ASTM D6413-99
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles (Vertical Test)
Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles (Vertical Test)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method determines the response of textiles to a standard ignition source, deriving measurement values for afterflame time, afterglow time, and char length.
The vertical flame resistance, as determined by this test method, only relates to a specified flame exposure and application time.
This test method maintains the specimen in a static, draft-free, vertical position and does not involve movement except that resulting from the exposure.
Test Method D 6413 has been adopted from Federal Test Standard No. 191A method 5903.1, which has been used for many years in acceptance testing. The between-laboratory precision of this test method has not been established. Refer to Section 14 for single-laboratory precision.
5.4.1 If there are differences or practical significance between reported test results for two laboratories (or more), comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical assistance. As a minimum, the test samples used should be as homogeneous as possible, that are drawn from the material from which the disparate test results are obtained, and that are assigned randomly in equal numbers to each laboratory for testing. Other materials with established test values may be used for this purpose. The test results from the two laboratories should be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, at a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is found, either its cause must be found and corrected, or future test results must be adjusted in consideration on the known bias.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method is used to measure the vertical flame resistance of textiles.
1.1.1 As a part of the meaure of flame resistance, afterflame and afterglow characteristics are evaluated.
1.2 This standard shall be used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and shall not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or other units are to be regarded separately. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently without combining values.
1.4 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.
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Designation:D6413–99
Standard Test Method for
Flame Resistance of Textiles (Vertical Test)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D 6413; 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 3.2.3 afterglow, n—glow in a material after the removal of
an external ignition source or after the cessation (natural or
1.1 This test method is used to measure the vertical flame
induced) of flaming of the material.
resistance of textiles.
3.2.4 afterglow time, n—the time afterglow continues after
1.1.1 As a part of the measure of flame resistance, after-
the removal of the ignition source and the cessation of flaming.
flame and afterglow characteristics are evaluated.
3.2.5 char length, n—in measuring flame resistance of
1.2 This standard shall be used to measure and describe the
textiles, the distance from the fabric edge, which is directly
responseofmaterials,products,orassembliestoheatandflame
exposed to the flame to the furthest point of visible fabric
under controlled laboratory conditions and shall not be used to
damage after a specified tearing force has been applied.
describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials,
3.2.6 charring, n—theformationofcarbonaceousresidueas
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
the result of pyrolysis or incomplete combustion.
1.3 The values stated in either SI units or other units are to
3.2.7 flame, n—as related to ignition of textiles, a controlled
beregardedseparately.Thevaluesstatedineachsystemarenot
hot, luminous zone of gas or matter in gaseous suspension, or
exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used inde-
both, of constant size and shape that is undergoing combustion
pendently without combining values.
as evidenced by a low-intensity heat flux of less than 1 kw,
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
such as candle flame or match flame.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
3.2.8 flame application time, n—the time interval for which
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
the ignition flame is applied to a material.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.9 flame resistance, n—the property of a material
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
whereby flaming combustion is prevented, terminated, or
2. Referenced Documents
inhibited following application of a flaming or nonflaming
source of ignition, with or without subsequent removal of the
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ignition source.
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
3.2.10 glow, n—visible, flameless combustion of the solid
D 1776 Practice for Conditioning Textiles for Testing
phase of a material.
D 4391 Terminology Relating to Burning Behavior of Tex-
3.2.11 ignition, n—the initiation of combustion.
tiles
3.2.12 melting, n—a liquification of material under the
3. Terminology
influence of heat.
3.2.13 smoldering, n—the combustion of a solid material
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to the
without accompaniment of flame but generally with the pro-
combustion of textiles, see Terminology D 4391. For defini-
duction of smoke.
tions of other textile terms used in this test method, refer to
Terminology D 123.
4. Summary of Test Method
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
4.1 A specimen is positioned vertically above a controlled
3.2.1 afterflame, n—persistent flaming of a material after
flame and exposed for a specified period of time. The flame
the ignition source has been removed.
then is removed, and afterflame time and afterglow time are
3.2.2 after-flame time, n—the length of time for which a
measured.
material continues to flame after the ignition source has been
4.2 Char length is measured under a specified force.
removed.
4.3 Any evidence of melting or dripping is noted.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 Textiles
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.52 on Flammability.
Current edition approved April 10, 1999. Published August 1999.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.02.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
D6413–99
5. Significance and Use 6.2.3 Gas controls and connections shall be as specified in
Fig. 5. The solenoid valve shall be capable of being fully
5.1 This test method determines the response of textiles to a
opened or fully closed in less than 0.2s and activated by an
standard ignition source, deriving measurement values for
adjustable timer.
afterflame time, afterglow time, and char length.
6.2.4 On the side of the barrel of the burner, opposite the
5.2 The vertical flame resistance, as determined by this test
burner pilot light there shall be a flame height gage constructed
method, only relates to a specified flame exposure and appli-
of metal spaced approximately 13 mm (0.50 in.) from the
cation time.
barrel and extending above the burner.The gage shall have two
5.3 This test method maintains the specimen in a static,
prongs approximately 8 mm (0.32 in.) long marking the
draft-free, vertical position and does not involve movement
distances of 19 mm (0.75 in.) and 38 mm (1.50 in.) above the
except that resulting from the exposure.
top of the burner.
5.4 TestMethodD 6413hasbeenadoptedfromFederalTest
6.2.5 The burner shall be movable when placed in the
Standard No. 191A method 5903.1, which has been used for
cabinetandcapableofadjustmentstocentertheburnerdirectly
many years in acceptance testing. The between-laboratory
below the center bottom edge of the specimen when perform-
precision of this test method has not been established. Refer to
ing the tests.
Section 14 for single-laboratory precision.
6.3 Gas Regulator Valve System, a control system with a
5.4.1 If there are differences or practical significance be-
delivery rate designed to furnish gas to the burner under a
tween reported test results for two laboratories (or more),
pressure of 17.2 6 1.7 kPa (2.5 6 0.25 lbf/in. ) at the burner
comparative tests should be performed to determine if there is
inlet. The manufacturer’s recommend delivery rate for the
a statistical bias between them, using competent statistical
valve system shall include the required pressure.
assistance. As a minimum, the test samples used should be as
6.4 Gas Mixture, methane, 99 % pure.
homogeneous as possible, that are drawn from the material
6.5 Test Specimen Holder, constructed as shown in Fig. 3.
from which the disparate test results are obtained, and that are
The assembly is shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
assigned randomly in equal numbers to each laboratory for
6.6 Specimen Holder Clamps, capable of firmly holding the
testing. Other materials with established test values may be
test specimen in the test specimen holder.
used for this purpose.The test results from the two laboratories
6.7 Laboratory Hood, in which to carry out the test.
should be compared using a statistical test for unpaired data, at
6.8 Stop Watch, or other device to measure the burning time
a probability level chosen prior to the testing series. If a bias is
to 0.2 s.
found, either its cause must be found and corrected, or future
6.9 Measuring Scale, graduated in increments of at least 3
test results must be adjusted in consideration on the known
mm (0.12 in.) to measure the length of char.
bias.
6.10 Metal Hooks and Weights—Metalhooksandarangeof
weights to produce a series of total loads, which will be used
6. Apparatus
to determine char length. The metal hooks shall consist of
6.1 Test Cabinet and Accessories, fabricated in accordance
1-mm (0.04-in.) diameter steel wire, 76 mm (3 in.) long. The
with the requirements specified in Figs. 1-5. Galvanized sheet
hook is formed by bending the wire to 45° angle forming a
metal or other suitable metal can be used. The entire inside
hook 3 mm (0.5 in.) from one end. This hook is used for
back wall of the cabinet shall be painted black to facilitate the
puncturing the fabric.
viewing of the test specimen and pilot flame.
6.11 Flame Impingement Timer, a timer and electrical gas
6.1.1 The test cabinet shall be set up in a laboratory hood or
solenoid used to control the interval, which gas is supplied to
with comparable equipment so that combustion gases can be
the burner.
removed from the test lab environment. Precautions must be
taken to minimize the draft through the laboratory hood while
7. Hazards
testing. Open doors or windows are examples of unnecessary
causes of drafts and must be avoided.Aventilation smoke tube 7.1 Normalprecautionsapplicabletopressurizedflammable
gases, open flames, hot flames, hot surfaces, burning fabrics
kit may be used to check for the presence of drafts.
6.2 Burner, equipped with a needle valve to adjust flame and combustion, off gases and solid residue shall be employed.
height (see Fig. 4).
7.2 Conduct the tests in a hood to contain the gases evolved
6.2.1 The burner shall be constructed by combining a 10 during testing and for exhaust of the gases after each test.
mm (0.38 in.) inside diameter barrel 76 66mm(3 6 0.25 in.)
long with a base from an adjustable valve burner. A Tirrill 8. Preparation of Apparatus
burner is recommended, but a Bunsen burner modified to
8.1 Adjust gas pressure to 17.2 6 1.7 kPa (2.506 0.25
conform to this test method also will suffice.
lbf/in. )andignitepilotflame.Adjustthepilotflametoaheight
6.2.2 The pilot light tube shall have an inside diameter of
of approximately 3 mm (0.12 in.) when measured from its
approximately 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) and shall be spaced 3 mm
lowest point. Be sure that the tip does not alter shape of the test
(0.12 in.) away from the burner edge.
flame during the 12s exposure time.
8.1.1 Adjust the burner flame using the needle valve in the
base of the burner to achieve a flame height of 38 mm (1.50
in.). This height is achieved by fully closing the air opening on
A ventilation smoke tube kit is available from A-Line Safety Appliance
Company, Pittsburgh, PA 15230. the burner tube base and fully opening the solenoid valve.
D6413–99
FIG. 1 Test Apparatus
NOTE 1—Tape may be used to close off the air openings on the burner.
9. Sampling
8.1.2 Position the burner so that the middle of the lower
9.1 Primary Sampling Unit—Consider rolls of fabric or
edgeofthespecimenholderiscentered19mm(0.75in.)above
fabric components of fabricated assemblies to be the primary
the burner.
sampling unit, as applicable.
9.2 Laboratory Sampling Unit—As a laboratory sampling
NOTE 2—It may be necessary to turn off nearby lights to make sure of
the accuracy of intersect of the midpoint of the flame with the mounting unit take from rolls at least one full-width piece of fabric that
clamp.
is1m(1yd) long along the selvage (machine direction), after
removing first a 1-m (1-yd) length. For fabric components of
8.2 Adjust the timer to provide a 12 6 0.2-s flame to the
fabricated assemblies the entire assembly may be used.
specimen.
9.3 Test Specimens—From each laboratory sampling unit,
NOTE 3—Using a hand-held timer or stopwatch, verify the flame time.
cut five lengthwise and five widthwise test specimens 76 mm
8.2.1 Dothisbymeasuringtheintervalbetweentheopening (3.0 in.) by 300 mm (12 in.). For woven fabrics, the long
dimensions are cut parallel to the warp yarns for lengthwise
andclosingofthesolenoidwithanaccuratelaboratorytimeror
stopwatch. tests and parallel to the filling yarns for widthwise tests. Take
D6413–99
FIG. 2 a Test Apparatus Construction Details
lengthwise specimens from different positions across the width of the holder. With the holder held vertically, secure the
of the fabric. Consider the long direction as the direction of the specimen in the holder with a minimum of four clamps.
test. Label to maintain specimen identity. Positiontwoclampsnearthetopoftheholder,oneoneachside
9.3.1 Cut specimens representing a broad distribution di- to stabilize the specimen. Similarly, position two clamps at the
agonally across the width of the laboratory sampling unit. bottom of the holder, one on each side.
Ensure specimens are free of folds, creases, or wrinkles.Avoid 11.3 Turn off the hood ventilation. Insert the specimen
getting oil, water, grease, etc., on the specimens when han- holder containing the specimen into the test cabinet and
dling. positiontheburnerwiththemiddleoftheloweredgeofthetest
9.3.2 If the fabric has a pattern, ensure that the specimens specimen centered 19 mm (0.75 in.) above the burner and
are a representative sampling of the pattern. leveled with the bottom metal prong.
11.4 Start the flame impingement timer and expose the
10. Conditioning
specimen for the 12 6 0.2 s. Observe the specimen for melting
or dripping during the flame exposure. Record any observa-
10.1 Bring the laboratory sampling units or test specimens
to moisture equilibrium as directed in Practice D 1776, except tions.Immediatelyaftertheflameisremoved,startastopwatch
no preconditioning is necessary. for measurement of the afterflame and afterglow time.
10.2 Each specimen to be tested shall be exposed to the test 11.5 Observe how long the specimen continues to flame
flamewithin4minafterremovalfromthestandardatmosphere after the 12 s exposure time. Record the afterflame time to
or placed in a desiccator without desiccant or equivalent after within 0.2 s.
conditioning for storage until testing and transfer to the testing
11.6 Observehowlongthespecimencontinuestoglowafter
area. the afterflame ceases or after removal of the flame if there is no
afterflame. Record this afterglow time to the nearest 0.2 s. Do
11. Procedure
not extinguish the glow because of potential effect on char
length.
11.1 Mount and expose each specimen to the flame within 4
min of removal from the conditioning area or storage. 11.7 Remove the specimen holder from the test cabinet.
11.2 Clamp the test specimen between the two halves of the Turn on the hood ventilation to clear the test cabinet of fumes
holder, with the bottom of the specimen even with the bottom and smoke. Allow the specimen to cool.
D6413–99
FIG. 2 b Test Apparatus Construction Details (continued)
11.8 Measure the char length as shown in Fig. 6. 12.2 Afterglow Time—Calculate the average afterglow time
11.8.1 Make a crease by folding the specimen along a line to the nearest 0.5 s for the lengthwise and widthwise directions
through the peak of the highest charred area an
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