ASTM E162-98

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
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Designation: E 162 – 98 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat
1
Energy Source
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 162; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1. Scope The orientation of the specimen is such that ignition is forced
near its upper edge and the flame front progresses downward.
1.1 This fire-test-response standard, to be used for research
4.2 A factor derived from the rate of progress of the flame
and development purposes, covers the measurement of surface
front and another relating to the rate of heat liberation by the
flammability of materials. It is not intended for use as a basis
material under test are combined to provide a flame spread
of ratings for building code purposes.
index.
1.2 This standard should be used to measure and describe
the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
5. Significance and Use
flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to
5.1 This test method provides a laboratory test procedure for
describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials,
measuring and comparing the surface flammability of materials
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However,
when exposed to a prescribed level of radiant heat energy. It is
results of the test may be used as elements of a firehazard
intended for measurements on materials whose surfaces may
assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account
be exposed to fire. The test is made on specimens of small size
all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the
(6 by 18 in. (150 by 460 mm)) that are representative, to the
fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.
extent possible, of the material or assembly being evaluated.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
The test is intended for research and development only.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
5.2 The rate at which flames will travel along surfaces
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
depends upon the physical and thermal properties of the
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
material, its method of mounting and orientation, the type and
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
level of fire or heat exposure, the availability of air, and
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
3
properties of the surrounding enclosure.
as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information
only.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The apparatus shall be essentially as shown in Figs. 1
2. Referenced Documents
and 2 and shall include the following:
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2 6.1.1 Radiant Panel with Air and Gas Supply—The radiant
E 176 Terminology Relating to Fire Standards
panel shall consist of a porous refractory material vertically
3. Terminology mounted in a cast iron frame, exposing a radiating surface of
12 by 18 in. (300 by 460 mm) and shall be capable of operating
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
at temperatures up to 1500°F (815°C). The panel shall be
method refer to the terminology contained in Terminology E
equipped (see Fig. 2) with a venturi-type aspirator for mixing
176.
gas and air at approximately atmospheric pressure; a centrifu-
3
4. Summary of Test Method gal blower, or equivalent, to provide 100 ft /min (50 L/s) air at
4.1 This test method of measuring surface flammability of
materials employs a radiant heat source consisting of a 12 by
3
Robertson, A. F., “Surface Flammability Measurements by the Radiant Panel
18-in. (300 by 460-mm) panel in front of which an inclined 6
Method,” Symposium on Fire Test Methods, ASTM STP 344, ASTM, 1962, pp.
33–46.
by 18-in. (150 by 460 mm) specimen of the material is placed.
Robertson, A. F., Gross, D., and Loftus, J., “A Method for Measuring Surface
Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Energy Source,” Proceedings, ASTM,
1
Vol 56, 1956, pp. 1437–1453.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-5 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface Gross, D. and Loftus, J. J., “Surface Flame Propagation on Cellulosic Materials
Burning. Exposed to Thermal Radiation,” Journal of Research, NBS, Vol 67C, 1963, pp.
Current edition approved March 10, 1998. Published May 1998. Originally 251–258.
published as E 162 – 60 T. Last previous edition E 162 – 94. Magee, R. S. and McAlevy III, R. F., “The Mechanism of
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