
subjected to the incident heat.
of Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Components or
3.2.6 flashing, n—existence of flame on or over the surface
Composites Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption
of the specimen for periods of less than 1 s.
Calorimeter
3.2.7 irradiance (at a point of a surface),n—ratio of the
E1537 Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furni-
radiant flux incident on a small but measurable element of
ture
surface containing the point, by the area of that element.
E1590 Test Method for Fire Testing of Mattresses
3.2.7.1 Discussion—Convective heating is negligible in the
E1623 Test Method for Determination of Fire and Thermal
horizontalspecimenorientation.Intheverticalorientation,itis
Parameters of Materials, Products, and Systems Using an
small, but not negligible. Despite this contribution from
Intermediate Scale Calorimeter (ICAL)
convective heating, the term “irradiance” is used instead of
E1740 Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate
“heat flux” throughout this test method as it best indicates the
and Other Fire-Test-Response Characteristics of Wall
essentially radiative mode of heat transfer.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Standardization Organization, P.O. Box 56,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on CH-1211; Geneva 20, Switzerland or American National Standards Institute
the ASTM website. (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
3 5
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on Available from British Standards Institution, PO Box 4033, Linford Wood,
www.astm.org. Milton Keynes, MK 14 6LE, United Kingdom
E2102 − 21
3.2.8 material, n—single substance, or uniformly dispersed 5.1.2 The mass loss rate of a material, product, or assembly
mixture, for example metal, stone, timber, concrete, mineral is a fire-test-response characteristic that gives an indication of
fiber, or polymer. itsburningrate.Thus,alowermasslossrateisoftenassociated
with slower burning. Note, however, that mass loss is not
3.2.9 orientation, n—the plane in which the exposed face of
always a result of combustion, and that this method does not
the specimen is located during testing.
assess release of smoke or combustion products.
3.2.9.1 Discussion—For this standard, the specimen orien-
5.1.3 The time to ignition of a material, product, or assem-
tation may only be either vertical or horizontal.
bly is a fire-test-response characteristic that gives an indication
3.2.10 sample, n—an amount of the material, product, or
of its propensity to ignite at the applied heat flux level and
assembly, to be tested, which is representative of the item as a
subsequently to release heat and spread flame over its surface.
whole.
Thus, a longer time to ignition is an indication of a lower
3.2.11 specimen, n—representative piece of the product
propensity for the material, product, or assembly to become
which is to be tested together with any substrate or treatment.
involved and contribute to fire spread or growth; however this
3.2.11.1 Discussion—This may include an air gap.
method does not assess the smoke or combustion products
3.2.12 sustained flaming, n—the existence of flame on or
released.
over the surface of the specimen for a period of4sor more.
5.1.4 The apparatus used for this test method is suitable to
assess the critical heat flux for ignition of the materials,
3.2.13 time to ignition, n—time between the start of the test
products, or assemblies tested, by assessing ignitability at
and the presence of a flame on or over most of the specimen
various heat fluxes (see Appendix X3 for guidance).
surface for a period of at least 4 s.
3.2.14 time to sustained flaming, n—time to ignition. 5.2 Values determined by this test are specific to the
specimen in the form and thickness tested and are not inherent
3.2.15 transitory flaming, n—the existence of flame on or
fundamental properties of the material, product, or assembly
over the surface of the specimen for periods of between 1 and
tested. Thus, closely repeatable or reproducible experimental
4s.
results are not to be expected from this test method when tests
are conducted for a given material, product, or assembly, while
4. Summary of Test Method
introducing variations in properties such as specimen thickness
4.1 This test method employs a conically-shaped
or density.
electrically-heated radiant-energy source, positioned so as to
5.3 No incident irradiance is specified in this test method.
produce an irradiance level of up to 100 kW/m , averaged over
The instrument is capable of generating irradiances ranging up
the center of the exposed surface of an essentially planar
to 100 kW/m . The choice of irradiance is a function of the
specimen. An external spark ignitor is available, if required.
application of the material, product, or assembly to be tested,
This test method is used to determine continuously the mass
and of the fire scenario the user is investigating. However, the
lost during the combustion process, using a load cell, for
method is not suitable for incident irradiances below
screening purposes. Ignitability is also assessed by the test
10 kW⁄m (see 5.7.3).
method.
4.1.1 Optionally, the test method is capable of obtaining an
5.4 The method used for optionally measuring heat release,
estimate of the heat released by the specimen during the
a thermopile, is not as accurate as the conventional oxygen
burning process, using a thermopile housed above the burning
consumptioncalorimetrymethod,usedintheconecalorimeter,
specimen (See Annex A2). Determinations of heat release
Test Method E1354, in its applications standards, such as Test
using a similar radiant-energy source and oxygen consumption
Method E1474 and E1740, or in intermediate scale or a large
calorimetry, are made with the cone calorimeter, Test Method
scale calorimetry test methods, such as Test Methods E1623,
E1354.
E1537, E1590 or D5537 (see also Annex A2). On the other
hand the thermopile method of assessing heat release has been
4.2 The specimen is essentially planar, 100 mm by 100 mm
used extensively because of its simplicity, including Test
(3.9 in. by 3.9 in.) in size, at a thickness not exceeding 25 mm
Method E906, and other applications discussed in Guide
(1 in.) and is mounted within a holder.
E603.
5. Significance and Use
5.5 Testing of composites and dimensionally unstable ma-
5.1 This test method provides a means for screening terials requires special procedures (see 8.4 and 8.5).
materials, products, or assemblies, for the mass loss, and
5.6 Testingintheverticalorientationisfeasiblewiththetest
ignitability they exhibit under specified heat flux exposure
method, but not recommended, as it has been shown to have
conditions. As an option, the test method is also suitable for
the potential to lead to serious measurement errors on time to
screening for the heat released, by using a thermopile method
ignition.
(See Annex A2).
5.7 Limitations
5.1.1 Terminology E176, on fire standards, states that fire-
test-response characteristics include ease of ignition and mass
loss (both measured in this test method), as well as flame
spread, smoke generation, fire endurance, and toxic potency of
Note that this section refers to accuracy of measurement, and not to precision.
smoke. The precision of this test method has not yet been determined.
E2102 − 21
5.7.1 No universal formula exists for calculation of heat 6. Apparatus and Ancillary Equipment
release as a function of mass loss. If heat release data are
6.1 General—The apparatus shall consist essentially of the
desired, calibration curves must be developed by the user, and
following components: a conically-shaped radiant heater, a
they are specific to the material, product, or assembly tested.
FIG. 1 Schematic of Apparatus
5.7.2 If during the test of one or more of the three replicate load cell, a specimen holder and an exhaust system. A
test specimens, any of the following unusual behavior occurs: schematic representation of the apparatus is given in Fig. 1.
(1) molten material overflows the specimen holder trough, (2) Theindividualcomponentsaredescribedinsections6.2–6.11.
one or more portions of a test specimen is forcefully displaced Unless otherwise stated, dimensions specified as critical shall
from the zone of controlled irradiance (explosive spalling); or have a tolerance of 61 mm (0.04 in.).All other dimensions are
(3) the test specimen swells sufficiently prior to ignition to only recommended values.
touchthesparkplugorswellsuptotheplaneoftheheaterbase
6.2 Conically-Shaped Radiant Electrical Heater—The ac-
during combustion; the test is invalid. Then test an additional
tive element of the heater shall consist of an electrical heater
specimen of the identical preconditioned test specimens in the
rod, capable of delivering 5000 W at the operating voltage,
test mode in which the unusual behavior occurred. Do not
tightly wound into the shape of a truncated cone (see Fig. 2).
incorporate data obtained from the tests noted above, yielding
The heater shall be encased on the outside with a double-wall
inadequate results, in the averaged data but report the occur-
stainless steel cone, filled with a refractory blanket of nominal
rence. The test method is not suitable if more than three out of
thickness 13 mm (0.5 in.) and nominal density 100 kg/
3 3
six test specimens tested show any of the above characteristics.
m (6 lb⁄ft ). The irradiance from the heater shall be main-
5.7.3 The applicability of this test method to smoldering
tained at a preset level by controlling the average temperature
ignition has not been demonstrated. This test method is not
of three type K, stainless steel sheathed thermocouples, sym-
suitable for incident irradiances below 10 kW/m .
metrically disposed and in contact with, but not welded to, the
5.7.4 The validity of the results of this test method for a
heater element (see Fig. 2).The thermocouples to be used shall
particular scenario depends on the conditions under which the
be either 3 mm (0.12 in.) outside diameter sheathed thermo-
tests are conducted. In particular, it has been established that
couples with exposed hot junction or 1.0 mm to 1.6 mm
the use of a different irradiance will change relative results
(0.04 in. to 0.06 in.) outside diameter sheathed thermocouples
5.7.5 The thermopile readings, if used, are likely not to be
with unexposed hot junction. The heater shall be capable of
reflective of the heat output of the burning specimen if the
producing irradiances on the surface of the specimen of up to
flames extend to the thermopile.
100 kW/m . The irradiance shall be uniform within the central
50 mm by 50 mm (2 in. by 2 in.) area of the exposed specimen
5.8 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or
surface, to within 62%.
more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test
6.2.1 The cone heater shall be provided with a removable
conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are
radiation shield to protect the specimen from irradiance imme-
changed, it is not always possible by or from this test method
diately prior to the start of the test. The shield shall protect the
to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics
specimen so that the irradiance to the specimen in its presence
measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test
exposure conditions described in this procedure.
NOTE 1—This statement is required for all fire-test-response standards Stainless steel can be replaced by a different alloy that offers at least the same
by Practice E535. protection to hot and corrosive environments.
E2102 − 21
FIG. 2 Cross-Section View Through the Heater
is decreased by 90% within 10 s and that the irradiance after 6.4 Weighing Device, for measuring mass loss. The device
shield withdrawal does not differ by more than 1 kW/m from shall have an accuracy of 0.1 g, and a 90 % response time of
the value calibrated. The radiation shield shall be made of less than 3 s, as determined in accordance with the calibrations
non-combustible material, with a total thickness not to exceed described in 10.2. It should preferably have a specimen
12mm.Theradiationshieldshallcomplywitheither6.2.1.1or measuring range of at least 500 g and a mechanical tare
6.2.1.2 and shall be kept in place for a maximum period of adjustment range of 3.5 kg (7.7 lb).
10 s.
6.5 Specimen Holder:
6.2.1.1 A water-cooled radiation shield coated with a du-
6.5.1 The specimen holder is shown in Fig. 3. It shall have
rable matte black finish of surface emissivity e = 0.95 6 0.05
the shape of a square pan with an opening of outside dimen-
(Type I Shield); or
sions of 106 mm by 106 mm (4.2 in. by 4.2 in.) at the top, and
6.2.1.2 A radiation shield with a reflective top surface in
a depth of 25 mm (1 in.). The holder shall be constructed from
order to minimize radiation transfer, but not water-cooled
stainless steel with a thickness of 2.4 mm 6 0.1 mm (0.094 in.
(Type II Shield).
6 0.004 in.). It shall include a handle to facilitate insertion and
6.2.1.3 The radiation shield shall be equipped with a handle
removal, and a mechanism to ensure central location of the
or other suitable means for quick insertion and removal. The
specimen under the heater and proper alignment with the
cone heater base plate shall be equipped with the means for
weighing device. The bottom shall be lined with a layer of a
holding the radiation shield in position and allowing its easy 3 3
low density (nominal density 65 kg/m (4 lb/ft )) refractory
and quick removal.
fiber blanket with thickness of at least 13 mm (0.5 in.). The
6.3 Irradiance Controller—The irradiance control system distance between the bottom surface of the cone heater and the
top of the specimen shall be adjusted to be 25 mm (1 in.).
shall maintain the average temperature of the heater thermo-
couples during calibration at the preset level to within 62 °C. 6.5.1.1 An open stainless steel square, 59 mm in inside
dimensions, shall be spot welded to the underside of the
6.3.1 An acceptable system is a “3-term” controller
(proportional, integral, and derivative) and a thyristor unit horizontal specimen holder, to facilitate the centering of the
specimen under the cone heater. The leading edge of the open
capable of switching currents up to 25 A at 250 V.
6.3.2 The controller shall have a temperature input range of square underneath the specimen holder, which is the one
oppositethehandle,isoptional.Theopensquareonthebottom
0 °Cto1000 °C(32 °Fto1832 °F),asetscalecapableofbeing
read to 2 °C (5 °F) or better, and automatic cold junction of the specimen holder shall be designed to seat with the
sample mount assembly located at the top of the load cell
compensation. The controller shall be equipped with a safety
ensuring that the specimen holder is centered with respect to
feature so that, in the event of an open circuit in the thermo-
the cone heater.
couple line, it causes the temperature to fall to near the bottom
6.5.2 An optional retainer frame and grid is useful for
of its range.
6.3.3 The thyristor unit shall be of the “zero crossing” type testing some samples, and is shown in Fig. 4. The grid is
constructed from 1 mm nominal stainless steel and has
and not of the “phase angle” type.
6.3.4 The heater temperature shall be monitored by a meter dimensions of 109 mm by 109 mm (62 mm). The grid has
1 mm ribs and the openings in the center are 19 mm by 19 mm
capable of being read to 62 °C (5 °F) or better.
(61 mm). The edge frame is constructed from 2 mm nominal
stainless steel with outside dimensions of 116 mm by 116 mm
It is possible that the use of a radiation shield for periods longer than 10 s will
by 56 mm height (62 mm). The frame has an 8 mm lip on the
affect radiator heat control and, consequently, the heat flux level applied to the
top to provide an opening of 100 mm by 100 mm on the top.
specimen.
Therearetwo3mm(60.5mm)diameterby130mm(63mm)
This device is necessary in order to enable repeat tests to be carried out without
switching off the radiator cone. long retaining pins to lock the test specimen in the edge frame.
E2102 − 21
NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres.
NOTE 2—* Indicates a critical dimension.
FIG. 3 Horizontal Specimen Holder
6.5.3 Details on specimen preparation are given in 9.3. temperature in the laboratory. Radiation shall not pass
through any window before reaching the sensing surface. The
6.6 Exhaust Gas System. Use the instrument under a hood
instrument shall have an accuracy of within 63%.
with adequate ventilation to safely remove all combustion
6.9.2 Thecalibrationoftheheatfluxmetershallbechecked,
products from the laboratory.
whenever a recalibration of the apparatus is carried out, by
6.7 Ignition Circuit—External ignition is accomplished by a
comparison with two instruments of the same type as the
sparkplugpoweredfroma10 kVtransformerora10 kVspark
workingheatfluxmeter,andofsimilarrange,heldasreference
generator. The spark plug shall have a gap of 3 mm (0.12 in.).
standards and not used for any other purpose (see Annex A1).
If used, the transformer shall be of a type specifically designed
One of the reference standards shall be fully calibrated at a
for spark ignition use. The transformer shall have an isolated
standardizing laboratory, at yearly intervals. This meter shall
(unearthed) secondary to minimize interference with the data
be used to calibrate the heater. It shall be positioned at a
transmission lines. The electrode length and location of the
location equivalent to the center of the specimen face, in either
spark plug shall be such that the spark gap is located 13 mm
orientation, during this calibration.
(0.5 in.) above the center of the specimen, in the horizontal
orientation.
6.10 Calibration Burner—Acalibrationburnershallbeused
to calibrate the rate of heat release apparatus (see Fig. 5). The
6.8 Ignition Timer—It shall be capable of recording elapsed
timetothenearest1s,andshallbeaccuratetowithin1sin1h. burnershallbeconstructedfromasquare-sectionmetallictube,
with a square orifice covered with wire gauze through which
6.9 Heat Flux Meter:
methane gas diffuses. The tube shall be packed with ceramic
6.9.1 The heat flux meter shall be of the Schmidt-Boelter
fiber to improve uniformity of flow. The calibration burner
(thermopile) type, with a design range of about 100 kW/m .
shall be connected to a metered supply of methane, with a
Thesensingsurfaceoftheheatfluxmetershallbefiat,circular,
purity of at least 99.5 percent.
ofapproximately12.5 mm(0.5in.)indiameterandcoatedwith
a durable matt black finish. The target shall be water-cooled,
to the temperature at which it was calibrated, at least at room
If the cooling temperature is lower than the temperature at which the gage is
calibrated, condensation on the sensor is possible and would lead to serious
The target also receives, to a small extent, some convected heat. measurement errors.
E2102 − 21
FIG. 4 Optional Wire Grid (For Horizontal or Vertical Orientation)
6.11 Data Acquisition System—The data acquisition system combustion products into the surrounding atmosphere, it is
shall have facilities to record the output from the load cell and advisable to fully evacuate the smoke, at the end of a test, into
fromthethermopile(ifused).Thedataacquisitionsystemshall
an exhaust system with adequate capacity. The operator must
have an accuracy of 0.01 % of full-scale load cell output. The
use heavy gloves, safety tongs or other suitable protection for
system shall be capable of recording data at least every5sfor
removal of the specimen holder. The venting must be checked
a minimum of 1 h.Achart recorder is an acceptable system, if
periodically for proper operation. Care shall be taken not to
it meets the accuracy required and the minimum chart speed
touch the spark igniter, which carries a substantial potential
used is no less than 10 mm/min (0.4 in.⁄min).
(10 kV),duringoperation.Theexhaustsystemoftheapparatus
shall be checked for proper operation before testing and shall
7. Operator Safety
discharge into a building exhaust system with adequate capac-
7.1 The test procedure involves high temperatures, and
ity. The possibility of the violent ejection of molten hot
combustion processes.Therefore, it is possible for eye injuries,
material or sharp fragments from some kinds of specimens
burns,ignitionofextraneousobjectsorclothing,andinhalation
when irradiated must be taken into account.
of smoke or combustion products to occur, unless proper
precautions are taken. To avoid accidental leakage of toxic
8. Suitability of a Sample for Testing
8.1 Surface Characteristics—A product having one of the
If a chart recorder which only displays a millivolt output is used, the millivolt
properties described in 8.1.1 or 8.1.2 is suitable for testing.
value shall be converted to heat flux, in kW/m , using the calibration factor (or
equation, if appropriate) specific to the heat flux meter. 8.1.1 An essentially flat exposed surface (see 3.2.4).
E2102 − 21
FIG. 5 Calibration Burner
8.1.2 Asurface irregularity which is evenly distributed over ent order in relation to the two faces. If either of the faces is
the exposed surface provided that it complies with either potentially exposed to a fire in use within a room, cavity or
8.1.2.1 or 8.1.2.2. void, then both faces shall be tested.
8.1.2.1 At least 50 % of the surface of a representative
8.3 Lightweight Materials—This test method is not suitable,
square area of 100 mm (4 in.) per side lies within a depth of
unless modified, for materials that are excessively low in
10 mm (0.4 in.) from a plane taken across the highest points on
weight, since it is likely that insufficient mass loss data will be
the exposed surface.
collected for the calculation of mass loss rates. For some
8.1.2.2 The total area of any cracks, fissures or holes does
samples, this problem is solved by using a lower data acqui-
notexceed30 %ofarepresentativesquarearea100mm(4in.)
sition interval, such as 1 s; the test report shall then state that
persideoftheexposedsurface,andnoneofthecracks,fissures
the sample has been tested in a modified form and clearly
or holes exceeds 8 mm (0.3 in.) in width nor 10 mm (0.4 in.)
describe the modification.
in depth.
8.4 Composite Specimens—Composite specimens shall be
8.1.2.3 When an exposed surface does not meet the require-
exposed in a manner typical of the end use condition (for
mentsof8.1.1or8.1.2,theproductshallbetestedinamodified
example, if used with an air gap (see 9.1.7), and air gap shall
form complying as nearly as possible with the requirements
be included behind the specimen, within the aluminum foil).
given in 8.1.2. The test report shall then state that the sample
Use a metal spacer frame to achieve the air gap.
has been tested in a modified form and clearly describe the
modification.
8.5 Dimensionally Unstable Materials—Testing of materi-
8.2 Asymmetrical Products—A sample submitted for this als that change their dimensions substantially when exposed to
test is permitted to have faces which differ from each other, or the radiant heat from the cone require special procedures. This
contain laminations of different materials arranged in a differ- section addresses materials that intumesce (and have the
E2102 − 21
potential to expand to such an extent that they make physical ignition, or (b) the underside of the cone heater after ignition.
contact with the spark igniter or the underside of the cone Inthisconfiguration,thesparkigniterwillbelocated48 mm 6
heater; see 8.5.1), materials that melt (and have the potential to 2 mm above the center of the specimen.
overflow the aluminum foil; see 8.5.2) and materials that warp
NOTE 2—The time to ignition measured with the 60 mm separation is
(and have the potential to shrink away from the cone heater;
not comparable to that measured with the standard separation of 25 mm.
see 8.5.3). In all these cases, it is possible that the heat flux on
8.5.1.4 Use a special mounting procedure suitable for the
the surface of the specimen at the time of ignition will differ
specimen to be tested.
from the initial test heat flux.
8.5.2 Melting Materials:
8.5.1 Intumescent Materials—The testing technique to be
8.5.2.1 Materials that melt and overflow the aluminum foil
used when testing intumescing specimens shall be documented
wrapping during testing shall be tested using aluminum foil
in detail in the test report. Options include those shown in
that extends above the specimen surface level. The aluminum
8.5.1.1 through 8.5.1.4.
foil extension above the specimen surface shall be such that
8.5.1.1 Use a retainer frame without a grid (Fig. 6), to
melt overflow is contained, without interfering with the com-
reduce unrepresentative edge burning of specimens.
bustion process. A height of 2 mm to 3 mm is recommended.
8.5.1.2 Use a retainer frame with a wire grid (Fig. 4), which
8.5.2.2 If a test has been conducted without using the
is suitable for retaining specimens prone to delamination and
special technique described in 8.5.2.1 and melt overflow has
for several types of intumescent specimens.
occurred, that test shall be deemed invalid and the technique in
8.5.1.3 Use a separation distance between the cone base
8.5.2.1 shall be used for future tests.
plate and the upper specimen surface of 60 mm instead of
8.5.3 Warping Materials—Unstable materials that warp so
25 mm, without using a retainer frame. Use this technique for
that the exposed surface of the test specimen is not flat during
those dimensionally unstable materials that have the potential
testing shall be restrained to maintain the surface in a flat
to intumesce or deform to such an extent that they are likely to
orientation. This shall be accomplished with four tie wires, as
make physical contact with either (a) the spark plug before
described in 8.5.3.1 through 8.5.3.4.
8.5.3.1 The four tie wires shall be metal wires, 1.0 mm 6
0.1 mm in diameter and at least 350 mm long.
8.5.3.2 The test specimen shall be prepared as described in
Section 9 and then tied with the metal wires.
8.5.3.3 A tie wire shall be looped around the specimen
holder assembly so that it is parallel to and 20 mm 62mm
away from any of the four sides of the assembly. The ends of
thetiewireshallbetwistedtogethersuchthatthewireispulled
firmly against the specimen holder assembly. Trim excess wire
from the twisted section before testing.
8.5.3.4 Fit the other three tie wires around the specimen
holder assembly in a similar manner, so that each one is
parallel to one of the sides of the assembly.
9. Test Specimen
9.1 Types of Test Specimens:
9.1.1 Unless otherwise specified, three specimens shall be
tested at each level of irradiance selected and for each different
exposed surface.
9.1.2 The specimens shall be representative of the product
and shall be square with sides measuring 100 mm 6 0.5 mm
(3.9 in. 6 0.2 in.).
9.1.3 Samples with normal thicknesses of 50 mm (2 in.) or
less shall be tested at their full thickness.
9.1.4 For samples with normal thicknesses of greater than
50 mm (2 in.), the requisite specimens shall be obtained by
cutting away the unexposed face to reduce the thickness to
50 mm 6 0.5 mm (2.0 in. 6 0.2 in.).
9.1.5 When cutting specimens from samples with irregular
surfaces, the highest point on the surface shall be arranged to
occur at the center of the specimen.
9.1.6 Assemblies shall be tested as specified in 9.1.3 or
9.1.4, as appropriate. When the product is a material or
NOTE 1—All dimensions are in millimetres.
composite which is normally attached to a well defined
NOTE 2—* Indicates a critical dimension.
FIG. 6 Retainer Frame substrate in practical use, then it shall be tested in conjunction
E2102 − 21
with that substrate using the recommended fixing technique, 10. Calibration
for example bonded with the appropriate adhesive or mechani-
10.1 Heater Calibration—Remove the radiation shield be-
cally fixed.
fore a heater calibration. Adjust the temperature controller so
9.1.6.1 Where thin materials or composites are used in the
that the conical heater produces the required irradiance, as
fabrication of an assembly, it is likely that the presence of air
measuredbytheheatfluxmeter,(a)atthestartofeachtestday,
or an air gap or the nature of any underlying construction will
(b) when changing to a new irradiance or (c) when the conical
significantly affect the ignition and burning characteristics of
heater orientation is changed. Do not use a specimen or a
the exposed surface. Take steps to ensure that the test result
specimen holder when the heat flux meter is inserted into the
obtained on any assembly is relevant to its use in practice.
calibration position. Operate the cone heater for at least 10 min
9.1.7 Samples that are thinner than 6 mm (0.25 in.) shall be
and ensure that the controller is within its proportional band
tested with a substrate representative of end use conditions,
before beginning this calibration.
such that the total specimen thickness is 6 mm (0.25 in.) or
10.2 Mass Measuring System Calibration—Calibrate the
more. In the case of specimens of less than 6 mm (0.25 in.) in
load cell with standard weight pieces in the range of test
thickness and used with an air space adjacent to the unexposed
specimen mass at least every day, and whenever the load cell
face, the specimens shall be mounted so that there is an air
zero needs to be adjusted.
space of at least 12 mm (0.5 in.) between the unexposed face
and the refractory fiber blanket (8.4).
11. Test Procedure
9.1.8 Resultsobtainedfromfiretestmethodsareaffectedby
11.1 Initial Preparation:
variations in sample geometry, surface orientation, thickness
11.1.1 Turnonpowertotheconeheaterandtheexhaustfan.
(both overall and of the individual layers), mass, and compo-
Do not turn off power to the load cell on a daily basis.
sition. For any fire test method, it is therefore important that
11.1.2 Perform the required calibration procedures specified
fire test replicate samples be cut, sawed, or blanked to identical
(10.1 and 10.2). Put a thermal screen on top of the load cell (an
sample areas, and that records be kept of the respective masses
empty specimen holder with a refractory blanket is suitable)
with the individual test data. Evaluation of the data obtained,
during warm-up and between tests, to avoid excessive heat
together with the individual masses, will assist in assessing the
transmission to the load cell.
reasons for any observed variability in measurements.
11.1.3 Unlessexternalignitionisnottobeused,positionthe
9.2 Conditioning:
spark plug holder in the location appropriate to the orientation
9.2.1 Before the test, condition the specimens to constant being used (6.7).
mass at a temperature of 23 °C 6 2 °C (73 °F 6 5 °F), and a
11.2 Procedure:
relative humidity of 50 % 65%.
11.2.1 When ready to test, first remove the empty specimen
9.2.2 Constant mass is considered to have been reached
holder (see 11.1.3).
when two successive weighing operations, carried out at an
11.2.2 Move the radiation shield in position, and place the
interval of 24 h, do not differ by more than 0.1% of the mass
specimen holder, with the test specimen, under the heater. The
of the test piece or 0.1 g, whichever is the greater.
specimen holder shall be centered with respect to the cone
heater. The specimen holder shall be at room temperature
9.3 Specimen Preparation:
initially.
9.3.1 Specimen Wrapping—A conditioned specimen shall
11.2.3 Remove the radiation shield within 10 s.
be wrapped in a single layer of aluminum foil, of 0.03 mm to
Immediately, move the spark igniter into place, and turn on the
0.05 mm (0.001 in. to 0.002 in.) thickness, with the shiny side
power to the spark igniter and start data collection simultane-
towards the specimen, covering the unexposed surfaces.
ously. If a computerized data acquisition system is used (see
9.3.2 Specimen Preparation—All test specimens shall be
6.11), data collection intervals shall be5sor less.
testedwiththeretainerframeshowninFig.4,unlessotherwise
11.2.4 Record the times when flashing or transitory flaming
required in Section 8 of this test method. The steps outlined in
occur; when sustained flaming occurs, record the time, turn off
9.3.2.1 – 9.3.2.5 shall be taken to prepare the specimen for
thespark,andremovethesparkigniter.Iftheflamesextinguish
testing.
after turning off the spark, reinsert the spark igniter and turn on
NOTE 3—Use of the retainer frame is an option in Test method E1354.
the spark, within5sof extinguishment. The spark igniter shall
then be left in position until sustained flaming resumes or until
9.3.2.1 Put the retainer frame on a flat surface facing
the 15 minute sustained flaming period has elapsed. Report all
downwards.
these events in the test report.
9.3.2.2 Insert a foil-wrapped specimen into the retainer
11.2.5 Collect all data until 32 min after the time to
frame, with the exposed surface facing downwards.
sustained flaming, 2 min after any flaming or other signs of
9.3.2.3 Put layers of ceramic fiber blanket (nominal thick-
combustion cease or the average mass loss per unit area over a
ness 13 mm (0.5 in.), see section 6.5) on top of the sample,
1 min period has dropped below 150 g/m , whichever occurs
until two layers extend above the rim of the retainer frame.
first.
9.3.2.4 Fit the sample holder into the retainer frame, on top
of the ceramic fiber and press downwards.
9.3.2.5 Tightenthescrewatthebottomoftheretainerframe
It is possible that the load cell zero will need adjustments after changing
and turn the frame around. orientation, due to different specimen holder tare masses.
E2102 − 21
11.2.6 Ifthespecimendoesnotignitein30min,removeand 12.2.17 State whether measurements with an optional col-
discard, unless the specimen is showing signs of heat evolu- umn with thermopile were made. If such measurements were
tion. made, describe the column with thermopile used, by reference
to the relevant annex section.
NOTE 4—Test method E1354 specifies a 10 min test period if the
specimen does not ignite.
12.3 Include the following test results in the test report.
12.3.1 Table of numerical results containing the following
11.2.7 Remove specimen and specimen holder.
information for each specimen tested.
11.2.8 Replace an empty specimen holder. Let the chimney
12.3.1.1 Time to sustained flaming, in s.
(if used) cool between tests.
12.3.1.2 Test duration: the time elapsed between the start of
11.2.9 Test three specimens and report the results as de-
the test and the end point (11.2.5 or 11.2.6), in s.
scribedbelow.Comparethe180smeanmasslossratereadings
12.3.1.3 Total mass lost during the test, in g and in % of
for the three specimens. If any of these mean readings differ by
initial mass.
morethan10%fromthearithmeticmeanofthethreereadings,
12.3.1.4 Sample mass loss per unit area, in kg/m .
then test a further set of three specimens. In such cases, report
12.3.1.5 Averagerateofspecimenmasslossperunitarea,in
the arithmetic mean of the set of six readings.
g/(s m ), computed over the period between ignition and the
11.3 Record any particular burning characteristics of the
end of the test.
specimens, such as delamination, intumescence, shrinkage,
12.3.1.6 Maximumrateofspecimenmasslossperunitarea,
melting, dripping, collapse, occurrence of pool fire under the
in g/(s m ), computed over the period between ignition and the
test specimen, or any other event of special interest, and record
end of the test.
the time at which the particular behavior occurs, including the
12.3.1.7 Time to maximum value of mass loss rate per unit
timetoignitionanddurationofflaming.Alsorecordthesmoke
area, in s.
characteristics, such as color, and the nature of
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