Standard Test Method for Flame Propagation of Dense and Cellular Elastomeric Gaskets and Accessories

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is designed to differentiate the flame propagation characteristics of dense or cellular elastomeric compounds used in gaskets, setting blocks, shims, or spacers. It is a small scale test which enables the specifier to exercise engineering judgment in the selection of materials.  
5.2 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to a specific laboratory fire test exposure condition. If different test conditions are substituted or the anticipated end-use conditions are changed, it may not be possible by or from this test method to predict changes in the performance characteristics. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure condition described in this test method.  
5.3 If the results obtained by this test method are to be considered in the total assessment of fire risk, then all pertinent established criteria for fire risk assessment developed by ASTM Committee E-5 must be included in the consideration.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining flame propagation characteristics of a dense or cellular elastomeric gasket (such as expansion, lock-strip or compression gasket) or an accessory (such as a setting block, spacer or shim) when exposed to heat and flame, with no significance being attached to such matters as fuel contribution, rate of flame spread, smoke developed, or the nature and temperature of the products of combustion.  
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 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.  
1.5 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations.  
1.6 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
30-Apr-2021

Relations

Effective Date
01-May-2019
Effective Date
01-Mar-2019
Effective Date
01-Mar-2018
Effective Date
01-Nov-2017
Effective Date
01-Jan-2017
Effective Date
15-Nov-2016
Effective Date
01-Sep-2016
Effective Date
01-Dec-2015
Effective Date
01-May-2014
Effective Date
01-Feb-2014
Effective Date
01-Nov-2013
Effective Date
01-Dec-2012
Effective Date
01-May-2012
Effective Date
15-Jan-2012
Effective Date
01-Jun-2011

Overview

ASTM C1166-21: Standard Test Method for Flame Propagation of Dense and Cellular Elastomeric Gaskets and Accessories provides a laboratory procedure to determine the flame propagation characteristics of elastomeric gaskets and related accessories. This method is specifically designed for both dense and cellular elastomeric compounds, commonly used in gaskets, setting blocks, shims, and spacers. By offering a standardized approach to evaluating materials' response to heat and flame under controlled conditions, ASTM C1166-21 supports material selection and safety assessments in construction, manufacturing, and engineering applications.

Key Topics

  • Flame Propagation Characteristics: The primary focus is on measuring how fire travels along dense and cellular elastomeric gaskets when exposed to a laboratory flame source.
  • Small-Scale Laboratory Testing: Provides a practical, repeatable small-scale test that helps specifiers make informed decisions regarding material suitability.
  • Material Scope: Applies to products such as expansion, lock-strip, or compression gaskets, as well as associated accessories like setting blocks, spacers, and shims.
  • Test Conditions: Specifies exposure to a controlled gas flame with ventilated airflow; the validity is restricted to the described exposure scenario.
  • Limitations: Does not assess fuel contribution, rate of flame spread, smoke production, or combustion product characteristics.
  • Reporting: Requires detailed reporting of specimen identification, dimensions, burned sections, and any observed phenomena during testing.
  • Engineering Judgment: Results serve as a valuable element in broader fire-risk or fire-hazard assessments.

Applications

ASTM C1166-21 is widely used to:

  • Material Selection: Assist architects, engineers, and manufacturers in selecting elastomeric gasket materials with suitable flame-resistant properties for intended building or equipment applications.
  • Product Development: Inform research and development efforts focused on enhancing fire safety characteristics of elastomeric materials.
  • Quality Control: Provide a consistent method for quality assurance of batches of materials intended for use where flame resistance is a critical specification.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Support compliance with building codes, safety requirements, and performance certifications by demonstrating material testing under internationally recognized standards.
  • Fire-Hazard Assessment: Contribute to a comprehensive fire risk assessment as part of an overall strategy to minimize the risks associated with the use of elastomeric components in buildings and transportation systems.

Related Standards

When using ASTM C1166-21, the following ASTM standards and references may also apply:

  • ASTM C717: Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants - provides definitions and terms relevant to elastomeric gaskets and accessories.
  • ASTM C864: Specification for Dense Elastomeric Compression Seal Gaskets, Setting Blocks, and Spacers - offers material requirements that may reference or be evaluated using this test method.
  • ASTM Committee E-5: Fire standards and criteria developed by this committee should be considered in complete fire risk assessments.
  • International Standardization Principles: Developed in accordance with WTO TBT Committee guidelines for international harmonization.

Keywords: ASTM C1166-21, flame propagation, elastomeric gasket, dense elastomeric, cellular elastomeric, gasket fire test, flammability test, fire risk assessment, construction material safety, building seals, ASTM fire testing standards.

By employing ASTM C1166-21, organizations ensure the use of verified, performance-tested elastomeric materials, contributing to safer products and structures in a range of industries.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM C1166-21 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Flame Propagation of Dense and Cellular Elastomeric Gaskets and Accessories". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 This test method is designed to differentiate the flame propagation characteristics of dense or cellular elastomeric compounds used in gaskets, setting blocks, shims, or spacers. It is a small scale test which enables the specifier to exercise engineering judgment in the selection of materials. 5.2 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to a specific laboratory fire test exposure condition. If different test conditions are substituted or the anticipated end-use conditions are changed, it may not be possible by or from this test method to predict changes in the performance characteristics. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure condition described in this test method. 5.3 If the results obtained by this test method are to be considered in the total assessment of fire risk, then all pertinent established criteria for fire risk assessment developed by ASTM Committee E-5 must be included in the consideration. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining flame propagation characteristics of a dense or cellular elastomeric gasket (such as expansion, lock-strip or compression gasket) or an accessory (such as a setting block, spacer or shim) when exposed to heat and flame, with no significance being attached to such matters as fuel contribution, rate of flame spread, smoke developed, or the nature and temperature of the products of combustion. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 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. 1.4 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. 1.5 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations. 1.6 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 This test method is designed to differentiate the flame propagation characteristics of dense or cellular elastomeric compounds used in gaskets, setting blocks, shims, or spacers. It is a small scale test which enables the specifier to exercise engineering judgment in the selection of materials. 5.2 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to a specific laboratory fire test exposure condition. If different test conditions are substituted or the anticipated end-use conditions are changed, it may not be possible by or from this test method to predict changes in the performance characteristics. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure condition described in this test method. 5.3 If the results obtained by this test method are to be considered in the total assessment of fire risk, then all pertinent established criteria for fire risk assessment developed by ASTM Committee E-5 must be included in the consideration. SCOPE 1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining flame propagation characteristics of a dense or cellular elastomeric gasket (such as expansion, lock-strip or compression gasket) or an accessory (such as a setting block, spacer or shim) when exposed to heat and flame, with no significance being attached to such matters as fuel contribution, rate of flame spread, smoke developed, or the nature and temperature of the products of combustion. 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided for information only and are not considered standard. 1.3 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. 1.4 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. 1.5 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations. 1.6 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 C1166-21 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 21.140 - Seals, glands. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ASTM C1166-21 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM C864-05(2019), ASTM C717-19, ASTM C717-18, ASTM C717-17a, ASTM C717-17, ASTM C717-16a, ASTM C717-16, ASTM C864-05(2015), ASTM C717-14a, ASTM C717-14, ASTM C717-13, ASTM C717-12b, ASTM C717-12a, ASTM C717-12, ASTM C864-05(2011). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ASTM C1166-21 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: C1166 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Flame Propagation of Dense and Cellular Elastomeric
Gaskets and Accessories
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1166; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method covers a laboratory procedure for
2.1 ASTM Standards:
determining flame propagation characteristics of a dense or
C717 Terminology of Building Seals and Sealants
cellular elastomeric gasket (such as expansion, lock-strip or
C864 Specification for Dense Elastomeric Compression Seal
compression gasket) or an accessory (such as a setting block,
Gaskets, Setting Blocks, and Spacers
spacer or shim) when exposed to heat and flame, with no
significancebeingattachedtosuchmattersasfuelcontribution,
3. Terminology
rate of flame spread, smoke developed, or the nature and
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
temperature of the products of combustion.
standard, see Terminology C717.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are
provided for information only and are not considered standard. 3.2.1 dense material, n—material that is free of porosity, as
described in Specification C864.
1.3 This standard should be used to measure and describe
the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
4. Summary of Test Method
flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to
describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials,
4.1 In this test method, a specimen 13 by 25 by 460 mm ( ⁄2
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However,
by 1 by 18 in.) mounted in a vertical position within the test
results of the test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard
chamber, is exposed to a gas flame at the lower end for 15 min
assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account
with dense materials or 5 min with cellular materials, and
all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the
ventilated at no more than 18.3 m/min (60 ft/min). The length
fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.
oftheflameismeasuredandprovidesanumericalvalueforthe
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
propagation of flame along the specimen.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.1 This test method is designed to differentiate the flame
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 Thecommitteewithjurisdictionoverthisstandardisnot propagation characteristics of dense or cellular elastomeric
compounds used in gaskets, setting blocks, shims, or spacers.
aware of any comparable standards published by other orga-
nizations. It is a small scale test which enables the specifier to exercise
engineering judgment in the selection of materials.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.2 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to a
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
specific laboratory fire test exposure condition. If different test
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
conditions are substituted or the anticipated end-use conditions
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
are changed, it may not be possible by or from this test method
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
to predict changes in the performance characteristics.
Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure
condition described in this test method.
ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC24onBuilding
Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.73 on
5.3 If the results obtained by this test method are to be
Compression Seal and Lock Strip Gaskets.
considered in the total assessment of fire risk, then all pertinent
Current edition approved May 1, 2021. Published June 2021. Originally
established criteria for fire risk assessment developed by
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2016 as C1166 – 06(2016).
DOI: 10.1520/C1166-21. ASTM Committee E-5 must be included in the consideration.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1166 − 21
6. Apparatus (5 in.) from the end to be ignited. Fasten the wire loops to the
stand holding the specimen.
6.1 The Test Chamber, may be any enclosure that will
permit circulation of air past the specimen during burning. A
9.3 Light and adjust the burner to produce a blue flame
hood or ventilated spray booth is recommended to remove any
approximately 38 mm (1.5 in.) high. A metal flame gauge is
noxious products of combustion, provided the velocity of air
recommended for a consistent height.
past the specimen does not exceed 18.3 m/min (60 ft/min).
9.4 Place the lighted burner directly below the specimen so
NOTE1—Airvelocitiesgreaterthan18.3m/min(60ft/min)willhavean
that the top of the inner cone of the flame just touches the
extinguishing effect upon the flame and will present an unrealistic
lowest part of the specimen (see Note 3). The burner is to
evaluation of the flame propagation of the compound.
remain in this position for 15 min and 5 min respectively for
6.2 Bunsen Burner, with a barrel nominally 9.5 mm (0.38
dense and cellular material dictates, and then shall be extin-
in.) in diameter.
guished and removed. If the specimen moves through heat
6.3 Natural Gas, used for fuel.
deformation, the b
...


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: C1166 − 06 (Reapproved 2016) C1166 − 21
Standard Test Method for
Flame Propagation of Dense and Cellular Elastomeric
Gaskets and Accessories
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1166; 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 test method covers a laboratory procedure for determining flame propagation characteristics of a dense or cellular
elastomeric gasket (such as expansion, lock-strip or compression gasket) or an accessory (such as a setting block, spacer or shim)
when exposed to heat and flame, with no significance being attached to such matters as fuel contribution, rate of flame spread,
smoke developed, or the nature and temperature of the products of combustion.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses after SI units are provided
for information purposes only.only and are not considered standard.
1.3 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.
1.4 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 The committee with jurisdiction over this standard is not aware of any comparable standards published by other organizations.
1.6 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
C864 Specification for Dense Elastomeric Compression Seal Gaskets, Setting Blocks, and Spacers
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this standard, see Terminology C717.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee C24.73 on
Compression Seal and Lock Strip Gaskets.
Current edition approved July 1, 2016May 1, 2021. Published July 2016June 2021. Originally approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 20112016 as
C1166 – 06(2011).(2016). DOI: 10.1520/C1166-06R16.10.1520/C1166-21.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
C1166 − 21
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 dense material, n—material that is free of porosity, as described in Specification C864.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 In this test method, a specimen 13 by 25 by 460 mm ( ⁄2 by 1 by 18 in.) mounted in a vertical position within the test chamber,
is exposed to a gas flame at the lower end for 15 min with dense materials or 5 min with cellular materials, and ventilated at no
more than 18.3 m/min (60 ft/min). The length of the flame is measured and provides a numerical value for the propagation of flame
along the specimen.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is designed to differentiate the flame propagation characteristics of dense or cellular elastomeric compounds
used in gaskets, setting blocks, shims, or spacers. It is a small scale test which enables the specifier to exercise engineering
judgment in the selection of materials.
5.2 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to a specific laboratory fire test exposure condition. If different test conditions
are substituted or the anticipated end-use conditions are changed, it may not be possible by or from this test method to predict
changes in the performance characteristics. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure condition described in
this test method.
5.3 If the results obtained by this test method are to be considered in the total assessment of fire risk, then all pertinent established
criteria for fire risk assessment developed by ASTM Committee E-5 must be included in the consideration.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The Test Chamber, may be any enclosure that will permit circulation of air past the specimen during burning. A hood or
ventilated spray booth is recommended to remove any noxious products of combustion, provided the velocity of air past the
specimen does not exceed 18.3 m/min (60 ft/min).
NOTE 1—Air velocities greater than 18.3 m/min (60 ft/min) will have an extinguishing effect upon the flame and will present an unrealistic evaluation
of the flame propagation of the compound.
6.2 Bunsen Burner, with a barrel nominally 9.5 mm (0.38 in.) in diameter.
6.3 Natural Gas, used for fuel.
6.4 Measuring Device, capable of measuring to 0.1 in.
7. Sampling and Test Specimens
7.1 Sampling:
7.1.1 When the finished product does not lend itself to testing (see Note 2) or to the taking of test specimens because of
complicated shape, small size, metal or fabric inserts or other conditions, standard test strips shall be prepared. The standard
specimens for testing are described in 7.2.
NOTE 2—A chimney effect caused by lengthwise channels or holes in finished products makes it impossible to obtain uniform results using actual
manufactured products.
7.1.2 When possible, the completed manufactured product,
...

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