Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials

SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers determination of the specific optical density of smoke generated by solid materials and assemblies mounted in the vertical position in thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25.4 mm).
1.2 Measurement is made of the attenuation of a light beam by smoke (suspended solid or liquid particles) accumulating within a closed chamber due to nonflaming pyrolytic decomposition and flaming combustion.  
1.3 Results are expressed in terms of specific optical density which is derived from a geometrical factor and the measured optical density, a measurement characteristic of the concentration of smoke.  
1.4 This test method is intended for use in research and development and not as a basis for ratings for regulatory purposes.  
1.5  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 of materials, products, of assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of the test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.  
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.  
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. Values stated in parentheses are for information only.

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Historical
Publication Date
09-Jun-2001
Technical Committee
Current Stage
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ASTM E662-97 - Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials
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NOTICE: This standard has either been superceded and replaced by a new version or discontinued.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information.
Designation: E 662 – 97 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid
1
Materials
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 662; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.
2
1. Scope ing or Decomposition of Plastics
3
E 176 Terminology of Fire Standards
1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers determination of
the specific optical density of smoke generated by solid
3. Terminology
materials and assemblies mounted in the vertical position in
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms found in this test
thicknesses up to and including 1 in. (25.4 mm).
method refer to Terminology E 176.
1.2 Measurement is made of the attenuation of a light beam
by smoke (suspended solid or liquid particles) accumulating
4. Summary of Test Method
within a closed chamber due to nonflaming pyrolytic decom-
4.1 This test method employs an electrically heated radiant-
position and flaming combustion.
energy source mounted within an insulated ceramic tube and
1.3 Results are expressed in terms of specific optical density
positioned so as to produce an irradiance level of 2.2 Btu/
which is derived from a geometrical factor and the measured
2 2
s·ft (2.5 W/cm ) averaged over the central 1.5-in. (38.1-mm)
optical density, a measurement characteristic of the concentra-
diameter area of a vertically mounted specimen facing the
tion of smoke.
radiant heater. The nominal 3 by 3-in. (76.2 by 76.2-mm)
1.4 This test method is intended for use in research and
specimen is mounted within a holder which exposes an area
development and not as a basis for ratings for regulatory
9 9
measuring 2 ⁄16 by 2 ⁄16 in. (65.1 by 65.1 mm). The holder can
purposes.
accommodate specimens up to 1 in. (25.4 mm) thick. This
1.5 This standard should be used to measure and describe
exposure provides the nonflaming condition of the test.
the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
4.2 For the flaming condition, a six-tube burner is used to
flame under controlled conditions and should not be used to
apply a row of equidistant flamelets across the lower edge of
describe or appraise the fire-hazard or fire-risk of materials,
the exposed specimen area and into the specimen holder
products, of assemblies under actual fire conditions. However,
trough. This application of flame in addition to the specified
results of the test may be used as elements of a firehazard
irradiance level from the heating element constitutes the
assessment or a fire-risk assessment which takes into account
flaming combustion exposure.
all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the
4.3 The test specimens are exposed to the flaming and
fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.
nonflaming conditions within a closed chamber. A photometric
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
system with a vertical light path is used to measure the varying
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
light transmission as smoke accumulates. The light transmit-
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
tance measurements are used to calculate specific optical
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
density of the smoke generated during the time period to reach
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4
the maximum value.
1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard. Values stated in parentheses are for information
5. Significance and Use
only.
5.1 This test method provides a means for determining the
specific optical density of the smoke generated by specimens of
2. Referenced Documents
materials and assemblies under the specified exposure condi-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
tions. Values determined by this test are specific to the
D 2843 Test Method for Density of Smoke from the Burn-
1 2
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-5 on Fire Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 08.02.
3
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.21 on Smoke and Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.
4
Combustion Products. Additional parameters, such as the maximum rate of smoke accumulation, time
Current edition approved Sept. 10, 1997. Published April 1998. Originally to a fixed optical density level, or a smoke obscuration index may provide useful
published as E 662 – 79. Last previous edition E 662 – 95. information. See Appendix X1.
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