ASTM D5048-97
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics and Resistance to Burn-Through of Solid Plastics Using 125-mm Flame
Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics and Resistance to Burn-Through of Solid Plastics Using 125-mm Flame
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response test method covers a small-scale laboratory procedure for determining the relative burning characteristics and the resistance to burn-through of plastics using small bar and plaque specimens exposed to a 125-mm (500-W nominal) flame.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: D 5048 – 97
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics and
Resistance to Burn-Through of Solid Plastics Using a
125-mm Flame
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 5048; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope * priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. See 6.1.1 for a
1.1 This fire-test-response test method covers a small-scale
specific hazard statement.
laboratory procedure for determining the relative burning
characteristics and the resistance to burn-through of plastics
2. Referenced Documents
using small bar and plaque specimens exposed to a 125-mm
2.1 ASTM Standards:
(500-W nominal) flame.
D 883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
NOTE 1—This test method, IEC/CDV 60695-11-20, and ISO 10351 are 2
D 1898 Practice for Sampling of Plastics
technically equivalent.
D 3801 Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burn-
NOTE 2—For additional information on comparative burning character-
ing Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
istics of solid plastics in a vertical position, see Test Method D 3801.
D 5025 Specification for a Laboratory Burner Used for
1.2 This test method was developed for polymeric materials
Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
used for parts in devices and appliances. The results are
D 5207 Practice for Calibration of 20 and 125-mm Test
intended to serve as a preliminary indication of their accept-
Flames for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materi-
ability with respect to flammability for a particular application. 4
als
The final acceptance of the material is dependent upon its use
E 176 Terminology of Fire Standards
in complete equipment that conforms with the standards
E 691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
applicable to such equipment. 6
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
1.3 The classification system described in Appendix X1 is 7
2.2 IEC Standard:
intended for quality assurance and the preselection of compo-
IEC/CDV 60695-11-20 Part 11: Test Flames—Section 20:
nent materials for products.
Determination of the Burning Behaviour of Specimens
1.4 This test method may be applied to other nonmetallic
Using a 500-W Flame Ignition Source
materials if found to be appropriate. 7
2.3 ISO Standard:
1.5 This test method is not intended to cover plastics when
ISO 10351: Plastics—Determination of the Combustibility
used as materials for building construction or finishing.
of Specimens Using a 125-mm Flame Source
1.6 This standard should be used to measure and describe
the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
3. Terminology
flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be
3.1 Definitions—For terms relating to plastics, the defini-
used to describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of
tions in this test method are in accordance with Terminology
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
D 883. For terms relating to fire, the definitions used in this test
However, results of this test may be used as elements of a
method are in accordance with Terminology E 176.
fire-hazard assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an
3.2.1 afterflame—persistence of flaming of a material, after
assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.
the ignition source has been removed.
1.7 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 appro- 2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.02.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.03.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
1 6
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D-20 on Plastics Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 14.02.
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Properties. Publications of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and
Current edition approved Nov. 10, 1997. Published April 1998. Originally International Organization for Standardization (ISO) are available from American
published as D 5048 – 90. Last previous edition D 5048 – 90. National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D5048–97
3.2.2 afterflame time—the length of time for which a 6.1.1 Warning—Products of combustion may be toxic. An
material continues to flame, under specified conditions, after exhaust fan is recommended for removing the products of
the ignition source has been removed. combustion immediately after the test.
3.2.3 afterglow—persistence of glowing of a material, after 6.2 Burner, tirrill type, as described in Specification
cessation of flaming or, if no flaming occurs, after removal of D 5025.
the ignition source. 6.3 Ring Stand, with a clamp or the equivalent, adjustable
3.2.4 afterglow time—the length of time for which a mate- for vertical positioning of bar specimens and horizontal posi-
rial continues to glow under specified test conditions, after the tioning of plaque specimens.
ignition source has been removed or cessation of flaming, or 6.4 Gas Supply, a supply of technical-grade methane gas
both. with suitable regulator and meter for uniform gas flow. Natural
3.2.5 burn-through—a hole produced in the plaque speci- gas having an energy density of approximately 37 mJ/m (1000
men. Btu/ft ) has been found to provide similar results. However,
technical-grade methane gas shall be used as the referee gas in
cases of dispute.
4. Summary of Test Method
6.5 Burning Mounting Fixture, a fixture capable of position-
4.1 Sets of 13 by 125-mm bar specimens and 150 by
ing the burner at an angle of 20 6 2° from the vertical.
150-mm plaque specimens are subjected to a 125-mm flame
6.6 Timing Device, accurate to 0.5 s.
with a 40-mm inner blue cone, for five 5-s flame applications.
6.7 Cotton, a supply of absorbent 100 % cotton.
The afterflame plus afterglow time for the bar specimen is
6.8 Desiccator, containing anhydrous calcium chloride.
recorded after removal of the fifth flame application. Informa-
6.9 Conditioning Room or Chamber, capable of being
tion is recorded on whether or not flaming material drips from
maintained at 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 5%.
the specimens, and whether or not the plaque specimens
6.10 Conditioning Oven, a full-draft circulating air oven
exhibit burn-through.
capable of being maintained at 70 6 1°C.
5. Significance and Use
7. Sampling
5.1 The test results represent afterflame plus afterglow time,
7.1 Unless otherwise agreed upon, material shall be
in seconds, for a material under the conditions of the test. The
sampled in accordance with the sections on General Sampling
test results for plaques also indicate whether or not the
Procedures and Specific Sampling Procedures of Practice
specified flame will burn through a material.
D 1898.
5.2 The effect of material thickness, colors, additives, dete-
rioration, and possible loss of volatile components is measur- 8. Test Specimens
able.
8.1 The standard bar specimen shall be 13 6 0.5 by 125 6
5.3 The burning characteristics may vary with thickness.
5 mm. The standard plaque specimen shall be 150 6 5by150
Test data should only be compared with data for materials of
6 5 mm. Bar and plaque specimens shall be in the thickness
comparable thickness.
appropriate to the objectives of the determination. Materials
5.4 The results serve as a reference for comparing the
thicker than 13 mm should not be tested by this test method.
relative performance of materials and can be an aid in material
8.2 Surfaces must be smooth and unbroken. Corner radius
selection.
must not exceed 1.3 mm. Edges must be fine-sanded to remove
5.5 In this test method, the specimens are subjected to
burrs, saw marks, and residual filaments.
specific laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions
are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it will 9. Conditioning
not always be possible by or from this test method to predict
9.1 Condition one set of five bar specimens and three plaque
changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured.
specimens for at least 48 h at a temperature of 23 6 2°C and
Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire-test-exposure
a relative humidity of 50 6 5 % prior to testing.
conditions described in this test method.
9.2 Condition a second set of five bar specimens and three
plaque specimens in a circulating air oven for a duration of 168
6. Apparatus
hat70 6 1°C, and then cool in a desiccator over anhydrous
6.1 Test Chamber, enclosure or laboratory hood with a calcium chloride for at least4hat room temperature prior to
testing.
minimum capacity of approximately 0.5 m , free of induced or
force draft during test. An enclosed laboratory hood with a 9.3 All specimens shall be tested in a laboratory atmosphere
of 15 to 35°C and 45 to 75 % relative humidity.
heat-resistant glass window and an exhaust fan for removing
the products of combustion after the tests are recommended.
10. Procedure
Laboratory hoods may have induced drafts, even with the
10.1 Procedure A—Test of Bar Specimens:
exhaust fan off. A positive closing damper may be needed.
10.1.1 Conduct the burning test in a chamber, enclosure, or
NOTE 3—It has been suggested that for samples which display extended
laboratory hood free of induced or forced draft.
afterflame times, a hood of 1.0 m or greater may be necessary to ensure
10.1.2 Support a specimen from the upper 6 mm of the
an adequate supply of oxygen to the burning sample. If the oxygen supply
specimen, with the longitudinal axis vertical, by the clamp on
to the sample is less than adequate during testing, incorrect results may be
obtained. the ring stand so that the lower end of the specimen is 300 6
NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
D5048–97
10 mm above a horizontal layer of cotton, approximately 50 by 10.2 Procedure B—Test of Plaque Specimens:
50 mm, thinned to a maximum uncompressed thickness of 6 10.2.1 Proceed as in 10.1.1.
mm, maximum weight of 0.08 g. 10.2.2 Support a plaque specimen at its edges so that it is
horizontal, using a clamp and ring stand or other equivalent
NOTE 4—To form the horizontal layer, a small portion (approximately
means.
13 by 25 mm of cotton may be pulled from the supply with the fingers and
10.2.3 Proceed as in 10.1.3.
then thinned and spread into a 50 by 50-mm square having a free-standing
thickness of 6 mm. 10.2.4 Apply the flame to the center of the plaque at an
angle of 20 6 5° from the vertical so that the tip of the inner
10.1.3 Place the burner remote from the specimen, ignite,
blue cone touches the approximate center of the bottom surface
and adjust it so that when the burner is in a vertical position,
(see Fig. 2). Apply the flame for 5 6 0.5 s and then remove the
the overall height of the flame is 125 mm, and the height of the
flame for 5 6 0.5 s. Repeat this operation until the plaque has
inner blue cone is 40 mm. Support the burner on the inclined
been subjected to five applications of the test flame. It may be
plane of the mounting fixture so that the burner tube is
necessary to hand-hold the burner and fixture so that the tip of
positioned at 20 6 5° from the vertical.
the inner blue cone maintains contact with the surface of the
NOTE 5—See Practice D 5207 for recommended back pressure and flow
plaque. After the fifth removal of the test flame, note whether
rate for the gas supply and calibration procedure for the 125-mm flame.
or not the flame burned through the plaque.
10.1.4 Apply the flame to one of the lower corners of the
10.2.5 Repeat the procedure in 10.2.2-10.2.4 on the remain-
specimen at an angle of 20 6 5° from the vertical, so that the
ing plaques for each set, one set conditioned as described in 9.1
tip of the blue cone touches the specimen (see Fig. 1). Apply
and one set conditioned as described in 9.2.
the flame for 5 6 0.5 s and then remove the flame for 5 6 0.5
s. Repeat this operation until the specimen has been subjected
11. Report
to five applications of the test flame. If the specimen drips
11.1 The complete report shall include the following infor-
particles, shrinks, or elongates during the test, move the burner
mation:
so that the tip of the inner blue cone maintains contact with the
11.1.1 Generic description, manufacturer, commercial des-
major portion of the specimen at the corner. It may be
ignation, lot number, and color,
necessary to hand-hold the burner and fixture to accomplish
11.1.2 Conditioning time at 23 6 2°C, in hours, for speci-
this. After the fifth removal of the test flame, record, in
mens conditioned in accordance with 9.1,
seconds, the total afterflame time and afterflame plus afterglow
11.1.3 Cooling time in desiccator, in hours, for specimens
times. Note whether or not the specimen dripped flaming
conditioned in accordance with 9.2,
particles that ignited the cotton.
11.1.4 Average thickness for each set,
11.1.5 Total afterflame time and afterflame plus afterglow
NOTE 6—If necessary, conduct the test in subdued lighting to observe
glowing.
times after the fifth flame application for each specimen,
11.1.6 Arithmetic means of afterflame time and afterflame
10.1.5 Repeat the procedure in 10.1.2-10.1.4 on the remain-
plus afterglow times for each specimen set,
ing specimens for each set, one set conditioned as described in
11.1.7 Whether or not any of the specimens drip flaming
9.1 and one set conditioned as described in 9.2.
particles which ignite the cotton swatch, and
10.1.6 Calculate the arithmetic mean of the afterflame time
11.1.8 Whether or not any of the plaques burn through after
and afterflame plus afterglow times for each set of five
the fifth flame application.
specimens.
12. Precision and Bias
12.1 Table 1 and Table 2 are based on a round robin
completed in 1988 in accordance with Practice E 691, i
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