ASTM E535-23
(Practice)Standard Practice for Preparation of Fire-Test-Response Standards
Standard Practice for Preparation of Fire-Test-Response Standards
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This standard is to be used by those concerned with the development of fire-test-response standards.
4.2 The resultant fire-test-response standards are intended to be useful in one or more of the following areas, among others: product development, quality control, product comparisons, screening, information to be used as part of a fire hazard or a fire risk assessment, and regulatory purposes.
4.3 This practice is intended to be useful to users and developers of fire-test-response standards (Section 5) because it provides much of the general rationale for the development and use of such standards.
4.4 This practice is not intended to provide guidance for the preparation of fire hazard assessment standards or fire risk assessment standards.
4.5 This practice is not intended to provide guidance for the preparation of standards not related to fire-test responses of materials, products or assemblies.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice is a supplement to Form and Style for ASTM Standards,2 which shall be consulted in writing all ASTM standards.
1.2 This practice contains, directly or by reference, all of the information required to comply with the policy on fire standards and the additional guidelines recommended by Committee E05.
1.3 This practice, intended to assist ASTM Committees, establishes guidelines and criteria for the preparation of fire-test-response standards (that is, standards for response to heat or flame under prescribed conditions).
1.4 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
1.5 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.
1.6 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
- 31-Oct-2023
- Technical Committee
- E05 - Fire Standards
- Drafting Committee
- E05.31 - Terminology and Services / Functions
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2022
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2022
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
Overview
ASTM E535-23: Standard Practice for Preparation of Fire-Test-Response Standards provides comprehensive guidelines and criteria for the development and preparation of fire-test-response standards. Issued by ASTM International, this practice ensures consistency and clarity in fire-test-response standards, which are essential for assessing how materials, products, or assemblies respond to heat or flame under controlled conditions. This standard assists ASTM committees and technical writers by offering an organized structure and terminology, ensuring standards meet international best practices and regulatory requirements.
Key Topics
- Purpose and Scope
ASTM E535-23 is designed as a supplement to the "Form and Style for ASTM Standards" manual, supporting committees in writing fire-test-response standards that comply with ASTM’s policies and the recommendations of Committee E05 on Fire Standards. - Fire-Test-Response Characteristics
Defines the characteristics (such as ignition, flame spread, smoke generation, and heat release) evaluated by fire-test-response standards. - Guidelines for Standard Preparation
Outlines essential elements such as title, scope, referenced documents, terminology, hazard statements, test methods, calibration, sampling, and data interpretation. - Caveats and Safety
Mandates inclusion of standard caveats addressing the inherent hazards of fire testing and clarifying the limitations of data generated. - Measurement Uncertainty and Precision
Emphasizes the importance of including statements on measurement uncertainty, precision, and bias, with references to related guidance documents (ASTM E2536, E2655, and E691).
Applications
Fire-test-response standards prepared according to ASTM E535-23 are widely used in multiple areas, including:
- Product Development
Supports manufacturers in evaluating material performance, leading to safer product designs. - Quality Control
Provides means to consistently assess fire-response characteristics during manufacturing, ensuring ongoing safety and compliance. - Product Comparisons and Screening
Enables objective comparison of different materials or products under standardized test conditions for procurement and specification purposes. - Fire Hazard and Risk Assessment Input
Supplies data that can be incorporated into broader fire hazard or fire risk assessments, though E535-23 itself is not intended for direct hazard or risk standard preparation. - Regulatory Compliance
Meets requirements from authorities having jurisdiction, helping organizations align with building codes, fire safety regulations, and international trade requirements.
Related Standards
ASTM E535-23 references several other key standards, underscoring harmonization and consistency:
- ASTM E176 – Terminology of Fire Standards
- ASTM E456 – Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
- ASTM E691 – Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
- ASTM E2536 – Guide for Assessment of Measurement Uncertainty in Fire Tests
- ASTM E2655 – Guide for Reporting Uncertainty of Test Results and Use of the Term Measurement Uncertainty in ASTM Test Methods
- ISO 13943 – Fire Safety – Vocabulary
These referenced standards enhance uniformity in terminology, statistical evaluation, and reporting practices, supporting global acceptance of fire-test-response testing and regulatory harmonization.
Practical Value
ASTM E535-23 is a critical resource for:
- ASTM Committee Members tasked with drafting or revising fire-test-response standards.
- Fire Safety Professionals seeking standardized methods and terminology for fire-testing processes.
- Manufacturers and Regulatory Bodies relying on objective, internationally recognized fire-response criteria for materials and products.
By standardizing how fire-test-response standards are prepared, ASTM E535-23 enhances the reliability, clarity, and utility of test methods, fostering safer products and more meaningful fire safety data for global applications.
Keywords: ASTM E535-23, fire-test-response standard, fire testing, standard preparation, fire safety, fire response, test method, quality control, regulatory compliance, Committee E05, terminology, measurement uncertainty, product development, international standard.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E535-23 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Preparation of Fire-Test-Response Standards". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This standard is to be used by those concerned with the development of fire-test-response standards. 4.2 The resultant fire-test-response standards are intended to be useful in one or more of the following areas, among others: product development, quality control, product comparisons, screening, information to be used as part of a fire hazard or a fire risk assessment, and regulatory purposes. 4.3 This practice is intended to be useful to users and developers of fire-test-response standards (Section 5) because it provides much of the general rationale for the development and use of such standards. 4.4 This practice is not intended to provide guidance for the preparation of fire hazard assessment standards or fire risk assessment standards. 4.5 This practice is not intended to provide guidance for the preparation of standards not related to fire-test responses of materials, products or assemblies. SCOPE 1.1 This practice is a supplement to Form and Style for ASTM Standards,2 which shall be consulted in writing all ASTM standards. 1.2 This practice contains, directly or by reference, all of the information required to comply with the policy on fire standards and the additional guidelines recommended by Committee E05. 1.3 This practice, intended to assist ASTM Committees, establishes guidelines and criteria for the preparation of fire-test-response standards (that is, standards for response to heat or flame under prescribed conditions). 1.4 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.5 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. 1.6 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 4.1 This standard is to be used by those concerned with the development of fire-test-response standards. 4.2 The resultant fire-test-response standards are intended to be useful in one or more of the following areas, among others: product development, quality control, product comparisons, screening, information to be used as part of a fire hazard or a fire risk assessment, and regulatory purposes. 4.3 This practice is intended to be useful to users and developers of fire-test-response standards (Section 5) because it provides much of the general rationale for the development and use of such standards. 4.4 This practice is not intended to provide guidance for the preparation of fire hazard assessment standards or fire risk assessment standards. 4.5 This practice is not intended to provide guidance for the preparation of standards not related to fire-test responses of materials, products or assemblies. SCOPE 1.1 This practice is a supplement to Form and Style for ASTM Standards,2 which shall be consulted in writing all ASTM standards. 1.2 This practice contains, directly or by reference, all of the information required to comply with the policy on fire standards and the additional guidelines recommended by Committee E05. 1.3 This practice, intended to assist ASTM Committees, establishes guidelines and criteria for the preparation of fire-test-response standards (that is, standards for response to heat or flame under prescribed conditions). 1.4 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.5 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. 1.6 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 E535-23 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.01 - Protection against fire in general. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E535-23 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E535-19, ASTM E176-24, ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1, ASTM E456-13a(2022), ASTM E1549/E1549M-13(2022), ASTM E800-20, ASTM E2102-21, ASTM E176-21ae1. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E535-23 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: E535 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Fire-Test-Response Standards
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E535; 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
This standard has been developed to assist ASTM Committees in the writing of fire-test-response
standards that comply with the ASTM policy on fire standards (see Annex A1).
The policy on fire standards describes the types of ASTM fire standards and their required caveats.
Committee E05 has the responsibility of helping other committees developing fire standards by
providing the information and assistance required by all committees for writing standards which
contain testing procedures for the response of materials, products, or assemblies to fire.
Fire-test-response standards are standards for, or based on, one or more fire-test-response
characteristics. A fire-test-response characteristic provides a means of measuring the response of
materials, products, or assemblies to a prescribed source of heat alone or to one of heat and flame
under controlled test conditions.
1. Scope Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.1 This practice is a supplement to Form and Style for
2 Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM Standards, which shall be consulted in writing all
ASTM standards.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This practice contains, directly or by reference, all of the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
information required to comply with the policy on fire stan-
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
dards and the additional guidelines recommended by Commit-
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
tee E05.
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.3 This practice, intended to assist ASTM Committees,
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
establishes guidelines and criteria for the preparation of fire- E2536 Guide for Assessment of Measurement Uncertainty in
test-response standards (that is, standards for response to heat
Fire Tests
or flame under prescribed conditions). E2655 Guide for Reporting Uncertainty of Test Results and
Use of the Term Measurement Uncertainty in ASTM Test
1.4 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative
Methods
measures.
2.2 ISO Standards:
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ISO 13943 – Fire Safety – Vocabulary
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
3. Terminology
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1 Definitions:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
practice, refer to Terminology E176 and ISO 13943. In case of
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
conflict, the definitions given in Terminology E176 shall
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
prevail.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.31 on Terminology For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
and Services / Functions. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published December 2023. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as E535 – 19. DOI: the ASTM website.
10.1520/E0535-23. Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Available on request from ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier,
Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959. Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E535 − 23
3.1.2 fire-test-response characteristic, n—a response char- 5.3.1 The title of the test method shall specify the intended
acteristic of a material, product, or assembly, to a prescribed specific application, clearly and as concisely as is practicable.
source of heat or flame, under controlled fire conditions; such 5.3.2 The title of the test method shall not contain the
response characteristics may include but are not limited to ease phrases “fire hazard” or “fire risk”.
of ignition, flame spread, heat release, mass loss, smoke
5.4 Scope:
generation, fire resistance, and toxic potency of smoke.
5.4.1 The scope shall clearly:
3.1.2.1 Discussion—A fire-test-response characteristic can
5.4.1.1 Identify the standard as a “fire-test-response
be influenced by variable characteristics of the heat source,
standard,”
such as its intensity, or of the burning environment, such as
5.4.1.2 State the purpose of the standard,
ventilation, geometry of item or enclosure, humidity or oxygen
5.4.1.3 Specify the known limitations of the standard,
concentration. It is not an intrinsic property such as specific
5.4.1.4 Specify the significance of the data that are gener-
heat, thermal conductivity, or heat of combustion, where the
ated (including relevance to human life and property, where
value is independent of test variables. A fire-test-response
appropriate),
characteristic may be described in one of several terms. Smoke
5.4.1.5 Specify what the standard is and is not intended to
generation, for example, may be described as smoke opacity,
accomplish,
change of opacity with time, or smoke weight. No quantitative
5.4.1.6 Identify the class of materials, products or assem-
correlation need exist between values of a fire-test-response
blies to which it is to be applied,
characteristic for different materials, products, or assemblies,
5.4.1.7 Identify the heat flux or other test input characteris-
as measured by different methods or tested under different sets
tics involved,
of conditions for a given method.
5.4.1.8 Identify the fire-test-response characteristic(s) to be
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: measured, and
3.2.1 measurand, n—quantity subject to measurement. 5.4.1.9 Identify the system of units of measurement applied
within the standard and to be used in referee decisions;
3.2.2 uncertainty of measurement, n—parameter, associated
parenthetical measures in a different system of units are
with the result of a measurement, that characterizes the
permitted when identified to be for information only.
dispersion of the values that could reasonably be attributed to
5.4.2 The scope shall include the caveat for fire-test-
the measurand.
response standards required by the ASTM policy on fire
standards, and contained in F2.2.2.1 of Form and Style for
4. Significance and Use
ASTM Standards. This is referred to as the fire-test-response
4.1 This standard is to be used by those concerned with the
standards caveat. No alterations are to be made to the caveat as
development of fire-test-response standards.
follows:
4.2 The resultant fire-test-response standards are intended to
This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials,
products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but
be useful in one or more of the following areas, among others:
does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
product development, quality control, product comparisons,
assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire
screening, information to be used as part of a fire hazard or a
conditions.
fire risk assessment, and regulatory purposes.
5.4.3 The scope shall contain the standard safety hazards
caveat specified in F2.1 of Form and Style for ASTM Stan-
4.3 This practice is intended to be useful to users and
dards. No alterations are to be made to the caveat as follows:
developers of fire-test-response standards (Section 5) because
it provides much of the general rationale for the development
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, if any,
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
and use of such standards.
establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.4 This practice is not intended to provide guidance for the
preparation of fire hazard assessment standards or fire risk
5.4.4 The scope of all fire test methods shall contain the
assessment standards.
following safety caveat:
Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and
4.5 This practice is not intended to provide guidance for the
property shall be employed in conducting these tests.
preparation of standards not related to fire-test responses of
5.4.5 The scope shall contain information with respect to
materials, products or assemblies.
any known limitations of the test method with respect to its
application, and inappropriate uses of the standard.
5. Preparation of Fire-Test-Response Standards
5.4.6 It is appropriate to include reference to alternative,
5.1 Refer to Form and Style of ASTM Standards , Section A
companion or related standards in the scope. The title and
and other appropriate sections, for general requirements appli-
designation of such standards shall be included in the refer-
cable to standard tests.
enced documents section.
5.1.1 Fire-test-response standards shall not use conditional
5.5 Referenced Documents:
language.
5.5.1 The list of referenced documents shall include:
5.2 Fire-test-response standards shall, as applicable, contain
5.5.1.1 All ASTM standards, proposals, and adjuncts that
the sections described in 5.3 – 5.21 of this practice.
are cited in the text,
5.3 Title: 5.5.1.2 E176, Terminology Relating to Fire Standards,
E535 − 23
5.5.1.3 Alternate, companion, or related ASTM standards, quality control, screening, product comparisons, input for a fire
mentioned in the scope. model or a fire hazard assessment, basis for regulation.
5.8.1.2 This section shall include information with respect
5.5.2 The list of referenced documents shall also include all
standards and codes of other organizations which are useful to to the need for the standard. Possible explanations of need are:
(1) that no other test method exists, (2) that this test method
the user of the standard and are cited in the text of the standard.
supersedes older test methods, or (3) that this test method
5.6 Terminology:
offers useful or improved alternatives.
5.6.1 The standard shall use precise and accurate terminol-
5.8.2 Known potential inappropriate uses shall be stated
ogy. Inappropriate, misleading or deprecated terms such as
along with reasons why use of the test method is inappropriate
“slow burning” or “self-extinguishing” shall not be used.
in such cases. Examples of inappropriateness include: (1) a test
5.6.2 Terminology E176 shall be used for selecting termi-
method provides results that are too imprecise for use in a
nology as well as definitions for terms used in the standard.
particular application, (2) the inter-laboratory evaluation test
5.6.3 Where applicable, reference shall be made to other
data indicates that the use of the test method for regulatory
existing ASTM terminology standards having specific applica-
purposes is inappropriate because of large variability of test
tion to the subject of the test method.
results among laboratories, (3) the data generated by using the
5.6.4 When applicable, reference shall be made to the
test method do not adequately describe one particular fire-test-
appropriate international terminology standards, such as those
response characteristic for use in regulation, or (4) some
by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or
materials, products or assemblies perform differently in the test
the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The title
method from the way in which they are expected to perform in
and numerical designation of the ISO or IEC standard shall be
an actual application.
included in a separate subsection of the section on referenced
5.8.3 The significance and use section shall include all
documents.
known limitations of the test method.
5.6.4.1 In case of conflict between the international termi-
5.8.4 The significance and use section shall include a
nology standards and Terminology E176, the ASTM standard
statement addressing the effect of changing test conditions on
shall prevail.
the results and their subsequent use. An example statement
5.6.5 Part E of Form and Style for ASTM Standards shall be follows:
used as a source for additional guidance on terminology in
In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific
sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted
ASTM standards.
or the end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible by or
5.6.6 The standard shall not describe or define terms that are
from this test method to predict changes in the fire-test-response
inconsistent with those given in Terminology E176 or other characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire
test exposure conditions described in this procedure.
ASTM terminology standards, unless the difference is de-
scribed in the terminology section, and is justified as being 5.8.5 The significance of the data generated through the use
unique to the specific test method. Terms that are specific (or
of the test method shall be described, including relevance to
applicable) only to the standard shall be described in the human life or property, where appropriate.
terminology section. Such terms shall be included in a sub-
5.8.6 Any warning needed in the interpretation of the results
section entitled “Definitions of Terms Specific to this Stan-
shall be included in this section.
dard.” Any terms so described which appear in ASTM termi-
5.9 Hazards:
nology standards shall include a notation explaining the
5.9.1 A statement shall be included to warn the operator of
difference in use or meaning.
specific safety hazards involved when using the test method.
5.6.7 It is acceptable for definitions of terms critical to the
Hazards to be considered include, but are not restricted to,
use of the standard to be reproduced, in precisely the form in
explosion, generation of vision obscuring smoke or of toxic
which they appear in the corresponding terminology standard.
products of combustion, and rapid fire growth. (See Form and
In such cases, reference to the terminology standard shall be
Style for ASTM Standards.)
made in the section on terminology and the standard shall be
5.9.2 A precautionary statement shall be included to inform
listed in the section on referenced documents.
the operator of precautions to be taken to avoid or minimize
5.6.8 In the terminology section, reference sources shall be
particular hazards. (See Form and Style for ASTM Standards.)
provided for each keyword in the title of the standard, unless
5.9.3 A statement addressing remediation of the hazards is
the terms are well known and widely used.
not required to be included in detail in the standard. However,
5.7 Summary of Test Method—This section shall contain a
it is appropriate to cite a reference, for example by way of a
brief summary of the test method, which describes the heat
footnote, which describes a means for treating a situation
source, the type of specimen, the exposure conditions, the
resulting from an uncontrolled hazard. (See Form and Style for
types of measurements made, and the type of results reported.
ASTM Standards.)
5.8 Significance and Use:
5.10 Test Equipment:
5.8.1 This section shall provide information with respect to
5.10.1 The test equipment shall be specified and described.
the usefulness of the test method.
5.10.2 It is desirable to provide the source for commercially
5.8.1.1 It shall include information that indicates the appro- available equipment when only a single source of the equip-
priate uses of the test method, such as product development, ment is known.
E535 − 23
5.10.3 Equipment that is not commercially available shall 5.13.1.1 The size and number of specimens to be used as a
be described in sufficient detail to enable the user to construct sample,
the equipment. If complete descriptions and specifications are
5.13.1.2 A precise specification of the source of flame or
readily available, they shall be cited instead of providing the heat,
complete description and drawings in the standard.
5.13.1.3 The test equipment to be used,
5.13.1.4 All other required materials or auxiliary
5.11 Calibration and Standardization:
equipment,
5.11.1 Calibration information shall be included in the test
5.13.1.5 The handling and mounting of specimens,
method.
5.13.1.6 All other procedural details, such as the fuel flow
5.11.2 Complete details for the calibration and standardiza-
rate, exposure time, atmospheric conditions in the test chamber
tion of the equipment shall be included in the fire-test-response
or room, and timing of measurements,
standard, under the following circumstances:
5.13.1.7 All details of measurements, and
5.11.2.1 The equipment is simple and ordinary, however, its
5.13.1.8 The manner in which data shall be recorded and
calibration is not obvious. For example, if a Bunsen burner is
reported.
used with natural gas as a fuel and the flame height is specified,
5.13.2 Critical parameters of the test and allowable limits
further details are required. Such details include a specification
for them shall be established and specified.
of the setting of the air inlet, as well as the conditions for
5.13.3 Results shall be expressed in quantitative numerical
measuring the flame height (such as the ambient lighting level
terms, except when the results are inherently qualitative in
and the point to be considered as the top of the flame). A
form (for example, whether the sample will or will not ignite
desirable alternative in this case is to provide a specification of
under specified test conditions).
fuel heat content and mass flow rate.
5.14 Calculations and Interpretation of Results:
5.11.2.2 The equipment is used in a manner other than that
5.14.1 Procedures and equations for calculation of the test
specified by the manufacturer, so that calibration instructions
result(s) from the test data shall be given.
supplied with the equipment are not valid.
5.14.1.1 The procedures shall be given in sufficient detail to
5.11.2.3 The equipment is complex and calibration and
enable an operator to perform the calculations on the basis of
standardization information is not supplied with the equipment.
the information provided. Sources of other necessary informa-
In this instance it is possible for the calibration and standard-
tion required for the calculations shall be cited.
ization information required to be quite extensive. An effort
5.14.2 Procedures for interpretation and application of the
shall be made to avoid a lengthy section if the necessary
results shall be specified clearly.
information is available readily elsewhere; in such a case, a
5.14.2.1 All necessary information for the completion of the
reference shall be supplied in the standard. If the additional
interpretation or application of results shall be included, or
information is considered necessary its appropriate location is
sources of such information shall be cited.
an Annex.
5.11.3 The frequency of calibration and standardization 5.15 Precision and Bias:
shall be described. 5.15.1 A statement on precision and bias shall be included.
5.15.1.1 Form and Style for ASTM Standards describes the
5.12 Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units:
recommended statements for precision and bias.
5.12.1 The procedure for selecting samples (one or more
5.15.2 An inter-laboratory round robin evaluation is the best
specimens) shall be described. If this involves a statistical
means for developing a satisfactory precision and bias state-
sampling plan, it shall be described in sufficient detail to enable
ment. Furthermore, an inter-laboratory round robin evaluation
the operator to comply with the intent of the plan.
is valuable for establishing the credibility of a test which is to
5.12.2 The number and selection of specimens shall be
be used for other than research and development.
specified. A procedure shall be included for determining the
5.15.2.1 Appendix X2 includes other suggested statements
location from which specimens are to be taken.
for precision and bias, in cases where inter-laboratory round
5.12.3 The preparation of the specimens shall be specified.
robin evaluations have not been conducted.
This shall include descriptions of specimen dimensions and
5.16 Measurement U
...
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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: E535 − 19 E535 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Preparation of Fire-Test-Response Standards
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E535; 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
This standard has been developed to assist ASTM Committees in the writing of fire-test-response
standards that comply with the ASTM policy on fire standards (see Annex A1).
The policy on fire standards describes the types of ASTM fire standards and their required caveats.
Committee E05 has the responsibility of helping other committees developing fire standards by
providing the information and assistance required by all committees for writing standards which
contain testing procedures for the response of materials, products, or assemblies to fire.
Fire-test-response standards are standards for, or based on, one or more fire-test-response
characteristics. A fire-test-response characteristic provides a means of measuring the response of
materials, products, or assemblies to a prescribed source of heat alone or to one of heat and flame
under controlled test conditions.
1. Scope
1.1 This practice is a supplement to Form and Style for ASTM Standards, , which shall be consulted in writing all ASTM
standards.
1.2 This practice contains, directly or by reference, all of the information required to comply with the policy on fire standards and
the additional guidelines recommended by Committee E05.
1.3 This practice, intended to assist ASTM Committees, establishes guidelines and criteria for the preparation of fire-test-response
standards (that is, standards for response to heat or flame under prescribed conditions).
1.4 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
1.5 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.
1.6 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.
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.31 on Terminology and Services
/ Functions.
Current edition approved July 1, 2019Nov. 1, 2023. Published July 2019December 2023. Originally approved in 1975. Last previous edition approved in 20142019 as
E535 – 14.E535 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/E0535-19.10.1520/E0535-23.
Available on request from ASTM Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA, 19428-2959.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E535 − 23
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E2536 Guide for Assessment of Measurement Uncertainty in Fire Tests
E2655 Guide for Reporting Uncertainty of Test Results and Use of the Term Measurement Uncertainty in ASTM Test Methods
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 13943 – Fire Safety – Vocabulary
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to Terminology E176 and ISO 13943. In case of conflict,
the definitions given in Terminology E176 shall prevail.
3.1.2 fire-test-response characteristic, n—a response characteristic of a material, product, or assembly, to a prescribed source of
heat or flame, under controlled fire conditions; such response characteristics may include but are not limited to ease of ignition,
flame spread, heat release, mass loss, smoke generation, fire resistance, and toxic potency of smoke.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
A fire-test-response characteristic can be influenced by variable characteristics of the heat source, such as its intensity, or of the
burning environment, such as ventilation, geometry of item or enclosure, humidity or oxygen concentration. It is not an intrinsic
property such as specific heat, thermal conductivity, or heat of combustion, where the value is independent of test variables. A
fire-test-response characteristic may be described in one of several terms. Smoke generation, for example, may be described as
smoke opacity, change of opacity with time, or smoke weight. No quantitative correlation need exist between values of a
fire-test-response characteristic for different materials, products, or assemblies, as measured by different methods or tested under
different sets of conditions for a given method.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 measurand, n—quantity subject to measurement.
3.2.2 uncertainty of measurement, n—parameter, associated with the result of a measurement, that characterizes the dispersion of
the values that could reasonably be attributed to the measurand.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This standard is to be used by those concerned with the development of fire-test-response standards.
4.2 The resultant fire-test-response standards are intended to be useful in one or more of the following areas, among others:
product development, quality control, product comparisons, screening, information to be used as part of a fire hazard or a fire risk
assessment, and regulatory purposes.
4.3 This practice is intended to be useful to users and developers of fire-test-response standards (Section 5) because it provides
much of the general rationale for the development and use of such standards.
4.4 This practice is not intended to provide guidance for the preparation of fire hazard assessment standards or fire risk assessment
standards.
4.5 This practice is not intended to provide guidance for the preparation of standards not related to fire-test responses of materials,
products or assemblies.
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 Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
E535 − 23
5. Preparation of Fire-Test-Response Standards
5.1 Refer to Form and Style of ASTM Standards , Section A and other appropriate sections, for general requirements applicable
to standard tests.
5.1.1 Fire-test-response standards shall not use conditional language.
5.2 Fire-test-response standards shall, as applicable, contain the sections described in 5.3 – 5.21 of this practice.
5.3 Title:
5.3.1 The title of the test method shall specify the intended specific application, clearly and as concisely as is practicable.
5.3.2 The title of the test method shall not contain the phrases “fire hazard” or “fire risk”.
5.4 Scope:
5.4.1 The scope shall clearly:
5.4.1.1 Identify the standard as a “fire-test-response standard,”
5.4.1.2 State the purpose of the standard,
5.4.1.3 Specify the known limitations of the standard,
5.4.1.4 Specify the significance of the data that are generated (including relevance to human life and property, where appropriate),
5.4.1.5 Specify what the standard is and is not intended to accomplish,
5.4.1.6 Identify the class of materials, products or assemblies to which it is to be applied,
5.4.1.7 Identify the heat flux or other test input characteristics involved,
5.4.1.8 Identify the fire-test-response characteristic(s) to be measured, and
5.4.1.9 Identify the system of units of measurement applied within the standard and to be used in referee decisions; parenthetical
measures in a different system of units are permitted when identified to be for information only.
5.4.2 The scope shall include the caveat for fire-test-response standards required by the ASTM policy on fire standards, and
contained in F2.2.2.1 of Form and Style for ASTM Standards. This is referred to as the fire-test-response standards caveat. No
alterations are to be made to the caveat as follows:
This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials,
products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but
does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire
conditions.
5.4.3 The scope shall contain the standard safety hazards caveat specified in F2.1 of Form and Style for ASTM Standards. No
alterations are to be made to the caveat as follows:
This standard does not purport to address all of the safety problems, 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.
5.4.4 The scope of all fire test methods shall contain the following safety caveat:
E535 − 23
Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and
property shall be employed in conducting these tests.
5.4.5 The scope shall contain information with respect to any known limitations of the test method with respect to its application,
and inappropriate uses of the standard.
5.4.6 It is appropriate to include reference to alternative, companion or related standards in the scope. The title and designation
of such standards shall be included in the referenced documents section.
5.5 Referenced Documents:
5.5.1 The list of referenced documents shall include:
5.5.1.1 All ASTM standards, proposals, and adjuncts that are cited in the text,
5.5.1.2 E176, Terminology Relating to Fire Standards,
5.5.1.3 Alternate, companion, or related ASTM standards, mentioned in the scope.
5.5.2 The list of referenced documents shall also include all standards and codes of other organizations which are useful to the
user of the standard and are cited in the text of the standard.
5.6 Terminology:
5.6.1 The standard shall use precise and accurate terminology. Inappropriate, misleading or deprecated terms such as “slow
burning” or “self-extinguishing” shall not be used.
5.6.2 Terminology E176 shall be used for selecting terminology as well as definitions for terms used in the standard.
5.6.3 Where applicable, reference shall be made to other existing ASTM terminology standards having specific application to the
subject of the test method.
5.6.4 When applicable, reference shall be made to the appropriate international terminology standards, such as those by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The title and
numerical designation of the ISO or IEC standard shall be included in a separate subsection of the section on referenced documents.
5.6.4.1 In case of conflict between the international terminology standards and Terminology E176, the ASTM standard shall
prevail.
5.6.5 Part E of Form and Style for ASTM Standards shall be used as a source for additional guidance on terminology in ASTM
standards.
5.6.6 The standard shall not describe or define terms that are inconsistent with those given in Terminology E176 or other ASTM
terminology standards, unless the difference is described in the terminology section, and is justified as being unique to the specific
test method. Terms that are specific (or applicable) only to the standard shall be described in the terminology section. Such terms
shall be included in a sub-section entitled “Definitions of Terms Specific to this Standard.” Any terms so described which appear
in ASTM terminology standards shall include a notation explaining the difference in use or meaning.
5.6.7 It is acceptable for definitions of terms critical to the use of the standard to be reproduced, in precisely the form in which
they appear in the corresponding terminology standard. In such cases, reference to the terminology standard shall be made in the
section on terminology and the standard shall be listed in the section on referenced documents.
5.6.8 In the terminology section, reference sources shall be provided for each keyword in the title of the standard, unless the terms
are well known and widely used.
E535 − 23
5.7 Summary of Test Method—This section shall contain a brief summary of the test method, which describes the heat source, the
type of specimen, the exposure conditions, the types of measurements made, and the type of results reported.
5.8 Significance and Use:
5.8.1 This section shall provide information with respect to the usefulness of the test method.
5.8.1.1 It shall include information that indicates the appropriate uses of the test method, such as product development, quality
control, screening, product comparisons, input for a fire model or a fire hazard assessment, basis for regulation.
5.8.1.2 This section shall include information with respect to the need for the standard. Possible explanations of need are: (1) that
no other test method exists, (2) that this test method supersedes older test methods, or (3) that this test method offers useful or
improved alternatives.
5.8.2 Known potential inappropriate uses shall be stated along with reasons why use of the test method is inappropriate in such
cases. Examples of inappropriateness include: (1) a test method provides results that are too imprecise for use in a particular
application, (2) the inter-laboratory evaluation test data indicates that the use of the test method for regulatory purposes is
inappropriate because of large variability of test results among laboratories, (3) the data generated by using the test method do not
adequately describe one particular fire-test-response characteristic for use in regulation, or (4) some materials, products or
assemblies perform differently in the test method from the way in which they are expected to perform in an actual application.
5.8.3 The significance and use section shall include all known limitations of the test method.
5.8.4 The significance and use section shall include a statement addressing the effect of changing test conditions on the results and
their subsequent use. An example statement follows:
In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific
sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted
or the end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible by or
from this test method to predict changes in the fire-test-response
characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire
test exposure conditions described in this procedure.
5.8.5 The significance of the data generated through the use of the test method shall be described, including relevance to human
life or property, where appropriate.
5.8.6 Any warning needed in the interpretation of the results shall be included in this section.
5.9 Hazards:
5.9.1 A statement shall be included to warn the operator of specific safety hazards involved when using the test method. Hazards
to be considered include, but are not restricted to, explosion, generation of vision obscuring smoke or of toxic products of
combustion, and rapid fire growth. (See Form and Style for ASTM Standards.)
5.9.2 A precautionary statement shall be included to inform the operator of precautions to be taken to avoid or minimize particular
hazards. (See Form and Style for ASTM Standards.)
5.9.3 A statement addressing remediation of the hazards is not required to be included in detail in the standard. However, it is
appropriate to cite a reference, for example by way of a footnote, which describes a means for treating a situation resulting from
an uncontrolled hazard. (See Form and Style for ASTM Standards.)
5.10 Test Equipment:
5.10.1 The test equipment shall be specified and described.
5.10.2 It is desirable to provide the source for commercially available equipment when only a single source of the equipment is
known.
E535 − 23
5.10.3 Equipment that is not commercially available shall be described in sufficient detail to enable the user to construct the
equipment. If complete descriptions and specifications are readily available, they shall be cited instead of providing the complete
description and drawings in the standard.
5.11 Calibration and Standardization:
5.11.1 Calibration information shall be included in the test method.
5.11.2 Complete details for the calibration and standardization of the equipment shall be included in the fire-test-response
standard, under the following circumstances:
5.11.2.1 The equipment is simple and ordinary, however, its calibration is not obvious. For example, if a Bunsen burner is used
with natural gas as a fuel and the flame height is specified, further details are required. Such details include a specification of the
setting of the air inlet, as well as the conditions for measuring the flame height (such as the ambient lighting level and the point
to be considered as the top of the flame). A desirable alternative in this case is to provide a specification of fuel heat content and
mass flow rate.
5.11.2.2 The equipment is used in a manner other than that specified by the manufacturer, so that calibration instructions supplied
with the equipment are not valid.
5.11.2.3 The equipment is complex and calibration and standardization information is not supplied with the equipment. In this
instance it is possible for the calibration and standardization information required to be quite extensive. An effort shall be made
to avoid a lengthy section if the necessary information is available readily elsewhere; in such a case, a reference shall be supplied
in the standard. If the additional information is considered necessary its appropriate location is an Annex.
5.11.3 The frequency of calibration and standardization shall be described.
5.12 Sampling, Test Specimens, and Test Units:
5.12.1 The procedure for selecting samples (one or more specimens) shall be described. If this involves a statistical sampling plan,
it shall be described in sufficient detail to enable the operator to comply with the intent of the plan.
5.12.2 The number and selection of specimens shall be specified. A procedure shall be included for determining the location from
which specimens are to be taken.
5.12.3 The preparation of the specimens shall be specified. This shall include descriptions of specimen dimensions and any
specialized preparation procedures.
5.12.4 The fire-test-response characteristics of many materials depend on the moisture content and temperature of the material,
product, or assembly being tested. Consequently, a conditioning procedure shall be specified unless it is deemed that conditioning
is not necessary, in which case the basis for the lack of need for conditioning shall be given.
5.12.5 Any special sample storage conditions or requirements shall be specified in this section.
5.13 Procedure:
5.13.1 The procedure shall specify the following, where applicable:
5.13.1.1 The size and number of specimens to be used as a sample,
5.13.1.2 A precise specification of the source of flame or heat,
5.13.1.3 The test equipment to be used,
5.13.1.4 All other required materials or auxiliary equipment,
E535 − 23
5.13.1.5 The handling and mounting of specimens,
5.13.1.6 All other procedural details, such as the fuel flow rate, exposure time, atmospheric conditions in the test chamber or room,
and timing of measurements,
5.13.1.7 All details of measurements, and
5.13.1.8 The manner in which data shall be recorded and reported.
5.13.2 Critical parameters of the test and allowable limits for them shall be established and specified.
5.13.3 Results shall be expressed in quantitative numerical terms, except when the results are inherently qualitative in form (for
example, whether the sample will or will not ignite under specified test conditions).
5.14 Calculations and Interpretation of Results:
5.14.1 Procedures and equations for calculation of the test result(s) from the test data shall be given.
5.14.1.1 The procedures shall be given in sufficient detail to enable an operator to perform the calculations on the basis of the
information provided. Sources of other necessary information required for the calculations shall be cited.
5.14.2 Procedures for interpretation and application of the results shall be specified clearly.
5.14.2.1 All necessary information for the completion of the interpretation or application of results shall be included, or sources
of such
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