ASTM E2874-23

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: E2874 − 19 E2874 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Fire-Test Response Characteristics of a
Building Spandrel-Panel Assembly Due to External Spread
of Fire
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2874; 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 test method evaluates the ability of the spandrel-panel assembly in an exterior wall
assembly, with or without glazing, to impede the spread of fire to the interior of the room or the story
immediately above it via fire spread from the exterior of a building. A building spandrel-panel
assembly includes the exterior wall spandrel-panel assembly and any glazing. The spandrel-panel
assembly is a unique building construction detail not addressed by other fire test methods.
A building’s spandrel-panel assembly impedes the vertical spread of fire from the floor of origin to
the floor immediately above it, via an exterior fire exposure.
This test method describes criteria used to determine the fire performance of spandrel-panel
assemblies when subjected to standard fire exposure conditions. This test method is intended to
simulate a possible fire exposure due to a post flashover compartment fire venting through an opening,
onto the exterior surface of a spandrel-panel assembly.
1. Scope
1.1 This test method evaluates the fire-test response characteristics of a spandrel-panel assembly spanning the intersection of a
floor assembly.
1.2 This test method is used to assess the spandrel-panel assembly’s ability to impede spread of fire to the interior of the room
or the story immediately above it via fire spread from the exterior of a building, and provide a quantitative measure of the fire
hazard in terms of an I-Rating, T-Rating, and F-Rating from a specified set of fire conditions involving specific materials, products,
or assemblies.
1.3 This test evaluates the performance of the portions of the exterior wall installed between vertically adjacent window openings
in multi-story buildings.
1.4 This test method addresses the potential for fire spread to a single story immediately above the room of fire origin.
1.5 The test method simulates a fire in a post-flashover condition in a compartment that is venting to the exterior through a window
opening.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.11 on Fire Resistance.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2019Nov. 1, 2023. Published March 2019December 2023. Originally approved in 2019. Last previous edition approved in 2019 as
E2874 – 19. DOI: 10.1520/E2874-19.10.1520/E2874-23.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2874 − 23
1.6 The fire exposure conditions within the test room are those specified by this test method for the first 30 min of exposure and
then conform to Test Methods E119 time-temperature curve for the remainder of the test. The fire exposure on the exterior surface
of the test specimen comprises both the exposure from the fire plume exiting the window opening of the test room and the exterior
burner, although the fire exposure on the exterior surface of the test assembly is not equivalent to that of Test Methods E119.
1.7 This test method specifies the heating conditions, methods of test, and criteria for evaluation of a building’s spandrel-panel
assembly. Specimens are not tested using any super-imposed axial load.
1.8 Test results establish the performance of the spandrel-panel assembly during the fire-exposure period and shall not be
construed as having determined the suitability of a spandrel-panel assembly for use after that exposure.
1.9 This test method does not provide quantitative information about the spandrel-panel assembly relative to the rate of leakage
of smoke or gases, or both.
1.9.1 This test method does not evaluate the fire-test-response characteristics of perimeter joint protection between the floor
assembly and the exterior wall assembly. This is covered in Test Method E2307.
1.10 This test method does not evaluate the fire-test-response characteristics or fire propagation propensity of material installed
on, or within, exterior non-load-bearing wall assemblies containing combustible components. This is covered in NFPA 285.
1.11 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. Where provided, the SI values given in parentheses
are for information only.
1.12 The text of this test method references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.13 This test method 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 the fire-hazard or fire-risk assessment of the
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.14 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.
1.15 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
1.16 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
E108 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Roof Coverings
E119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E511 Test Method for Measuring Heat Flux Using a Copper-Constantan Circular Foil, Heat-Flux Transducer
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E1529 Test Methods for Determining Effects of Large Hydrocarbon Pool Fires on Structural Members and Assemblies
E1966 Test Method for Fire-Resistive Joint Systems
E2307 Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-story Test
Apparatus
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.
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2.2 NFPA Standard:
NFPA 285 Standard Method of Test for the Evaluation of Flammability Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall
Assemblies Containing Combustible Components Using the Intermediate-Scale, Multistory Test Apparatus
3. Terminology
3.1 Terms defined in Terminology E176 and E631 shall prevail for fire standard and building terms not defined in this document.
3.2 exterior wall assembly, n—a non-load bearing or load bearing wall located on the exterior of a building that is either fire
resistance rated or one that is not.
3.3 floor assembly, n—a fire resistance rated load bearing horizontal assembly which is either adjacent, or part of the floor of the
observation room.
3.3.1 Discussion—
Floor assemblies tested in accordance with Test Methods E119 are required to be load bearing.
3.4 integrity rating, n—ability of the spandrel-panel assembly to prevent the passage of flame and hot gases through it, and the
occurrence of flames on its unexposed side.
3.5 observation room, n—the second-story room of the Intermediate-Scale, Multi-story Test Apparatus (ISMA).
3.6 spandrel-panel assembly, n—the portion of a building’s exterior wall assembly, which is comprised of the spandrel-panel,
fasteners, structural supports and any glazing, located between the top of the window opening in one story and the sill of the
window opening one adjacent story immediately above.
3.6.1 Discussion—
The term “spandrel-panel” is a commonly used architectural term. When used in conjunction with a curtain wall, this term is
defined by The Oxford Dictionary of Architecture (3rd ed.), as follows: Part of a wall between the head of a window-aperture and
the sill of the window above in a building of two or more stories, especially in a curtain-wall.
3.7 test assembly, n—the complete assembly of the test specimen together with the test apparatus.
3.8 test room, n—the first-story room of the ISMA.
3.9 test specimen, n—the specific design details of the spandrel-panel assembly evaluated during the test.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method describes the following test sequence and procedure:
4.1.1 A spandrel-panel assembly is conditioned and fire tested.
4.1.2 During the fire test, the performance of the spandrel-panel assembly is determined by use of a cotton pad; the resistance to
flames and hot gases is determined by visual observations; the resistance to heat transfer is determined by unexposed surface
temperature measurements; and heat flux is determined using radiometers.
4.2 The end point of the fire test occurs at the time the first interpretation of results is reached when the spandrel-panel assembly
is subjected to the time-temperature fire exposure described in this test method.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides for the following measurements and evaluations:
5.1.1 Ability of the spandrel-panel assembly to resist the passage of flames or hot gases sufficient to ignite a cotton pad, or be
visible to an observer.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
James Stevens Curl and Susan Wilson, Oxford University Press, 2015. Originally published by Oxford University Press in 2000.
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5.1.2 Transmission of heat through, and above, the spandrel-panel assembly using heat flux and unexposed surface temperature
measurements.
5.2 This test method does not provide the following:
5.2.1 This test method does not evaluate the fire propagation characteristics of exterior nonload-bearing wall assemblies
containing combustible components, or flame spread over the test assembly.
5.2.2 This test method does not evaluate the fire-test-response characteristics of the perimeter joint protection between the floor
assembly and the exterior wall assembly. This is covered in Test Method E2307.
5.2.3 Evaluation of the degree to which the spandrel-panel assembly contributes to the fire hazard by generation of smoke, toxic
gases, or other products of combustion,
5.2.4 Measurement of the degree of control or limitation of the passage of smoke or products of combustion through the
spandrel-panel assembly,
5.2.5 Measurement of flame spread over the surface of the spandrel-panel assembly or exterior wall assembly,
5.2.6 Durability of the test specimen under actual service conditions, including the effects of cycled temperature,
5.2.7 Effects of loads (for example, wind, seismic, etc.) on the spandrel-panel assembly established by this test method,
5.2.8 Movement capabilities of the test specimen,
5.2.9 Other attributes of the test specimen, such as wear resistance, chemical resistance, air infiltration, water-tightness, and so
forth, and
5.2.10 Lateral spread of flame from the compartment of fire origin to adjacent spaces.
5.3 In this test method, the test specimens are subjected to one or more specific test conditions. When 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 to the
characteristics measured.
5.4 This test method is not intended to be used as the only test method in the selection of a spandrel-panel assembly. It is not
intended as a specification for all attributes required by a spandrel-panel assembly, or any of its individual components, in order
for a spandrel-panel assembly to be used in a particular application.
6. Apparatus
6.1 The test apparatus described in 6.2 shall be located inside a test facility. The facility shall have provisions for supplying fresh
combustion make-up air during the test. The facility shall be constructed to allow for the exhaust of the combustion by-products
during the test, while not inducing airflow on the exterior face of the test specimen. The test facility shall protect the test apparatus
and test specimen from weather conditions such as wind and rain.
6.2 Test Apparatus:
6.2.1 The ISMA consists of a two-story test structure consisting of a test room and observation room (See Fig. 1). Each room in
the test apparatus is square having inside length and width dimensions (unfinished and unprotected by any fire resistive materials)
of 120 6 0.5 in. (3048 6 13 mm) and a height (unfinished and unprotected by any fire resistive materials) of 84 6 0.5 in. (2134
6 13 mm).
NOTE 1—The test apparatus is similar to the one used in NFPA 285 and Test Method E2307.
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1. Window Burner (see 6.3.3)
2. Slot in Window Burner (see 6.3.3.2)
3. Gas Supply Line for Window Burner (see 6.3.3.3)
4. Joint from Floor Assembly to Exterior Wall (see 7.4)
5. Window (see 7.2.9)
6. Test Room in Test Apparatus (see 3.8)
7. Observation Room in Test Apparatus (see 3.5)
8. Horizontal Centerline of Burner (see 6.3.3.5)
9. Vertical Centerline of Burner (see 6.3.3.5)
10. Window Burner Location (see 6.3.3.5)
11. Exterior Wall Assembly or Calibration Wall (see 7.2 and 9.2)
12. Test Apparatus (ISMA) (see 6.2)
13. Floor of the Assembly (see 7.3)
14. Floor of the Observation Room (see 7.3)
15. Roof Slab (see 6.2.2)
16. Floor of Test Room (see 6.2.2)
17. Window Sill Height (see 7.2.9.2)
18. Non-Bearing Walls (see 6.2.3)
19. Bottom of Exterior Wall (see 7.2.7.1)
FIG. 1 View of Window Burner and the Elevation View of the ISMA Test Apparatus (see 6.2)
6.2.2 The floors and roof of the test apparatus shall be supported by columns and beams of a size that will support the load of
the floor and roof. These supports shall be located outside of both the test room and the observation room. (See Fig. 2 and Fig.
3.)
6.2.3 The three permanent non-bearing walls that form each room of the test apparatus shall support the insulation defined in
6.2.4.1 during the entire fire test.
NOTE 2—Concrete block, 8 6 0.5 in. (203 6 13 mm) thick, has been found to be acceptable.
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1. Gas Supply Line (see 6.3.2)
2. Concrete Slab (Floor of Test Room (see 6.2.2))
3. Walls (see 6.2.3)
4. Test Room Burner (see 6.3.2)
5. Area of Burner Holes (see 6.3.2.3)
6. Columns (see 6.2.2)
FIG. 2 Plan View of Test Room Burner Positioned in Test Room (see 6.3.1 for dimensions)
6.2.4 No insulation is required in the observation room; but the interior surfaces of the test room shall be insulated.
6.2.4.1 Insulate the interior face of the walls forming the test room with one layer of 2.0 6 0.5 in. (51 6 13 mm) thick ceramic
3 3
fiber insulation, having a minimum density of 8 lb/ft (128 kg/m ). Insulate the underside of the floor of the observation room in
the same manner, except that the portion that is designated the “floor assembly,” which is adjacent to the test specimen, shall not
be insulated (See Fig. 1 and 7.4).
6.2.4.2 Insulate the floor of the test room with two layers of nominal 0.625-in. (15.9-mm) thick, Type X gypsum wallboard.
6.2.5 Openings are permitted in the test room and in the observation room.
6.2.5.1 The observation room shall have one access opening with a width and height of nominal 3.5 by 6.75 ft (1.07 by 2.06 m).
The access opening shall remain open during tests. Additional access openings are permitted in the observation room for
instrumentation and video; however, they shall be closed during the test.
6.2.5.2 The test room is permitted to have one access opening with a width and height of nominal 3.5 by 6.75 ft (1.07 by 2.06
m). This opening shall be closed during tests.
6.3 Burners:
6.3.1 The test apparatus in 6.2 shall be equipped with two gas-fired burners.
6.3.2 Test Room Burner:
6.3.2.1 Position the test room burner inside the test room. Construct the test room burner (See Fig. 2) as follows:
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1. Roof Slab (see 6.2.2)
2. Columns (Typical) (see 6.2.2)
3. Floor of Observation Room (see 7.3)
4. Floor of Test Room (see 6.2.4.2)
5. Exterior Face of Calibration Wall (see 9.2.1)
6. Window Opening (see 6.2.2)
7. Horizontal Centerline of Calibration Wall (see 9.2.3)
8. Thermocouple #1 Location (see 9.4.2.1)
9. Thermocouple #2 Location (see 9.4.2.2)
10. Thermocouple #3 and Lower Heat Flux Location (see 9.4.2.3 and 9.5.2)
11. Thermocouple #4 and Middle Heat Flux Location (see 9.4.2.3 and 9.5.2)
12. Thermocouple #5 and Upper Heat Flux Location (see 9.4.2.3 and 9.5.2)
13. Thermocouple #6 Location (see 9.4.2.2)
NOTE 1—Item 6 for Window Opening, reference should be made to 7.2.9 for window opening information.
NOTE 2—Item 13 for Thermocouple #6 Location, refer to 9.4.2.3 which refers to the successive placement of thermocouples after the second
thermocouple.
FIG. 3 ISMA and Calibration Wall Layout for Thermocouple and Heat Flux Locations (see 6.2 and 9.2)
6.3.2.2 Use a nominal 2-in. (51-mm) OD steel pipe. The test room burner shall be rectangular shaped with its longitudinal axis
at least 78.75 in. (2000 mm) long and its transverse axis at least 60 in. (1524 mm) wide. Extend 72 6 1 in. (1829 6 25 mm) of
the test room burner into the test room.
6.3.2.3 Drill upward facing nominal diameter 0.125-in. (3.2-mm) holes in the pipe. Locate the holes in the front “U” shaped
portion of the test room burner. Start holes at a nominal location of 42 in. (1066 mm) from the back wall on both sides of the gas
supply pipes and continue across the front gas supply pipe. Place the holes nominally 1 in. (25 mm) on center.
NOTE 3—The holes drilled are nominal because they are made using a conventional 1/8-in. drill bit, therefore, their size is dependent upon the tolerances
of the drill bit.
6.3.2.4 Support the test room burner so that it is level and its horizontal centerline is 30 6 1 in. (762 6 25 mm) above the floor
of the test room.
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6.3.2.5 Center the test room burner in the test room using Fig. 2 for reference.
6.3.2.6 Equip the test room burner with a gas supply line that is located outside the test apparatus. Wrap the entire gas supply pipe
3 3
system with a single layer of nominal 1-in. (25-mm) thick ceramic fiber blanket, with a minimum density of 8 lb/ft (128 kg/m ).
6.3.3 Window Burner:
6.3.3.1 Construct the window burner (See Fig. 1) as follows:
NOTE 4—The window burner is similar to the one used in U.B.C. Standard No. 26-9, Test Method E2307, and NFPA 285 and is similar to the burner
used in the “Spread of Flame Test” portion of Test Methods E108.
6.3.3.2 The window burner shall be rectangular shaped. Use a 60 6 0.5-in. (1524 6 13-mm) long piece of nominal 2-in. (51-mm)
OD pipe for the front of the burner. Cut an upward facing slot having a width and length measuring 0.5 6 0.06 in. (13 6 1.5 mm)
by 44 6 0.5 in. (1118 6 13 mm), respectively, in the top of the pipe.
6.3.3.3 Supply the window burner with gas at both ends using nominal 1-in. (25-mm) OD pipe and a “T” junction at the back of
the window burner to provide uniform gas pressure at the burner slot.
6.3.3.4 Wrap the window burner, including the slot, and the entire gas supply pipe system with a layer of nominal 1-in. (25- mm)
3 3
thick ceramic fiber insulation, with a minimum density of 8 lb/ft (128 kg/m ).
6.3.3.5 Position the window burner so that the slot is facing up and parallel with the exterior wall assembly. Align the horizontal
center of the window burner slot with the window’s horizontal centerline (See Fig. 1). Locate the horizontal centerline of the
window burner 9 6 0.5 in. (229 6 13 mm) below the window header’s surface on the exterior of the test room. Place the window
burner’s vertical centerline a maximum of 6 in. (152 mm) from the exterior face of the exterior wall assembly. The window
burner’s exact distance from the wall’s exterior face of the exterior wall assembly shall be determined during the calibration
procedure, as specified in 9.6.
6.4 Test Room and Exterior Wall Assembly Thermocouples:
6.4.1 All thermocouples shall be a bare wire type.
6.4.2 The twelve test room thermocouples used to measure the temperatures in the test room, reference the thermocouples in 8.1,
8.1.1, and 8.1.2, shall be 18 gauge Type K (See Fig. 3).
6.4.3 The 14 exterior wall assembly thermocouples used to measure the temperatures on the exterior face of the exterior wall
assembly shall be and calibration wall assemblies shall be no larger than 20 gauge Type K. K (See Fig. 4.).
6.5 Copper Disc Thermocouples:
6.5.1 The copper disc thermocouples shall be covered by pads as specified in 6.7, and shall:
6.5.1.1 Have a wire diameter of not more than 0.03 in. (0.7 mm), and
6.5.1.2 Be brazed to the center of the face of a copper disk having the following nominal measurements: 0.5 in. (12 mm) diameter
and 0.008 in. (0.2 mm) thick.
6.6 Thermocouple Insulating Pads:
6.6.1 Refractory fiber pads shall have the following properties:
6.6.1.1 Length and width, 1.20 6 0.02 in. (30 6 0.5 mm).
6.6.1.2 Thickness, 0.08 6 0.02 in. (2 6 0.5 mm). The thickness measurement shall be made using a ⁄2-in. (13-mm) diameter, anvil
head micrometer, without compression of the pad.
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(1) Roof Slab (Ref. 6.2.2)
(2) Column (Ref. 6.2.2)
(3) Floor of Observation Room (Ref. 6.2.2)
(4) Floor of Test Room (Ref. 6.2.2)
(5) Window Opening (Ref. 9.2.2)
(6) Visual Face of Calibration Wall (Ref. 9.2)
(7) Vertical Centerline of Test Wall (Ref. 9.4.2)
(8) Thermocouple #1 Location (Ref. 9.4.2.1)
(9) Thermocouple #2 Location (Ref. 9.4.2.2)
(10) Thermocouple #6 Location (Ref. 9.4.2.4)
FIG. 4 Thermocouple Layout on Visual Exterior Face of Calibration or Test Wall (See 9.4)
3 3
6.6.1.3 Density of 56.2 6 6.2 lb/ft (900 6 100 kg/m ).
3 3
6.6.1.4 Density of 56.2 6 6.2 lb/ft (900 6 100 kg/m ).
6.6.2 When necessary, shape the pads by wetting, forming, and then drying them to provide complete contact on contoured
surfaces.
6.7 Heat Flux Measurements:
6.7.1 A Schmidt-Boelter (thermopile) type heat flux meter with a nominal range of 0 to 50 kW/m and a time constant of not more
than 3 s (corresponding to a time to reach 95 % of final output of not more than 10 s) shall be provided. The heat flux meter’s
sensing surface shall be flat, be less than 0.4 in. (10 mm) diameter, be coated with a durable matt black finish, and shall not be
closed with a transparent cover.
NOTE 5—Commercially available heat flux meters are commonly referred to as “heat flux transducers” or “heat flux gauges.”
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6.7.2 Locate the heat flux meter either 6 6 in. (152 mm) from the vertical centerline of the window opening, or, where a center
mullion is installed in the story above the window opening in the test apparatus, 6 6 in. (152 mm) horizontally from the edge of
the center mullion.
6.7.3 Where a spandrel-panel or transom is installed as part of the test specimen, the heat flux meter shall be located at a height
of 6 6 0.5 in. (152 6 13 mm) vertically above the top of the spandrel-panel or transom.
6.7.4 Except as required in 6.7.3, the heat flux meter shall be installed at a height of 12 6 0.5 in. (305 6 13 mm) above the
unexposed surface of the observation room floor.
6.7.5 Locate the measuring surface of the heat flux meter in the observation room, at the required height, in a plane 4 6 0.25 in.
(102 6 6 mm) from the interior face of the test specimen.
6.7.6 Recorder—The output from the heat flux meter shall be recorded by a strip chart recording millivoltmeter, computer data
logger, or other comparable method.
NOTE 6—A digital voltmeter capable of indicating signal changes of 10 μV has been found to be convenient for monitoring changes in operating conditions
of the radiant panel. A strip chart recorder with a paper speed of 12 in./min (5 mm/s) has been found to be suitable.
6.7.7 Timing Devices—A chronograph and either an electric clock with a sweep second hand or a digital clock shall be used to
measure time to ignition and to track the advancement of the flame front with time.
6.8 Cotton Pads:
6.8.1 The cotton pad’s nominal size shall be 4 by 4 by 0.75 in. (100 by 100 by 19 mm). Cotton pads are to consist of new, undyed,
and soft cotton fibers, without any admixture of artificial fibers. Each cotton pad shall weigh 3 to 4 g. The cotton pads are to be
conditioned prior to use by drying in an oven at 212 6 9 °F (100 6 5 °C) for at least 30 h. After drying, the cotton pads shall
be stored in a desiccator for up to 24 h immediately prior to use.
6.8.2 The frame used to hold the cotton pad is to be formed of No. 16 AWG (1.31-mm) steel wire and is to be provided with a
handle that will reach all points of the test specimen accessible from the observation room (See Fig. 45).
FIG. 45 Typical Cotton Wool Pad Holder (see 6.8.2)
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6.9 Pressure-Sensing Probes—Except for the diameters of the steel tubes, tolerances are 65 % of dimensions shown in Fig. 56
or Fig. 67.
6.9.1 The pressure-sensing probes shall be either:
6.9.1.1 A T-shaped sensor as shown in Fig. 56, or
6.9.1.2 A tube sensor as shown in Fig. 67.
6.10 Differential Pressure Measurement Instruments:
6.10.1 The differential pressure measurement instrument shall be:
6.10.1.1 A manometer or transducer, and
FIG. 56 T-Shaped Pressure Sensor (see 6.9.1.1)
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FIG. 67 Tube Sensor (see 6.9.1.2)
6.10.1.2 Capable of reading in graduated increments of no greater than 0.01 in. H O (2.5 Pa) with a precision of not less than
60.005 in. H O (61.25 Pa).
6.11 Calibration Instrumentation:
6.11.1 The total heat flux shall be measured using a minimum of three circular foil heat flux gauges.
NOTE 7—More information about the Gardon gauge is contained in Test Methods E511 and E1529.
6.11.2 Flow rate measurement equipment shall be provided for each of the burners.
7. Test Specimen
7.1 The test specimen shall be representative of the construction for which the rating is desired with respect to materials,
workmanship, and details. Install the test specimen according to the manufacturer’s specified procedure for conditions
representative of those found in building construction.
7.1.1 The top of the glazed opening in the test specimen shall be located in the same horizontal plane as the bottom of the
spandrel-panel assembly.
7.1.1.1 The window opening shall be as specified in 7.2.9.
7.1.1.2 The position of the window burner relative to the window opening shall be as established in 9.2.2.
7.1.1.3 The window burner shall be located as specified in 6.3.3.5.
7.2 Exterior Wall Assemblies:
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7.2.1 The exterior wall assembly shall be of a construction agreed upon by the test sponsor and laboratory (See Fig. 78).
1. Exterior Wall Assembly or Clarification Wall (see 7.2 or 9.2)
2. Window (see 7.2.9)
3. Test Frame (optional)
FIG. 78 Example of an Exterior Wall Assembly with the Window Opening in a Test Frame (see 7.2.1). (Examples of Center Mullion or
Center Spandrel Configurations are shown.)
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7.2.2 The exterior wall assembly shall be representative of that used in common construction practice.
7.2.2.1 Where the exterior wall assembly includes seam, splices or joints, at least one vertical and one horizontal seam, splice or
joint shall be located in the spandrel-panel. Vertical seams, splices or joints shall be located 63 in. from the vertical centerline of
the window opening of the test room, and horizontal seams, splices or joints shall be located within 24 in., and directly above the
window opening in the test assembly.
7.2.3 The exterior wall assembly shall be secured to the test apparatus at each end and to the floor assembly. These fastening
details to the test apparatus and those elsewhere within the test specimen shall be representative of that used in practice.
7.2.4 Details of the erection shall follow the manufacturer’s instructions and shall be typical of actual use.
7.2.5 Prior to the test, the exterior wall assembly and its components shall be conditioned as outlined in Section 10.
7.2.6 The minimum height and width of the exterior wall assembly shall be 17.5 by 13.33 ft (5.34 by 4.06 m wide).
7.2.7 The exterior wall assembly shall extend as follows:
7.2.7.1 Below the floor of the test room a minimum of 2 in. (51 mm),
7.2.7.2 Above the top of the test apparatus a minimum of 24 in. (610 mm), and
7.2.7.3 Past the inside edges of both sidewalls of the apparatus a minimum of 12 in. (305 mm).
7.2.8 The exterior wall assembly shall completely close the front face of the test apparatus except for a simulated window opening
in the test room.
7.2.9 The window opening in the test room shall:
7.2.9.1 Have a height and width measuring 30 by 78 in. (762 by 1981 mm) with a tolerance of 60.5 in. (613 mm). The exterior
wall assembly shall include two layers of nominal 0.625-in. (15.9-mm) thick Type X gypsum wallboard covering an area extending
downward from a horizontal line at the elevation of the window lintel to the bottom of the exterior wall assembly minus the
window opening. The gypsum wallboard shall be located and fastened as shown on Fig. 78.
7.2.9.2 For the exterior wall assembly, the position of the window opening shall be 30 to 39 in. (762 to 990 mm) measured between
the bottom edge (sill) of the opening and the top of the floor assembly of the test room. The position of the window burner relative
to the window opening shall be that established from the calibration wall. The top of the window opening shall be coincident with
the bottom edge of the spandrel-panel in the test specimen. This distance shall be maintained during the conduct of the fire test
of the test specimen.
NOTE 8—Test data has demonstrated that the calibrated exposure can be maintained with location of the window opening in the test specimen offset up
to 9 inches from that used in the calibration wall.
7.2.9.3 Be centered horizontally with respect to the test room, and
7.2.9.4 Be the only window opening at the start of the test.
7.2.10 Structural Members:
7.2.10.1 Secure a structural member to the underside of the floor assembly construction when its use is required to represent the
common construction practice attachment of the exterior wall assembly,
7.2.10.2 Extend the structural member across the test room from one interior wall surface to the opposite interior wall surface of
the test room.
7.2.10.3 The structural member shall be as used in common construction practice. Protect any outriggers and additional
connections as used in common construction practice.
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7.3 Floor Assembly:
7.3.1 The floor assembly shall be a construction agreed upon by the test sponsor and laboratory (See Fig. 1).
7.3.2 The floor assembly installed into the test apparatus shall have a fire resistance rating and be representative of that used in
common construction practice and be at least 12 in. (305 mm) wide and at least 12 ft (3.96 m) long.
7.4 Floor Assembly – Exterior Wall Assembly Intersection:
7.4.1 Where a void is created at the intersection of the exterior wall assembly and the floor assembly, it shall be protected so as
to prevent the vertical interior spread of fire, heat and hot gases.
NOTE 9—While not part of the test specimen, it is important to ensure that the linear void located between the exterior wall and the floor slab is filled
and protected in such a manner as to be capable of preventing temperature rise on the unexposed surface measured above the horizontal separation, so
as not to affect the measurements described in 8.2.1.
8. Test Room Controls
8.1 Test Room Thermocouples–Underside of the Observation-Room Floor:
8.1.1 Uniformly distribute at least five bare wire thermocouples to measure the temperature at the underside of the floor of the
observation room (See Fig. 89).
8.1.2 The exposed length of the bare wire thermocouples positioned at the underside of the observation room floor shall be at least
6 in. (152 mm).
8.2 Test Room Pressure:
8.2.1 The minimum vertical distance between pressure sensors, referenced in 6.10, shall be one-half the height of the test room
or locate one probe 12 in. below the exposed surface of the floor assembly. Locate the pressure sensors where they will not be
subjected to direct impingement of convection currents. Tubing connected to each pressure sensor horizontal both in the test room
and at its egress through the test room wall shall be such that the pressure is relative to the same elevation from the inside to the
outside of the test room.
9. Calibration and Standardization
9.1 Frequency:
1. Test Room Thermocouple Locations (Typical) (see 8.1)
2. Floor of Test Room (see 6.2.2)
3. Wall (see 6.2.3)
4. Column (Typical) (see 6.2.2)
FIG. 89 Exposed Thermocouple Layout on the Underside of the Observation Room Floor (see 8.1.1)
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9.1.1 Perform the following calibration procedure to evaluate the flow rates of the gas burners:
9.1.1.1 Prior to product testing, or
9.1.1.2 When significant changes to the gas flow systems are made (that is, new flow meters, and the like), or
9.1.1.3 Within one year prior to the test of an actual product wall assembly.
9.2 Calibration Wall:
9.2.1 Construct the calibration wall for the calibration test of two layers of nominal 0.625 in. (15.9 mm) thick, Type X gypsum
wallboard applied to both sides of 18-gauge steel studs spaced approximately 24 in. (610 mm) on centers. Tape all butt joints of
the gypsum wallboard. Extend the calibration wall at least 18 ft (5.49 m) above the floor of the test room and make the calibration
wall at least 12 ft (4.27 m) wide.
NOTE 10—The 21st Edition of the Gypsum Association’s Fire Resistance Design Manual (GA-600-15) provides a detail of this construction designated
GA File No. WP 1548.
9.2.2 For the calibration wall, locate the sill at a height of 30 6 0.5 in. (762 6 13 mm) above the top of the floor assembly of
the test room. The position of the window burner relative to the window opening shall be established from the calibration wall.
9.2.3 The window opening shall be centered horizontally with respect to the test room, and
9.2.4 The window opening shall be the only opening in the test room at the start of the test.
9.2.5 Line the interior surface of the window opening with gypsum wallboard, ceramic fiber insulation, or mineral wool insulation.
9.2.6 Do not use a spandrel beam
9.2.7 Measure the distance from the inside of the back wall of the test room to the interior face of the calibration wall. Record
this measurement.
9.2.8 When an opening between the test room and the calibration wall exists, fill it with a ceramic fiber material having a nominal
3 3
density of at least 8 lb/ft (128 kg/m ).
9.3 Preparation of Calibration Wall Construction:
9.3.1 Before conducting the calibration test, burn away the paper facing of the gypsum wallboard on the exterior face of the
calibration wall assembly.
9.3.2 To accomplish this, ignite both the test room burner and the window burner while immediately adjusting the burners to their
maximum flow rates as prescribed in Table 1.
9.3.3 Run the burners for 5 min at these maximum flow rates and then shut them off.
TABLE 1 Gas and Heat Flow Rates
Test Room Test Room Window Burner Window
Time Interval Burner SCFM Burner SCFM (m /min) Burner
(m /min) Btu/min (kW) Btu/min (kW)
0:00 - 5:00 38.0 (1.08) 39 064 (687) 0.0 (0.00) 0 (0)
5:00 - 10:00 38.0 (1.08) 39 064 (687) 9.0 (0.25) 9252 (163)
10:00 - 15:00 43.0 (1.22) 44 204 (777) 12.0 (0.34) 12 336 (217)
15:00 - 20:00 46.0 (1.30) 47 288 (831) 16.0 (0.45) 16 448 (289)
20:00 - 25:00 46.0 (1.30) 47 288 (831) 19.0 (0.54) 19 532 (343)
25:00 - 30:00 50.0 (1.42) 51 400 (904) 22.0 (0.62) 22 616 (398)
Available from The Gypsum Association, 962 Wayne Ave., Suite 620, Silver Spring, MD, 20910, www.gypsum.org.
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9.4 Temperature Measurement:
9.4.1 As a minimum, record temperature measurements at the following locations:
9.4.2 At six locations on the vertical centerline of the exterior surface of the calibration wall assembly.
9.4.2.1 Place the first bare wire thermocouple 12 6 0.25 in. (305 6 6 mm) above the top of the window opening.
9.4.2.2 Place the second bare wire thermocouple 12 6 0.25 in. (305 6 6 mm) above the one in 9.4.2.1.
9.4.2.3 Successively place each of the remaining bare wire thermocouples 12 6 0.25 in. (305 6 6 mm) above the one previously
placed (See Fig. 3).
9.4.2.4 Successively number the bare wire thermocouples on the exterior face of the exterior wall assembly 1 through 6. Number
the thermocouple in the window opening #1 and the thermocouple at the top of the calibration wall #6. The higher the location
of the thermocouple, the higher the number of the thermocouple.
9.4.3 Place three bare wire thermocouples on the face of the calibration wall exposed to the test room burner. Place the three bare
wire thermocouples on the interior face, exposed to the test room burner, of the exterior wall assembly. Locate these thermocouples
on the horizontal plane that is 12 6 1 in. (305 6 6 mm) above the window opening.
9.5 Heat Flux Measurements:
9.5.1 Measure the total heat flux at a minimum of three locations (See 6.7).
9.5.2 Locate the devices on the face exposed to the test room burner opposite thermocouples 3, 4, and 5 referenced in 9.4.2.3.
9.5.3 Make the devices flush with the exterior surface of the calibration wall.
9.6 Calibration Test Procedure:
9.6.1 Start the calibration test and conduct it for 30 minutes so that the burners are fired according to Table 1. Stabilize each burner
at its assigned flow rate within 15 s 15 s of each change.
NOTE 11—The type of gas used to fuel the burners is not critical because Table 2 provides the temperatures that are to be obtained during the calibration
procedure. If those temperatures obtained during the initial calibration are not within the tolerance of Table 2, then the calibration procedure is to be rerun
in accordance with 9.10.
9.6.2 For tests up to 30 min in duration, follow Table 1.
9.6.3 For tests greater than 30 min in duration, follow Table 1 for the first 30 min then:
9.6.3.1 Maintain the window burner at the maximum gas flow rate in Table 1 for the remainder of the fire test.
9.6.3.2 After the first 30 min of a test, if the average temperature of the thermocouples in 8.1 in the test room is more or less than
specified in the Test Methods E119 time-temperature curve, adjust the gas flow to conform to the Test Methods E119
time-temperature curve. See Fig. 8 for location of the thermocouples in 8.1 in the test room.
9.6.2 Conduct the initial calibration test with the window burner positioned so that the vertical centerline of the burner is flush
with the exterior face of the wall assembly.
9.7 At the conclusion of the calibration test, compare the data obtained to the specified values in Table 2. To prevent burner
changes from affecting the data, determine the average values for each time period using data from 15 s into the period through
15 s short of the end of the period. For example, if the average for the 5-10 min time interval is being processed, use the data from
the actual times of 5:15 through 9:45 for the average.
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TABLE 2 Average Calibration Values
Time (min)
0–5 5–10 10–15 15–20 20–25 25–30
Test Room Average °F (°C) 1151 (622) 1346 (730) 1482 (806) 1600 (871) 1597 (869) 1648 (898)
using TC’s in 8.1. Test Room
Average Temperatures
(underside of deck) °F (°C)
using TC’s in 8.1
Interior Face of Exterior Wall 1065 (574) 1298 (703) 1433 (778) 1578 (859) 1576 (858) 1655 (902)
Assembly Average °F (°C) using
TC’s in 9.4.1
TC#1 12 ± 0.25 in. (305 ± 6 602 (317) 870 (466) 952 (511) 992 (533) 1046 (563) 1078 (581)
mm) above Window on Exterior
Face of Exterior Wall °F (°C)
(Ref 9.4.2.1)
TC#2 24 ± 0.25 in. (610 ± 6 679 (359) 1015 (546) 1121 (605) 1183 (639) 1245 (674) 1296 (702)
mm) above Window on Exterior
Face of Exterior Wall °F (°C)
(Ref 9.4.2.2)
TC#3 36 ± 0.25 in. (914 ± 6 646 (341) 971 (521) 1096 (591) 1174 (634) 1245 (674) 1314 (712)
mm) above Window on Exterior
Face of Exterior Wall °F (°C)
(Ref 9.4.2.2)
TC#4 48 ± 0.25 in. (1219 ± 6 577 (302) 858 (459) 982 (528) 1063 (573) 1135 (613) 1224 (662)
mm) above Window on Exterior
Face of Exterior Wall °F (°C)
(Ref 9.4.2.2)
TC#5 60 ± 0.25 in. (1524 ± 6 521 (272) 765 (407) 875 (469) 949 (509) 1007 (542) 1106 (597)
mm) above Window on Exterior
Face of Exterior Wall °F (°C)
(Ref 9.4.2.2)
TC#6 72 ± 0.25 in. (1829 ± 6 472 (244) 690 (366) 787 (419) 856 (458) 913 (489) 1010 (543)
mm) above Window on Exterior
Face of Exterior Wall °F (°C)
(Ref 9.4.2.2)
Calorimeter (Lower) 36 ± 0.25 5.81 ± 1.29 12.26 ± 2.58 16.13 ± 3.23 18.7 ± 3.87 21.94 ± 4.52 24.52 ± 5.16
in. (914 ± 6 mm) above Window (0.9 ± 0.2) (1.9 ± 0.4) (2.5 ± 0.5) (2.9 ± 0.6) (3.4 ± 0.7) (3.8 ± 0.8)
on Exterior Face of Exterior Wall
(Ref 9.5.2 TC#3 and 9.4.2.3 (W/
2 2
in. (W/cm )
Calorimeter (Middle) 48 ± 0.25 6.45 ± 1.29 12.90 ± 2.58 16.77 ± 3.23 20.65 ± 3.87 23.87 ± 4.52 25.81 ± 5.16
in. (1219 ± 6 mm) above (1.0 ± 0.2) (2.0 ± 0.4) (2.6 ± 0.5) (3.2 ± 0.6) (3.7 ± 0.7) (4.0 ± 0.8)
Window on Exterior Face of
Exterior Wall (Ref 9.5.2 TC#4
2 2
and 9.4.2.3) W/in. (W/cm )
Calorimeter (Upper) 60 ± 0.25 5.16 ± 1.29 9.68 ± 1.94 12.90 ± 2.58 16.13 ± 3.23 19.35 ± 3.87 21.94 ± 4.52
in. (1524 ± 6 mm) above (0.8 ± 0.2) (1.5 ± 0.3) (2.0 ± 0.4) (2.5 ± 0.5) (3.0 ± 0.6) (3.4 ± 0.7)
Window on Exterior Face of
Exterior Wall (Ref 9.5.2 TC#5
2 2
and 9.4.2.3) W/in. (W/cm )
NOTE 12—When the average calibration values in Table 2 are met, the time-temperature curve during the first 30 min of this fire test will be higher than
the standard Test Methods E119 time-temperature curve (See Fig. 910).
9.8 All of the determined average values for the locations shown in Table 2 shall fall within the tolerances of those specified in
Table 2. The allowable tolerances for the comparison of determined average values to the specified average values in Table 2 are:
9.8.1 610 % for temperatures, and
9.8.2 As shown in Table 2 for the heat flux measurements.
9.9 When the actual test values are not within tolerance, do the following until the determined values are within tolerance:
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FIG. 910 ISMA/Test Methods E119 Time-Temperature Curve
9.9.1 Repeat the calibration and the gas flows, or
9.9.2 Adjust the window burner position.
9.10 Use the flow rates derived from the calibration test when it is demonstrated that the burners must follow different flow rates
to attain the following:
9.10.1 The prescribed test room temperatures, or
9.10.2 Exterior temperatures and heat fluxes, or both.
9.11 When it is demonstrated that the window burner must be repositioned within 0 and 6 in. (152 mm) of the calibration wall’s
exterior face to attain the prescribed exterior temperatures and heat fluxes, then use the position derived from the calibration test
in all subsequent testing.
10. Conditioning
10.1 Prior to testing, the test assembly and its components shall be cured using the conditions specified by the manufacturer. Prior
to the test, the test assembly shall be protected from weather in the laboratory’s normal ambient condition.
10.1.1 As an alternative to 10.1, condition the test specimen
...