This standard is useful to establish the relative surface burning characteristics of materials or products under laboratory conditions for a 30 min test period.

The performance characteristics in the conditions of classification are intended to be used in specific applications as required by building codes or other regulatory requirements or specifications.

This test method does not provide the measurement of heat transmission through the tested surface.

This test method does not provide the classification or definition of a material or product as noncombustible, by means of the results from this standard test or flame spread index by itself.

1. Scope

1.1 The purpose of this fire-test-response standard is to evaluate the ability of a product to limit the surface spread of flame when evaluated for 30 min. This fire-test-response standard uses the apparatus and procedure of Test Method E84 with the total test period extended to 30 min.

1.2 Building applications affecting fire and life safety often require products with specific criteria for surface spread of flame and flame spread index. The resulting performance characteristics included in the conditions of classification for this fire-test-response standard are intended to be used for regulatory purposes to determine the suitability of materials or products for use in buildings under specified conditions where significantly reduced surface burning characteristics are required.

1.3 Materials and products that are beyond the scope of Test Method E84 are beyond the scope of this standard.

1.4 Materials or products which melt, drip or delaminate to the extent that the continuity of the flame front is destroyed are beyond the scope of this standard.

Note 1—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. Materials or products that melt, drip, or delaminate, or that cannot support their own weight, have the potential for demonstrating reduced flame spread results as compared to the flame spread results where the materials or products remain in place during testing.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes, excluding 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.

1.9 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

NFPA Code

ASTM Standards

E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

E176 Terminology of Fire Standards

ICC Codes

California Building Code

Keywords

flame spread index; surface burning characteristics; smoke develop index;

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.220.50 (Fire-resistance of building materials and elements); 91.100.01 (Construction materials)

Citing ASTM Standards

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