ASTM E1474

This test method is used to determine the time to sustained flaming and heat release of materials and composites exposed to a prescribed heat flux in the cone calorimeter apparatus.

Quantitative heat release measurements provide information that can be used for upholstery and mattress product designs and product development.

Heat release measurements provide useful information for product development by yielding a quantitative measure of specific changes in fire performance caused by component and composite modifications. Heat release data from this test method will not be predictive of product behavior if the product does not spread flame over its surface under the fire exposure conditions of interest.

Test Limitations—The test data are invalid if either of the following conditions occur: (1) explosive spalling; or (2) the specimen swells sufficiently prior to ignition to touch the spark plug, or the specimen swells up to the plane of the heater base during combustion.

1. Scope

1.1 This fire-test-response test method can be used to determine the ignitability and heat release from the composites of contract, institutional, or high-risk occupancy upholstered furniture or mattresses using a bench scale oxygen consumption calorimeter.

1.2 This test method provides for measurement of the time to sustained flaming, heat release rate, peak and total heat release, and effective heat of combustion at a constant radiant heat flux of 35 kW/m ². This test method is also suitable to obtain heat release data at different heating fluxes. The specimen is oriented horizontally, and a spark ignition source is used.

1.3 The times to sustained flaming, heat release, and effective heat of combustion are determined using the apparatus and procedures described in Test Method E 1354.

1.4 The tests are performed on bench-scale specimens combining the furniture or mattress outer layer components. Frame elements are not included.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

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.

This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.

2. Referenced Documents

D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
E1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
CA TB 133, Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies
ISO 5725 Part 2, Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of Measurement Methods and Results-Basic Method for the Determination of Repeatability and Reproducibility of a Standard Measurement Method

Index Terms

calorimeter; fire; fire test response; heat release; ignition; oxygen consumption; small scale; upholstered furniture; ICS Number Code 13.220.40; 97.140

Citing ASTM Standards

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