ASTM F1958/F1958M-99(2005)
(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.
5.1.1 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.
5.1.2 Materials which meet the flame resistance requirements of Specification F 1506 do not require testing by this test method unless the mechanism of passing Specification F 1506 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 in other units shall be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents, therefore each system must be used independently of the other, without combining values in any way.
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.
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.
1.6 For specific precautions, see Section .
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: F1958/F1958M – 99 (Reapproved 2005)
Standard Test 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 D4391 Terminology Relating to The Burning Behavior of
Textiles
1.1 This test method is used to identify materials that are
F1494 Terminology Relating to Protective Clothing
ignitable and that can continue to burn when exposed to an
F1506 Performance Specification for Flame Resistant Tex-
electric arc, and determines (a) the incident exposure energy
tile Materials for Wearing Apparel for Use by Electrical
that causes ignition, and (b) the probability of ignition.
Workers Exposed to Momentary Electric Arc and Related
1.2 The specimens tested in this test method are materials
Thermal Hazards
fabricated in the form of shirts.
F1959/F1959M Test Method for Determining the Arc Rat-
1.3 This test method shall be used to measure and describe
ing of Materials for Clothing
the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response
2.2 ANSI/IEEE Standards:
to convective and radiant energy generated by an electric arc
Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronics Terms
under controlled laboratory conditions.
1.4 The values stated in either SI units or in other units shall
3. Terminology
be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
3.1 Definitions:
system may not be exact equivalents, therefore each system
3.1.1 See also Terminology D4391.
must be used independently of the other, without combining
3.1.2 arc duration, n—time duration of the arc, s.
values in any way.
3.1.3 arc energy, vi dt, n—sum of the instantaneous arc
1.5 This standard shall not be used to describe or appraise
voltage values multiplied by the instantaneous arc current
the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies
values multiplied by the incremental time values during the
under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may
arc, J.
be used as elements of a fire assessment which takes into
3.1.4 arc gap, n—distance between the arc electrodes, in.
account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment
3.1.5 arc voltage, n—voltage across the gap caused by the
of the fire hazard of a particular end use.
current flowing through the resistance created by the arc gap,
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
V.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.1.6 asymmetrical arc current, n—the total arc current
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
produced during closure; it includes a direct component and a
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
symmetrical component, A.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
3.1.7 blowout, n—the extinguishing of the arc caused by a
1.7 For specific precautions, see Section 7.
magnetic field.
2. Referenced Documents 3.1.8 closure, n—point on supply current wave form where
arc is initiated.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
3.1.9 delta peak temperature, n—difference between the
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
maximum temperature and the initial temperature of the sensor
during the test, °C.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F-18 on
3.1.10 heatflux, n—the thermal intensity indicated by the
Electrical Protective Equipment for Workers and is the direct responsibility of
amount of energy transmitted per unit area and time (cal/
Subcommittee F18.65 on Wearing Apparel.
2 2
cm s)(W/cm ).
Current edition approved March 1, 2005. Published April 2005. Originally
approved in 1997 as PS 57 – 97. Last previous edition approved in 1999 as
F1958/F1958M-99. DOI: 10.1520/F1958_F1958M-99R05.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on Available from the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, Inc., 345 E.
the ASTM website. 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 (2005)
3.1.11 i t, n—sum of the instantaneous arc current values 6. Apparatus
squared multiplied by the incremental time values during the
6.1 General Arrangement for Determining Ignitability Us-
arc, A /s.
ing Mannequins and Monitor Sensors—The test apparatus
3.1.12 ignitability, n (ignitable, adj)—in electric arc expo-
shall consist of supply bus, arc controller, recorder, arc
sure,thepropertyofamaterialinvolvingignitionaccompanied
electrodes, mannequins, and incident energy monitoring sen-
by heat and light, and continued burning resulting in consump-
sors. The arc exposure shall be monitored with two incident
tion of at least 25 % of the exposed area of the test specimen.
energy monitoring sensors for each mannequin.
3.1.13 ignition, n—the initiation of combustion.
6.1.1 Arrangement of the Mannequins—Aminimum of two
3.1.14 incident energy (E), n—the amount of energy (total
i
mannequinswithtwomonitoringsensorseachshallbeusedfor
heat, cal/cm ) received at a surface as a direct result of an
each test. Position monitor sensors on each side of the
electrical arc discharge as measured by temperature rise on
mannequins as shown in Fig. 1.An additional mannequin with
copper calorimeters.
monitoring sensors may be placed around the arc as shown in
3.1.15 incident energy monitoring sensors—sensors
Fig. 2 to evaluate multiple samples of the same materials at the
mounted on each side of the mannequins.
same distance from the arc. Each mannequin shall be visually
3.1.15.1 Discussion—Sensors use the calorimeters de-
observed for ignition.
scribed in Test Method F1959/F1959M.
6.1.2 Specimen Holder—Use a male mannequin torso, size
3.1.16 peak arc current, n—maximum value of the AC arc
large, made from non-conductive fiberglass construction. (A
current, A.
mannequin, such as Model 7001 D, Morgese Soriano or
3.1.17 RMS arc current, n—root mean square of theAC arc
equivalent is acceptable). The mannequin shall be constructed
current, A.
in an erect posture. The mannequin head may be removable.
3.1.18 time to delta peak temperature, n—the time from
The mannequins shall have detachable arms that are straight
beginning of the initiation of the arc to the time the delta peak
and mount in a vertical position to allow the test specimen at
temperature is reached, s.
the chest to be the closest point to the centerline of the arc.The
3.1.19 X/R ratio, n—the ratio of system inductive reactance
arms of the mannequins may be shortened to 4 in. [102 mm] to
toresistance.ItisproportionaltotheL/Rratiooftimeconstant,
permit ease of specimen mounting. The position of the man-
and is, therefore, indicative of the rate of decay of any DC
nequins from the centerline of the arc electrodes shall be
offset. A large X/R ratio corresponds to a large time constant
adjustable from 8 in. [203 mm] to 24 in. [610 mm] as shown
and a slow rate of decay.
in Figs. 1 and 3.
3.2 For definitions of other textile terms used in this test
6.1.3 The mannequins may be instrumented. Refer to Ap-
method, refer to Terminologies D123 and F1494.
pendix X1.
4. Summary of Test Method 6.2 Supply Bus and Electrodes—A typical arrangement of
the supply bus and arc electrodes is shown in Fig. 2. The arc
4.1 This test method exposes a material to heat energy from
shall be in a vertical position as shown.
anelectricarc,anddetermines(a)theincidentexposureenergy
6.2.1 Electrodes—Make the electrodes from stainless steel
that causes ignition, and (b) the probability of ignition.
(Alloy Type 303 or Type 304) rod of a nominal ⁄4 –in. [19–
4.1.1 During this procedure, a material is observed for
mm] diameter. Lengths of 18 in. [450 mm] long initially have
ignitability during and after exposure to an electric arc.
been found to be adequate.
4.2 Materialperformanceisdeterminedfromtheignitability
6.2.2 Fuse Wire—A fuse wire, connecting the ends of
of the specimen(s).
opposing electrodes tips, is used to initiate the arc. This wire is
5. Significance and Use
consumed during the test; therefore, its mass shall be very
5.1 This test method determines the ignitability of materials
in single or multiple layers.
5.1.1 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.
5.1.2 Materials which meet the flame resistance require-
ments 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).
5.2 This test method maintains the specimen in a static,
vertical position and does not involve movement except that
resulting from the exposure.
5.3 This test method specifies a standard set of exposure
conditions. Different exposure conditions may produce differ-
ent results. In addition to the standard set of exposure condi-
tions, other conditions representative of the expected hazard
may be used. FIG. 1 Mannequin With Monitor Sensors
F1958/F1958M – 99 (2005)
FIG. 2 Supply Bus and Arc Electrodes Showing Mannequin(s) Position(s)
small to reduce the chance of molten metal burns. The fuse duration, voltage and energy shall be displayed in graph form
wireshallbeacopperwirewithadiameternogreaterthan0.02 and stored in digital format.
in. [0.05 mm]. 6.5 Data Acquisition System—The system shall be capable
of recording voltage, current, and sufficient calorimeter outputs
6.3 Electric Supply—The electric supply should be suffi-
as required by the test. The sensitivity and accuracy of the data
cient to allow for the discharge of an electric arc with a gap of
acquisition system shall be as described in Test Method
up to 12 in. [305 mm], with alternating arc current from 4000
F1959/F1959M.
upto25000amperesandwitharcdurationfrom3cycles[0.05
6.6 Data Acquisition System Protection—Due to the nature
s] up to 90 cycles [1.5 s] from a 60 Hz supply. The X/R ratio
of this type of testing, the use of isolating devices on the
of the test circuit shall be such that the test current contains a
calorimeter outputs to protect the acquisition system is recom-
DC component resulting in the first peak of the test current
mended.
having a magnitude of 2.3 times the symmetrical RMS value.
6.4 Test Circuit Control—Repeat exposures of the arc cur-
7. Precautions
rents shall not deviate more than 2 % per test from the selected
test level. The make switch shall be capable of point on wave 7.1 The test apparatus discharges large amounts of energy.
closing within 0.2 cycles from test to test, such that the closing
In addition, the electric arc produces very intense light. Care
angle will produce maximum asymmetrical current with an should be taken to protect personnel working in the area.
X/R ratio of the test circuit as stated in 6.3. The arc current, Workers should be behind protective barriers or at a safe
duration, and voltage shall be measured. The arc, current, distance to prevent electrocution and contact with molten
F1958/F1958M – 99 (2005)
8.2 Conditioning of Test Specimens:
8.2.1 Launder the required number of test specimens.
8.2.1.1 Launder three times in a washing machine using
commercially available detergent without chlorine bleach and
with a warm 120°F (50°C) water setting.
NOTE 1—Drying is not required following the first two launderings.
8.2.1.2 Following the three laundering cycles, tumble dry in
a dryer on a setting appropriate for the fabric. Remove
specimens when dry.
8.2.1.3 Samples may be restored to a flat condition by
pressing.
8.2.2 For those materials that require cleaning other than
laundering, follow the manufacturer’s recommended practice
and note the procedure used in the test reports.
9. Calibration and Standardization
9.1 Data Collection System Precalibration—The data col-
lection system shall be calibrated by using a thermocouple
calibrator/simulator. This will allow calibrations to be made at
FIG. 3 Arrangement of Mannequin(s)
multiple points and at levels above 100°C. Due to the nature of
the tests frequent calibration checks are recommended.
metal. Workers wishing to directly view the test should use
9.2 Calorimeter Calibration Check—Calorimeters shall be
very heavily tinted glasses such asANSI/ASC Filter Shade 12
checked to verify proper operation. Measure and graph the
welding glasses. If the test is conducted indoors, there shall be
temperature rise of each calorimeter and system response. At
a means to ventilate the area to carry away combustion
30 s no one calorimeter response shall vary by more than 4°C
products, smoke, and fumes. Air currents can disturb the arc,
from the average of all calorimeters. Any calorimeter not
reducing the heatflux at the surface of any of the calorimeters.
meeting this requirement shall be suspected of faulty connec-
The test apparatus should be shielded by non-combustible
tions and shall be replaced or repaired.
materials suitable for the test area. Outdoor tests shall be
NOTE 2—One acceptable method is to expose each calorimeter to a
conducted in a manner appropriate to prevent exposure of the
fixed radiant energy source for 30s. For example, place the front surface
testspecimentomoistureandwind(theelements).Theleadsto
of a 500 W spot light 10.5 in. from the calorimeter. The spot shall be
the test apparatus should be positioned to prevent blowout of
centered on and perpendicular to the calorimeter.
the electric arc. The test apparatus should be insulated from
9.3 Arc Exposure Calibration—Prior to each calibration,
ground for the appropriate test voltage.
position the electrodes of the test apparatus to produce a 12–in.
7.2 The test apparatus, electrodes and calorimeter assem-
[305–mm] gap. The face of the monitor sensors shall be
blies become hot during testing. Use protective gloves when
parallel and normal to the centerline of the electrodes. The
handling these hot objects.
midpoint of the electrode gap shall be at the same elevation as
7.3 Use care when the specimen ignites or releases combus-
thecenterpointofthemonitorsensors(seeFig.1).Connectthe
tible gases. An appropriate fire extinguisher should be readil
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