ASTM E2187-20a

Standard Test Method for Measuring the Ignition Strength of Cigarettes

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The most common initiating event in a fatal fire is the dropping of a cigarette onto a bed or piece of upholstered furniture, according to statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association (4). Test Methods E1352 and E1353 and tests NFPA 261 and NFPA 260 have been developed to evaluate the susceptibility of upholstered furniture mock-ups and components to ignition by cigarettes. Federal Standard 16 CFR Part 1632, Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads, was promulgated to reduce the likelihood that mattresses and mattress pads would ignite from a lighted cigarette.
Note 1: While Test Methods E1352 and E1353 were originally equivalent to NFPA 261 and 260, respectively, this is no longer the case.  
5.2 This test method enables comparison of the relative ignition strength of different cigarette designs.  
5.3 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to a set of laboratory conditions. If different conditions are substituted or the end use conditions are changed, it may not be possible, using this test, to predict quantitative changes in the fire test response characteristics measured. Therefore, the quantitative results are valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in this procedure.
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response standard provides a standard measure of the capability of a cigarette, positioned on one of four standard substrates, to generate sufficient heat to continue burning and thus potentially cause ignition of bedding or upholstered furniture.  
1.2 This method has value as a predictor of the relative propensity of a cigarette to ignite upholstered furnishings.  
1.3 This method is applicable to cigarettes that burn along the length of a tobacco column.  
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.  
1.7 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: 30-Apr-2020
• ICS: 65.160 - Tobacco, tobacco products and related equipment
• Technical Committee: E05 - Fire Standards
• Drafting Committee: E05.15 - Furnishings and Contents

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM E2187-20 - Standard Test Method for Measuring the Ignition Strength of Cigarettes
• Effective Date: 01-May-2020
• Refers: ASTM E176-24 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E176-18a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM E176-18 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• 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 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
• Refers: ASTM E176-14a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2014
• Refers: ASTM E176-14 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2014
• Refers: ASTM E691-13 - Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• Effective Date: 01-May-2013
• Refers: ASTM E176-13 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2013
• Refers: ASTM E176-12b - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2012
• Refers: ASTM E176-12a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2012

Overview

ASTM E2187-20a, titled Standard Test Method for Measuring the Ignition Strength of Cigarettes, is an internationally recognized standard developed by ASTM to assess the capability of a cigarette to generate enough heat to continue burning when placed on common substrates. This method is essential for evaluating the propensity of cigarettes to ignite bedding or upholstered furniture-one of the leading initiating events in fatal residential fires according to fire safety statistics.

By following a controlled set of laboratory procedures, ASTM E2187 quantifies the relative ignition strength of cigarette designs. The standard is widely referenced by regulatory and safety organizations to help reduce the risk of fires caused by smoking materials.

Key Topics

• Fire-Test-Response Assessment: The standard provides a uniform test method to measure how likely a cigarette is to sustain combustion and potentially ignite surrounding furnishings.
• Substrate Testing: Cigarettes are tested on four types of standard substrates, including multiple layers of filter paper and a filter paper/stainless steel combination, to simulate real-world surfaces such as mattresses and upholstery.
• Comparative Analysis: The methodology enables comparison between different cigarette designs, aiding in the development of reduced ignition propensity cigarettes.
• Controlled Laboratory Environment: Testing strictly adheres to specified temperature and humidity ranges to ensure repeatable and reliable results.
• Reporting Requirements: Detailed documentation is mandated, including test conditions, cigarette identification, and quantitative results, to support compliance and traceability.
• Safety and Handling: Emphasizes rigorous safety practices for handling combustible materials and test residues, with required provisions for proper ventilation and personal protective equipment.

Applications

ASTM E2187-20a plays a critical role in various contexts, including:

• Product Development: Tobacco product manufacturers utilize this standard to design and assess low-ignition propensity cigarettes, minimizing the risk of starting fires when accidentally dropped on soft furnishings.
• Regulatory Compliance: Many jurisdictions reference ASTM E2187 in fire safety regulations and product certification for cigarettes, supporting initiatives to reduce fire-related deaths and property loss.
• Quality Assurance: Testing laboratories use this method for routine verification of product batches, ensuring ongoing compliance with fire safety standards.
• Research and Fire Safety Studies: The standard supports comparative studies of cigarette ignition strength, contributing to broader fire prevention strategies and the ongoing advancement of flammability research.

Related Standards

Understanding ASTM E2187-20a is enhanced by familiarity with associated standards and regulations:

• ASTM E1352 - Test Method for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Mock-Up Upholstered Furniture Assemblies
• ASTM E1353 - Test Methods for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Components of Upholstered Furniture
• NFPA 260 - Standard Methods of Tests and Classification Systems for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Components of Upholstered Furniture
• NFPA 261 - Standard Method of Test for Determining Resistance of Mock-up Upholstered Furniture Material Assemblies to Ignition by Smoldering Cigarettes
• 16 CFR Part 1632 - U.S. Federal Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads

Practical Value

By enabling systematic measurement and reporting of cigarette ignition strength, ASTM E2187-20a supports industry efforts to reduce cigarette-initiated fires. Its adoption aids in:

• Improved consumer safety by reducing fire risks linked to smoking materials
• Evidence-based policy making and product regulation
• Enhanced product safety reputation for tobacco manufacturers

Compliance with ASTM E2187-20a is a key component of cigarette fire safety initiatives and is integral to risk assessment, regulatory approval, and ongoing quality control in the tobacco industry.

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: E2187 − 20a An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Ignition Strength of Cigarettes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2187; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
ThemostcommoninitiatingeventinafatalfireintheUnitedStatesisthedroppingofalitcigarette
onto a bed or piece of upholstered furniture. The cigarette coal heats the furnishing materials to the
point where smoldering combustion begins, perhaps followed by a transition to flaming combustion.
Since limiting the frequency of ignitions is a principal approach to reducing fire loss, it is desirable
to establish a test method for the propensity of a cigarette to ignite soft furnishings. This test method
uses standard substrates to determine the extent to which, as the substrate draws heat from the
cigarette, the cigarette combustion remains strong enough to be capable of initiating a fire.
1. Scope* ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.1 This fire-test-response standard provides a standard
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
measure of the capability of a cigarette, positioned on one of
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
four standard substrates, to generate sufficient heat to continue
burning and thus potentially cause ignition of bedding or
2. Referenced Documents
upholstered furniture.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.2 This method has value as a predictor of the relative
E176Terminology of Fire Standards
propensity of a cigarette to ignite upholstered furnishings.
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
1.3 This method is applicable to cigarettes that burn along
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
the length of a tobacco column.
E1352Test Method for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of
Mock-Up Upholstered Furniture Assemblies
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information E1353Test Methods for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of
Components of Upholstered Furniture
only.
2.2 NFPA Standards:
1.5 This standard is used to measure and describe the
NFPA 260Standard Methods of Tests and Classification
responseofmaterials,products,orassembliestoheatandflame
Systems for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Components
under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate
of Upholstered Furniture
allfactorsrequiredforfirehazardorfireriskassessmentofthe
NFPA 261Standard Method of Test for Determining Resis-
materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
tance of Mock-up Upholstered Furniture MaterialAssem-
1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
blies to Ignition by Smoldering Cigarettes
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 2.3 Other Standard:
Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Pads, 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1632
For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.
1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard- 2
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
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire the ASTM website.
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.15 on Furnishings Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
and Contents. Park, Quincy, MA 02269, http://www.nfpa.org.
Current edition approved May 1, 2020. Published May 2020. Originally Available from the Government Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street,
approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 2020 as E2187-20. DOI: NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001; http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/
10.1520/E2187-20A. ecfrbrowse/Title16/16cfr1632_main_02.tpl.
*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
E2187 − 20a
3. Terminology 6.2 Personnel shall take proper precautions to avoid inhal-
ing combustion products.
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test
6.2.1 Exhaust systems shall be checked regularly to ensure
method refer to Terminology E176.
that they are removing all products of combustion from the
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
workspace.
3.2.1 full-length burn, n—theoutcomeofadeterminationin
6.2.2 Respiratory equipment shall be made available for
which the cigarette burns to or past the front plane of the
personnel.
tipping paper, which covers the filter and perhaps a short
6.3 The user shall ensure that all burning has ceased before
sectionofthetobaccocolumninafiltertipcigarette,orpastthe
discarding used test materials. An appropriate closed metal
tips of the metal pins (see 7.5) if the cigarette has no filter.
waste container shall be used in each fire test laboratory for
4. Summary of Test Method safe disposal of specimens and test assemblies after being
exposed to heat and fire.
4.1 This test method measures the probability that a
cigarette, placed on a substrate, will generate sufficient heat to
7. Apparatus and Equipment
maintain burning of the tobacco column. Each determination
consists of placing a lit cigarette on the horizontal surface
7.1 Test and Conditioning Environment—An environmental
consisting of a set number of layers of filter paper or a single
conditioning room shall be maintained which provides an area
layer of filter paper on a thin sheet of full hard 302 stainless
adequate for conditioning both cigarettes and filter paper
steel (1-3). Observation is made of whether or not the
specimens. This room shall be capable of maintaining a
cigarette continues to burn to the beginning of the tipping
relative humidity of 55 6 5% and a temperature of 23 6 3°C
paper. Forty determinations (comprising a test) are performed
(73 6 5°F) and shall be continuously monitored. The room in
toobtaintherelativeprobabilitythatthecigarettewillcontinue
which the tests are conducted, which may also be the condi-
burning despite heat abstraction by the substrate.
tioning room, shall be maintained within the same temperature
and relative humidity ranges.
5. Significance and Use
7.2 Constant Humidity Box—Alternatively, cigarettes and
5.1 The most common initiating event in a fatal fire is the
filterpapershallbestoredinaboxofsufficientsizetoholdthe
dropping of a cigarette onto a bed or piece of upholstered
needed quantities of filter paper and cigarettes. The interior of
furniture, according to statistics provided by the National Fire
the box shall be maintained at a relative humidity of 55 65%
ProtectionAssociation(4).TestMethodsE1352andE1353and
and a temperature of 23 6 3°C (73 6 5°F) and shall be
tests NFPA 261 and NFPA 260 have been developed to
continuously monitored.Atray containing a saturated solution
evaluate the susceptibility of upholstered furniture mock-ups
of sodium bromide (NaBr) in water will provide the appropri-
and components to ignition by cigarettes. Federal Standard 16
ate relative humidity when the box temperature is as pre-
CFR Part 1632, Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses
scribed. The box shall be located convenient to the test
and Mattress Pads, was promulgated to reduce the likelihood
chamber such that test materials shall not be exposed to a
that mattresses and mattress pads would ignite from a lighted
non-conditioned environment for more than 5 min between
cigarette.
their removal from the box and the beginning of a test.
NOTE 1—While Test Methods E1352 and E1353 were originally
equivalent to NFPA261 and 260, respectively, this is no longer the case.
7.3 Test Chamber—A test chamber of the design photo-
graphed in Fig. 1 shall be constructed of clear plastic such as
5.2 This test method enables comparison of the relative
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), nominally 6 mm (0.25 in.)
ignition strength of different cigarette designs.
in thickness.The inside dimensions shall be: height: 340 6 25
5.3 Inthisprocedure,thespecimensaresubjectedtoasetof
mm (13.4 6 1 in.), width: 292 66mm(11.5 6 0.25 in.),
laboratory conditions. If different conditions are substituted or
depth: 394 6 6 mm (15.5 6 0.25 in.). The full front panel of
the end use conditions are changed, it may not be possible,
the chamber shall be hinged, with a latch to effect positive
using this test, to predict quantitative changes in the fire test
closure.The top of the chamber shall have a flattop cylindrical
response characteristics measured. Therefore, the quantitative
chimney of height 165 6 13 mm (6.5 6 0.5 in.) and inside
results are valid only for the fire test exposure conditions
diameter 152 6 6 mm (6.00 6 0.25 in.).The chimney shall be
described in this procedure.
centered on the chamber top and sealed to the chamber top
panel.
6. Hazards
7.4 Substrate Holder:
6.1 This test method involves the use of combustible mate-
7.4.1 Acylindrical support, shown in Fig. 2, shall be made
rials that are exposed to ignition sources. Consequently, the
of PMMAor similarly rigid material, dimensioned as follows.
user shall take proper precautions to avoid thermal injuries.
Theouterdiametershallbe165 61mm(6.50 60.04in.),the
6.1.1 Personnel shall be instructed on general procedures to
inner diameter shall be 127 6 1 mm (5.00 6 0.04 in.), and the
handle an unwanted fire.Appropriate fire extinguishing equip-
height shall be 50 6 1 mm (1.97 6 0.04 in.). A recess in the
mentshallbeprovidedtosuppressanyfiresthatexceednormal
controlled limits. top, 10 6 2.5 mm (0.40 6 0.10 in.) deep, shall expand the
innerdiameterto152 61mm(6.00 60.04in.).Threeorfour
legs shall raise the bottom of the holder approximately 20 mm
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of
this standard. (0.80 in.) above the chamber floor.
E2187 − 20a
FIG. 1 Photograph of Test Chamber and Holder for the Filter Paper Substrates
FIG. 2 Close-up of Test Cigarette, Filter Paper Holder, Metal Pins and Metal Rim
E2187 − 20a
NOTE 2—The outer diameter of the metal rim is not to exceed the inner
diameter of the recess in the filter paper holder.
7.4.2 An adapter ring to support the stainless steel/paper
substrateshallbemadeofPMMAorasimilarlyrigidmaterial,
dimensioned as follows. The outer diameter shall be 165 6 1
mm(6.50 60.04in.),theinnerdiametershallbe126 61mm
(4.98 6 0.04 in.), and the height shall be 15.5 6 1 mm (0.61
60.04in.).Arecessinthebottom,10.0 61mm(0.40 60.04
in.) deep, shall decrease the outer diameter to 150 61mm
(5.90 60.04in.).Thetopsurfaceoftheadaptershallbeflatto
within 60.03 mm (0.001 in.).Aschematic of the adapter ring
isshowninFig.3.Theassembledsupportforthestainlesssteel
substrate is shown in Fig. 4.
7.5 Metal Rim—A circular brass or other dense metal rim,
shown in Fig. 2, shall be used to hold the sheets of filter paper
flatagainsteachother.Theoutsidediameteroftherimshallbe
150 62mm(5.90 60.08in.).Theinnerdiametershallbe130
6 2 mm (5.1 6 0.08 in.). The rim surface shall be flat and
smooth.Apairofparallelmetalpins,eachapproximately1mm
in diameter and 8.1 6 0.05 mm (0.32 6 0.02 in.) apart, shall FIG. 4 Close-up of a Test Cigarette on the Stainless Steel/Paper
Substrate
protrude17 64mm(0.65 60.15in.)towardthecenterofthe
rim. The pins are to be spaced to keep the non-ignited end of
a conventional 25 mm circumference cigarette from rolling,
but without pressuring the cigarette. If cigarettes of signifi-
horizontal position.Abutane gas lighter capable of producing
cantly different diameter are to be tested, other pairs of pins,
a stable luminous flame 15 6 3 mm (0.6 6 0.1 in.) in length
appropriately spaced, shall be inserted into the rim.
orahotcoilignitershallbeusedforlightingthecigarette.The
7.5.1 The mass of the rim shall be 600 6 10 g. If the mass
airflow and the draw time through the lit cigarette shall be
of a rim is lower, a stacked second rim shall bring the total
sufficient to establish a coal to within 61 mm of the mark 5
mass to 600 6 10 g.
mm (0.2 in.) from the tip of the cigarette.Appropriate filtering
7.6 Cigarette Holder—Aholder shall be used to support the media shall be used downstream of the cigarette to remove
litcigaretteinahorizontalpositioninthetestchamberpriorto smoke and condensable combustion gases in order to prevent
placement of the cigarette onto the filter paper substrate. The contamination of the downstream components.
holder shall not clamp the cigarette nor stress it in any other
7.8 Exhaust Hood—A chemical or canopy hood shall be
manner, nor shall it contact the cigarette within a nominal 30
usedforremovingcombustionproductsfromthetestroom.Air
mm (1.2 in.) of its lit end.
flow through the hood shall be sufficient to remove cigarette
7.7 Cigarette Ignition System—Asystemconsistingofanair and substrate combustion products while not being high
draw component and an ignition source shall be used to ignite enough to influence the combustion processes in the test
the test cigarettes. The cigarette shall be supported in a chamber(s). (See 8.1.2.)
FIG. 3 Schematic of the Adapter Ring to Support the Stainless Steel Substrate
E2187 − 20a
7.9 Extinguishment—Following a determination, the ciga- 9.2.1 Cigarette test specimens shall be protected from
rette and sheets of filter paper shall be completely physical or environmental damage while in handling and
extinguished, for example, by smothering or by application of storage. It is important that the specimens not be crushed or
water. deformedinanymanner.Measuresshallbetakentoensurethat
the specimens are not contaminated while in storage and they
8. Calibration and Standardization shall be protected from degradation by insects. If the speci-
mens are to be stored by the testing laboratory for more than
8.1 Calibrations of equipment shall be carried out as noted
one week, they shall be placed in a freezer at 0°C (32°F) to
below and at any time when equipment or test conditions
−20°C (−4°F) reserved for the sole protection of cigarette
indicate that evaluation and re-calibration are necessary. The
specimens to minimize the risk of contamination.
time intervals for calibrations stated in this method shall be
9.2.2 Prior to testing, cigarette test specimens shall be
considered to be the minimum.
marked, using a #2 or softer graphite pencil or other marking
8.1.1 The test chambers shall be checked before use to
device,5 61mmand15 61mm(0.2and0.6in.,each 60.04
minimize air leakage so that the smoke plume from a cigarette
in.) from the end of the cigarette that will be lit. These marks
rises undisturbed during testing. Door seals shall be checked
are used to establish the start (11.4) and completion (11.5.4)of
visually to ensure that they are closed flush against the
a uniform pre-burn period, respectively. Neither the process of
chamber’s side wall and the latching device secures the door
marking the cigarette nor the mark itself shall significantly
tightly.Allconstructionseamsshallbeinspectedtoensurethey
affect the cigarette burn rate.
are airtight and no cracks shall be visible on any surface of the
test chamber. If leaks are detected, measures shall be taken to
9.3 Substrates:
ensure that these areas are again made sufficiently air tight.
9.3.1 The filter paper substrates consist of nominal 150 mm
8.1.2 Stability of air inside the test chamber shall be
(6in.)diametercirclesofWhatman#2ash-freecellulosicfilter
determineddailybyplacingalitcigaretteinthetestpositionon
paper.Substratesareformedbyplacingmultiplelayersoffilter
three or more layers of filter paper, then closing the chamber
paper into the holder assembly, then placing the metal rim on
door.Airmovementinthechambershallbeobservedtoensure
top to ensure good contact between the layers. All sheets of
that smoke being emitted by the cigarette is rising vertically
filter paper shall be oriented with the rough surface facing
andisnotshowingturbulencewithinnominally150mm(ca.6
upward, where discernible.
in.) above the lit end of the cigarette. If turbulence is noted,
NOTE 5—In an interlaboratory study of alternate filter papers for use in
then(a)thetestchambershallbecheckedforleaks,(b)thetest
ASTME2187,datahaveindicatedthatforsomecigarettedesigns,slightly
chamber locations shall be evaluated for excess air flow in the
different test values could be obtained depending on whether the rough
laboratory, and (c) the air flow of the exhaust system shall be surface or the smooth surface of the Whatman No. 2 filter paper was
facing upward (5).
evaluated as the source of the disturbance.
8.1.3 The humidity and temperature sensors used to record
9.3.2 The paper/steel substrate consists of a single sheet of
environmental conditions in the conditioning room or the
nominal150mm(6in.)diametercircleoffilterpapercentered
chamber and test room shall be checked for accuracy each
on top of a nominal 159 mm (6.25 in.) by 150 mm (6.0 in.)
week.
rectangle of full hard 302 stainless steel shim stock. The
8.1.4 At least every 30 days of active testing, the laboratory
substrateisformedbycenteringthe302stainlesssteelsheeton
shall verify the performance of the total test system and
the adapter ring, centering a sheet of filter paper on top of the
operator using a test cigarette whose ignition propensity using
steel,centeringthemetalrimontopofthefilterpaper,andthen
ASTM E2187 has been established.
placing the metal rim weight on top. The steel sheet shall be
oriented concave down, when discernible. The sheet of filter
NOTE 3—Standard Reference Material 1082, a standardized cigarette
paper shall be oriented with the rough surface facing upward,
obtainable from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, has
been widely used for this purpose. This information is provided for the when discernible. This sheet of filter paper need not be
convenience of users of this standard and does not constitute an endorse-
WhatmanNo.2,butshallcomplywiththespecificationsin9.4.
ment by ASTM.
NOTE6—Inprinciple,asteel/papersubstratecouldconsistofa150mm
diameter piece of full hard 302 stainless steel shim stock and a piece of
9. Test Specimens and Standard Substrate Assemblies
150 mm diameter filter paper. These would be supported in the same
manner as the substrates consisting of 3, 10, or 15 layers of filter paper,
9.1 Cigarette test specimens and the filter paper and stain-
that is, without the adapter ring. However, data demonstrating the
less steel substrate materials are sensitive to contamination.
equivalence to the rectangular sheet and its support hardware have not
Testcigarettesshallbehandledonlybythelastnominal25mm been published.
(1in.)oftheendofthecigarettethatisnottobelit.Thesheets
9.4 Filter Paper:
offilterpaperandthestainlesssteelsheetsshallnotbehandled
9.4.1 For paper from a manufacturer’s batch to be used in
in the vicinity where the cigarette will contact the paper and
the filter paper substrates, the mean mass of 15 sheets of the
steel during a test. In all cases, the materials shall be handled
conditioned filter paper shall be 26.1 6 0.5 g. This shall be
with dry hands only.
determinedbyweighingfivesamplesof15sheets,eachsample
being from a different box from the manufacturer’s batch. The
NOTE 4—The use of clean, dry, non-powdered surgical gloves can
mitigate incidental contamination of the test materials while maintaining
standarddeviationofthefivesamplesshallbenomorethan0.3
operator dexterity.
g. For paper from a manufacturer’s batch to be used in the
9.2 Cigarettes: stainlesssteel/filterpapersubstrate,themeanmassof15sheets
E2187 − 20a
of the conditioned filter paper shall be 26.2 6 0.5 g, deter- 11.3 If using filter paper substrates, conduct the test begin-
mined in the same manner. ningwith15layersoffilterpaperexceptasindicatedinAnnex
A1.Selectthenumberoflayersoffilterpaperforthescheduled
9.4.2 For paper from a manufacturer’s batch to be used in
determinations using the procedure in AnnexA1.All sheets of
the filter paper substrates, the mean mass of 15 sheets of the
filter paper shall be oriented with the rough surface facing
dried paper shall be 24.7 6 0.5 g. This shall be determined by
upward.Ifusingthestainlesssteel/filterpapersubstrate,donot
weighing five samples of 15 sheets, each sample being from a
use a piece of stainless steel that has been used for 80 or more
different box from the manufacturer’s batch. Each set of 15
determinations. Ensure that the stainless steel sheet is suffi-
sheets shall have been stored at 60 6 2°C for at least 16 h,
ciently flat as follows. Prior to testing, place the steel sheet
placed in a sealed plastic bag upon removal from the oven,
concavedownw
...

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: E2187 − 20 E2187 − 20a An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Measuring the Ignition Strength of Cigarettes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2187; 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.
INTRODUCTION
The most common initiating event in a fatal fire in the United States is the dropping of a lit cigarette
onto a bed or piece of upholstered furniture. The cigarette coal heats the furnishing materials to the
point where smoldering combustion begins, perhaps followed by a transition to flaming combustion.
Since limiting the frequency of ignitions is a principal approach to reducing fire loss, it is desirable
to establish a test method for the propensity of a cigarette to ignite soft furnishings. This test method
uses standard substrates to determine the extent to which, as the substrate draws heat from the
cigarette, the cigarette combustion remains strong enough to be capable of initiating a fire.
1. Scope*
1.1 This fire-test-response standard provides a standard measure of the capability of a cigarette, positioned on one of four
standard substrates, to generate sufficient heat to continue burning and thus potentially cause ignition of bedding or upholstered
furniture.
1.2 This method has value as a predictor of the relative propensity of a cigarette to ignite upholstered furnishings.
1.3 This method is applicable to cigarettes that burn along the length of a tobacco column.
1.4 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.5 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.
1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 6.
1.7 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:
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E1352 Test Method for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Mock-Up Upholstered Furniture Assemblies
E1353 Test Methods for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Components of Upholstered Furniture
2.2 NFPA Standards:
NFPA 260 Standard Methods of Tests and Classification Systems for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Components of
Upholstered Furniture
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.15 on Furnishings and
Contents.
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2020May 1, 2020. Published March 2020May 2020. Originally approved in 2002. Last previous edition approved in 20162020 as
E2187-16.-20. DOI: 10.1520/E2187-20.10.1520/E2187-20A.
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.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02269, http://www.nfpa.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
E2187 − 20a
NFPA 261 Standard Method of Test for Determining Resistance of Mock-up Upholstered Furniture Material Assemblies to
Ignition by Smoldering Cigarettes
2.3 Other Standard:
Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads, 16 Code of Federal Regulations, Part 1632
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method refer to Terminology E176.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 full-length burn, n—the outcome of a determination in which the cigarette burns to or past the front plane of the tipping
paper, which covers the filter and perhaps a short section of the tobacco column in a filter tip cigarette, or past the tips of the metal
pins (see 7.5) if the cigarette has no filter.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method measures the probability that a cigarette, placed on a substrate, will generate sufficient heat to maintain
burning of the tobacco column. Each determination consists of placing a lit cigarette on the horizontal surface consisting of a set
number of layers of filter paper or a single layer of filter paper on a thin sheet of full hard 302 stainless steel (1-3). Observation
is made of whether or not the cigarette continues to burn to the beginning of the tipping paper. Forty determinations (comprising
a test) are performed to obtain the relative probability that the cigarette will continue burning despite heat abstraction by the
substrate.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 The most common initiating event in a fatal fire is the dropping of a cigarette onto a bed or piece of upholstered furniture,
according to statistics provided by the National Fire Protection Association (4). Test Methods E1352 and E1353 and tests NFPA
261 and NFPA 260 have been developed to evaluate the susceptibility of upholstered furniture mock-ups and components to
ignition by cigarettes. Federal Standard 16 CFR Part 1632, Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads, was
promulgated to reduce the likelihood that mattresses and mattress pads would ignite from a lighted cigarette.
NOTE 1—While Test Methods E1352 and E1353 were originally equivalent to NFPA 261 and 260, respectively, this is no longer the case.
5.2 This test method enables comparison of the relative ignition strength of different cigarette designs.
5.3 In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to a set of laboratory conditions. If different conditions are substituted or the
end use conditions are changed, it may not be possible, using this test, to predict quantitative changes in the fire test response
characteristics measured. Therefore, the quantitative results are valid only for the fire test exposure conditions described in this
procedure.
6. Hazards
6.1 This test method involves the use of combustible materials that are exposed to ignition sources. Consequently, the user shall
take proper precautions to avoid thermal injuries.
6.1.1 Personnel shall be instructed on general procedures to handle an unwanted fire. Appropriate fire extinguishing equipment
shall be provided to suppress any fires that exceed normal controlled limits.
6.2 Personnel shall take proper precautions to avoid inhaling combustion products.
6.2.1 Exhaust systems shall be checked regularly to ensure that they are removing all products of combustion from the
workspace.
6.2.2 Respiratory equipment shall be made available for personnel.
6.3 The user shall ensure that all burning has ceased before discarding used test materials. An appropriate closed metal waste
container shall be used in each fire test laboratory for safe disposal of specimens and test assemblies after being exposed to heat
and fire.
7. Apparatus and Equipment
7.1 Test and Conditioning Environment—An environmental conditioning room shall be maintained which provides an area
adequate for conditioning both cigarettes and filter paper specimens. This room shall be capable of maintaining a relative humidity
of 55 6 5 % and a temperature of 23 6 3°C (73 6 5°F) and shall be continuously monitored. The room in which the tests are
conducted, which may also be the conditioning room, shall be maintained within the same temperature and relative humidity
ranges.
Available from the Government Publishing Office, 732 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20401-0001; http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/text-idx?tpl=/ecfrbrowse/
Title16/16cfr1632_main_02.tpl.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard.
E2187 − 20a
7.2 Constant Humidity Box—Alternatively, cigarettes and filter paper shall be stored in a box of sufficient size to hold the needed
quantities of filter paper and cigarettes. The interior of the box shall be maintained at a relative humidity of 55 6 5 % and a
temperature of 23 6 3°C (73 6 5°F) and shall be continuously monitored. A tray containing a saturated solution of sodium bromide
(NaBr) in water will provide the appropriate relative humidity when the box temperature is as prescribed. The box shall be located
convenient to the test chamber such that test materials shall not be exposed to a non-conditioned environment for more than 5 min
between their removal from the box and the beginning of a test.
7.3 Test Chamber—A test chamber of the design photographed in Fig. 1 shall be constructed of clear plastic such as
polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), nominally 6 mm (0.25 in.) in thickness. The inside dimensions shall be: height: 340 6 25 mm
(13.4 6 1 in.), width: 292 6 6 mm (11.5 6 0.25 in.), depth: 394 6 6 mm (15.5 6 0.25 in.). The full front panel of the chamber
shall be hinged, with a latch to effect positive closure. The top of the chamber shall have a flattop cylindrical chimney of height
165 6 13 mm (6.5 6 0.5 in.) and inside diameter 152 6 6 mm (6.00 6 0.25 in.). The chimney shall be centered on the chamber
top and sealed to the chamber top panel.
7.4 Substrate Holder:
7.4.1 A cylindrical support, shown in Fig. 2, shall be made of PMMA or similarly rigid material, dimensioned as follows. The
outer diameter shall be 165 6 1 mm (6.50 6 0.04 in.), the inner diameter shall be 127 6 1 mm (5.00 6 0.04 in.), and the height
FIG. 1 Photograph of Test Chamber and Holder for the Filter Paper Substrates
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FIG. 2 Close-up of Test Cigarette, Filter Paper Holder, Metal Pins and Metal Rim
shall be 50 6 1 mm (1.97 6 0.04 in.). A recess in the top, 10 6 2.5 mm (0.40 6 0.10 in.) deep, shall expand the inner diameter
to 152 6 1 mm (6.00 6 0.04 in.). Three or four legs shall raise the bottom of the holder approximately 20 mm (0.80 in.) above
the chamber floor.
NOTE 2—The outer diameter of the metal rim is not to exceed the inner diameter of the recess in the filter paper holder.
7.4.2 An adapter ring to support the stainless steel/paper substrate shall be made of PMMA or a similarly rigid material,
dimensioned as follows. The outer diameter shall be 165 6 1 mm (6.50 6 0.04 in.), the inner diameter shall be 126 6 1 mm (4.98
6 0.04 in.), and the height shall be 15.5 6 1 mm (0.61 6 0.04 in.). A recess in the bottom, 10.0 6 1 mm (0.40 6 0.04 in.) deep,
shall decrease the outer diameter to 150 6 1 mm (5.90 6 0.04 in.). The top surface of the adapter shall be flat to within 60.03
mm (0.001 in.). A schematic of the adapter ring is shown in Fig. 3. The assembled support for the stainless steel substrate is shown
in Fig. 4.
7.5 Metal Rim—A circular brass or other dense metal rim, shown in Fig. 2, shall be used to hold the sheets of filter paper flat
against each other. The outside diameter of the rim shall be 150 6 2 mm (5.90 6 0.08 in.). The inner diameter shall be 130 6
2 mm (5.1 6 0.08 in.). The rim surface shall be flat and smooth. A pair of parallel metal pins, each approximately 1 mm in diameter
and 8.1 6 0.05 mm (0.32 6 0.02 in.) apart, shall protrude 17 6 4 mm (0.65 6 0.15 in.) toward the center of the rim. The pins
are to be spaced to keep the non-ignited end of a conventional 25 mm circumference cigarette from rolling, but without pressuring
the cigarette. If cigarettes of significantly different diameter are to be tested, other pairs of pins, appropriately spaced, shall be
inserted into the rim.
7.5.1 The mass of the rim shall be 600 6 10 g. If the mass of a rim is lower, a stacked second rim shall bring the total mass
to 600 6 10 g.
FIG. 3 Schematic of the Adapter Ring to Support the Stainless Steel Substrate
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FIG. 4 Close-up of a Test Cigarette on the Stainless Steel/Paper Substrate
7.6 Cigarette Holder—A holder shall be used to support the lit cigarette in a horizontal position in the test chamber prior to
placement of the cigarette onto the filter paper substrate. The holder shall not clamp the cigarette nor stress it in any other manner,
nor shall it contact the cigarette within a nominal 30 mm (1.2 in.) of its lit end.
7.7 Cigarette Ignition System—A system consisting of an air draw component and an ignition source shall be used to ignite the
test cigarettes. The cigarette shall be supported in a horizontal position. A butane gas lighter capable of producing a stable luminous
flame 15 6 3 mm (0.6 6 0.1 in.) in length or a hot coil igniter shall be used for lighting the cigarette. The airflow and the draw
time through the lit cigarette shall be sufficient to establish a coal to within 61 mm of the mark 5 mm (0.2 in.) from the tip of
the cigarette. Appropriate filtering media shall be used downstream of the cigarette to remove smoke and condensable combustion
gases in order to prevent contamination of the downstream components.
7.8 Exhaust Hood—A chemical or canopy hood shall be used for removing combustion products from the test room. Air flow
through the hood shall be sufficient to remove cigarette and substrate combustion products while not being high enough to
influence the combustion processes in the test chamber(s). (See 8.1.2.)
7.9 Extinguishment—Following a determination, the cigarette and sheets of filter paper shall be completely extinguished, for
example, by smothering or by application of water.
8. Calibration and Standardization
8.1 Calibrations of equipment shall be carried out as noted below and at any time when equipment or test conditions indicate
that evaluation and re-calibration are necessary. The time intervals for calibrations stated in this method shall be considered to be
the minimum.
8.1.1 The test chambers shall be checked before use to minimize air leakage so that the smoke plume from a cigarette rises
undisturbed during testing. Door seals shall be checked visually to ensure that they are closed flush against the chamber’s side wall
and the latching device secures the door tightly. All construction seams shall be inspected to ensure they are airtight and no cracks
shall be visible on any surface of the test chamber. If leaks are detected, measures shall be taken to ensure that these areas are again
made sufficiently air tight.
8.1.2 Stability of air inside the test chamber shall be determined daily by placing a lit cigarette in the test position on three or
more layers of filter paper, then closing the chamber door. Air movement in the chamber shall be observed to ensure that smoke
being emitted by the cigarette is rising vertically and is not showing turbulence within nominally 150 mm (ca. 6 in.) above the
lit end of the cigarette. If turbulence is noted, then (a) the test chamber shall be checked for leaks, (b) the test chamber locations
shall be evaluated for excess air flow in the laboratory, and (c) the air flow of the exhaust system shall be evaluated as the source
of the disturbance.
8.1.3 The humidity and temperature sensors used to record environmental conditions in the conditioning room or the chamber
and test room shall be checked for accuracy each week.
8.1.4 At least every 30 days of active testing, the laboratory shall verify the performance of the total test system and operator
using a test cigarette whose ignition propensity using ASTM E2187 has been established.
NOTE 3—Standard Reference Material 1082, a standardized cigarette obtainable from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, has been
widely used for this purpose. This information is provided for the convenience of users of this standard and does not constitute an endorsement by ASTM.
E2187 − 20a
9. Test Specimens and Standard Substrate Assemblies
9.1 Cigarette test specimens and the filter paper and stainless steel substrate materials are sensitive to contamination. Test
cigarettes shall be handled only by the last nominal 25 mm (1 in.) of the end of the cigarette that is not to be lit. The sheets of
filter paper and the stainless steel sheets shall not be handled in the vicinity where the cigarette will contact the paper and steel
during a test. In all cases, the materials shall be handled with dry hands only.
NOTE 4—The use of clean, dry, non-powdered surgical gloves can mitigate incidental contamination of the test materials while maintaining operator
dexterity.
9.2 Cigarettes:
9.2.1 Cigarette test specimens shall be protected from physical or environmental damage while in handling and storage. It is
important that the specimens not be crushed or deformed in any manner. Measures shall be taken to ensure that the specimens are
not contaminated while in storage and they shall be protected from degradation by insects. If the specimens are to be stored by
the testing laboratory for more than one week, they shall be placed in a freezer at 0°C (32°F) to −20°C (−4°F) reserved for the
sole protection of cigarette specimens to minimize the risk of contamination.
9.2.2 Prior to testing, cigarette test specimens shall be marked, using a #2 or softer graphite pencil or other marking device, 5
6 1 mm and 15 6 1 mm (0.2 and 0.6 in., each 60.04 in.) from the end of the cigarette that will be lit. These marks are used to
establish the start (11.4) and completion (11.5.4) of a uniform pre-burn period, respectively. Neither the process of marking the
cigarette nor the mark itself shall significantly affect the cigarette burn rate.
9.3 Substrates:
9.3.1 The filter paper substrates consist of nominal 150 mm (6 in.) diameter circles of Whatman #2 ash-free cellulosic filter
paper. Substrates are formed by placing multiple layers of filter paper into the holder assembly, then placing the metal rim on top
to ensure good contact between the layers. All sheets of filter paper shall be oriented with the rough surface facing upward, where
discernible.
NOTE 5—In an interlaboratory study of alternate filter papers for use in ASTM E2187, data have indicated that for some cigarette designs, slightly
different test values could be obtained depending on whether the rough surface or the smooth surface of the Whatman No. 2 filter paper was facing upward
(5).
9.3.2 The paper/steel substrate consists of a single sheet of nominal 150 mm (6 in.) diameter circle of filter paper centered on
top of a nominal 159 mm (6.25 in.) by 150 mm (6.0 in.) rectangle of full hard 302 stainless steel shim stock. The substrate is formed
by centering the 302 stainless steel sheet on the adapter ring, centering a sheet of filter paper on top of the steel, centering the metal
rim on top of the filter paper, and then placing the metal rim weight on top. The steel sheet shall be oriented concave down, when
discernible. The sheet of filter paper shall be oriented with the rough surface facing upward, when discernible. This sheet of filter
paper need not be Whatman No. 2, but shall comply with the specifications in 9.4.
NOTE 6—In principle, a steel/paper substrate could consist of a 150 mm diameter piece of full hard 302 stainless steel shim stock and a piece of 150
mm diameter filter paper. These would be supported in the same manner as the substrates consisting of 3, 10, or 15 layers of filter paper, that is, without
the adapter ring. However, data demonstrating the equivalence to the rectangular sheet and its support hardware have not been published.
9.4 Filter Paper:
9.4.1 For paper from a manufacturer’s batch to be used in the filter paper substrates, the mean mass of 15 sheets of the
conditioned filter paper shall be 26.1 6 0.5 g. This shall be determined by weighing five samples of 15 sheets, each sample being
from a different box from the manufacturer’s batch. The standard deviation of the five samples shall be no more than 0.3 g. For
paper from a manufacturer’s batch to be used in the stainless steel/filter paper substrate, the mean mass of 15 sheets of the
conditioned filter paper shall be 26.2 6 0.5 g, determined in the same manner.
9.4.2 For paper from a manufacturer’s batch to be used in the filter paper substrates, the mean mass of 15 sheets of the dried
paper shall be 24.7 6 0.5 g. This shall be determined by weighing five samples of 15 sheets, each sample being from a different
box from the manufacturer’s batch. Each set of 15 sheets shall have been stored at 60 6 2°C for at least 16 h, placed in a sealed
plastic bag upon removal from the oven, cooled to 23 6 3°C, and weighed within 3 min of opening the bag. The standard deviation
of the five samples shall be no more than 0.3 g. For paper from a manufacturer’s batch to be used in the stainless steel/filter paper
substrate, the mean mass of 15 sheets of the conditioned filter paper shall be 24.9 6 0.7 g, determined in the same manner.
9.4.3 For paper from a manufacturer’s batch to be used in the stainless steel/filter paper substrate, the moisture content of the
conditioned paper, relative to the dried paper, shall be 5.0 6 0.6 % by mass.
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