ASTM F2417-23

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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: F2417 − 17 F2417 − 23
Standard Specification for
Fire Safety for Candles
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2417; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope
1.1 This specification is intended to prescribe minimum safety requirements for candles and candle ensembles to provide a
reasonable degree of safety for normal use with candles, thereby improving personal safety and reducing fires, deaths, and injuries.
1.2 This specification is not intended to replace other important safety practices that should be in place, such as adult supervision,
close monitoring, fire detection, alarm or suppression systems, and use of candles away from combustible materials.
1.3 This specification 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.
1.4 This standard is used to predict or provide a quantitative measure of the fire hazard from a specified set of fire conditions
involving specific materials, products, or assemblies. This assessment does not necessarily predict the hazard of actual fires which
involve conditions other than those assumed in the analysis.
1.5 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
1.6 This specification states values in inch-pound units which are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parenthesis
are for information only.
1.7 This specification 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 requirements prior to use.
1.8 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:
D92 Test Method for Flash and Fire Points by Cleveland Open Cup Tester
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F15 on Consumer Products and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F15.45 on Candle Products.
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2017Aug. 1, 2023. Published October 2017August 2023. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 20162017 as
F2417 – 16.F2417 – 17. DOI: 10.1520/F2417-17.10.1520/F2417-23.
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.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2417 − 23
D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
E136 Test Method for Assessing Combustibility of Materials Using a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750 °C
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
F1972 Guide for Terminology Relating to Candles and Associated Accessory Items
F2058 Specification for Candle Fire Safety Labeling
2.2 NFPA Standard:
NFPA 909 Code for the Protection of Cultural Resources
3. Terminology
3.1 Certain candle-related terminology is addressed in Guide F1972, and the reader is directed to that guide for definitions not
found in 3.2. For definitions of terms associated with fire issues, see Terminology E176.
3.2 Definitions: Candle Classification Terms:
3.2.1 candle, n—one or more combustible wicks supported by a material that constitutes a fuel which is solid, semi-solid, or
quasi-rigid at room temperature, 68 to 80°F (20 to 27°C);68 °F to 80 °F (20 °C to 27 °C); it can also contain additives that are used
for color, scent, stability, or to modify the burning characteristics; the combined function of which is to sustain a light-producing
flame.
3.2.2 candle-making kit, n—a set of ingredients and materials packaged together that the end consumer uses to make a candle.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
Not all materials necessary to make a candle are needed in a candle-making kit; for instance, fragrance options may be sold
separately.
3.2.3 extended use candle, n—a candle that is intended for home use to be burned continuously for longer than 4 hours, 4 h,
excluding tealight candles.
3.2.3.1 Discussion—
Examples of extended use candles include religious candles, available to consumers, intended to be burned continuously for 24
hours 24 h or multiple days.
3.2.4 filled candle, n—a candle produced and used within the same container or vessel.
3.2.5 freestanding candle, n—a rigid candle that is intended to be burned outside a container and does not require a holder to keep
it upright, excluding votive candles.
3.2.5.1 Discussion—
Examples of freestanding candles include pillar-shaped, column-shaped, and figurine candles.
3.2.6 gel-containing candle, n—a candle where the primary fuel is a liquid, such as mineral oil, terpene type chemicals, or
modified hydrocarbons that are not mineral oil based, which may or may not contain organic functional groups; it also contains
a chemical agent to increase the viscosity (thicken) to a point where the candle has a quasi-rigid property.
3.2.7 non-freestanding birthday candle, n—any candle or candle ensemble that does not include pyrotechnics and is designed and
marketed for use with birthday cakes and does not comply with the applicable stability requirements.
3.2.7.1 Discussion—
4.5 contains safety requirements for stability.
3.2.8 outdoor candle, n—a candle intended to be burned outdoors.
3.2.9 religious/ceremonial candle, n—a candle that is predominantly intended, constructed, packaged, and labeled for use in a
public venue during a religious or similar ceremony.
3.2.9.1 Discussion—
Candles such as an Easter, Paschal, sacramental, or altar (or some combination, for example Easter/Paschal), generally 17 in. (43
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269-9101.02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
F2417 − 23
cm) or more in length are considered religious/ceremonial candles. These candles are generally displayed and burned in the place
of worship as the focal candle during a ceremony, service, or event. These candles may be adorned with symbols and
ornamentation as required and deemed appropriate.
3.2.10 tealight candle, n—a cylindrical filled candle produced with a diameter and height of approximately 1.5 in. (38 mm) and
0.75 in. (19 mm) respectively.
3.2.11 votive candle, n—a candle produced for use fully within a candle accessory, specifically, a votive holder.
3.3 Definitions: General Terms:
3.3.1 barrier technology, n—a functional design element of a candle accessory that minimizes the risk of the flame spreading to
combustible components of the candle accessory as a result of foreseeable misuse or failure of the candle.
3.3.1.1 Discussion—
Examples include a durable, noncombustible wall, or space absent of combustible objects.
3.3.2 base material, n—the intended fuel source for the candle.
3.3.3 burn cycle, n—the length of time a candle burns from when it is lit to when it is manually extinguished or from when it is
lit until it extinguishes on its own at end of useful life.
3.3.3.1 Discussion—
Burn cycles for tealight candles are until end of useful life; burn cycles for gel-containing candles are 8 h; burn cycles for extended
use candles are as labeled or intended; and burn cycles for all other candles are 4 h.
3.3.4 burn time, n—the time a material supports sustained flaming combustion after removal of the ignition source until all flaming
ceases.
3.3.5 candle flashover, n—the condition where the base material’s vapors ignite over the entire fuel poolpool.
3.3.6 coating—any material, other than wax based, which is used to cover at least a portion of the candle.
3.3.6.1 Discussion—
This material includes, but is not limited to, paint, glue, glitter, wood, plastic, or any other material that is not wax-based (which
is generally considered an overdip).
3.3.6.2 Discussion—
Excludes product labeling on bottom and any packaging meant to be removed prior to use.
3.3.7 diffusion flame, n—a type of flame where the fuel is not premixed with air or other oxygen source.
3.3.7.1 Discussion—
Diffusion flames are typically red, yellow, or orange in color.
3.3.8 end of useful life, n—when the candle ceases to support combustion and the candle flame(s) goes(go) out on its own, as
designed, and cannot be re-lit.
3.3.9 ensemble, n—a candle and items physically packaged together and intended for use with the candle for sale as one unit at
the retail level.
3.3.10 flame height, n—the length of the candle flame from the base to the tip.
3.3.11 flame impingement, n—the situation where the flame makes contact with a surface.
3.3.11.1 Discussion—
Within this standard, the concern is when a freestanding candle flame impinges on the supporting surface at the end of useful life.
3.3.12 fuel pool, n—pool of molten base material.
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3.3.13 noncombustible, adj—not capable of igniting and burning when subjected to a fire under specified conditions.
3.3.13.1 Discussion—
Materials that are reported as passing Test Method E136 are considered noncombustible.
3.3.14 place of worship, n—any building that functions primarily as a group meeting place for the practice of religion (see NFPA
909).
3.3.14.1 Discussion—
This includes, but is not limited to, churches, synagogues, cathedrals, temples, mosques, and meeting halls.
3.3.15 secondary ignition, n—a self-sustained flame other than that on the intended wick(s) that occurs during candle use,
including candle flashover.
3.3.15.1 Discussion—
If a wick curls over during the burning of the candle such that the wick and the tip are both touching the melt pool but the wick
only has one flame it is not to be interpreted as secondary ignition unless two or more separate flames can be distinguished on the
same wick.
3.3.16 self-sustained flame, n—a flame that continues to burn until the fuel source is removed or depleted or requires manual
extinguishing.
3.3.17 useful life—total length of time a candle burns.
3.3.18 wick, n—an object that delivers fuel to a flame through the process of capillary action.
4. Safety Requirements
4.1 Safety Requirements for Flame Height:
4.1.1 This safety requirement applies to all candles except outdoor candles. See X1.1.
4.1.2 Performance Requirement—When tested in accordance with test method in 5.2:
4.1.2.1 Except as listed in 4.1.2.2, candle flame heights shall not exceed 3.0 in. (76 mm).
4.1.2.2 Religious/ceremonial candle flame heights shall not exceed 3 ⁄4 in. (95 mm).
4.2 Safety Requirement for Candle Container Integrity:
4.2.1 This safety requirement applies to filled candles, including tealights. See X1.2.
4.2.2 Performance Requirement—When tested in accordance with the test method in 5.2:
4.2.2.1 The container shall not crack or break.
4.3 Safety Requirements for Secondary Ignition:
4.3.1 This safety requirement applies to all candles and ensembles except religious/ceremonial candles and non-freestanding
birthday candles. See X1.3.
4.3.2 Performance Requirement—When tested in accordance with the test method in 5.2.
4.3.2.1 Secondary ignition shall not occur.
4.4 Safety Requirements for Flame Impingement:
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4.4.1 This safety requirement applies to freestanding candles. See X1.4.
4.4.2 Performance Requirement—When tested in accordance with the test method in 5.2:
4.4.2.1 Candle flames shall not impinge on the supporting surface.
4.5 Safety Requirements for Stability:
4.5.1 This safety requirement applies to freestanding candles and filled candles, including tealight candles and ensembles. See
X1.5.
4.5.2 Performance Requirement Before Burning—When tested in accordance with the test method in 5.3:
4.5.2.1 Freestanding and filled including tealight candles and ensembles shall not tip over when placed at a 10.0° (–0.0° / +0.5°)
incline from horizontal.
4.5.2.2 Asymmetrical candles and ensembles shall not tip over when placed at a 10.0° (–0.0° / +0.5°) incline from horizontal at
any position when rotated around the vertical axis.
4.5.3 Performance Requirement While Burning—When tested in accordance with the test method in 5.2.
4.5.3.1 Freestanding candles shall not tip over on a level surface.
4.6 Safety Requirements for Plastic Containers:
4.6.1 This requirement applies to all plastic containers used for candles. See X1.6.
4.6.2 Performance Requirement—When tested in accordance with the test method in 5.4:
4.6.2.1 The total burn time for the ten plastic containers shall be less than or equal to 300 s.
4.6.2.2 No single burn time of a plastic container shall exceed 30 s.
4.6.2.3 No single plastic container shall be completely consumed during testing.
4.7 Safety Requirements for Coatings on Candles:
4.7.1 This safety requirement applies to all candles which contain a coating (such as a painted surface) except non-freestanding
birthday candles, religious/ceremonial candles, and filled candles where there is a noncombustible material, such as glass, between
the flame and the coated surface. See X1.7.
4.7.2 Performance Requirement—When a minimum of 24 identical candles are tested in accordance with the test method in 5.2:
4.7.2.1 Candle flame heights shall not exceed 3.0 in. (76 mm), (76 mm), 4.1.2.1.
4.7.2.2 Secondary ignition shall not occur, 4.3.
4.7.2.3 Freestanding candle flames shall not impinge on the supporting surface, 4.4.
4.7.2.4 Freestanding candles shall not tip over on a level surface, 4.5.3.
NOTE 1—There is no data to indicate that coatings on the exterior or filled containers are a concern; therefore they are excluded from the coatings on
candles requirements.
4.8 Safety Requirements for Wick Migration and Wick Leaning:
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4.8.1 This requirement applies to all filled candles.
4.8.2 Performance Requirement—When tested in accordance with the test method in 5.2:
4.8.2.1 For all filled candles, the wick(s) of the candle shall not migrate or lean from their original position such that the flame
on a wick makes contact with the container for longer than a 5 s duration.
4.8.2.2 For multiple wick candles, the wicks of the candle shall not migrate or lean from their original positions such that 2 or
more wicks come close enough to form a single flame for longer than a 5 s duration.
5. Test Methods
5.1 General:
5.1.1 These test methods are intended to monitor candle fire safety issues including flame height, container integrity, secondary
ignition, flame impingement, stability, and coating and container flammability.
5.1.2 Safety Hazards—Warning—There is an inherent risk of working with and around open flames.
5.1.2.1 Use appropriate personal protective equipment and practices that ensure a safe work environment.
5.1.2.2 Keep fire suppression equipment nearby that is capable of mitigating fires associated with candle fire safety testing.
5.1.3 Precision and Bias—No information is presented about the precision or bias for any of the test methods in Section 5.
5.2 Candle Burning Performance Test:
5.2.1 Summary of Test Method—Trim candle wicks if necessary. Light candles and observe for flame height, container integrity,
secondary ignition, flame impingement, and freestanding candle stability at specified periods and record at the end of each burn
interval.
5.2.2 Apparatus:
5.2.2.1 Noncombustible measuring device graduated in inches (millimeters),
5.2.2.2 Candle holder/glass (if applicable),
5.2.2.3 Lighter, matches, or other source of ignition,
5.2.2.4 Test surface-level, and
5.2.2.5 Wick-trimming device.
5.2.3 Procedure:
5.2.3.1 Remove all outer wrapping. Remove label(s) in accordance with label instructions before initiating the burn test.
5.2.3.2 Keep the burn test area environmentally controlled to 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C)68 °F to 86 °F (20 °C to 30 °C) with minimal
disturbance of the flames under test. Minimize drafts since they affect flame heights.
5.2.3.3 Place candles at least 7 ⁄8 in. (20 cm) apart, measured sidewall to sidewall, on test surface.
5.2.3.4 Test 24 identical candles when the candle has a coating on the exterior that is not separated from the flame of the candle
by barrier technology, see 4.7.
5.2.3.5 Place candles with the wicks in a straight/upright position. When appropriate, place candles in a holder and trim wicks in
accordance with the label. If no instructions are provided, do not trim the candle wicks.
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5.2.3.6 Light candles and avoid contaminating them with carbon or debris from the ignition surface.
5.2.3.7 Burn tealight candles and tealight ensembles to their end of useful life in one continuous burn. Burn gel-containing candles
for 8 h. Burn extended use candles for the prescribed length of time. Burn all other candles for 4 h.
5.2.3.8 Make visual observations after initial lighting and at least hourly intervals throughout the entire burn cycle. Measure and
record the flame height and the time of occurrence if a flame height appears to approach the maximum allowable flame height.
5.2.3.9 Measure and record flame height a minimum of every 4 h. For candles whose intended product life is less than 8 h, measure
and record the flame height a minimum of two times before the end of useful life. Measure flame with a nonflammable measuring
device. Carefully place the measuring device as close as possible behind the flame without disturbing the flame. Allow flame to
stabilize. Hold the measuring device in place for 5 s and record a maximum value (undisturbed flame). Measure the flame height
from bottom of flame arc to the flame tip (see Fig. 1).
5.2.3.10 At the end of burn cycle, extinguish the candle and allow to cool.
5.2.3.11 Repeat 5.2.3.5 – 5.2.3.10 until the candle re
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