ASTM E1725-95(2001)
(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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An American National Standard
Designation: E 1725 – 95 (Reapproved 2001)
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 priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.1 These test methods cover fire-test-response.
1.2 These fire-test-response test methods provide informa-
2. Referenced Documents
tion on the temperatures recorded on the electrical system
2.1 ASTM Standards:
component within a fire-resistive barrier system during the
E 119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction
period of exposure.
and Materials
1.3 This standard should be used to measure and describe
E 176 Terminology of Fire Standards
the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
E 1529 Test Methods for Determining Effects of Large
flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to
Hydrocarbon Pool Fires on Structural Members and As-
describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk assessment
semblies
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. Terminology
particular end use.
3.1 Definitions:
1.4 Potentially important factors and fire characteristics not
3.1.1 air drop—lengths of open run conductors or cables
addressed by these test methods include, but are not limited to:
supported only at each end.
1.4.1 The performance of the fire-resistive barrier system
3.1.2 electrical system components—cable trays, conduits
constructed with components other than those tested.
and other raceways, open run cables and conductors, cables,
1.4.2 An evaluation of the functionality of the electrical
conductors, cabinets, and other components, as defined or used
system within the fire-resistive barrier system.
in the National Electrical Code, and air drops as defined in
1.4.3 An evaluation of the ampacity of the electrical system
3.1.1.
within the fire-resistive barrier system.
3.1.3 fire-resistive barrier system—a specific construction
1.4.4 An evaluation of the smoke, toxic gases, corrosivity,
of devices, materials, or coatings installed around, or applied
or other products of heating.
to, the electrical system components.
1.4.5 A measurement of the flame spread characteristics
3.1.4 specimen—a construction consisting of electrical sys-
over the surface of the fire-resistive barrier system.
tem components and a fire-resistive barrier system.
1.4.6 An evaluation of through-penetration sealing methods.
3.1.5 test assembly—horizontal or vertical construction on
1.4.7 Combustibility of materials in the fire-resistive barrier
which test specimens are to be mounted together with associ-
system or of the electrical system components.
ated instrumentation.
1.4.8 The need for supports beyond those normally re-
quired.
4. Significance and Use
1.4.9 Environmental conditions in the area of service.
4.1 These fire-test-response test methods evaluate, under the
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
specified test conditions, the ability of a fire-resistive barrier
as the standard. The SI units given in parentheses are for
system to inhibit thermal transmission to the electrical system
information only.
component within.
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
4.2 In these procedures, the specimens are subjected to one
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are
changed, it may not be possible by or from these test methods
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
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 International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 1725
to predict changes in the fire test response characteristics (125 mm) of the sheathed junction end of the thermocouple
measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire test shall be mounted parallel to the surface of the test specimen.
exposure conditions described in these procedures.
5.4 Furnace Thermocouple Locations—Position the furnace
4.3 These test methods provide a measurement of the control thermocouples before the start of the fire exposure test.
transmission of heat to the electrical system components within
It shall be permitted to move the thermocouple to avoid
the barrier system. touching the specimen as a result of its deflection during the
4.4 These test methods provide qualification of a fireresis-
test.
tive barrier system as one element of an electrical system
5.4.1 Place the junction of each thermocouple 12 6 1 in.
designed to maintain continuous operation of critical functions
(305 6 25 mm) from the surface of horizontal constructions or
and processes for a specific fire endurance rating.
12 6 1 in. from the surface of specimens mounted in horizontal
4.4.1 In addition to the temperature data provided by these
constructions.
test methods, numerous other factors, such as referenced in 1.4
5.4.2 Place the junction of each thermocouple 6 6 1 in. (152
shall be considered in specifying such a system.
6 25 mm) from the surface of vertical constructions or 6 6 1
in. from the surface of specimens mounted in vertical construc-
5. Control of Fire Test
tions.
5.1 Fire Test Exposure Conditions: 5.4.3 Use a minimum of three thermocouples.
5.1.1 Time-Temperature Curve—Maintain the fire environ-
5.4.3.1 For specimens mounted in horizontal constructions,
2 2
ment within the furnace in accordance with the standard
there shall be no less than five thermocouples per 100 ft (9 m )
time-temperature curve shown in Test Method E 119 or the of exposed area. Calculate the exposed area to be the sum of
rapid temperature rise curve shown in Test Method E 1529.
the exterior surface area of the fire-resistive barrier system plus
5.2 Furnace Temperatures: the area of the horizontal construction exposed to the furnace
5.2.1 The temperature fixed by the curve shall be the
fire.
average temperature obtained from readings of thermocouples
5.4.3.2 For specimens mounted in vertical constructions,
distributed within the test furnace. Disperse the thermocouples
there shall be no less than nine thermocouples per 100 ft (9
as symmetrically as possible within the furnace to measure the
m ) of exposed area. Calculate the exposed area to be the sum
temperature near all exterior surfaces of the specimen. Do not
of the exterior surface area of the fire resistive barrier system
place the thermocouples at locations where temperature read-
plus the area of the vertical construction exposed to the furnace
ings would be effected by drafts within the furnace.
fire.
5.2.2 Measure and report the temperatures at intervals not
5.5 Furnace Control:
exceeding 1 min.
5.5.1 Test Method E 119 Time-Temperature Curve:
5.3 Furnace Thermocouples:
5.5.1.1 The control of the furnace control shall be such that
5.3.1 Test Method E 119—Enclose the thermocouples in
the area under the time-temperature curve, obtained by aver-
sealed protection tubes of such materials and dimensions that
aging the results from the furnace thermocouple readings, is
the time constant of the protected thermocouple assembly lies
within 10 % of the corresponding area under the standard
within the range from 300 to 400 s . The exposed length of the
time-temperature curve for fire tests of1hor less duration,
pyrometer tube and thermocouple in the furnace chamber shall
within 7.5 % for those over 1 h and not more than 2 h, and
be not less than 12 in. (305 mm).
within 5 % for tests exceeding2hin duration.
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.
5.5.3 If the indicated rating for the protection system is 60
min or more, it shall be increased or decreased by the following
correction to compensate for significant variation of the mea-
A typical thermocouple meeting these time-constant requirements may be
fabricated by fusion-welding the twisted ends of No. 18 B&S gage, 0.040 in. (1.02
sured furnace temperature from the standard time-temperature
mm), chromel-alumel wires, mounting the leads in porcelain insulators and inserting
curve. The correction is to be expressed by the following
the assembly so the thermocouple bead is 0.50 in. (13 mm) from the sealed end of
formula:
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)
A 2 A
s
pipe. The time constant for this and for several other thermocouple assemblies was C 5 2I (1)
3 A 1 L
~ !
s
measured in 1976. The time constant may also be calculated from knowledge of its
physical and thermal properties. See Research Report RR:E05-1001, available from
where:
ASTM Headquarters.
C = correction in the same units at I,
Buchanan Splice Caps No. 2006S, crimped with a Buchanan C-24 pres-SURE-
tool have been found suitable for this purpose (Buchanan Construction Products, I = indicated fire resistance period,
Inc., Hackettstown, NJ 07840). The cylindrical splice caps are constructed of thin
A = area under the curve of the average furnace tempera-
copper and result in a very secure and robust attachment with the addition of a
ture for the first three fourths of the indicated period,
minimal thermal mass.
E 1725
the cold heat flux of 50 000 Btu/ft ·h within the first 5 min of
A = area under the standard time-temperature curve for the
s
the test exposure; maintain this heat flux for the duration of the
first three fourths of the indicated period, and
test.
L = lag correction in the same units as A and A 54°F·h or
s
30°C·h (3240°F·min or 1800°C·min). L is only appli-
5.6.4 The temperature of the environment that generates the
cable to thermocouples described in 5.3.1 and be-
heat flux of 50 000 Btu/ft ·h shall be at least 1500°F (815°C)
comes zero for thermocouples described in 5.3.2.
after the first 3 min of the test and shall be between 1850°F
(1010°C) and 2150°F (1180°C) at all times after the first 5 min
5.6 Furnace Calibration—Test Method E 1529 contains a
of the test.
calibration procedure, that is described in the following sec-
tions. Test Method E 119 does not contain a calibration
5.7 Furnace Pressure—The furnace pressure control de-
procedure.
scribed in the sections that follow pertain to tests performed
using either of the two time-temperature curves.
5.6.1 Expose the test specimen to heat flux and temperature
conditions representative of total continuous engulfment in the
5.7.1 Measure the pressure differential between the labora-
luminous flame regime of a large free-burning fluid-
tory ambient air and the interior of the fire test furnace with a
hydrocarbon-fueled pool fire. Use calibration assemblies to
minimum of two pressure probes.
demonstrate that the required heat flux and temperature levels
5.7.1.1 The pressure measuring probe tips shall be either of
are generated in the fire test facility.
the “T” type as shown in Fig. 1, or of the “tube” type as shown
5.6.2 Measure the total heat flux using a circular foil heat
in Fig. 2, and shall be manufactured from stainless steel or
flux gage (often called a Gardon gage after the developer). other suitable material.
5.6.3 The test setup will provide an average total cold wall
5.7.2 Horizontal Test Assembly—Maintain the differential
heat flux on all exposed surfaces of the test specimen of 50 000 pressure at neutral at a point not less than 12 in. (305 mm)
2 2
6 2500 Btu/ft ·h (158 6 8 kW/m ). The total cold wall heat below the exposed surface of the test assembly. No specimen
shall be positioned within the heated area of the furnace such
flux can be controlled by varying the flow of fuel and air. Attain
FIG. 1 Furnace Pressure Probe 1
E 1725
FIG. 2 Furnace Pressure Probe 2
that the entire exposed vertical dimension lies below the 6. Specimen Construction
neutral pressure plane.
6.1 Construct the horizontal or vertical test assembly of
5.7.2.1 Locate the pressure measuring probe tips within 6
materials that offer adequate support for the test specimen
in. of the vertical centerline of the test specimen. Separate the
during the fire exposure. The designs and installation of the
probes by a minimum of one third of the longest inside
fire-resistive barrier systems and electrical system components
dimension of the test furnace. Alternatively, separate the two
shall be representative of actual end use.
probes by a minimum of 12 in. (305 mm) vertical distance
6.2 Electrical System Components—Test components at
within the furnace, and the location of the neutral plane
their full size and linear dimensions for which evaluation is
calculated as a function of their vertical separation and their
desired. If the full-size component’s linear dimensions are
pressure difference.
greater than those specified under each component type in this
5.7.3 Vertical Test Assembly—Position specimens within
section, utilize the dimensions shown, unless data is required
the heated area of the furnace such that at least one half of the
for a unique design. Cable trays, conduits, and other raceways
vertical dimension lies above the neutral pressure plane.
are tested without conductors, unless the test is for a unique
5.7.3.1 Separate at least t
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