SYMPOSIA PAPER Published: 01 January 1995
STP15552S

A Comparison of Three Smoke Test Methods

Source

Techniques for the measurement of smoke are of significant international interest. Smoke test methods exist in Australia, Europe, Japan, North America, United Kingdom and the Nordic countries. In this study the more recent of these tests, the ISO single chamber test (ISO 5659) and the cone calorimeter (ASTM E 1354) are compared against an established test, the NBS smoke chamber (ASTM E 662). Six products, representing a wide range of anticipated responses, are examined to characterize the equipment and to compare the results of each test method. It is demonstrated that good repeatability can be achieved with these methods. Distinct results and differences in rank-ordering of products can be expected, because of the differences between the methods. Discussion and observations on the operation and calibration of the equipment are included. In the ISO test, repositioning the pilot flame and inclusion of the pilot flame with the 50 kW/m2 flux exposure improved the ignition repeatability for the range of products we tested.

Author Information

Fritz, TW
Research and Development, Armstrong World Industries Inc., Lancaster, PA
Hunsberger, PL
Research and Development, Armstrong World Industries Inc., Lancaster, PA
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Details
Developed by Committee: E05
Pages: 23–40
DOI: 10.1520/STP15552S
ISBN-EB: 978-0-8031-5291-5
ISBN-13: 978-0-8031-2005-1