ASTM D3801-20a

Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The tests results represent afterflame and afterglow time in seconds for a material of specified shape, under the conditions of this test method.  
5.2 The effect of material thickness, color additives, and possible loss of volatile components is measurable.  
5.3 The results, when tabulated, are potentially useful as a reference for comparing the relative performance of materials and as an aid in material selection.  
5.4 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. Different test conditions will likely result in changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire-test-exposure conditions described in this test method.
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers a small-scale laboratory procedure for determining comparative burning characteristics of solid-plastic material, using a 20-mm (50W) premixed flame applied to the base of specimens held in a vertical position.  
Note 1: This test method and the 20 mm (50W) Vertical Burning Test (V-0, V-1, or V-2) of ANSI/UL 94 are equivalent.
Note 2: This test method and Test Method B of IEC 60695–11–10 are equivalent. IEC 60695–11–10 has replaced ISO 1210.
Note 3: For additional information on materials that burn up to the holding clamp by this test method, see Test Method D635. For test methods of flexible plastics in the form of thin sheets and film, see Test Method D4804. For additional information on comparative burning characteristics and resistance to burn-through, see Test Method D5048.  
1.2 This test method was developed for polymeric materials used for parts in devices and appliances. The results are intended to serve as a preliminary indication of their acceptability with respect to flammability for a particular application. The final acceptance of the material is dependent upon its use in complete equipment that conforms with the standards applicable to such equipment.  
1.3 The classification system described in the appendix is intended for quality assurance and the preselection of component materials for products.  
1.4 It is possible that this test is applicable to nonmetallic materials other than plastics. Such application is outside the scope of this technical committee.  
1.5 This test method does not cover plastics when used for building construction, finishing or contents such as wall and floor coverings, furnishings, decorative objects etc. In addition, the fire resistance (in terms of an hourly rating), flame spread, smoke characterization and heat release rate are not evaluated by this test. Other fire tests exist and shall be used to evaluate the flammability of materials in these intended end use product configuration.  
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.  
1.7 This standard is used to measure and describe 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.  
1.8 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.  
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Aug-2020
• ICS: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• ICS: 83.080.01 - Plastics in general
• Technical Committee: D20 - Plastics
• Drafting Committee: D20.30 - Thermal Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D883-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2024
• Refers: ASTM E176-24 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM D883-23 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E456-13a(2022)e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2022
• Refers: ASTM D5025-20a - Standard Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5025-20 - Standard Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2020
• Refers: ASTM D883-20 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM D5048-19 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics and Resistance to Burn-Through of Solid Plastics Using a 125-mm Flame
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4804-19a - Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19c - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2019
• Refers: ASTM D4804-19 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-May-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM D883-19 - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2019
• Refers: ASTM E176-18a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM D883-18a - Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2018

Overview

ASTM D3801-20a is the "Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position," published by ASTM International. This widely recognized fire-test-response standard describes a small-scale laboratory procedure for assessing the comparative burning characteristics of solid plastics. It uses a 20-mm (50W) premixed flame, applied to vertically held material specimens, to measure afterflame and afterglow times. The results offer valuable reference points for comparing the relative performance of materials and inform preliminary material selection for flammability-critical applications.

Key Topics

• Test Procedure: This method involves exposing pre-conditioned plastic specimens to a controlled 20-mm flame in a vertical position. The primary measurements are afterflame time and afterglow time in seconds, recorded after two flame applications per specimen.

• Test Specimens: Standard specimen geometry (thickness, width, and length) is strictly defined, and both minimum and maximum material thicknesses are tested. Surface preparation and conditioning requirements are specified to ensure consistent results.

• Material Assessment: The test evaluates how factors such as material thickness, presence of colorants, and potential loss of volatiles affect flammability performance. The procedure identifies drips of flaming material and whether these ignited a cotton indicator beneath the specimen.

• Classification System: Results can be categorized (V-0, V-1, V-2) based on specific performance criteria including maximum afterflame duration, cumulative afterflame times, and ignition of a cotton indicator. This classification supports quality assurance and preselection of plastic materials for product design.

• Reporting and Repeatability: Comprehensive reporting requirements ensure traceability and reproducibility of results. The method highlights the importance of running interlaboratory studies to validate precision for different materials.

Applications

• Material Selection for Appliances and Devices: ASTM D3801 is mainly intended for polymeric components used in electrical devices, household appliances, automotive parts, and other equipment where flame resistance is a critical property.

• Preliminary Flammability Compliance: The standard provides an efficient means to screen and preselect plastics based on initial flammability criteria before their use in fully assembled products.

• Quality Assurance: Manufacturers and certifying bodies use the standard’s classification results in procurement specifications and material certifications to confirm compliance.

• Comparative Analysis: The method assists designers and product engineers in objectively comparing burning characteristics of different plastics to inform safer product development.

Note: ASTM D3801 does not address all aspects of fire safety, such as flame spread, smoke production, or heat release. For comprehensive fire risk assessments, additional fire tests are required.

Related Standards

• ANSI/UL 94: 20 mm (50W) Vertical Burning Test (V-0, V-1, V-2) - considered technically equivalent to ASTM D3801.
• IEC 60695-11-10: Fire hazard testing for plastics; B test method is equivalent to ASTM D3801.
• ISO 1210: Previously addressed similar testing, though IEC 60695-11-10 now supersedes it.
• ASTM D635: Horizontal burning rate of plastics.
• ASTM D4804: Flammability characteristics of nonrigid plastics (thin sheets and film).
• ASTM D5048: Comparative burning characteristics and resistance to burn-through of solid plastics using a larger flame.
• ASTM D5025: Specifications for laboratory burners used in burning tests.
• ISO 13943 / ASTM E176: Standard terminology for fire safety.

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Adherence to ASTM D3801 helps ensure consistent, reliable evaluation of flammability characteristics for solid plastics, supporting safer material choices and regulatory compliance across multiple industries. This flammability test is vital for anyone involved in materials engineering, product safety assessment, and regulatory certification of plastics.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3801 − 20a
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid
Plastics in a Vertical Position
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3801; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope* 1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers a small-scale
standard.
laboratory procedure for determining comparative burning
characteristics of solid-plastic material, using a 20-mm (50W) 1.7 This standard is used to measure and describe the
premixed flame applied to the base of specimens held in a response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
vertical position. flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
NOTE 1—This test method and the 20 mm (50W) Vertical Burning Test
assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under
(V-0, V-1, or V-2) of ANSI/UL 94 are equivalent.
actual fire conditions.
NOTE 2—This test method andTest Method B of IEC 60695–11–10 are
equivalent. IEC 60695–11–10 has replaced ISO 1210.
1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
NOTE 3—For additional information on materials that burn up to the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
holding clamp by this test method, see Test Method D635. For test
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
methods of flexible plastics in the form of thin sheets and film, see Test
Method D4804. For additional information on comparative burning
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
characteristics and resistance to burn-through, see Test Method D5048.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2 This test method was developed for polymeric materials 1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
used for parts in devices and appliances. The results are
intended to serve as a preliminary indication of their accept- ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
ability with respect to flammability for a particular application.
The final acceptance of the material is dependent upon its use mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
in complete equipment that conforms with the standards
applicable to such equipment.
2. Referenced Documents
1.3 The classification system described in the appendix is
2.1 ASTM Standards:
intended for quality assurance and the preselection of compo-
D635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and
nent materials for products.
Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
1.4 It is possible that this test is applicable to nonmetallic
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
materials other than plastics. Such application is outside the
D4804 TestMethodforDeterminingtheFlammabilityChar-
scope of this technical committee.
acteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
1.5 This test method does not cover plastics when used for
D5025 Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-
building construction, finishing or contents such as wall and
Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
floorcoverings,furnishings,decorativeobjectsetc.Inaddition,
D5048 TestMethodforMeasuringtheComparativeBurning
the fire resistance (in terms of an hourly rating), flame spread,
Characteristics and Resistance to Burn-Through of Solid
smoke characterization and heat release rate are not evaluated
Plastics Using a 125-mm Flame
by this test. Other fire tests exist and shall be used to evaluate
D5207 Practice for Confirmation of 20–mm (50–W) and
the flammability of materials in these intended end use product
125–mm (500–W) Test Flames for Small-Scale Burning
configuration.
Tests on Plastic Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
This test method is under the jurisdiction ofASTM Committee D20 on Plastics
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Properties
(Section D20.30.03). For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Sept. 1, 2020. Published September 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as D3801 – 20. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/D3801-20A. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3801 − 20a
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics afterflame time is recorded after the first flame application, and
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to the afterflame and afterglow times are recorded after the
Determine the Precision of a Test Method second flame application. Information is also recorded on
E2935 Practice for Conducting Equivalence Tests for Com- whether or not flaming material drips from the specimen (and
paring Testing Processes whether these drips ignite a cotton indicator) and total flame
time for a particular specimen set.
2.2 IEC Standard:
60695–11–10 Fire Hazard Testing—Part 11-10: Test
5. Significance and Use
Flames—50W Horizontal and Vertical Flame Test Meth-
ods 5.1 The tests results represent afterflame and afterglow time
in seconds for a material of specified shape, under the
2.3 ISO Standard:
conditions of this test method.
ISO 1210 Plastics—Determination of the Burning Behav-
iour of Horizontal andVertical Specimens in Contact with
5.2 The effect of material thickness, color additives, and
a Small-Flame Ignition Source (Withdrawn)
possible loss of volatile components is measurable.
ISO 13943 Fire Safety—Vocabulary
5.3 The results, when tabulated, are potentially useful as a
2.4 UL Standard:
reference for comparing the relative performance of materials
ANSI/UL 94 Test for Flammability of Plastic Materials for
and as an aid in material selection.
Parts in Devices and Appliances
5.4 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or
3. Terminology
more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. Different test
conditions will likely result in changes in the fire-test-response
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to plastics,
characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only
the definitions in this test method are in accordance with
for the fire-test-exposure conditions described in this test
Terminology D883. For terms relating to fire, the definitions in
method.
this test method are in accordance with Terminology E176 and
ISO 13943. In case of conflict, the definitions given in
6. Apparatus
TerminologyE176shallprevail.Fortermsrelatingtoprecision
6.1 Test Chamber, enclosed laboratory hood or chamber,
and bias and associated issues, the terms used in this test
having an inside volume of at least 0.5 m . The chamber shall
method are in accordance with the definitions in Terminology
permit observation of tests in progress and shall be , free of
E456.
induced or forced draft during test, while allowing normal
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
thermalcirculationofairpastthetestspecimenduringburning.
3.2.1 afterflame, n—persistence of flaming of a material,
The inside surfaces of the chamber shall be of a dark color.
after the ignition source has been removed.
When a light meter, facing towards the rear of the chamber, is
3.2.2 afterflame time, n—the length of time for which a
positioned in place of the test specimen, the recorded light
material continues to flame, under specified conditions, after
level shall be less than 20 lx. For safety and convenience, it is
the ignition source has been removed.
desirable that this enclosure be fitted with an extraction device,
such as an exhaust fan, to remove products of combustion.The
3.2.3 afterglow, n—persistence of glowing of a material,
after cessation of flaming or, if no flaming occurs, after extraction device shall be turned off during the test and turned
on immediately after the test to remove the fire effluents.
removal of the ignition source.
(Warning—Combustion products are toxic. A system to con-
3.2.4 afterglow time, n—the length of time for which a
tain and remove the products of combustion after a test is
materialcontinuestoglowunderspecifiedtestconditions,after
required.)
the ignition source has been removed or cessation of flaming,
or both.
NOTE 4—Laboratory hoods often have induced drafts even with the
exhaust fan off. In such cases, a positive-closing damper shall be used.
3.2.5 flame-impingement time, n—the time in seconds that
NOTE 5—A mirror in the chamber, to provide a rear view of the
the flame from the burner is in contact with the specimen.
specimen, has been found useful in some enclosures.
3.2.6 flaming material, n—flaming drips or particles from
6.2 Laboratory Burner, constructed in accordance with
the specimen that ignite the absorbent 100 % cotton.
Specification D5025.
6.3 Ring Stand, with a clamp or the equivalent, adjustable
4. Summary of Test Method
for vertical positioning of specimens.
4.1 The procedure consists of subjecting a set of pre-
6.4 Gas Supply, a supply of technical-grade methane gas,
conditioned specimens of identical composition and geometry
minimum 98 % pure, with suitable regulator and meter for
to a standard test flame for two 10-s flame applications. The
uniform gas flow. Natural gas having an energy density of 37
6 1 MJ/m at 25°C has been found to provide similar results.
Publications of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and
However, technical-grade methane gas shall be used as the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) are available from American
referee gas in cases of dispute.
National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY
10036, http://www.ansi.org.
6.5 Timing Device, accurate to 0.5 s.
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd.,
Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, http://www.ul.com. 6.6 Cotton, absorbent 100 % cotton.
D3801 − 20a
6.7 Desiccator, containing anhydrous calcium chloride or
other drying agent, capable of being maintained at 23 6 2°C
and relative humidity not exceeding 20 %.
6.8 Conditioning Room or Chamber, capable of being main-
tained at 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 65%.
6.9 Conditioning Oven, a full-draft circulating-air oven
capable of being maintained at 70 6 2°C while providing a
minimum of five air changes per hour.
6.10 Micrometer, having a resolution of at least 0.01 mm.
6.11 Measuring Scale, graduated in millimetres.
6.12 Flame Clearance Gauge, (optional) used to determine
flame position on specimen during testing. See Appendix X2.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 The standard specimen geometry shall be 13.0 6 0.5 by
125 6 5 mm, and shall be provided in the minimum and
maximum thickness. Materials thicker than 13 mm shall not be
FIG. 1 Vertical Burning Test for V-0, V-1, and V-2 Classification
tested by this test method.
7.1.1 Thetestspecimensshallbemoldedinaccordancewith
theASTMspecificationsforthematerial;orinaccordancewith needle valve and the air ports of the burner until a 20-mm
the material manufacturer’s instructions. yellow-tipped blue flame is produced, and then increase the air
supply until the yellow tip just disappears. Measure the height
7.2 Surfaces shall be smooth and unbroken. Corner radius
of the flame. If the flame height is not 20 6 2 mm, adjust the
shall not exceed 1.3 mm. After any cutting operation, edges
burner needle valve to give the proper flame height. The flame
shall be fine-sanded to remove burrs, saw marks, and residual
shall be confirmed using Practice D5207 at least once per
filaments.
month during active testing or whenever the gas supply is
changed.
8. Conditioning
9.4 Approaching the specimen from the wide side in a
8.1 Condition specimen sets as follows:
horizontal plane (see Fig. 2), place the test flame centrally
8.1.1 Condition one set of five specimens (Set A) for a
under the lower end of the test specimen with the burner tube
minimum of 48 hours at a temperature of 23 6 2°C and a
10 6 1 mm below the specimen and maintain that distance for
relative humidity of 50 6 10 %. Once removed from the
a flame-impingement time of 10.0 6 0.5 s, moving the burner
conditioning room or chamber, specimens shall be tested
as necessary in response to any changes in the length or
within one hour.
position of the specimen. Withdraw the test flame sufficiently
8.1.2 Condition a second set of five specimens (Set B) in a
so that there is no effect on the burning specimen (see Note 7)
circulating-air oven for 168 62hat70 6 2°C and then cool
and measure the afterflame time, in seconds.
in a desiccator for at least 4 h at room temperature prior to
testing. Once removed from the desiccator, specimens shall be
tested within 30 min.
8.2 All specimens shall be tested in a laboratory atmosph
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM 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.
Designation: D3801 − 20 D3801 − 20a
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid
Plastics in a Vertical Position
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3801; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers a small-scale laboratory procedure for determining comparative burning characteristics
of solid-plastic material, using a 20-mm (50W) premixed flame applied to the base of specimens held in a vertical position.
NOTE 1—This test method and the 20 mm (50W) Vertical Burning Test (V-0, V-1, or V-2) of ANSI/UL 94 are equivalent.
NOTE 2—This test method and Test Method B of IEC 60695–11–10 are equivalent. IEC 60695–11–10 has replaced ISO 1210.
NOTE 3—For additional information on materials that burn up to the holding clamp by this test method, see Test Method D635. For test methods of flexible
plastics in the form of thin sheets and film, see Test Method D4804. For additional information on comparative burning characteristics and resistance to
burn-through, see Test Method D5048.
1.2 This test method was developed for polymeric materials used for parts in devices and appliances. The results are intended to
serve as a preliminary indication of their acceptability with respect to flammability for a particular application. The final acceptance
of the material is dependent upon its use in complete equipment that conforms with the standards applicable to such equipment.
1.3 The classification system described in the appendix is intended for quality assurance and the preselection of component
materials for products.
1.4 It is possible that this test is applicable to nonmetallic materials other than plastics. Such application is outside the scope of
this technical committee.
1.5 This test method does not cover plastics when used for building construction, finishing or contents such as wall and floor
coverings, furnishings, decorative objects etc. In addition, the fire resistance (in terms of an hourly rating), flame spread, smoke
characterization and heat release rate are not evaluated by this test. Other fire tests exist and shall be used to evaluate the
flammability of materials in these intended end use product configuration.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.7 This standard is used to measure and describe 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.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D20 on Plastics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D20.30 on Thermal Properties (Section
D20.30.03).
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2020Sept. 1, 2020. Published March 2020September 2020. Originally approved in 1987. Last previous edition approved in 20192020
as D3801 – 19a.D3801 – 20. DOI: 10.1520/D3801-20.10.1520/D3801-20A.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
D3801 − 20a
1.8 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D635 Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
D883 Terminology Relating to Plastics
D4804 Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
D5025 Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
D5048 Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics and Resistance to Burn-Through of Solid Plastics
Using a 125-mm Flame
D5207 Practice for Confirmation of 20–mm (50–W) and 125–mm (500–W) Test Flames for Small-Scale Burning Tests on
Plastic Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E456 Terminology Relating to Quality and Statistics
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E2935 Practice for Conducting Equivalence Tests for Comparing Testing Processes
2.2 IEC Standard:
60695–11–10 Fire Hazard Testing—Part 11-10: Test Flames—50W Horizontal and Vertical Flame Test Methods
2.3 ISO Standard:
ISO 1210 Plastics—Determination of the Burning Behaviour of Horizontal and Vertical Specimens in Contact with a
Small-Flame Ignition Source (Withdrawn)
ISO 13943 Fire Safety—Vocabulary
2.4 UL Standard:
ANSI/UL 94 Test for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to plastics, the definitions in this test method are in accordance with Terminology
D883. For terms relating to fire, the definitions in this test method are in accordance with Terminology E176 and ISO 13943. In
case of conflict, the definitions given in Terminology E176 shall prevail. For terms relating to precision and bias and associated
issues, the terms used in this test method are in accordance with the definitions in Terminology E456.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 afterflame, n—persistence of flaming of a material, after the ignition source has been removed.
3.2.2 afterflame time, n—the length of time for which a material continues to flame, under specified conditions, after the ignition
source has been removed.
3.2.3 afterglow, n—persistence of glowing of a material, after cessation of flaming or, if no flaming occurs, after removal of the
ignition source.
3.2.4 afterglow time, n—the length of time for which a material continues to glow under specified test conditions, after the ignition
source has been removed or cessation of flaming, or both.
3.2.5 flame-impingement time, n—the time in seconds that the flame from the burner is in contact with the specimen.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Publications of the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and International Organization for Standardization (ISO) are available from American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, http://www.ul.com.
D3801 − 20a
3.2.6 flaming material, n—flaming drips or particles from the specimen that ignite the absorbent 100 % cotton.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 The procedure consists of subjecting a set of pre-conditioned specimens of identical composition and geometry to a standard
test flame for two 10-s flame applications. The afterflame time is recorded after the first flame application, and the afterflame and
afterglow times are recorded after the second flame application. Information is also recorded on whether or not flaming material
drips from the specimen (and whether these drips ignite a cotton indicator) and total flame time for a particular specimen set.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The tests results represent afterflame and afterglow time in seconds for a material of specified shape, under the conditions of
this test method.
5.2 The effect of material thickness, color additives, and possible loss of volatile components is measurable.
5.3 The results, when tabulated, are potentially useful as a reference for comparing the relative performance of materials and as
an aid in material selection.
5.4 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. Different test
conditions will likely result in changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for
the fire-test-exposure conditions described in this test method.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Test Chamber, enclosed laboratory hood or chamber, having an inside volume of at least 0.5 m . The chamber shall permit
observation of tests in progress and shall be , free of induced or forced draft during test, while allowing normal thermal circulation
of air past the test specimen during burning. The inside surfaces of the chamber shall be of a dark color. When a light meter, facing
towards the rear of the chamber, is positioned in place of the test specimen, the recorded light level shall be less than 20 lx. For
safety and convenience, it is desirable that this enclosure be fitted with an extraction device, such as an exhaust fan, to remove
products of combustion. The extraction device shall be turned off during the test and turned on immediately after the test to remove
the fire effluents. (Warning—Combustion products are toxic. A system to contain and remove the products of combustion after
a test is required.)
NOTE 4—Laboratory hoods often have induced drafts even with the exhaust fan off. In such cases, a positive-closing damper shall be used.
NOTE 5—A mirror in the chamber, to provide a rear view of the specimen, has been found useful in some enclosures.
6.2 Laboratory Burner, constructed in accordance with Specification D5025.
6.3 Ring Stand, with a clamp or the equivalent, adjustable for vertical positioning of specimens.
6.4 Gas Supply, a supply of technical-grade methane gas, minimum 98 % pure, with suitable regulator and meter for uniform gas
flow. Natural gas having an energy density of 37 6 1 MJ/m at 25°C has been found to provide similar results. However,
technical-grade methane gas shall be used as the referee gas in cases of dispute.
6.5 Timing Device, accurate to 0.5 s.
6.6 Cotton, absorbent 100 % cotton.
6.7 Desiccator, containing anhydrous calcium chloride or other drying agent, capable of being maintained at 23 6 2°C and relative
humidity not exceeding 20 %.
6.8 Conditioning Room or Chamber, capable of being maintained at 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 5 %.
D3801 − 20a
6.9 Conditioning Oven, a full-draft circulating-air oven capable of being maintained at 70 6 2°C while providing a minimum of
five air changes per hour.
6.10 Micrometer, having a resolution of at least 0.01 mm.
6.11 Measuring Scale, graduated in millimetres.
6.12 Flame Clearance Gauge, (optional) used to determine flame position on specimen during testing. See Appendix X2.
7. Test Specimens
7.1 The standard specimen geometry shall be 13.0 6 0.5 by 125 6 5 mm, and shall be provided in the minimum and maximum
thickness. Materials thicker than 13 mm shall not be tested by this test method.
7.1.1 The test specimens shall be molded in accordance with the ASTM specifications for the material; or in accordance with the
material manufacturer’s instructions.
7.2 Surfaces shall be smooth and unbroken. Corner radius shall not exceed 1.3 mm. After any cutting operation, edges shall be
fine-sanded to remove burrs, saw marks, and residual filaments.
8. Conditioning
8.1 Condition specimen sets as follows:
8.1.1 Condition one set of five specimens (Set A) for a minimum of 48 hours at a temperature of 23 6 2°C and a relative humidity
of 50 6 10 %. Once removed from the conditioning room or chamber, specimens shall be tested within one hour.
8.1.2 Condition a second set of five specimens (Set B) in a circulating-air oven for 168 6 2 h at 70 6 2°C and then cool in a
desiccator for at least 4 h at room temperature prior to testing. Once removed from the desiccator, specimens shall be tested within
30 min.
8.2 All specimens shall be tested in a laboratory atmosphere of 15 to 35°C and 45 to 75 % relative humidity.
8.3 Cotton shall be conditioned in the desiccator for at least 24 hours prior to use. Once removed from the desiccator, the cotton
shall be used within 30 minutes.
9. Procedure
9.1 Conduct the burning test in a chamber, enclosure, or laboratory hood free of induced or forced draft.
9.2 Clamp a specimen from the upper 6 mm of its length, with the longitudinal axis vertical, so that the lower end of the specimen
is 300 6 10 mm above a horizontal layer of cotton, approximately 50 by 50 mm, thinned to a maximum uncompressed thickness
of 6 mm, maximum mass of 0.08 g. See Fig. 1.
9.3 Place the burner remote from the specimen, ignite, and adjust it to produce a blue flame 20 6 2 mm high. Adjust the needle
valve and the air ports of the burner until a 20-mm yellow-tipped blue flame is produced, and then increase the air supply until
the yellow tip just disappears. Measure the height of the flame. If the flame height is not 20 6 2 mm, adjust the burner needle valve
to give the proper flame height. The flame shall be confirmed using Practice D5207 at least once per month during active testing
or whenev
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