ASTM E1474-96a
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Components or Composites Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
Standard Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Components or Composites Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response test method can be used to determine the ignitability and heat release from the composites of contract, institutional, or high-risk occupancy upholstered furniture or mattresses using a bench scale oxygen consumption calorimeter.
1.2 This test method provides for measurement of the time to sustained flaming, heat release rate, peak and total heat release, and effective heat of combustion at a constant radiant heat flux of 35 kW/m 2. Heat release data at different heating fluxes may also be obtained by this test method. The specimen is oriented horizontally, and a spark ignition source is used.
1.3 The times to sustained flaming, heat release, and effective heat of combustion are determined using the apparatus and procedures described in Test Method E 1354.
1.4 The tests are performed on bench-scale specimens combining the furniture or mattress outer layer components. Frame elements are not included.
1.5 This test method should be used to measure or describe the responses 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 risks of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, the results of the test may be used as elements of a fire hazard assessment or a fire risk assessment that takes into account all of the factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.7 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. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.
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Designation: E 1474 – 96a An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture
and Mattress Components or Composites Using a Bench
Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 1474; 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.
INTRODUCTION
This test method provides a means for measuring the ignition time and heat release of the composite
upholstered components of upholstered furniture and mattresses using an oxygen consumption
calorimeter.
1. Scope safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.1 This fire-test-response test method can be used to
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
determine the ignitability and heat release from the composites
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific
of contract, institutional, or high-risk occupancy upholstered
precautionary statements, see Section 6.
furniture or mattresses using a bench scale oxygen consump-
tion calorimeter.
2. Referenced Documents
1.2 This test method provides for measurement of the time
2.1 ASTM Standards:
to sustained flaming, heat release rate, peak and total heat
D 123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
release, and effective heat of combustion at a constant radiant
E 176 Terminology of Fire Standards
heat flux of 35 kW/m . Heat release data at different heating
E 1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
fluxes may also be obtained by this test method. The specimen
Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con-
is oriented horizontally, and a spark ignition source is used.
sumption Calorimeter
1.3 The times to sustained flaming, heat release, and effec-
2.2 Other Documents:
tive heat of combustion are determined using the apparatus and
CA TB 133, Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Fur-
procedures described in Test Method E 1354.
niture for Use in Public Occupancies
1.4 The tests are performed on bench-scale specimens
ISO 5725 Part 2, Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of
combining the furniture or mattress outer layer components.
Measurement Methods and Results—Basic Method for
Frame elements are not included.
the Determination of Repeatability and Reproducibility of
1.5 This test method should be used to measure or describe
a Standard Measurement Method
the responses of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to
3. Terminology
describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risks of materials,
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to this test
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However,
method refer to Terminology D 123 and E 176.
the results of the test may be used as elements of a fire hazard
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
assessment or a fire risk assessment that takes into account all
3.2.1 effective heat of combustion, n—the measured heat
of the factors that are pertinent to an assessment of the fire
release divided by the mass loss for a specified time period.
hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.
3.2.2 heating flux, n—the prescribed incident flux imposed
1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
externally from the heater onto the specimen at the initiation of
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
the test.
only.
3.2.3 heat release rate, n—the heat evolved from the
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 07.01.
1 3
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-5 on Fire Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.15 on Furnishings Available from State of California, Dept. of Home Furnishings and Thermal
and Contents. Insulation, North Highlands, CA 95660-5595.
Current edition approved July 10 and Oct. 10, 1996. Published December 1996. Available from American National Standards Institute, 11 W. 42nd St., 13th
Originally published as E 1474 – 92. Last previous edition E 1474 – 95. Floor, New York, NY 10036.
Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
E 1474
specimen, expressed per unit area of exposed specimen area product does not spread flame over its surface under the fire
per unit of time. exposure conditions of interest.
3.2.4 ignitability, n—the propensity for ignition, as mea-
5.4 Test Limitations—The test data are invalid if either of
sured by the time to sustained flaming at a specified heating the following conditions occur: (1) explosive spalling; or (2)
flux.
the specimen swells sufficiently prior to ignition to touch the
3.2.5 mattress, n—a mattress is a ticking (outermost layer of spark plug, or the specimen swells up to the plane of the heater
fabric or related material) filled with a resilient material, used
base during combustion.
alone or in combination with other products, intended or
promoted for sleeping upon. 6. Safety Precautions
3.2.6 net heat of combustion, n—the oxygen bomb calorim-
6.1 The test procedures involve high temperatures and
eter value for the heat of combustion, corrected for the gaseous
combustion processes. Hazards may therefore exist for burns,
state of product water.
ignition of extraneous objects or clothing, and inhalation of
3.2.7 orientation, n—the plane on which the exposed face
combustion products. The operator must use protective gloves
of the specimen is located during testing, which is horizontal
for insertion and removal of the test specimens. Neither the
facing up for this test.
cone heater nor the associated fixtures should be touched while
3.2.8 oxygen consumption principle, n—the expression of
hot, except with the use of protective gloves.
the relationship between the mass of oxygen consumed during
combustion and the heat released.
7. Test Specimen Preparation—Method A (2)
3.2.9 sustained flaming, n—the existence of flame on or
7.1 Equipment and Supplies for Specimen Preparation:
over the surface of the specimen for a period of4sor more.
7.1.1 Cutting Equipment—Cut foams with a band saw; a
3.2.10 upholstered, adj—covered with material (as fabric or
foam-cutting blade shall be used. This blade has no teeth;
padding) to provide a soft surface.
instead, it has a wavy scallop to the edge. Ensure that the blade
is well sharpened. Make certain that no silicones or other oils
4. Summary of Test Method
are applied to lubricate the blade; lubrication shall be solely
4.1 This test method is based on the observation that the net
with graphite or molybdenum compounds. The band saw blade
heat of combustion is generally directly related to the amount
must make a straight and true cut of the foam. Set the blade
of oxygen required for combustion (1). Approximately
guide no higher than 12 mm above the stock to be cut.
13.1 3 10 kJ of heat is released per 1 kg of oxygen consumed.
7.1.2 Forming Blocks—The specimen preparation rests cru-
Specimens in the test are burned in ambient air conditions
cially upon the proper use of forming blocks. These blocks are
while being subjected to a prescribed external heating flux of
made in dimensions of 98 by 98 by 50 mm. Each of these
35 kW/m .
dimensions shall be controlled to 6 0.5 mm. Use, as the
4.2 The heat release is determined by measurement of the
material for the forming blocks, a dense wood, such as maple,
oxygen consumption, as determined by the oxygen concentra-
which is minimally subject to dimensional changes when the
tion and flow rate in the combustion product stream, as
humidity is changed. Do not use pine. Use only fully kiln-dried
described in Test Method E 1354.
timber for making the forming blocks. Ensure that all surfaces
4.3 The primary measurements are oxygen concentration
are cut straight and true and are smooth. The edges shall not be
and exhaust gas flow rate. Additional measurements include
rounded, but the corners shall be slightly rounded. It is
the mass loss rate of the specimen, the time to sustained
preferable to lacquer the blocks with an acrylic lacquer to
flaming, and the effective heat of combustion. Ignitability is
ensure a hard, smooth, stable surface. Make up a minimum of
determined by measuring the time from initial exposure to the
12 blocks to allow a reasonable number of specimens to be
time of sustained flaming of the specimen.
prepared at the same time.
7.1.3 Adhesive—Several adhesives have been found suit-
5. Significance and Use
able for securing the fabrics. The adhesive shall be low in
5.1 This test method is used to determine the time to
flammability and shall have suitable holding power to permit
sustained flaming and heat release of materials and composites
inserting the resilient padding, stay in place until the testing is
exposed to a prescribed heat flux in the cone calorimeter
performed (that is, through the required conditioning) and
apparatus.
during the flammability test procedure. For the latter, the glued
5.2 Quantitative heat release measurements provide infor-
portions of the fabric shall neither flame excessively nor retard
mation that can be used for upholstery and mattress product
burning. Adhesives that are based on polychloroprene, acrylic,
designs and product development.
or water have been found suitable.
5.3 Heat release measurements provide useful information
7.1.3.1 Adhesive Selection—Adhesives based on polychlo-
for product development by yielding a quantitative measure of
roprene in methylene chloride solvent have been found suitable
specific changes in fire performance caused by component and
for all composites tested. Adhesives based on acrylic in water
composite modifications. Heat release data from this test
solvent (white glue, readily available in hardware and craft
method will not be predictive of product behavior if the
6 7
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of Parabond A-1535 obtained from Para-Chem Southern, Inc., Simpsonville, SC is
this test method. an example of a suitable adhesive of this type.
E 1474
stores) have been proven adequate for many, but not all, square, with 90° corners and face dimensions of 102.5 6 0.5
fabrics and interliners tested by a United States testing labo- by 102.5 6 0.5 mm. This size ensures that the resilient padding
ratory. Other adhesives are also suitable, provided they meet will be compressed during composite assembly, leading to
the stated requirements. tight, well-formed specimens.
7.1.3.2 Adhesive Application—The method of adhesive ap- 7.2.2.1 Some resilient paddings have a tendency for high
plication depends on the particular adhesive selected. Water- friction against the sawing table and the guide. To make a
soluble adhesives are applied directly from the bottle and smooth cut by allowing the resilient padding to slide easier, put
therefore do not require a brush. Likewise, any spillage is a piece of paper between the resilient padding and the
readily cleanable with water. This type of adhesive does not set table/guide. Push the assembly of resilient padding and paper
as quickly as the solvent-based adhesives, which permits forward and allow the blade to cut through both the resilient
shifting the fabric as necessary to create a neat, tight package. padding and the paper.
However, the glued specimen shall be left overnight to ensure 7.2.3 Forming Resilient Padding Blocks—The cone calo-
a good seal. On the other hand, polychloroprene-based adhe- rimeter test results will not be repeatable if the density of the
sives are applied with a brush made of hog bristles or other resilient padding tested is not very closely controlled. For this
stiff, course material. The brush shall be flat and square cut, purpose, each batch of resilient padding specimens prepared
with a width of 7 to 8 mm. A solvent compatible with the shall be checked for mass. It is assumed here that three
adhesive shall be used for cleanup and storage of the brush. replicate tests will be performed for each specimen type.
The solvent-based glues set up very quickly and do not permit Therefore, once three blocks of resilient padding have been cut,
any adjustment around the wood block. the mass shall be determined. No block shall have a mass of
7.1.3.3 Adhesive Checking—To test the efficiency of an more than 105 % of the mean of the three masses, nor a mass
adhesive, apply a small amount on two small pieces of the of less than 95 %. If such a difference occurs, additional blocks
fabric or interliner to be used. Allow the adhesive to dry (at shall be cut and the mass determined. The preparation of
least overnight), and then attempt to tear the fabric pieces from composites cannot start until three blocks of resilient padding
one another. To be acceptable, the glued pieces shall not be which conform to the above 5 % deviation limit have been
able to be separated without tearing the fabric. obtained. The blocks accepted shall be marked so as to be
7.1.4 Tape—Masking tape or other tape with adhesive is traceable. The mass of each block of resilient padding shall be
used to assist in assembling the test composites. Any type of noted along with the identification marks of the blocks. The
tape which will adequately adhere to all fabrics and be easy to mass of resilient padding shall be reported in the test report
remove after completion of assembly is suitable for this along with other information about this test run.
purpose. Some interliners or fabrics will be damaged by direct 7.2.4 Fabric Cutting:
application of masking tape to their surface, since removal 7.2.4.1 First, cut a square of 200 by 200 mm.
results in tearing or marring the surface. For items susceptible 7.2.4.2 For cone calorimeter results to be repeatable, fabric
to such damage, prepare strips of paper slightly wider than the for the different replicates shall show uniformity. When fabric
width of the masking tape and long enough to reach all the way material is obtained directly from a bolt of cloth, do not cut
around the forming block. Then secure the paper strips with specimens using closer than 10 to 12 cm to the selvedge (that
tape. is, the finished edge).
7.1.5 Aluminum Foil—Use aluminum foil that is 0.03 to 7.2.4.3 To assist in verifying that uniform specimens have
0.04 mm thick. No other foil thickness shall be used; it is been cut, check each set of fabric specimens that has b
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