ASTM F1958/F1958M-99(2010)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining the Ignitability of Non-flame-Resistant Materials for Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using Mannequins
Standard Test Method for Determining the Ignitability of Non-flame-Resistant Materials for Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using Mannequins
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method determines the ignitability of materials in single or multiple layers.
Material performance shall be determined from the ignitability of the specimen(s) and shall be reported as a probability of ignition at various incident energy levels.
Materials which meet the flame resistance requirements of Specification F1506 do not require testing by this test method unless the mechanism of passing Specification F1506 involves melting and escape from the flame source (for example, coated fabrics, certain rainwear fabrics).
This test method maintains the specimen in a static, vertical position and does not involve movement except that resulting from the exposure.
This test method specifies a standard set of exposure conditions. Different exposure conditions may produce different results. In addition to the standard set of exposure conditions, other conditions representative of the expected hazard may be used.SCOPE
1.1 This test method is used to identify materials that are ignitable and that can continue to burn when exposed to an electric arc, and determines (a) the incident exposure energy that causes ignition, and (b) the probability of ignition.
1.2 The specimens tested in this test method are materials fabricated in the form of shirts.
1.3 This test method shall be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to convective and radiant energy generated by an electric arc under controlled laboratory conditions.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.
1.5 This standard shall not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.
1.6 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.
1.7 For specific precautions, see Section 7.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation:F1958/F1958M −99(Reapproved2010)
StandardTest Method for
Determining the Ignitability of Non-flame-Resistant Materials
for Clothing by Electric Arc Exposure Method Using
Mannequins
ThisstandardisissuedunderthefixeddesignationF1958/F1958M;thenumberimmediatelyfollowingthedesignationindicatestheyear
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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 This test method is used to identify materials that are 2.1 ASTM Standards:
ignitable and that can continue to burn when exposed to an D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
electric arc, and determines (a) the incident exposure energy D4391 Terminology Relating to The Burning Behavior of
that causes ignition, and (b) the probability of ignition. Textiles
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
1.2 The specimens tested in this test method are materials
F1506 Performance Specification for Flame Resistant and
fabricated in the form of shirts.
Arc Rated Textile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use
1.3 This test method shall be used to measure and describe
by ElectricalWorkers Exposed to Momentary ElectricArc
the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response
and Related Thermal Hazards
to convective and radiant energy generated by an electric arc
F1959/F1959M TestMethodforDeterminingtheArcRating
under controlled laboratory conditions.
of Materials for Clothing
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 2.2 ANSI/IEEE Standards:
Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each
3. Terminology
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
3.1 Definitions:
values from the two systems may result in non-conformance
with the standard. 3.1.1 See also Terminology D4391.
3.1.2 arc duration, n—time duration of the arc, s.
1.5 This standard shall not be used to describe or appraise
3.1.3 arc energy, vi dt, n—sum of the instantaneous arc
the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies
voltage values multiplied by the instantaneous arc current
under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may
values multiplied by the incremental time values during the
be used as elements of a fire assessment which takes into
arc, J.
account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment
of the fire hazard of a particular end use.
3.1.4 arc gap, n—distance between the arc electrodes, in.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
3.1.5 arc voltage, n—voltage across the gap caused by the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
current flowing through the resistance created by the arc gap,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
V.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.1.6 asymmetrical arc current, n—the total arc current
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
produced during closure; it includes a direct component and a
1.7 For specific precautions, see Section 7.
symmetrical component, A.
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F18 on For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Subcommittee F18.65 on Wearing Apparel. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2010. Published November 2010. Originally the ASTM website.
approved in 1997 as PS 57 – 97. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as Available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc., 345 E.
F1958/F1958M-99(2005). DOI: 10.1520/F1958_F1958M-99R10. 47th St., New York, NY 10017.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F1958/F1958M−99(Reapproved2010)
3.1.7 blowout, n—the extinguishing of the arc caused by a 5.1.1 Material performance shall be determined from the
magnetic field. ignitability of the specimen(s) and shall be reported as a
probability of ignition at various incident energy levels.
3.1.8 closure, n—point on supply current wave form where
5.1.2 Materials which meet the flame resistance require-
arc is initiated.
ments of Specification F1506 do not require testing by this test
3.1.9 delta peak temperature, n—difference between the
method unless the mechanism of passing Specification F1506
maximum temperature and the initial temperature of the sensor
involves melting and escape from the flame source (for
during the test, °C.
example, coated fabrics, certain rainwear fabrics).
3.1.10 heatflux, n—the thermal intensity indicated by the
5.2 This test method maintains the specimen in a static,
amount of energy transmitted per unit area and time (cal/
vertical position and does not involve movement except that
2 2
cm s)(W/cm ).
resulting from the exposure.
3.1.11 i t, n—sum of the instantaneous arc current values
5.3 This test method specifies a standard set of exposure
squared multiplied by the incremental time values during the
conditions. Different exposure conditions may produce differ-
arc, A /s.
ent results. In addition to the standard set of exposure condi-
3.1.12 ignitability, n (ignitable, adj)—in electric arc expo-
tions, other conditions representative of the expected hazard
sure,thepropertyofamaterialinvolvingignitionaccompanied may be used.
by heat and light, and continued burning resulting in consump-
6. Apparatus
tion of at least 25 % of the exposed area of the test specimen.
6.1 General Arrangement for Determining Ignitability Us-
3.1.13 ignition, n—the initiation of combustion.
ingMannequinsandMonitorSensors—Thetestapparatusshall
3.1.14 incident energy (E),n—the amount of energy (total
i
consist of supply bus, arc controller, recorder, arc electrodes,
heat, cal/cm ) received at a surface as a direct result of an
mannequins, and incident energy monitoring sensors. The arc
electrical arc discharge as measured by temperature rise on
exposure shall be monitored with two incident energy moni-
copper calorimeters.
toring sensors for each mannequin.
3.1.15 incident energy monitoring sensors—sensors
6.1.1 Arrangement of the Mannequins—A minimum of two
mounted on each side of the mannequins.
mannequinswithtwomonitoringsensorseachshallbeusedfor
3.1.15.1 Discussion—Sensors use the calorimeters de- each test. Position monitor sensors on each side of the
scribed in Test Method F1959/F1959M.
mannequins as shown in Fig. 1.An additional mannequin with
monitoring sensors may be placed around the arc as shown in
3.1.16 peak arc current, n—maximum value of the AC arc
Fig. 2 to evaluate multiple samples of the same materials at the
current, A.
same distance from the arc. Each mannequin shall be visually
3.1.17 RMS arc current, n—root mean square of theAC arc
observed for ignition.
current, A.
6.1.2 Specimen Holder—Use a male mannequin torso, size
3.1.18 time to delta peak temperature, n—the time from
large, made from non-conductive fiberglass construction. (A
beginning of the initiation of the arc to the time the delta peak
mannequin, such as Model 7001 D, Morgese Soriano or
temperature is reached, s.
equivalent is acceptable). The mannequin shall be constructed
in an erect posture. The mannequin head may be removable.
3.1.19 X/R ratio, n—the ratio of system inductive reactance
The mannequins shall have detachable arms that are straight
toresistance.ItisproportionaltotheL/Rratiooftimeconstant,
and mount in a vertical position to allow the test specimen at
and is, therefore, indicative of the rate of decay of any DC
the chest to be the closest point to the centerline of the arc.The
offset. A large X/R ratio corresponds to a large time constant
arms of the mannequins may be shortened to 4 in. [102 mm] to
and a slow rate of decay.
3.2 For definitions of other textile terms used in this test
method, refer to Terminologies D123 and F1494.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method exposes a material to heat energy from
anelectricarc,anddetermines(a)theincidentexposureenergy
that causes ignition, and ( b) the probability of ignition.
4.1.1 During this procedure, a material is observed for
ignitability during and after exposure to an electric arc.
4.2 Materialperformanceisdeterminedfromtheignitability
of the specimen(s).
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method determines the ignitability of materials
in single or multiple layers. FIG. 1Mannequin With Monitor Sensors
F1958/F1958M−99(Reapproved2010)
FIG. 2Supply Bus and Arc Electrodes Showing Mannequin(s) Position(s)
permit ease of specimen mounting. The position of the man- small to reduce the chance of molten metal burns. The fuse
nequins from the centerline of the arc electrodes shall be wireshallbeacopperwirewithadiameternogreaterthan0.02
adjustable from 8 in. [203 mm] to 24 in. [610 mm] as shown
in. [0.05 mm].
in Figs. 1 and 3.
6.3 Electric Supply—The electric supply should be suffi-
6.1.3 The mannequins may be instrumented. Refer to Ap-
cient to allow for the discharge of an electric arc with a gap of
pendix X1.
up to 12 in. [305 mm], with alternating arc current from 4000
6.2 Supply Bus and Electrodes—A typical arrangement of
upto25000amperesandwitharcdurationfrom3cycles[0.05
the supply bus and arc electrodes is shown in Fig. 2. The arc
s] up to 90 cycles [1.5 s] from a 60 Hz supply. The X/R ratio
shall be in a vertical position as shown.
of the test circuit shall be such that the test current contains a
6.2.1 Electrodes—Make the electrodes from stainless steel
DC component resulting in the first peak of the test current
(Alloy Type 303 or Type 304) rod of a nominal ⁄4-in. [19-mm]
having a magnitude of 2.3 times the symmetrical RMS value.
diameter. Lengths of 18 in. [450 mm] long initially have been
6.4 Test Circuit Control—Repeat exposures of the arc cur-
found to be adequate.
6.2.2 Fuse Wire—A fuse wire, connecting the ends of rents shall not deviate more than 2 % per test from the selected
opposing electrodes tips, is used to initiate the arc. This wire is test level. The make switch shall be capable of point on wave
consumed during the test; therefore, its mass shall be very closing within 0.2 cycles from test to test, such that the closing
F1958/F1958M−99(Reapproved2010)
7.3 Use care when the specimen ignites or releases combus-
tible gases. An appropriate fire extinguisher should be readily
available. Ensure all materials are fully extinguished.
7.4 Immediately after each test, the electric supply shall be
shut off from the test apparatus and all other lab equipment
used to generate the arc. The apparatus and other laboratory
equipment shall be isolated and grounded. After data acquisi-
tion has been completed, appropriate methods shall be used to
ventilate the test area before it is entered by personnel. No one
should enter the test area prior to exhausting all smoke and
fumes.
8. Sampling and Specimen Preparation
8.1 Test Specimens for Mannequin Test—From the material
to be tested, make specimens according to standards for large
men’s long sleeve shirts. Body measurements in inches are:
necksize,16 ⁄2;chest,44;waist,39;hip,45;andsleevelength
34. Reference McCall’s pattern No. 4641 size 16 ⁄2 . Front
pockets are to be eliminated.
FIG. 3Arrangement of Mannequin(s)
8.1.1 The fabric direction shall be that normally used for
constructing shirts.
angle will produce maximum asymmetrical current with an
X/R ratio of the test circuit as stated in 6.3. The arc current, 8.2 Conditioning of Test Specimens:
duration, and voltage shall be measured. The arc, current, 8.2.1 Launder the required number of test specimens.
duration, voltage and energy shall be displayed in graph form 8.2.1.1 Launder three times in a washing machine using
and stored in digital format. commercially available detergent without chlorine bleach and
with a warm 120°F (50°C) water setting.
6.5 Data Acquisition System—The system shall be capable
of recording voltage, current, and sufficient calorimeter outputs
NOTE 1—Drying is not required following the first two launderings.
as required by the test. The sensitivity and accuracy of the data
8.2.1.2 Following the three laundering cycles, tumble dry in
acquisition system shall be as described in Test Method
a dryer on a setting appropriate for the fabric. Remove
F1959/F1959M.
specimens when dry.
6.6 Data Acquisition System Protection—Due to the nature 8.2.1.3 Samples may be restored to a flat condition by
of this type of testing, the use of isolating devices on the
pressing.
calorimeter outputs to protect the acquisition system is recom- 8.2.2 For those materials that require cleaning other than
mended.
laundering, follow the manufacturer’s recommended practice
and note the procedure used in the test reports.
7. Precautions
7.1 The test apparatus discharges large amounts of energy. 9. Calibration and Standardization
In addition, the electric arc produces very intense light. Care
9.1 Data Collection System Precalibration—The data col-
should be taken to protect personnel working in the area.
lection system shall be calibrated by using a thermocouple
Workers should be behind protective barriers or at a safe
calibrator/simulator. This will allow calibrations to be made at
distance to prevent electrocution and contact with molten
multiple points and at levels above 100°C. Due to the nature of
metal. Workers wishing to directly view the test should use
the tests frequent calibration checks are recommended.
very heavily tinted glasses such asANSI/ASC Filter Shade 12
9.2 Calorimeter Calibration Check—Calorimeters shall be
welding glasses. If the test is conducted indoors, there shall be
checked to verify proper operation. Measure and graph the
a means to ventilate the area to carry away combustion
temperature rise of each calorimeter and system response. At
products, smoke, and fumes. Air currents can disturb the arc,
30 s no one calorimeter response shall vary by more than 4°C
reducing the heatflux at the surface of any of the calorimeters.
from the average of all calorimeters. Any calorimeter not
The test apparatus should be shielded by non-combustible
meeting this requirement shall be suspected of faulty connec-
materials suitable for the test area. Outdoor tests shall be
tions and shall be replaced or repaired.
conducted in a manner appropriat
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