ASTM E2690-22
(Practice)Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Building products made with caulks and sealants are often used for applications for which Test Method E84 is used for compliance with building code, life safety code or mechanical code requirements. This practice describes, in detail, specimen mounting procedures for those caulks and sealants which are not able to be supported by their own structural characteristics during the test.
5.2 Codes are often silent with regard to testing caulks and sealants for the assessment of flame spread index and smoke developed index as surface burning characteristics. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and products.
5.3 The material shall be representative of the materials used in actual field installations.
5.4 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing caulks and sealants to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84.
1.1.1 Caulks and sealants up to 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width shall follow the requirements of 7.1.
1.1.2 Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width shall follow the requirements of 7.2.
1.1.2.1 Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width can be considered coatings.
1.2 This practice applies to caulks and sealants intended for various uses within buildings. The caulks and sealants addressed in this practice are not able to be supported by their own structural characteristics during the test.
1.2.1 This practice does not apply to adhesives that are used to adhere or bind together surfaces. Annex A12 of Test Method E84 provides a procedure for testing adhesives.
1.3 Testing is conducted in accordance with Test Method E84.
1.4 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.
1.5 This practice does not apply to materials for which the test specimen does not remain in place before and during the test until maximum flame propagation has occurred.
1.6 This practice is not for system evaluation. It is for the comparison of the materials only.
1.7 The results obtained by using this mounting procedure are confined to the materials themselves as tested and are not comparable to those obtained with materials that are tested in a full tunnel width application.
1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
1.9 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.
1.10 This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 9.
1.11 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard.
1.12 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.13 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.14 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.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Oct-2022
- Technical Committee
- E05 - Fire Standards
- Drafting Committee
- E05.22 - Surface Burning
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
Overview
ASTM E2690-22: Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics provides a detailed procedure for preparing and mounting caulks and sealants when assessing their surface burning properties. Used primarily in conjunction with ASTM E84, this standard ensures that building products are tested in a manner consistent with their real-world application, especially in cases where caulks and sealants do not possess the structural support needed for conventional fire testing.
The practice addresses a gap in building and life safety codes, which often overlook specific test methods for fire performance of these materials. By defining a clear approach, ASTM E2690-22 supports compliance with essential safety requirements and provides a basis for product evaluation in the context of flame spread and smoke development.
Key Topics
- Specimen Preparation: Guidance for preparing test specimens of caulks and sealants in both small (up to 8 in. wide) and large (over 8 in. wide) applications, ensuring they reflect field installation conditions.
- Mounting Techniques: Detailed instructions for mounting non-self-supporting specimens onto substrates such as fiber-cement board to ensure reliable testing.
- Scope Limitations: This practice is not for adhesives or systems evaluation and is limited to comparative material testing using ASTM E84 methodology.
- Test Method Alignment: All fire testing is conducted following ASTM E84, focusing specifically on flame spread index and smoke developed index.
- Safety Considerations: Reinforcement of safety protocols due to the inherent hazards of fire testing, referencing the detailed safety guidance in ASTM E84.
Applications
The procedures outlined in ASTM E2690-22 have wide-ranging utility across the building products sector:
- Building Code Compliance: Supports manufacturers and construction professionals in demonstrating that caulks and sealants meet safety benchmarks set by building, life safety, and mechanical codes.
- Product Development and Quality Assurance: Provides a standardized method for testing new or improved fire-resistant caulks and sealants, fostering innovation and consistency.
- Third-Party Testing and Certification: Testing laboratories and certification bodies use this standard to produce reliable, comparable assessments of product fire performance.
- Specification for Construction Projects: Architects, engineers, and specifiers reference ASTM E2690-22 to ensure fire-rated joint sealants and caulks are properly tested as part of a building’s fire safety strategy.
- Regulatory Support: Offers documentation for regulatory submissions where fire testing of caulks and sealants is necessary.
Related Standards
For comprehensive assessment and terminology, the following related ASTM standards are referenced and frequently used in conjunction with ASTM E2690-22:
- ASTM E84 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials: The primary test method for assessing flame spread and smoke development indices.
- ASTM C717 - Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants: Definitions and terminology specific to sealant and caulk products.
- ASTM E176 - Terminology of Fire Standards: Fire testing and fire safety terminology.
- IEEE/ASTM SI-10 - International System of Units (SI): Guidance on the use of metric units in standards and testing.
Practical Value
ASTM E2690-22 delivers significant value by providing a trusted, internationally recognized practice for preparing and mounting caulks and sealants for surface burning tests. It facilitates safe, consistent, and effective fire performance assessments, supporting fire protection goals and helping ensure the safe use of building materials in construction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E2690-22 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Building products made with caulks and sealants are often used for applications for which Test Method E84 is used for compliance with building code, life safety code or mechanical code requirements. This practice describes, in detail, specimen mounting procedures for those caulks and sealants which are not able to be supported by their own structural characteristics during the test. 5.2 Codes are often silent with regard to testing caulks and sealants for the assessment of flame spread index and smoke developed index as surface burning characteristics. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and products. 5.3 The material shall be representative of the materials used in actual field installations. 5.4 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing caulks and sealants to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.1.1 Caulks and sealants up to 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width shall follow the requirements of 7.1. 1.1.2 Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width shall follow the requirements of 7.2. 1.1.2.1 Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width can be considered coatings. 1.2 This practice applies to caulks and sealants intended for various uses within buildings. The caulks and sealants addressed in this practice are not able to be supported by their own structural characteristics during the test. 1.2.1 This practice does not apply to adhesives that are used to adhere or bind together surfaces. Annex A12 of Test Method E84 provides a procedure for testing adhesives. 1.3 Testing is conducted in accordance with Test Method E84. 1.4 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool. 1.5 This practice does not apply to materials for which the test specimen does not remain in place before and during the test until maximum flame propagation has occurred. 1.6 This practice is not for system evaluation. It is for the comparison of the materials only. 1.7 The results obtained by using this mounting procedure are confined to the materials themselves as tested and are not comparable to those obtained with materials that are tested in a full tunnel width application. 1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.9 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. 1.10 This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 9. 1.11 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard. 1.12 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.13 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.14 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Building products made with caulks and sealants are often used for applications for which Test Method E84 is used for compliance with building code, life safety code or mechanical code requirements. This practice describes, in detail, specimen mounting procedures for those caulks and sealants which are not able to be supported by their own structural characteristics during the test. 5.2 Codes are often silent with regard to testing caulks and sealants for the assessment of flame spread index and smoke developed index as surface burning characteristics. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and products. 5.3 The material shall be representative of the materials used in actual field installations. 5.4 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing caulks and sealants to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.1.1 Caulks and sealants up to 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width shall follow the requirements of 7.1. 1.1.2 Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width shall follow the requirements of 7.2. 1.1.2.1 Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width can be considered coatings. 1.2 This practice applies to caulks and sealants intended for various uses within buildings. The caulks and sealants addressed in this practice are not able to be supported by their own structural characteristics during the test. 1.2.1 This practice does not apply to adhesives that are used to adhere or bind together surfaces. Annex A12 of Test Method E84 provides a procedure for testing adhesives. 1.3 Testing is conducted in accordance with Test Method E84. 1.4 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool. 1.5 This practice does not apply to materials for which the test specimen does not remain in place before and during the test until maximum flame propagation has occurred. 1.6 This practice is not for system evaluation. It is for the comparison of the materials only. 1.7 The results obtained by using this mounting procedure are confined to the materials themselves as tested and are not comparable to those obtained with materials that are tested in a full tunnel width application. 1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.9 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. 1.10 This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 9. 1.11 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard. 1.12 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.13 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.14 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.
ASTM E2690-22 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.50 - Fire-resistance of building materials and elements; 91.100.50 - Binders. Sealing materials. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E2690-22 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E176-24, ASTM E84-23d, ASTM E84-23c, ASTM E84-19b, ASTM E84-19a, ASTM C717-19, ASTM E84-19, ASTM E176-18a, ASTM E84-18b, ASTM E84-18a, ASTM C717-18, ASTM E176-18, ASTM E84-18, ASTM E84-17a, ASTM C717-17a. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E2690-22 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
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: E2690 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants
to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2690; 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.
1. Scope 1.9 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen prepa-
conducting these tests.
ration and mounting when testing caulks and sealants to assess
flame spread and smoke development as surface burning 1.10 This standard gives instructions on specimen prepara-
characteristics using Test Method E84. tion and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in
1.1.1 Caulks and sealants up to 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width Test Method E84. See also Section 9.
shall follow the requirements of 7.1.
1.11 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
1.1.2 Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) in
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
width shall follow the requirements of 7.2.
shall not be considered requirements of the standard.
1.1.2.1 Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) in
1.12 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be re-
width can be considered coatings.
garded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
1.2 This practice applies to caulks and sealants intended for
mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
various uses within buildings. The caulks and sealants ad-
information only and are not considered standard.
dressed in this practice are not able to be supported by their
1.13 This standard does not purport to address all of the
own structural characteristics during the test.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.2.1 This practice does not apply to adhesives that are used
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
to adhere or bind together surfaces.AnnexA12 of Test Method
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
E84 provides a procedure for testing adhesives.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.3 Testing is conducted in accordance with Test Method
1.14 This international standard was developed in accor-
E84.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
1.4 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
be used as a regulatory tool.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.5 This practice does not apply to materials for which the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
test specimen does not remain in place before and during the
test until maximum flame propagation has occurred.
2. Referenced Documents
1.6 This practice is not for system evaluation. It is for the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
comparison of the materials only.
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
1.7 The results obtained by using this mounting procedure
Building Materials
are confined to the materials themselves as tested and are not
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
comparable to those obtained with materials that are tested in
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 International System of Units (SI): The
a full tunnel width application.
Modernized Metric System
1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative
measures.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this prac-
tice associated with fire issues, refer to the terminology
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface
Burning. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2022. Published November 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E2690–17b. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E2690–22. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2690 − 22
contained in Terminology E176. For definitions of terms used 6. Conditioning
in this practice associated with caulks and sealants refer to the
6.1 Following application to the substrate, the specimens
terminology contained in Terminology C717.
used for testing shall be conditioned as described in the section
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: on specimen conditioning in Test Method E84.
3.2.1 bead, n—in building construction, a strip of applied
sealant, glazing compound or putty.
7. Specimen Preparation and Mounting
3.2.2 sealant, n—in building construction, a material that
7.1 Caulks and Sealants up to 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width:
has the adhesive and cohesive properties to form a seal.
7.1.1 Specime
...
This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E2690 − 17b E2690 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants
to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2690; 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.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing caulks and sealants to assess flame
spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84.
1.1.1 Caulks and sealants up to 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width shall follow the requirements of 7.1.
1.1.2 Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width shall follow the requirements of 7.2.
1.1.2.1 Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width can be considered coatings.
1.2 This practice applies to caulks and sealants intended for various uses within buildings. The caulks and sealants addressed in
this practice are not able to be supported by their own structural characteristics during the test.
1.2.1 This practice does not apply to adhesives that are used to adhere or bind together surfaces. Annex A12 of Test Method E84
provides a procedure for testing adhesives.
1.3 Testing is conducted in accordance with Test Method E84.
1.4 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.
1.5 This practice does not apply to materials for which the test specimen does not remain in place before and during the test until
maximum flame propagation has occurred.
1.6 This practice is not for system evaluation. It is for the comparison of the materials only.
1.7 The results obtained by using this mounting procedure are confined to the materials themselves as tested and are not
comparable to those obtained with materials that are tested in a full tunnel width application.
1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface Burning.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2017Nov. 1, 2022. Published December 2017November 2022. Originally approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as
E2690–17a.–17b. DOI: 10.1520/E2690–17B.10.1520/E2690–22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2690 − 22
1.9 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
1.10 This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test
Method E84. See also Section 9.
1.11 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall
not be considered requirements of the standard.
1.12 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.13 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.14 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.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 International System of Units (SI): The Modernized Metric System
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this practice associated with fire issues, refer to the terminology contained in
Terminology E176. For definitions of terms used in this practice associated with caulks and sealants refer to the terminology
contained in Terminology C717.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 bead, n—in building construction, a strip of applied sealant, glazing compound or putty.
3.2.2 sealant, n—in building construction, a material that has the adhesive and cohesive properties to form a seal.
3.2.3 self-supporting specimen, n—a specimen that remains in place by its own structural characteristics both before and during
the fire test.
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing caulks and sealants up to and
including 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width to assess flame spread index and smoke developed index as surface burning characteristics
using Test Method E84. Caulks and sealants in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) are to be tested in full cove
...
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