ASTM E662-03e2

Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials

SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers determination of the specific optical density of smoke generated by solid materials and assemblies mounted in the vertical position in thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25.4 mm).
1.2 Measurement is made of the attenuation of a light beam by smoke (suspended solid or liquid particles) accumulating within a closed chamber due to nonflaming pyrolytic decomposition and flaming combustion.  
1.3 Results are expressed in terms of specific optical density which is derived from a geometrical factor and the measured optical density, a measurement characteristic of the concentration of smoke.  
1.4 This test method is intended for use in research and development and not as a basis for ratings for regulatory purposes.  
1.5  This standard should be used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials, products, of assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of the test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk 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 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. Values stated in parentheses are for information only.

General Information

• Status: Historical
• Publication Date: 09-Apr-2003
• ICS: 47.020.05 - Materials and components for shipbuilding
• Technical Committee: E05 - Fire Standards
• Drafting Committee: E05.21 - Smoke and Combustion Products

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E662-03e1 - Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Replaced By: ASTM E662-05 - Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2005
• Referred By: ASTM E1995-21 - Standard Test Method for Measurement of Smoke Obscuration Using a Conical Radiant Source in a Single Closed Chamber, With the Test Specimen Oriented Horizontally
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM E800-20 - Standard Guide for Measurement of Gases Present or Generated During Fires
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM E1354-23 - Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM C1594-23 - Standard Specification for Polyimide Rigid Cellular Thermal Insulation
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F3214-23 - Standard Practice for Characterization of Fire Properties of Seating, Upholstery, and Padding Materials for Vehicles Associated with Amusement Rides and Devices
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM E3020-22 - Standard Practice for Ignition Sources
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D7295-18 - Standard Practice for Sampling Combustion Effluents and Other Stationary Sources for the Subsequent Determination of Hydrogen Cyanide
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM E2061-23 - Standard Guide for Fire Hazard Assessment of Rail Transportation Vehicles
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM E2280-21 - Standard Guide for Fire Hazard Assessment of the Effect of Upholstered Seating Furniture Within Patient Rooms of Health Care Facilities
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F1085-19 - Standard Specification for Mattress and Box Springs for Use in Berths in Marine Vessels
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM F1870-22 - Standard Guide for Selection of Fire Test Methods for the Assessment of Upholstered Furnishings in Detention and Correctional Facilities
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM C1410-17(2023) - Standard Specification for Cellular Melamine Thermal and Sound-Absorbing Insulation
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003
• Referred By: ASTM D6719-22e1 - Standard Guide for Standard Test Methods and Practices for Evaluating Pile Yarn Floor Covering
• Effective Date: 10-Apr-2003

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
An American National Standard
e2
Designation: E 662 – 03
Standard Test Method for
Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid
1
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E662; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
1
e NOTE—The fire-test-response caveat was updated in October 2004.
2
e NOTE—The fire-test-response caveat was updated in November 2005.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
2
1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers determination of 2.1 ASTM Standards:
the specific optical density of smoke generated by solid D2843 Test Method for Density of Smoke from the Burn-
materials and assemblies mounted in the vertical position in ing or Decomposition of Plastics
thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25.4 mm). E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
1.2 Measurement is made of the attenuation of a light beam
3. Terminology
by smoke (suspended solid or liquid particles) accumulating
within a closed chamber due to nonflaming pyrolytic decom- 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms found in this test
method refer to Terminology E176.
position and flaming combustion.
1.3 Resultsareexpressedintermsofspecificopticaldensity
4. Summary of Test Method
which is derived from a geometrical factor and the measured
4.1 This test method employs an electrically heated radiant-
optical density, a measurement characteristic of the concentra-
energy source mounted within an insulated ceramic tube and
tion of smoke.
positioned so as to produce an irradiance level of 2.2 Btu/
1.4 This test method is intended for use in research and
2 2
s·ft (2.5 W/cm ) averaged over the central 1.5-in. (38.1-mm)
development and not as a basis for ratings for regulatory
diameter area of a vertically mounted specimen facing the
purposes.
radiant heater. The nominal 3 by 3-in. (76.2 by 76.2-mm)
1.5 This standard measures and describes the response of
specimen is mounted within a holder which exposes an area
materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
9 9
measuring 2 ⁄16 by 2 ⁄16 in. (65.1 by 65.1 mm). The holder can
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all
accommodate specimens up to 1 in. (25.4 mm) thick. This
factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the
exposure provides the nonflaming condition of the test.
materials, products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
4.2 For the flaming condition, a six-tube burner is used to
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
apply a row of equidistant flamelets across the lower edge of
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
the exposed specimen area and into the specimen holder
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
trough. This application of flame in addition to the specified
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
irradiance level from the heating element constitutes the
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
flaming combustion exposure.
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4.3 The test specimens are exposed to the flaming and
as standard. Values stated in parentheses are for information
nonflaming conditions within a closed chamber.Aphotometric
only.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
2
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.21 on Smoke and For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Combustion Products. contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved April 10, 2003. Published June 2003. Originally Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as E662–01. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
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E662–03
systemwithaverticallightpathisusedtomeasurethevarying test mode in which the unusual behavior occurred. Data
light transmission as smoke accumulates. The light transmit- obtained from the improper tests noted above shall not be
tance measurements are used to calculate specific optical
incorporated in the averaged data but the occurrence should be
density of the smoke generated during the time period to reach
reported. The test method is not suitable if more than three of
3
the maximum value.
the six replicates tested show these characteristics.
6.2
...