Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source

SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response standard, to be used for research and development purposes, covers the measurement of surface flammability of materials. It is not intended for use as a basis of ratings for building code purposes.  
1.2 This standard should be used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of the test may be used as elements of a fire- hazard assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.  
1.3  This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.

General Information

Status
Historical
Publication Date
09-Jan-2002
Technical Committee
Drafting Committee
Current Stage
Ref Project

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Effective Date
10-Jan-2002

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ASTM E162-98e1 - Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
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Standards Content (Sample)

NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
e1
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
e NOTE—An editorial change was made in 11.3 in June 2001.
1. Scope 18-in. (300 by 460-mm) panel in front of which an inclined 6
by 18-in. (150 by 460 mm) specimen of the material is placed.
1.1 This fire-test-response standard, to be used for research
The orientation of the specimen is such that ignition is forced
and development purposes, covers the measurement of surface
near its upper edge and the flame front progresses downward.
flammability of materials. It is not intended for use as a basis
4.2 A factor derived from the rate of progress of the flame
of ratings for building code purposes.
front and another relating to the rate of heat liberation by the
1.2 This standard should be used to measure and describe
material under test are combined to provide a flame spread
the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
index.
flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to
describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials,
5. Significance and Use
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However,
5.1 This test method provides a laboratory test procedure for
results of the test may be used as elements of a firehazard
measuring and comparing the surface flammability of materials
assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account
when exposed to a prescribed level of radiant heat energy. It is
all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the
intended for measurements on materials whose surfaces may
fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.
be exposed to fire. The test is made on specimens of small size
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
(6 by 18 in. (150 by 460 mm)) that are representative, to the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
extent possible, of the material or assembly being evaluated.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
The test is intended for research and development only.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
5.2 The rate at which flames will travel along surfaces
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
depends upon the physical and thermal properties of the
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
material, its method of mounting and orientation, the type and
as the standard. The values in parentheses are for information
level of fire or heat exposure, the availability of air, and
only.
3
properties of the surrounding enclosure.
2. Referenced Documents
6. Apparatus
2.1 ASTM Standards:
2 6.1 The apparatus shall be essentially as shown in Figs. 1
E 176 Terminology Relating to Fire Standards
and 2 and shall include the following:
3. Terminology 6.1.1 Radiant Panel with Air and Gas Supply—The radiant
panel shall consist of a porous refractory material vertically
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
mounted in a cast iron frame, exposing a radiating surface of
method refer to the terminology contained in Terminology E
12 by 18 in. (300 by 460 mm) and shall be capable of operating
176.
4. Summary of Test Method
3
Robertson, A. F., “Surface Flammability Measurements by the Radiant Panel
4.1 This test method of measuring surface flammability of
Method,” Symposium on Fire Test Methods, ASTM STP 344, ASTM, 1962, pp.
materials employs a radiant heat source consisting of a 12 by
33–46.
Robertson, A. F., Gross, D., and Loftus, J., “A Method for Measuring Surface
Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Energy Source,” Proceedings, ASTM,
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-5 on Fire Vol 56, 1956, pp. 1437–1453.
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 Flame Spread,”
2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07. Journal of Fire and Flammability, Vol 2, 1971, pp. 271–297.
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