ASTM E1725-95
(Test Method)Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Fire-Resistive Barrier Systems for Electrical System Components
Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Fire-Resistive Barrier Systems for Electrical System Components
SCOPE
1.1 These test methods cover fire-test-response.
1.2 These fire-test-response test methods provide information on the temperatures recorded on the electrical system component within a fire-resistive barrier system during the period of exposure.
1.3 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 assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk assessment of a particular end use.
1.4 Potentially important factors and fire characteristics not addressed by these test methods include, but are not limited to:
1.4.1 The performance of the fire-resistive barrier system constructed with components other than those tested.
1.4.2 An evaluation of the functionality of the electrical system within the fire-resistive barrier system.
1.4.3 An evaluation of the ampacity of the electrical system within the fire-resistive barrier system.
1.4.4 An evaluation of the smoke, toxic gases, corrosivity, or other products of heating.
1.4.5 A measurement of the flame spread characteristics over the surface of the fire-resistive barrier system.
1.4.6 An evaluation of through-penetration sealing methods.
1.4.7 Combustibility of materials in the fire-resistive barrier system or of the electrical system components.
1.4.8 The need for supports beyond those normally required.
1.4.9 Environmental conditions in the area of service.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for information only.
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.
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Designation: E 1725 – 95 An American National Standard
Standard Test Methods for
Fire Tests of Fire-Resistive Barrier Systems for Electrical
System Components
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1725; 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 2. Referenced Documents
1.1 These test methods cover fire-test-response. 2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.2 These fire-test-response test methods provide informa- E 119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction
tion on the temperatures recorded on the electrical system and Materials
component within a fire-resistive barrier system during the E 176 Terminology of Fire Standards
period of exposure. E 1529 Test Methods for Determining Effects of Large
1.3 This standard should be used to measure and describe Hydrocarbon Pool Fires on Structural Members and As-
the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and semblies
flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to
3. Terminology
describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk assessment
3.1 Definitions:
which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent
to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk assessment of a 3.1.1 air drop—lengths of open run conductors or cables
supported only at each end.
particular end use.
1.4 Potentially important factors and fire characteristics not 3.1.2 electrical system components—cable trays, conduits
and other raceways, open run cables and conductors, cables,
addressed by these test methods include, but are not limited to:
1.4.1 The performance of the fire-resistive barrier system conductors, cabinets, and other components, as defined or used
in the National Electrical Code, and air drops as defined in
constructed with components other than those tested.
1.4.2 An evaluation of the functionality of the electrical 3.1.1.
3.1.3 fire-resistive barrier system—a specific construction
system within the fire-resistive barrier system.
1.4.3 An evaluation of the ampacity of the electrical system of devices, materials, or coatings installed around, or applied
to, the electrical system components.
within the fire-resistive barrier system.
1.4.4 An evaluation of the smoke, toxic gases, corrosivity, 3.1.4 specimen—a construction consisting of electrical sys-
tem components and a fire-resistive barrier system.
or other products of heating.
1.4.5 A measurement of the flame spread characteristics 3.1.5 test assembly—horizontal or vertical construction on
which test specimens are to be mounted together with associ-
over the surface of the fire-resistive barrier system.
1.4.6 An evaluation of through-penetration sealing methods. ated instrumentation.
1.4.7 Combustibility of materials in the fire-resistive barrier
4. Significance and Use
system or of the electrical system components.
4.1 These fire-test-response test methods evaluate, under the
1.4.8 The need for supports beyond those normally re-
specified test conditions, the ability of a fire-resistive barrier
quired.
system to inhibit thermal transmission to the electrical system
1.4.9 Environmental conditions in the area of service.
component within.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4.2 In these procedures, the specimens are subjected to one
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for
or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different
information only.
test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
changed, it may not be possible by or from these test methods
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
to predict changes in the fire test response characteristics
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
exposure conditions described in these procedures.
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.3 These test methods provide a measurement of the
transmission of heat to the electrical system components within
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-5 on Fire the barrier system.
Standards and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.11 on Construction
Assemblies.
Current edition approved Aug. 15, 1995. Published October 1995. Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 1725
4.4 These test methods provide qualification of a fireresis- 5.4.1 Place the junction of each thermocouple 12 6 1 in.
tive barrier system as one element of an electrical system (305 6 25 mm) from the surface of horizontal constructions or
designed to maintain continuous operation of critical functions 12 6 1 in. from the surface of specimens mounted in horizontal
and processes for a specific fire endurance rating. constructions.
4.4.1 In addition to the temperature data provided by these
5.4.2 Place the junction of each thermocouple 6 6 1 in. (152
test methods, numerous other factors, such as referenced in 1.4
6 25 mm) from the surface of vertical constructions or 6 6 1
shall be considered in specifying such a system.
in. from the surface of specimens mounted in vertical construc-
tions.
5. Control of Fire Test
5.4.3 Use a minimum of three thermocouples.
5.1 Fire Test Exposure Conditions:
5.4.3.1 For specimens mounted in horizontal constructions,
5.1.1 Time-Temperature Curve—Maintain the fire environ- 2 2
there shall be no less than five thermocouples per 100 ft (9 m )
ment within the furnace in accordance with the standard
of exposed area. Calculate the exposed area to be the sum of
time-temperature curve shown in Test Method E 119 or the
the exterior surface area of the fire-resistive barrier system plus
rapid temperature rise curve shown in Test Method E 1529.
the area of the horizontal construction exposed to the furnace
5.2 Furnace Temperatures:
fire.
5.2.1 The temperature fixed by the curve shall be the
5.4.3.2 For specimens mounted in vertical constructions,
average temperature obtained from readings of thermocouples
there shall be no less than nine thermocouples per 100 ft (9
distributed within the test furnace. Disperse the thermocouples
m ) of exposed area. Calculate the exposed area to be the sum
as symmetrically as possible within the furnace to measure the
of the exterior surface area of the fire resistive barrier system
temperature near all exterior surfaces of the specimen. Do not
plus the area of the vertical construction exposed to the furnace
place the thermocouples at locations where temperature read-
fire.
ings would be effected by drafts within the furnace.
5.5 Furnace Control:
5.2.2 Measure and report the temperatures at intervals not
5.5.1 Test Method E 119 Time-Temperature Curve:
exceeding 1 min.
5.5.1.1 The control of the furnace control shall be such that
5.3 Furnace Thermocouples:
the area under the time-temperature curve, obtained by aver-
5.3.1 Test Method E 119—Enclose the thermocouples in
aging the results from the furnace thermocouple readings, is
sealed protection tubes of such materials and dimensions that
within 10 % of the corresponding area under the standard
the time constant of the protected thermocouple assembly lies
time-temperature curve for fire tests of1hor less duration,
within the range from 300 to 400 s . The exposed length of the
within 7.5 % for those over 1 h and not more than 2 h, and
pyrometer tube and thermocouple in the furnace chamber shall
within 5 % for tests exceeding2hin duration.
be not less than 12 in. (305 mm).
5.3.2 Test Methods E 1529—Measure the temperature of the 5.5.2 Test Method E 1529 Time-Temperature Curve—The
gases adjacent to and impinging on the test specimens using control of the furnace shall be such that the area under the
factory manufactured 0.25-in. (6-mm) outside diameter (OD), time-temperature curve of the average of the gas temperature
4 4
Inconel -sheathed, Type K, chromel-alumel thermocouples. measurements is within 10 % of the corresponding curve
The time constant, in air, of the thermocouple assemblies shall developed in the furnace calibration for tests of 30 min or less
be less than 60 s. Use standard calibration thermocouples with duration, within 7.5 % of those over 30 min and not more than
an accuracy of 6 0.75 %. A minimum length of 20 diameters 1 h, and within 5 % for tests exceeding 1 h.
(125 mm) of the sheathed junction end of the thermocouple
5.5.3 If the indicated rating for the protection system is 60
shall be mounted parallel to the surface of the test specimen.
min or more, it shall be increased or decreased by the following
5.4 Furnace Thermocouple Locations—Position the furnace
correction to compensate for significant variation of the mea-
control thermocouples before the start of the fire exposure test.
sured furnace temperature from the standard time-temperature
It shall be permitted to move the thermocouple to avoid
curve. The correction is to be expressed by the following
touching the specimen as a result of its deflection during the
formula:
test.
A 2 A
s
C 5 2I (1)
3~A 1 L!
s
A typical thermocouple meeting these time-constant requirements may be
where:
fabricated by fusion-welding the twisted ends of No. 18 B&S gage, 0.040 in. (1.02
C 5 correction in the same units at I,
mm), chromel-alumel wires, mounting the leads in porcelain insulators and inserting
I 5 indicated fire resistance period,
the assembly so the thermocouple bead is 0.50 in. (13 mm) from the sealed end of
1 A 5 area under the curve of the average furnace tempera-
a standard weight, nominal ⁄2 in. iron, steel, or Inconel (a registered trademark of
INCO Alloys Inc., 3800 Riverside Dr., P.O. Box 1958, Huntingdon, WV 25720)
ture for the first three fourths of the indicated period,
pipe. The time constant for this and for several other thermocouple assemblies was
A 5 area under the standard time-temperature curve for the
s
measured in 1976. The time constant may also be calculated from knowledge of its
first three fourths of the indicated period, and
physical and thermal properties. See Research Report RR:E05-1001, available from
L 5 lag correction in the same units as A and A 54°F·h or
ASTM Headquarters. s
Buchanan Splice Caps No. 2006S, crimped with a Buchanan C-24 pres-SURE- 30°C·h (3240°F·min or 1800°C·min). L is only appli-
tool have been found suitable for this purpose (Buchanan Construction Products,
cable to thermocouples described in 5.3.1 and be-
Inc., Hackettstown, NJ 07840). The cylindrical splice caps are constructed of thin
comes zero for thermocouples described in 5.3.2.
copper and result in a very secure and robust attachment with the addition of a
minimal thermal mass. 5.6 Furnace Calibration—Test Method E 1529 contains a
E 1725
calibration procedure, that is described in the following sec- scribed in the sections that follow pertain to tests performed
tions. Test Method E 119 does not contain a calibration using either of the two time-temperature curves.
procedure. 5.7.1 Measure the pressure differential between the labora-
5.6.1 Expose the test specimen to heat flux and temperature tory ambient air and the interior of the fire test furnace with a
conditions representative of total continuous engulfment in the minimum of two pressure probes.
luminous flame regime of a large free-burning fluid- 5.7.1.1 The pressure measuring probe tips shall be either of
hydrocarbon-fueled pool fire. Use calibration assemblies to the “T” type as shown in Fig. 1, or of the “tube” type as shown
demonstrate that the required heat flux and temperature levels in Fig. 2, and shall be manufactured from stainless steel or
are generated in the fire test facility. other suitable material.
5.6.2 Measure the total heat flux using a circular foil heat 5.7.2 Horizontal Test Assembly—Maintain the differential
flux gage (often called a Gardon gage after the developer). pressure at neutral at a point not less than 12 in. (305 mm)
5.6.3 The test setup will provide an average total cold wall below the exposed surface of the test assembly. No specimen
heat flux on all exposed surfaces of the test specimen of 50 000 shall be positioned within the heated area of the furnace such
2 2
6 2500 Btu/ft ·h (158 6 8 kW/m ). The total cold wall heat that the entire exposed vertical dimension lies below the
flux can be controlled by varying the flow of fuel and air. Attain neutral pressure plane.
the cold heat flux of 50 000 Btu/ft ·h within the first 5 min of 5.7.2.1 Locate the pressure measuring probe tips within 6
the test exposure; maintain this heat flux for the duration of the in. of the vertical centerline of the test specimen. Separate the
test. probes by a minimum of one third of the longest inside
5.6.4 The temperature of the environment that generates the dimension of the test furnace. Alternatively, separate the two
heat flux of 50 000 Btu/ft ·h shall be at least 1500°F (815°C) probes by a minimum of 12 in. (305 mm) vertical distance
after the first 3 min of the test and shall be between 1850°F within the furnace, and the location of the neutral plane
(1010°C) and 2150°F (1180°C) at all times after the first 5 min calculated as a function of their vertical separation and their
of the test. pressure difference.
5.7 Furnace Pressure—The furnace pressure control de- 5.7.3 Vertical Test Assembly—Position specimens within
FIG. 1 Furnace Pressure Probe 1
E 1725
FIG. 2 Furnace Pressure Probe 2
the heated area of the furnace such that at least one half of the 6.2.1 Cable Trays, Raceways, and Open-Run Cables—
vertical dimension lies above the neutral pressure plane. Horizontal Assemblies:
5.7.3.1 Separate at least two probes by a vertical distance
6.2.1.1 The exposed vertical depth of the test specimen shall
within the furnace equal to one half the furnace height or 12 in.
not be less than 36 in. (914 mm).
(305 mm), whichever is greatest, and calculate the location of
6.2.1.2 The exposed horizontal length between the inside
the neutral plane as a function of their vertical separation and
surfaces of the vertical sections shall not be less than 60 in.
their pressure difference.
(1524 mm).
5.7.4 Measure the pressure by means of a manometer or
6.2.2 Cable Trays, Raceways, and Open-Run Cables—
pressure transducer. The manometer or transducer shall be
Vertical Assemblies:
capable of reading 0.01 in. water (2.5 Pa
...
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