ASTM F1550

1.1 This fire-test-response test method is designed for use to determine various fire-test-response characteristics, including ignitability and heat release rate, from composites of mattresses or furniture, or correctional facilities, which have been vandalized in a prescribed manner to expose the filling material, by using a bench scale oxygen consumption calorimeter.

1.2 This test method provides for measurements 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. See 5.7 for limitations.

1.3 The apparatus used in this test method is also capable of determining heat release data at different heat fluxes.

1.4 The specimen is oriented horizontally and a spark ignition source is used.

1.5 All fire-test-response characteristics are determined using the apparatus and the procedures described in Test Method E 1354.

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

1.7 The vandalism is simulated by causing a prescribed cut on the outer layer of the composite, deep enough to expose the filling material to the incident radiation.

1.8 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.9 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.

1.10 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 safety precautions, see Section 7.

2. Referenced Documents

California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation Standards
CATechnicalBulletin133 (January 1991). Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies
ASTM Standards
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
E1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
E1474 Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Components or Composites Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
E1537 Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture
E1590 Test Method for Fire Testing of Mattresses
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
ISO Standards
ISO4880 Burning Behavior of Textiles and Textile Products--Vocabulary

Index Terms

calorimeter; cone calorimeter; correction facility; fire; fire-test-response; heat release; ignition; mattress; oxygen consumption; small scale; upholstered furniture; vandalism; ICS Number Code 13.220.40 (Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products); 97.140 (Furniture)

Citing ASTM Standards

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