ASTM E84

This test method is intended to provide only comparative measurements of surface flame spread and smoke density measurements with that of select grade red oak and fiber-cement board surfaces under the specific fire exposure conditions described herein.

This test method exposes a nominal 24-ft (7.32-m) long by 20-in. (508-mm) wide specimen to a controlled air flow and flaming fire exposure adjusted to spread the flame along the entire length of the select grade red oak specimen in 5½min.

This test method does not provide for the following:

Measurement of heat transmission through the tested surface.

The effect of aggravated flame spread behavior of an assembly resulting from the proximity of combustible walls and ceilings.

Classifying or defining a material as noncombustible, by means of a flame spread index by itself.

1. Scope

1.1 This fire-test-response standard for the comparative surface burning behavior of building materials is applicable to exposed surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The test is conducted with the specimen in the ceiling position with the surface to be evaluated exposed face down to the ignition source. The material, product, or assembly shall be capable of being mounted in the test position during the test. Thus, the specimen shall either be self-supporting by its own structural quality, held in place by added supports along the test surface, or secured from the back side.

1.2 The purpose of this test method is to determine the relative burning behavior of the material by observing the flame spread along the specimen. Flame spread and smoke developed index are reported. However, there is not necessarily a relationship between these two measurements.

1.3 The use of supporting materials on the underside of the test specimen has the ability to lower the flame spread index from those which might be obtained if the specimen could be tested without such support. These test results do not necessarily relate to indices obtained by testing materials without such support.

1.4 Testing of materials that melt, drip, or delaminate to such a degree that the continuity of the flame front is destroyed, results in low flame spread indices that do not relate directly to indices obtained by testing materials that remain in place.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

1.7 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..

1.8 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.

2. Referenced Documents

A390 Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Poultry Fence Fabric (Hexagonal and Straight Line)
C1186 Specification for Flat Fiber-Cement Sheets
D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Base Materials
D4444 Test Method for Laboratory Standardization and Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters
E136 Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750C
E160 Test Method for Combustible Properties of Treated Wood by the Crib Test
E162 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E2231 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
E2404 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Textile, Paper or Vinyl Wall or Ceiling Coverings to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
E2573 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
E286 Method of Test for Surface Flammability of Building Materials Using an 8-ft (2.44-m) Tunnel Furnace
E69 Test Method for Combustible Properties of Treated Wood by the Fire-Tube Apparatus

Index Terms

flame spread; flame spread index; smoke developed; smoke developed index; Steiner tunnel; surface burning characteristics; 25 ft tunnel; tunnel test; Burning characteristics--building materials; Fire testing--building materials; Flame spread index; Flammability--building materials; Surface flammability; ICS Number Code 13.220.50; 91.100.01; 13.220.50; 91.100.01; ICS Number Code 13.220.50; 91.100.01

Citing ASTM Standards

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