ASTM D5425-23

Standard Guide for Development of Fire Hazard Assessment Standards of Electrotechnical Products

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide is intended for use by those undertaking the development of fire hazard assessment standards for electrotechnical products. Such standards are expected to be useful to manufacturers, architects, specification writers, and authorities having jurisdiction.  
4.2 As a guide, this document provides information on an approach to the development of a fire hazard assessment standard; fixed procedures are not established. Any limitations in the availability of data, of appropriate test procedures, of adequate fire models, or in the advancement of scientific knowledge will place significant constraints upon the procedure for the assessment of fire hazard.  
4.3 The focus of this guide is on fire assessment standards for electrotechnical products. However, insofar as the concepts in this guide are consistent with those of Guide E1546, the general concepts presented also may be applicable to processes, activities, occupancies, and buildings. Guide E2061 contains an example of how to use information on fire-test-response characteristics of electrotechnical products (electric cables) in a fire hazard assessment for a specific occupancy (rail transportation vehicle).  
4.4 A standard developed following this guide should not attempt to set a safety threshold or other pass/fail criteria. Such a standard should specify all steps required to determine fire hazard measures for which safety thresholds or pass/fail criteria can be meaningfully set by authorities having jurisdiction.
SCOPE
1.1 This guide provides guidance on the development of fire hazard assessment standards for electrotechnical products. For the purposes of this guide, products include materials, components, and end-use products.  
1.2 This guide is directed toward development of standards that will provide procedures for assessing fire hazards harmful to people, animals, or property.  
1.3 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.  
1.4 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.  
1.5 This standard is used to predict or provide a quantitative measure of the fire hazard from a specified set of fire conditions involving specific materials, products, or assemblies. This assessment does not necessarily predict the hazard of actual fires which involve conditions other than those assumed in the analysis.  
1.6 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-Jan-2023
• ICS: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• Technical Committee: D09 - Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials
• Drafting Committee: D09.17 - Fire and Thermal Properties

Relations

• Refers: ASTM D1711-24 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Refers: ASTM E176-24 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E2067-23 - Standard Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry Fire Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E176-18a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM E2061-18 - Standard Guide for Fire Hazard Assessment of Rail Transportation Vehicles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E176-18 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E2067-15 - Standard Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry Fire Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM E2061-15 - Standard Guide for Fire Hazard Assessment of Rail Transportation Vehicles
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1711-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15ae1 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM D1711-14a - Standard Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2014
• Refers: ASTM E176-14c - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014
• Refers: ASTM E176-14b - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Aug-2014

Overview

ASTM D5425-23: Standard Guide for Development of Fire Hazard Assessment Standards of Electrotechnical Products provides essential guidance for those developing fire hazard assessment standards for electrotechnical products, including materials, components, and end-use products. This guide supports manufacturers, architects, specification writers, and authorities having jurisdiction by outlining best practices for assessing fire hazards which can affect people, animals, and property.

The document presents a flexible, comprehensive approach to creating fire hazard assessment standards, emphasizing adaptation to the latest scientific knowledge and data availability. While it does not prescribe fixed procedures or set safety thresholds, it identifies the key factors and methodologies to consider and establishes a robust framework for effective assessment.

Key Topics

• Fire Hazard vs. Fire Risk: Clarifies the distinction between fire hazard (potential for harm from fire) and fire risk (expected fire loss factoring in probability).
• Fundamental Concepts: Discusses aspects such as ignitability, flame spread, heat release, smoke production, toxicity, and fire endurance related to electrotechnical products.
• Fire Testing Types:
  • Fire Simulation Tests: Assess real-world product performance in fire scenarios.
  • Fire Resistance Tests: Examine product or component endurance during fire exposure.
  • Combustion Characteristic Tests: Study reaction-to-fire properties using standardized samples.
  • Basic Property Tests: Measure underlying physical or chemical properties relevant to fire behavior.
• Developing Standards: Outlines a systematic process from defining scope and scenarios to selecting test methods, gathering data, and establishing evaluation criteria.
• Data and Interpretation: Encourages the use of test data, historical fire statistics, and expert judgment to validate assessment methods and ensure real-world relevance.

Applications

The ASTM D5425-23 guide has broad practical applications, especially for:

• Electrotechnical Product Safety: Assists in developing standards for safe design, selection, and use of electrotechnical products such as cables, enclosures, and electrical components.
• Product Specification and Compliance: Supports specification writers and regulatory authorities in aligning products with fire safety requirements, without establishing pass/fail thresholds.
• Fire Safety Engineering: Guides engineers in assessing fire hazards based on properties like ignitability, flame spread, and heat release, enhancing building and product design.
• Risk Management and Mitigation: Helps organizations and fire safety professionals identify fire hazards early, enabling effective risk management strategies.
• Process and Occupancy Assessment: The core principles can extend to other domains, such as building occupancies and transportation vehicles, where electrotechnical products play a significant role in fire scenarios.

Related Standards

Developing comprehensive fire hazard assessment standards for electrotechnical products often requires referencing additional standards and guidelines, such as:

• ASTM E1546: Guide for Development of Fire Hazard Assessment Standards
• ASTM E1776: Guide for Development of Fire Risk Assessment Standards
• ASTM E603: Guide for Room Fire Experiments
• ASTM E2061: Guide for Fire Hazard Assessment of Rail Transportation Vehicles
• ASTM D1711: Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
• ASTM E176: Terminology of Fire Standards
• ASTM E2067: Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry Fire Tests
• NFPA 556: Guide on Methods for Evaluating Fire Hazard to Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles
• ISO 13943: Fire Safety-Vocabulary

Practical Value

Utilizing ASTM D5425-23 streamlines the development of fire hazard assessment standards, ensuring that electrotechnical products meet critical fire safety objectives. By following this guide, stakeholders can create transparent, evidence-based procedures for evaluating fire hazards, improving public safety and supporting regulatory compliance across the global electrotechnical industry.

Keywords: electrotechnical products, fire hazard assessment, fire risk, fire safety, fire testing, ignitability, flame spread, ASTM D5425-23.

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: D5425 − 23
Standard Guide for
Development of Fire Hazard Assessment Standards of
Electrotechnical Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5425; 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* E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E603 Guide for Room Fire Experiments
1.1 This guide provides guidance on the development of fire
E1546 Guide for Development of Fire-Hazard-Assessment
hazard assessment standards for electrotechnical products. For
Standards
the purposes of this guide, products include materials,
E1776 Guide for Development of Fire-Risk-Assessment
components, and end-use products.
Standards
1.2 This guide is directed toward development of standards
E2061 Guide for Fire Hazard Assessment of Rail Transpor-
that will provide procedures for assessing fire hazards harmful
tation Vehicles
to people, animals, or property.
E2067 Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calo-
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the rimetry Fire Tests
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
2.2 NFPA Codes and Standards:
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- NFPA 555 Guide on Methods for Decreasing the Probability
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of Flashover (Withdrawn)
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. NFPA 556 Guide on Methods for Evaluating Fire Hazard to
1.4 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative
Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles
measures. NFPA 901 Uniform Coding for Fire Protection
2.3 International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Stan-
1.5 This standard is used to predict or provide a quantitative
dards:
measure of the fire hazard from a specified set of fire conditions
IEC 60695-1-1 Fire Hazard Testing—Part 1-1: Guidance for
involving specific materials, products, or assemblies. This
Assessing the Fire Hazard of Electrotechnical Products—
assessment does not necessarily predict the hazard of actual
General guidelines (Withdrawn)
fires which involve conditions other than those assumed in the
2.4 International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
analysis.
Standards:
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
ISO 13943 Fire Safety: Vocabulary
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
3. Terminology
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1 Definitions:
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this guide and asso-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ciated with electrical and electronic insulating materials, use
Terminology D1711.
2. Referenced Documents
3.1.2 For definitions of terms used in this guide and asso-
2.1 ASTM Standards:
ciated with fire issues, use Terminology E176, ISO 13943, and
D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
IEC 60695-1-1 (see 5.1). Where differences exist in definitions,
the definitions contained in Terminology E176 shall prevail.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on Electrical and
Electronic Insulating Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
D09.17 on Fire and Thermal Properties. Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D5425 – 18. DOI: Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3 Rue de
10.1520/D5425-23. Varembé, Case postale 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Available from International Organization for Standardization, P.O. Box 56,
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland or from American National Standards Institute
the ASTM website. (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
*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
D5425 − 23
3.2.1 electrotechnical product, n—item that generates or 5.1.2.1 fire hazard, n—potential for harm associated with
uses electrical power as a source of energy or that is associated fire.
with the conduction or transmission of electrical signals or 5.1.2.2 Discussion—ISO 13943-2017 also states that,
power. alternatively, fire hazard can be a physical object or condition
3.2.1.1 Discussion—Electrotechnical products include the with a potential for an undesirable consequence from fire.
materials insulating electrical wires and cables and the mate- 5.1.2.3 ISO 13943-2017 defines fire hazard assessment (or
rials enclosing other products that generate or are fed by fire hazard analysis) as “evaluation of the possible causes of
electricity, as well as the products themselves and all of their fire (3.114), the possibility and nature of subsequent fire
parts. growth, and the possible consequences of fire.” It then states
further that “other definitions of fire hazard assessment spe-
3.2.2 fire scenario, n—a detailed description of conditions,
cifically point out a relationship to the (extent of) fire safety
including environmental, of one or more of the stages from
measures present or foreseen.” Terminology E176 does not
before ignition to the completion of combustion in an actual
define fire hazard assessment or fire hazard analysis.
fire at specific location, or in a full-scale simulation.
5.1.3 Fire risk is defined in Terminology E176 as:
3.2.3 products, n—material, component, or end-use product.
5.1.3.1 fire risk, n—an estimation of expected fire loss that
combines the potential for harm in various fire scenarios that
4. Significance and Use
can occur with the probabilities of occurrence of those sce-
4.1 This guide is intended for use by those undertaking the
narios.
development of fire hazard assessment standards for electro-
technical products. Such standards are expected to be useful to
NOTE 2—Risk may be defined as the probability of having a certain type
manufacturers, architects, specification writers, and authorities of fire, where the type of fire may be defined in whole or in part by the
degree of potential harm associated with it or as potential for harm
having jurisdiction.
weighted by associated probabilities. However it is defined, no risk scale
4.2 As a guide, this document provides information on an
implies a single value of acceptable risk. Different individuals presented
approach to the development of a fire hazard assessment with the same risk situation may have different opinions on its accept-
ability.
standard; fixed procedures are not established. Any limitations
in the availability of data, of appropriate test procedures, of
5.1.4 Fire risk is defined in ISO 13943-2017, in a manner
adequate fire models, or in the advancement of scientific very similar to the definition in Terminology E176, as:
knowledge will place significant constraints upon the proce-
5.1.4.1 fire risk, n—estimation of expected fire loss that
dure for the assessment of fire hazard.
combines the potential for harm in various fire scenarios that
can occur with the probabilities of occurrence of those sce-
4.3 The focus of this guide is on fire assessment standards
narios.
for electrotechnical products. However, insofar as the concepts
5.1.4.2 Discussion—ISO 13943-2017 also states that,
in this guide are consistent with those of Guide E1546, the
alternatively, fire risk is the “combination of the probability of
general concepts presented also may be applicable to
a fire and a quantified measure of its consequence”.
processes, activities, occupancies, and buildings. Guide E2061
contains an example of how to use information on fire-test-
5.2 The primary concern in the fire hazard assessment of
response characteristics of electrotechnical products (electric
electrotechnical products is to minimize the fire hazard result-
cables) in a fire hazard assessment for a specific occupancy
ing when such products ignite. Should a fire start, it is then
(rail transportation vehicle).
desirable to limit the fire propagation. Give consideration to
4.4 A standard developed following this guide should not
external events, such as the outbreak of a fire in the environ-
attempt to set a safety threshold or other pass/fail criteria. Such ment. In general, however, disregard deliberate misuse of an
a standard should specify all steps required to determine fire
electrotechnical product, in the fire hazard assessment.
hazard measures for which safety thresholds or pass/fail
5.3 Give consideration also to heat release (both rate and
criteria can be meaningfully set by authorities having jurisdic-
amount) and opacity, toxicity, and corrosivity of the smoke
tion.
from a burning product and any necessary ability to function
under fire conditions. These hazards are directly related to the
5. General Concepts
ignition and fire propagation. The emission of gases may also,
5.1 It is important to understand and maintain the differ-
under certain circumstances, lead to the possibility of explo-
ences between fire hazard and fire risk.
sion.
5.1.1 Fire hazard is defined in Terminology E176 as:
5.4 Certain electrotechnical products such as large
5.1.1.1 fire hazard, n—the potential for harm associated
enclosures, insulated cables, and conduits, may in fact replace
with fire.
large portions of surfaces and finishing materials of building
NOTE 1—A fire may pose one or more types of hazard to people,
construction or may penetrate fire-resisting walls. In these
animals, or property. These hazards are associated with the environment
circumstances, the requirements for fire performance of the
and with a number of fire test response characteristics of materials,
electrotechnical products, when exposed to an external fire,
products, or assemblies including, but not limited to, ease of ignition,
flame spread, rate of heat release, smoke generation and obscuration,
must ensure that they do not contribute to the hazard of fire to
toxicity of combustion products, and ease of extinguishment.
a greater degree than is permitted by the building materials or
5.1.2 Fire hazard is defined in ISO 13943-2017 as: structures that are replaced.
D5425 − 23
5.5 Following a detailed review of all of the expected 6.1.2.2 They are intended to provide data on the electrical
hazards as related to a specific fire scenario, the final hazard behavior and performance of an electrotechnical product, or
finished assembly, under a particular condition of exposure to
assessment standards, as drafted, should include a series of
heat or flame.
tests or a single test, as appropriate, to address the specific
hazard(s) defined. Single test standards are acceptable if they 6.1.2.3 Recent studies show a need for very careful consid-
address the major hazard(s) defined or are interrelated to the eration of the test conditions and comparison with the actual
fire situation and to the possible effect of any uncontrolled
various components involved.
variables, such as the environment in which the product is
5.6 In order to design electrotechnical products with accept-
placed.
able characteristics for minimizing fire hazard, pay careful
6.1.2.4 It is unlikely that the results of fire resistance tests
attention to the permissible mechanical, electrical, and thermal
are directly applicable to fire hazard assessment of the corre-
stresses. This should minimize the fire hazard under all
sponding electrotechnical product.
conditions of use: normal operation, foreseeable deviations
6.1.3 Combustion Characteristic Tests:
from normal use, and faulty operation conditions. The desired
6.1.3.1 These tests examine the reaction to fire of small
level of fire hazard is achievable by the procedures in 5.6.1 –
standardized specimens under controlled conditions. These
5.6.3:
tests are used to give data on properties related to the burning
5.6.1 The use of parts or circuit design and protection, or
behavior of the materials, components, or end-use products
both, which, under overload or failure, are not likely to ignite
tested. They are also useful for comparative evaluations. The
or to cause ignition;
fire properties measured include, but are not limited to,
5.6.2 The use of parts, including enclosures, which are flammability, ignitability, flame spread rate, smoke density, fire
sufficiently resistant to probable ignition sources and heat
effluent generation, and heat release rate. Examples of such
within an electrotechnical product; or, tests include the application of a number of fire-test-response
standards to electrotechnical products.
5.6.3 The use of designs that will adequately resist the
6.1.3.2 The data provided by such tests are usually not
propagation of fire spread and surface spread by fire.
representative of fire performance under conditions other than
those to which the specimen is subjected. Combustion charac-
6. Types of Fire Tests
teristic tests are most useful when designed to simulate as
6.1 Technical committees engaged in the preparation of
closely as possible the situation to which materials,
requirements and test specifications with regard to fire involv-
components, or end-use products may be exposed in actual use.
ing electrotechnical products should recognize the following
They may then lead to the proper selection of materials,
types of tests:
components, and end-use products, which will meet the appro-
6.1.1 Fire Simulation Tests:
priate requirement when testing the complete product.
6.1.3.3 These tests measure responses of electrotechnical
6.1.1.1 These tests examine the reaction to fire of electro-
materials, components, or end-use products to heat or flame
technical products, in a way as representative as possible of the
under controlled laboratory conditions. They are a step further
use of the product in practice.
away from real fire conditions when compared to fire simula-
6.1.1.2 When the actual conditions of use (including fore-
tion tests. However, when done appropriately, results from
seeable abnormal use, malfunction, or failure) of a product are
these tests, in combination with those from other tests, may be
simulated as closely as possible, and the design of the test
useful as elements of the fire hazard assessment of an electro-
procedure is related to the actual fire hazard, such tests are
technical product in a particular end use once all the pertinent
likely to assess one or more relevant aspects of the fire hazard
factors are taken into account.
associated with the use of the product under consideration in a
6.1.4 “Basic Property” Tests:
specific scenario. The results of this type of test are thus well
6.1.4.1 These tests are designed to measure one basic
suited for use as elements of a fire hazard assessment that takes
physical or chemical property of a material. They yield
into account all the factors pertinent to an assessment of the fire
information that is, at least to some extent, independent of the
hazard of the electrotechnical product in a particular end use.
testing method. Some examples of such properties are: heat of
6.1.1.3 Do not use the results of fire simulation tests for fire
combustion, heat of vaporization, thermal conductivity, or
hazard assessment when a change of product design is made, or
melting point.
when conditions of use are changed from those simulated in the
6.1.4.2 In a real fire situation, a number of such properties
test.
collectively affect the fire behavior of the electrotechnical
6.1.1.4 Since such tests are designed specifically for a
product. However, a single basic property measurement will, at
detailed fire scenario, they often do not become test standards.
most, define only a single aspect of the fire hazard associated
6.1.2 Fire Resistance Tests:
with a system. Thus, it is unlikely that the results of these basic
6.1.2.1 These tests are intended to assess the ability of an property tests are useful elements of a fire hazard assessment.
electrotechnical product, or one of its parts, to preserve the
6.1.4.3 However, eventually, after fire safety engineering
various properties necessary for its use, under specified condi- develops a firmer technical base, the hope is that the results of
tions of exposure to fire and for a stated period of time. In other
combustion characteristic tests may be used to assess a wide
words, these tests measure continuity of operation. range of fire safety situations.
D5425 − 23
7. Fire Hazard Assessment Standards ment procedure for a particular product must describe the
product, how it is used, and its environment.
7.1 Fire hazard assessment standards are to conform in style
and content with Form and Style for ASTM Standards. 8.2 Development of a Fire Hazard Assessment Standard:
8.2.1 Listed below are the seven basic steps to follow in
7.2 Fire hazard assessment standards are to include sections
developing a fire hazard assessment standard:
labeled Scope, Terminology, Significance and Use, and
8.2.1.1 Define the scope (for example, the product range of
Procedure, numbered and arranged in that order.
interest) and context (for example, where and how the products
7.3 Scope:
are used),
7.3.1 State clearly in the Scope:
8.2.1.2 Identify the scenario(s) of concern,
7.3.1.1 The product or class of products of interest,
8.2.1.3 Identify the measure of harm to be assessed (for
7.3.1.2 The fire scenario(s) included in the standard,
example, deaths, injuries, business loss, property loss),
7.3.1.3 The assumptions used in the standard,
8.2.1.4 Identify the test methods or calculation procedures
7.3.1.4 The structure of the fire hazard assessment
needed to produce the measures of fire hazard,
procedure, including test methods, models, other calculation
8.2.1.5 Use the scenarios to define key parameters of the test
procedures, data sources, hazard measures, and evaluation
methods or calculation procedures,
criteria or procedures used,
8.2.1.6 Identify the types and sources of data required to
7.3.1.5 Any limitations on the application of the standard,
support the selected test methods and calculation procedures,
and
and
7.3.1.6 Include also, in accordance with Form and Style for
8.2.1.7 Identify the criteria or procedures to evaluate the fire
ASTM Standards, F2.2.2.2, the following caveat: “This stan-
hazard measures.
dard may be used to predict or provide a quantitative measure
8.3 Basic Steps:
of the fire hazard from a specified set of fire conditions
8.3.1 Defining the Scope and Context:
involving specific materials, products, or
...

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: D5425 − 18 D5425 − 23
Standard Guide for
Development of Fire Hazard Assessment Standards of
Electrotechnical Products
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D5425; 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 guide provides guidance on the development of fire hazard assessment standards for electrotechnical products. For the
purposes of this guide, products include materials, components, and end-use products.
1.2 This guide is directed toward development of standards that will provide procedures for assessing fire hazards harmful to
people, animals, or property.
1.3 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.
1.4 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
1.5 This standard is used to predict or provide a quantitative measure of the fire hazard from a specified set of fire conditions
involving specific materials, products, or assemblies. This assessment does not necessarily predict the hazard of actual fires which
involve conditions other than those assumed in the analysis.
1.6 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:
D1711 Terminology Relating to Electrical Insulation
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E603 Guide for Room Fire Experiments
E1546 Guide for Development of Fire-Hazard-Assessment Standards
E1776 Guide for Development of Fire-Risk-Assessment Standards
E2061 Guide for Fire Hazard Assessment of Rail Transportation Vehicles
E2067 Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry Fire Tests
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D09 on Electrical and Electronic Insulating Materials and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D09.17
on Fire and Thermal Properties.
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2018Feb. 1, 2023. Published December 2018February 2023. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20142018
as D5425 – 14.D5425 – 18. DOI: 10.1520/D5425-18.10.1520/D5425-23.
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.
*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
D5425 − 23
2.2 NFPA Codes and Standards:
NFPA 555 Guide on Methods for Decreasing the Probability of Flashover (Withdrawn)
NFPA 556 Guide on Methods for Evaluating Fire Hazard to Occupants of Passenger Road Vehicles
NFPA 901 Uniform Coding for Fire Protection
2.3 International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) Standards:
IEC 60695-1-1 Fire Hazard Testing—Part 1-1: Guidance for Assessing the Fire Hazard of Electrotechnical Products—General
guidelines (Withdrawn)
2.4 International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Standards:
ISO 13943 Fire Safety: Vocabulary
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this guide and associated with electrical and electronic insulating materials, use Terminology
D1711.
3.1.2 For definitions of terms used in this guide and associated with fire issues, use Terminology E176, ISO 13943, and IEC
60695-1-1 (see 5.1). Where differences exist in definitions, the definitions contained in Terminology E176 shall prevail.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 electrotechnical product, n—item that generates or uses electrical power as a source of energy or that is associated with the
conduction or transmission of electrical signals or power.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
Electrotechnical products include the materials insulating electrical wires and cables and the materials enclosing other products that
generate or are fed by electricity, as well as the products themselves and all of their parts.
3.2.2 fire scenario, n—a detailed description of conditions, including environmental, of one or more of the stages from before
ignition to the completion of combustion in an actual fire at specific location, or in a full-scale simulation.
3.2.3 products, n—material, component, or end-use product.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 This guide is intended for use by those undertaking the development of fire hazard assessment standards for electrotechnical
products. Such standards are expected to be useful to manufacturers, architects, specification writers, and authorities having
jurisdiction.
4.2 As a guide, this document provides information on an approach to the development of a fire hazard assessment standard; fixed
procedures are not established. Any limitations in the availability of data, of appropriate test procedures, of adequate fire models,
or in the advancement of scientific knowledge will place significant constraints upon the procedure for the assessment of fire
hazard.
4.3 The focus of this guide is on fire assessment standards for electrotechnical products. However, insofar as the concepts in this
guide are consistent with those of Guide E1546, the general concepts presented also may be applicable to processes, activities,
occupancies, and buildings. Guide E2061 contains an example of how to use information on fire-test-response characteristics of
electrotechnical products (electric cables) in a fire hazard assessment for a specific occupancy (rail transportation vehicle).
4.4 A standard developed following this guide should not attempt to set a safety threshold or other pass/fail criteria. Such a
standard should specify all steps required to determine fire hazard measures for which safety thresholds or pass/fail criteria can
be meaningfully set by authorities having jurisdiction.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
Available from International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), 3 Rue de Varembé, Case postale 131, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iec.ch.
Available from International Organization for Standardization, P.O. Box 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland or from American National Standards Institute (ANSI),
25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036, http://www.ansi.org.
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5. General Concepts
5.1 It is important to understand and maintain the differences between fire hazard and fire risk.
5.1.1 Fire hazard is defined in Terminology E176 as:
5.1.1.1 fire hazard, n—the potential for harm associated with fire.
NOTE 1—A fire may pose one or more types of hazard to people, animals, or property. These hazards are associated with the environment and with a
number of fire test response characteristics of materials, products, or assemblies including, but not limited to, ease of ignition, flame spread, rate of heat
release, smoke generation and obscuration, toxicity of combustion products, and ease of extinguishment.
5.1.2 Fire hazard is defined in ISO 13943-2017 as:
5.1.2.1 fire hazard, n—potential for harm associated with fire.
5.1.2.2 Discussion—ISO 13943-2017 also states that, alternatively, fire hazard can be a physical object or condition with a
potential for an undesirable consequence from fire.
5.1.2.3 ISO 13943-2017 defines fire hazard assessment (or fire hazard analysis) as “evaluation of the possible causes of fire
(3.114), the possibility and nature of subsequent fire growth, and the possible consequences of fire.” It then states further that “other
definitions of fire hazard assessment specifically point out a relationship to the (extent of) fire safety measures present or foreseen.”
Terminology E176 does not define fire hazard assessment or fire hazard analysis.
5.1.3 Fire risk is defined in Terminology E176 as:
5.1.3.1 fire risk, n—an estimation of expected fire loss that combines the potential for harm in various fire scenarios that can occur
with the probabilities of occurrence of those scenarios.
NOTE 2—Risk may be defined as the probability of having a certain type of fire, where the type of fire may be defined in whole or in part by the degree
of potential harm associated with it or as potential for harm weighted by associated probabilities. However it is defined, no risk scale implies a single
value of acceptable risk. Different individuals presented with the same risk situation may have different opinions on its acceptability.
5.1.4 Fire risk is defined in ISO 13943-2017, in a manner very similar to the definition in Terminology E176, as:
5.1.4.1 fire risk, n—estimation of expected fire loss that combines the potential for harm in various fire scenarios that can occur
with the probabilities of occurrence of those scenarios.
5.1.4.2 Discussion—ISO 13943-2017 also states that, alternatively, fire risk is the “combination of the probability of a fire and a
quantified measure of its consequence”.
5.2 The primary concern in the fire hazard assessment of electrotechnical products is to minimize the fire hazard resulting when
such products ignite. Should a fire start, it is then desirable to limit the fire propagation. Give consideration to external events, such
as the outbreak of a fire in the environment. In general, however, disregard deliberate misuse of an electrotechnical product, in the
fire hazard assessment.
5.3 Give consideration also to heat release (both rate and amount) and opacity, toxicity, and corrosivity of the smoke from a
burning product and any necessary ability to function under fire conditions. These hazards are directly related to the ignition and
fire propagation. The emission of gases may also, under certain circumstances, lead to the possibility of explosion.
5.4 Certain electrotechnical products such as large enclosures, insulated cables, and conduits, may in fact replace large portions
of surfaces and finishing materials of building construction or may penetrate fire-resisting walls. In these circumstances, the
requirements for fire performance of the electrotechnical products, when exposed to an external fire, must ensure that they do not
contribute to the hazard of fire to a greater degree than is permitted by the building materials or structures that are replaced.
5.5 Following a detailed review of all of the expected hazards as related to a specific fire scenario, the final hazard assessment
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standards, as drafted, should include a series of tests or a single test, as appropriate, to address the specific hazard(s) defined. Single
test standards are acceptable if they address the major hazard(s) defined or are interrelated to the various components involved.
5.6 In order to design electrotechnical products with acceptable characteristics for minimizing fire hazard, pay careful attention
to the permissible mechanical, electrical, and thermal stresses. This should minimize the fire hazard under all conditions of use:
normal operation, foreseeable deviations from normal use, and faulty operation conditions. The desired level of fire hazard is
achievable by the procedures in 5.6.1 – 5.6.3:
5.6.1 The use of parts or circuit design and protection, or both, which, under overload or failure, are not likely to ignite or to cause
ignition;
5.6.2 The use of parts, including enclosures, which are sufficiently resistant to probable ignition sources and heat within an
electrotechnical product; or,
5.6.3 The use of designs that will adequately resist the propagation of fire spread and surface spread by fire.
6. Types of Fire Tests
6.1 Technical committees engaged in the preparation of requirements and test specifications with regard to fire involving
electrotechnical products should recognize the following types of tests:
6.1.1 Fire Simulation Tests:
6.1.1.1 These tests examine the reaction to fire of electrotechnical products, in a way as representative as possible of the use of
the product in practice.
6.1.1.2 When the actual conditions of use (including foreseeable abnormal use, malfunction, or failure) of a product are simulated
as closely as possible, and the design of the test procedure is related to the actual fire hazard, such tests are likely to assess one
or more relevant aspects of the fire hazard associated with the use of the product under consideration in a specific scenario. The
results of this type of test are thus well suited for use as elements of a fire hazard assessment that takes into account all the factors
pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of the electrotechnical product in a particular end use.
6.1.1.3 Do not use the results of fire simulation tests for fire hazard assessment when a change of product design is made, or when
conditions of use are changed from those simulated in the test.
6.1.1.4 Since such tests are designed specifically for a detailed fire scenario, they often do not become test standards.
6.1.2 Fire Resistance Tests:
6.1.2.1 These tests are intended to assess the ability of an electrotechnical product, or one of its parts, to preserve the various
properties necessary for its use, under specified conditions of exposure to fire and for a stated period of time. In other words, these
tests measure continuity of operation.
6.1.2.2 They are intended to provide data on the electrical behavior and performance of an electrotechnical product, or finished
assembly, under a particular condition of exposure to heat or flame.
6.1.2.3 Recent studies show a need for very careful consideration of the test conditions and comparison with the actual fire
situation and to the possible effect of any uncontrolled variables, such as the environment in which the product is placed.
6.1.2.4 It is unlikely that the results of fire resistance tests are directly applicable to fire hazard assessment of the corresponding
electrotechnical product.
6.1.3 Combustion Characteristic Tests:
6.1.3.1 These tests examine the reaction to fire of small standardized specimens under controlled conditions. These tests are used
to give data on properties related to the burning behavior of the materials, components, or end-use products tested. They are also
useful for comparative evaluations. The fire properties measured include, but are not limited to, flammability, ignitability, flame
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spread rate, smoke density, fire effluent generation, and heat release rate. Examples of such tests include the application of a number
of fire-test-response standards to electrotechnical products.
6.1.3.2 The data provided by such tests are usually not representative of fire performance under conditions other than those to
which the specimen is subjected. Combustion characteristic tests are most useful when designed to simulate as closely as possible
the situation to which materials, components, or end-use products may be exposed in actual use. They may then lead to the proper
selection of materials, components, and end-use products, which will meet the appropriate requirement when testing the complete
product.
6.1.3.3 These tests measure responses of electrotechnical materials, components, or end-use products to heat or flame under
controlled laboratory conditions. They are a step further away from real fire conditions when compared to fire simulation tests.
However, when done appropriately, results from these tests, in combination with those from other tests, may be useful as elements
of the fire hazard assessment of an electrotechnical product in a particular end use once all the pertinent factors are taken into
account.
6.1.4 “Basic Property” Tests:
6.1.4.1 These tests are designed to measure one basic physical or chemical property of a material. They yield information that is,
at least to some extent, independent of the testing method. Some examples of such properties are: heat of combustion, heat of
vaporization, thermal conductivity, or melting point.
6.1.4.2 In a real fire situation, a number of such properties collectively affect the fire behavior of the electrotechnical product.
However, a single basic property measurement will, at most, define only a single aspect of the fire hazard associated with a system.
Thus, it is unlikely that the results of these basic property tests are useful elements of a fire hazard assessment.
6.1.4.3 However, eventually, after fire safety engineering develops a firmer technical base, the hope is that the results of
combustion characteristic tests may be used to assess a wide range of fire safety situations.
7. Fire Hazard Assessment Standards
7.1 Fire hazard assessment standards are to conform in style and content with Form and Style for ASTM Standards.
7.2 Fire hazard assessment standards are to include sections labeled Scope, Terminology, Significance and Use, and Procedure,
numbered and arranged in that order.
7.3 Scope:
7.3.1 State clearly in the Scope:
7.3.1.1 The product or class of products of interest,
7.3.1.2 The fire scenario(s) included in the standard,
7.3.1.3 The assumptions used in the standard,
7.3.1.4 The structure of the fire hazard assessment procedure, including test methods, models, other calculation procedures, data
sources, hazard measures, and evaluation criteria or procedures used,
7.3.1.5 Any limitations on the application of the standard, and
7.3.1.6 Include also, in accordance with Form and Style for ASTM Standards, F2.2.2.2, the following caveat: “This standard may
be used to predict or provide a quantitative measure of the fire hazard from a specified set of fire conditions involving specific
materials, products, or assemblies. This assessment does not necessarily predict the hazard of actual fires which involve conditions
other than those assumed in the analysis.”
Form and Style for ASTM Standards, March 2014, available from ASTM International Headquarters, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA
19428-2959.
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7.4 Terminology:
7.4.1 Define clearly any terms unique to the fire hazard assessment standard. Use standard terms as defined in Terminology E176
whenever possible.
7.4.2 If appropriate, refer to Terminology D1711 when addressing issues associated with electrical or electronic insulation
materials.
7.5 Significance and Use:
7.5.1 Describe clearly the major uses and any limitations of the standard fire hazard assessment procedure, and
7.5.2 State clearly the significance of the assessment to users.
7.6 Detailed Procedure:
7.6.1 Include in this section detailed descriptions of the fire hazard assessment procedure and its component parts, including test
meth
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