ASTM E162-12a
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method provides a laboratory test procedure for measuring and comparing the surface flammability of materials when exposed to a prescribed level of radiant heat energy. It is intended for use in measurements of the surface flammability of materials exposed to fire. The test is conducted using small specimens that are representative, to the extent possible, of the material or assembly being evaluated. (Example: in terms of their thickness, layering, and any potential substrate.)
The rate at which flames will travel along surfaces depends upon the physical and thermal properties of the material, product or assembly under test, the specimen mounting method and orientation, the type and level of fire or heat exposure, the availability of air, and properties of the surrounding enclosure.
In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory fire test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it is not always possible by or from this test to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in this procedure.
If the test results obtained by this test method are to be considered as part of an overall assessment of fire hazard in a building or structure, then the example criteria, concepts and procedures incorporated into Guide E1546 shall be taken into consideration.
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes the measurement of surface flammability of materials. It is not intended for use as a basis of ratings for building code purposes (see Appendix X1).
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard measures and describes the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
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.
1.5 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. This test method may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. Specific information about hazard is given in Section 7.
Note 1—There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
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Designation: E162 − 12a AnAmerican National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat
1
Energy Source
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E162; 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 (´) 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. Scope E84Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
Building Materials
1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes the measure-
E176Terminology of Fire Standards
mentofsurfaceflammabilityofmaterials.Itisnotintendedfor
E1546Guide for Development of Fire-Hazard-Assessment
use as a basis of ratings for building code purposes (see
Standards
Appendix X1).
3
2.2 ISO Standards
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
ISO13943Fire Safety—Vocabulary
as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only 3. Terminology
and are not considered standard.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
1.3 This standard measures and describes the response of method, refer to the terminology contained in Terminology
E176 and ISO13943. In case of conflict, the definitions given
materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all in Terminology E176 shall prevail.
factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
3.2.1 flashing, n—flame fronts of 3 seconds or less in
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the duration.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 3.2.1.1 Discussion—All flame fronts, however temporary,
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- are to be taken into account.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
3.2.2 radiant panel index, I,n—the radiant panel index is
s
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
the product of the flame spread factor, F , and the heat
s
1.5 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently
evolution factor, Q.
hazardous,andadequatesafeguardsforpersonnelandproperty
4. Summary of Test Method
shall be employed in conducting these tests. This test method
may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment.
4.1 This test method of measuring surface flammability of
Specific information about hazard is given in Section 7.
materials employs a radiant heat source consisting of a 12 by
18-in. (305 by 457-mm) panel, in front of which an inclined 6
NOTE 1—There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
by 18-in. (152 by 457 mm) specimen of the material is placed.
2. Referenced Documents
The orientation of the specimen is such that ignition is forced
2
near its upper edge and the flame front progresses downward.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3675Test Method for Surface Flammability of Flexible
4.2 A factor derived from the rate of progress of the flame
Cellular Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
front and another derived from the rate of heat liberated by the
material under test are combined to provide a radiant panel
index.
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface
5. Significance and Use
Burning.
5.1 Thistestmethodprovidesalaboratorytestprocedurefor
Current edition approved Jan. 15, 2012. Published February 2012. Originally
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E162–12. DOI:
measuringandcomparingthesurfaceflammabilityofmaterials
10.1520/E0162-12A.
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
3
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
the ASTM website. www.iso.ch.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E162 − 12a
when exposed to a prescribed level of radiant heat energy. It is to center the specimen holder directly in front of the radiant
intended for use in measurements of the surface flammability panel. The support and bracing members shall be constructed
of materials exposed to fire. The test is conducted using small from
...
This document is not anASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of anASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
An American National Standard
Designation:E162–12 Designation:E162–12a
Standard Test Method for
Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat
1
Energy Source
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E162; 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 (´) 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. Scope
1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes the measurement of surface flammability of materials. It is not intended for use
as a basis of ratings for building code purposes (see Appendix X1).
1.2 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.
1.3 This standard measures and describes the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled
conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products,
or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
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.
1.5 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be
employed in conducting these tests. This test method may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. Specific
information about hazard is given in Section 7.
NOTE 1—There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.
2. Referenced Documents
2
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D3675 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Flexible Cellular Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E1546 Guide for Development of Fire-Hazard-Assessment Standards
3
2.2 ISO Standards
ISO13943 Fire Safety—Vocabulary
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method, refer to the terminology contained inTerminology E176 and
ISO13943. In case of conflict, the definitions given in Terminology E176 shall prevail.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 flashing, n—flame fronts of 3 seconds or less in duration.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—All flame fronts, however temporary, are to be taken into account.
3.2.2 radiant panel index, I , n—the radiant panel index is the product of the flame spread factor, F , and the heat evolution
s s
factor, Q.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method of measuring surface flammability of materials employs a radiant heat source consisting of a 12 by 18-in.
(305 by 457-mm) panel, in front of which an inclined 6 by 18-in. (152 by 457 mm) specimen of the material is placed. The
1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface Burning.
CurrenteditionapprovedJan.15,2012.PublishedFebruary2012.Originallyapprovedin1960.Lastpreviouseditionapprovedin20112012asE162–11a.E162–12.DOI:
10.1520/E0162-12A.
2
ForreferencedASTMstandards,visittheASTMwebsite,www.astm.org,orcontactASTMCustomerServiceatservice@astm.org.For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.ch.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
1
---------------------- Page: 1 ----------------------
E162–12a
orientation of the specimen is such that ignition is forced near its upper edge and the flame front progresses downward.
4.2 A factor derived from the rate of progress of the flame front and another derived from the rate of heat liberated by the
material under test are combined to provide a radiant panel index.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a laboratory test procedure for measuring and comparing the surface flammability of materials
when exposed t
...
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