ASTM F2866-11(2019)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Flammability of a Membrane Switch in Defined Assembly (Withdrawn 2023)
Standard Test Method for Flammability of a Membrane Switch in Defined Assembly (Withdrawn 2023)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 There are numerous flammability ratings and tests. Almost without fail, these standards and tests are focused on very specific industries or results, many of which are not applicable to the membrane switch/human machine interface assembly. This test is designed to provide relative results between membrane switches that have been assembled to the unit's final enclosure, housing, etc.
4.2 In addition to the test's measurement of the rate of burn, a laboratory can also observe the effects of burning material falling from the test specimen onto other materials (typically a gauze test area) not directly part of the test specimen. The indirect burning is an issue of interest to see if the test specimen will be able to act as an initiator for a far greater and more damaging flame event (fire). Observations should be noted, as qualitative descriptions, as appropriate.
4.3 This test can measure the flammability via the use of high-speed photographic or video equipment.
4.4 Temperature of the ignition source can be measured via a calibrated thermocouple pyrometer, calorimeter or IR thermometer with an appropriate range.
4.5 This test is not designed to provide a PASS or NO PASS status for a switch, rather, it is designed to provide a “grade” for the level of flammability of a membrane switch assembly (as defined in 3.1.10). The end user should make the final determination if the level of flammability is acceptable for the particular application.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flammability characteristics of a membrane switch.
1.2 This test method defines the MSB rating of a membrane switch. Each character of the MSB rating represents a discrete characteristic of a membrane switch performance under destructive thermal loading.
1.3 This test procedure will be destructive, but should provide an insight into the relative performance flame-resistance characteristics of differing designs or assemblies, or both.
1.4 This test method will focus on the use of convective contact (burner flame) method for ignition, though other methods of ignition are available.
1.5 This test method is designed to determine if the membrane switch assembly will add (or detract) from the flame propagation from an exterior flame/fire source.
1.6 If this test is intended to be used for an internal flammability source then set up the unit under test (UUT) appropriately and note it in the test scope and results.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.8 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.
WITHDRAWN RATIONALE
This test method covers the determination of the flammability characteristics of a membrane switch.
Formerly under the jurisdiction of Committee F01 on Electronics, this test method was withdrawn in November 2023. This standard is being withdrawn without replacement because Committee F01 was disbanded.
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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:F2866 −11 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Flammability of a Membrane Switch in Defined Assembly
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2866; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flam-
mability characteristics of a membrane switch. E906 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile
1.2 This test method defines the MSB rating of a membrane
Method
switch. Each character of the MSB rating represents a discrete
characteristic of a membrane switch performance under de-
3. Terminology
structive thermal loading.
3.1 Definitions:
1.3 This test procedure will be destructive, but should
3.1.1 burn damage—percentageoftheUUTthatisdamaged
provide an insight into the relative performance flame-
due to burn test. This is a visiual observation.
resistance characteristics of differing designs or assemblies, or
3.1.2 flame propagation—refers to patterns in the flame
both.
front that are examined (for example, uniform rate of advance,
1.4 This test method will focus on the use of convective
spotty ignition or charring, etc.). These observations are
contact (burner flame) method for ignition, though other
qualitative and should be noted in the data field.
methods of ignition are available.
3.1.3 flame spread rate (FSR)—the rate at which a flame
1.5 This test method is designed to determine if the mem-
front travels along the surfaces of tested materials/assemblies,
brane switch assembly will add (or detract) from the flame typically measured in mm/s or in./min.
propagation from an exterior flame/fire source.
3.1.4 flame target area—refers to the normalized target area
of a UUTthat will be used for ignition location.Any variations
1.6 If this test is intended to be used for an internal
should be noted.
flammability source then set up the unit under test (UUT)
appropriately and note it in the test scope and results.
3.1.5 flame time (F ) or flame endurance—amount of
time
time, usually in seconds, that a self-sustaining flame will
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
endure after removal of initial ignition source before flame on
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
UUT is extinguished.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.6 flame time of drippings (F )—amount of time
time,drip
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
that burning drippings, if any, remain burning. Typically
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
measured in seconds.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.7 gauze ignition—this is a verification that UUT ignites
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the gauze.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.8 ignition source—the source that provides the heat-flux
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
to begin the flammability test. This test method will recom-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
mend a convective flame for the ignition source, however, care
should be taken that any comparative tests should use the same
method of ignition.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F01 on
Electronics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F01.18 on Printed
Electronics. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published December 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F2866-11. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F2866-11R19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2866−11 (2019)
3.1.9 mass-loss (m )—the mass from a test specimen it gauze test area) not directly part of the test specimen. The
loss
lost to smoke, vaporization and char debris carried away or indirect burning is an issue of interest to see if the test
fallen away, or both, during the flammability test cycle. specimen will be able to act as an initiator for a far greater and
Typically measured in grams (average). more damaging flame event (fire). Observations should be
noted, as qualitative descriptions, as appropriate.
3.1.10 membrane switch assembly—the membrane switch
should not be tested in its unmounted state. The switch sample
4.3 This test can measure the flammability via the use of
should be mounted onto the final end-use enclosure, panel,
high-speed photographic or video equipment.
bezel, or agreed upon material.
4.4 Temperature of the ignition source can be measured via
3.1.10.1 Discussion—Assembly Specimen: This test method
a calibrated thermocouple pyrometer, calorimeter or IR ther-
is trying to provide a practical world analog for the results
mometer with an appropriate range.
herein obtained.As a result, the unit under test (UUT) must in
the final mounted condition. The test is able to show flame-
4.5 This test is not designed to provide a PASS or NO PASS
resistance in the final assembly as it interacts with the
status for a switch, rather, it is designed to provide a “grade”
membrane switch’s construction.
for the level of flammability of a membrane switch assembly
(as defined in 3.1.10). The end user should make the final
3.1.11 MSB—rating to quantify the burn characteristics of a
determination if the level of flammability is acceptable for the
membraneswitch.EachcharacteroftheMSBratingrepresents
particular application.
a discrete characteristic of a membrane switch performance
under destructive thermal loading. (see Table 1.)
5. Interferences
3.1.12 time-to-ignition (t )—the time to ignite UUT under
ign
thermal loading (by any ignition source selected) with a
5.1 Method of Ignition—Results compared between differ-
self-standing flame front on the UUT (flame on the test
ent methods of ignition (radiant versus convective) may
specimen moving away from the thermal load source). The
provide different results for t . Therefore any comparative
ign
method for ignition (source) can be conductive contact (heated
samples should use the same calibrated method of ignition.
filament), radiant energy (electrical or gas) or convective (free
5.2 Mounted in Final Assembly—Mounting the membrane
flame). Typically measured in seconds.
switchtotheendusesubstrateorenclosurewillaccountforthe
3.1.12.1 Discussion—A “perfect” incombustible material
thermal heat sink effect provided by the mounting substrate or
will have infinite time to ignition; similarly a UUT with no
enclosure.
sustained flame within the length of the ignition exposure
would be reported as “no ignition time observed”. 5.3 Rigid Fixture Support—The membrane switch assembly
3.1.12.2 Discussion—Using a convective (free flame) igni- should have rigid fixture support in order to allow remote
tion source the time to ignition may be difficult to determine testing during the burn cycle. UUT should be mounted to
(due to the fact that there is interference between the ignition insure that the parts to do not fall while under test.
source and the ignition of the UUT).
5.4 Venting of the FPA Test Booth—The type and placement
of venting and exhausting for airflow in test booth should be
4. Significance and Use
noted or documented by photos or drawings, or both. Dupli-
4.1 There are numerous flammability ratings and tests.
cation of test results may be achieved only with the same
Almost without fail, these standards and tests are focused on
amount of air-flow and air-to-fuel mixture in the test booth.
very specific industries or results, many of which are not
5.5 Oxygen Concentration—The concentration of the oxy-
applicable to the membrane switch/human machine interface
gen in the FPA chamber atmosphere (normal air, concentrated
assembly. This test is designed to provide relative results
O , pressurized, etc.) during the test or oxidizers, or both,
between membrane switches that have been assembled to the
found in the test material(s) will affect the results.
unit’s final enclosure, housing, etc.
4.2 In addition to the test’s measurement of the rate of burn, 5.6 Duration of Ignition—The longer the ignition burn test
a laboratory can also observe the effects of burning material the greater the chance the part will ignite and begin to exhibit
falling from the test specimen onto other materials (typically a flame propagation.
TABLE 1 MSB Rating
FSR Flame Spread F Continuation of m Mass loss Burn Damage % Gauze Ignition
(time) (loss)
Model t Time to ignition
(ign)
Rate burn
The following >> 0 = no ignition 0 = no burn 0 = self extinguishing 0 = no loss 0=0% damage 0 = no
should be 1 = 10 s> 1=1mm/s 1=1s 1=10%loss 1=10% damage
considered 2=9s 2=2mm/s 2=2s 2=20%loss 2=20% damage
when deciding 3=8s 3=3mm/s 3=3s 3=30%loss 3=30% damage
onaswitch 4=7s 4=4mm/s 4=4s 4=40%loss 4=40% damage
MSBrating 5=6s 5=5mm/s 5=5s 5=50%loss 5=50% damage
6=5s 6=6mm/s 6=6s 6=60%loss 6=60% damage
7=4s 7=7mm/s 7=7s 7=70%loss 7=70% damage
8=3s 8=8mm/s 8=8s 8=80%loss 8=80% damage
9=2sorless 9=veryveryfastburn 9=9s> 9=90%> 9=90%ormore 9=yes
F2866−11 (2019)
5.7 Relative Humidity in FPA—It is thought this will have The minimum flame temperature measured by a calibrated
some effect on the results, however the extent of which is to be thermocouple pyrometer in the center of the flame must be
determined. 1120°K (1556°F).
6.3.3 Radiant Ignition Source—Example: A radiant heat
6. Apparatus
sourceincorporatingfour(4)TypeLLsiliconcarbideelements,
...
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
Contact ASTM International (www.astm.org) for the latest information
Designation: F2866 − 11 (Reapproved 2019)
Standard Test Method for
Flammability of a Membrane Switch in Defined Assembly
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2866; 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 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers the determination of the flam-
E906 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
mability characteristics of a membrane switch.
Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile
1.2 This test method defines the MSB rating of a membrane
Method
switch. Each character of the MSB rating represents a discrete
characteristic of a membrane switch performance under de-
3. Terminology
structive thermal loading.
3.1 Definitions:
1.3 This test procedure will be destructive, but should
3.1.1 burn damage—percentage of the UUT that is damaged
provide an insight into the relative performance flame-
due to burn test. This is a visiual observation.
resistance characteristics of differing designs or assemblies, or
3.1.2 flame propagation—refers to patterns in the flame
both.
front that are examined (for example, uniform rate of advance,
1.4 This test method will focus on the use of convective spotty ignition or charring, etc.). These observations are
contact (burner flame) method for ignition, though other qualitative and should be noted in the data field.
methods of ignition are available.
3.1.3 flame spread rate (FSR)—the rate at which a flame
front travels along the surfaces of tested materials/assemblies,
1.5 This test method is designed to determine if the mem-
typically measured in mm/s or in./min.
brane switch assembly will add (or detract) from the flame
propagation from an exterior flame/fire source.
3.1.4 flame target area—refers to the normalized target area
of a UUT that will be used for ignition location. Any variations
1.6 If this test is intended to be used for an internal
should be noted.
flammability source then set up the unit under test (UUT)
appropriately and note it in the test scope and results.
3.1.5 flame time (F ) or flame endurance—amount of
time
time, usually in seconds, that a self-sustaining flame will
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
endure after removal of initial ignition source before flame on
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
UUT is extinguished.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
3.1.6 flame time of drippings (F )—amount of time
time,drip
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
that burning drippings, if any, remain burning. Typically
1.8 This international standard was developed in accor-
measured in seconds.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
3.1.7 gauze ignition—this is a verification that UUT ignites
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
the gauze.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
3.1.8 ignition source—the source that provides the heat-flux
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
to begin the flammability test. This test method will recom-
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
mend a convective flame for the ignition source, however, care
should be taken that any comparative tests should use the same
method of ignition.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F01 on
Electronics and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F01.18 on Printed
Electronics. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2019. Published December 2019. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2010. Last previous edition approved in 2011 as F2866-11. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/F2866-11R19. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F2866 − 11 (2019)
3.1.9 mass-loss (m )—the mass from a test specimen it gauze test area) not directly part of the test specimen. The
loss
lost to smoke, vaporization and char debris carried away or indirect burning is an issue of interest to see if the test
fallen away, or both, during the flammability test cycle. specimen will be able to act as an initiator for a far greater and
Typically measured in grams (average). more damaging flame event (fire). Observations should be
noted, as qualitative descriptions, as appropriate.
3.1.10 membrane switch assembly—the membrane switch
should not be tested in its unmounted state. The switch sample
4.3 This test can measure the flammability via the use of
should be mounted onto the final end-use enclosure, panel,
high-speed photographic or video equipment.
bezel, or agreed upon material.
4.4 Temperature of the ignition source can be measured via
3.1.10.1 Discussion—Assembly Specimen: This test method
a calibrated thermocouple pyrometer, calorimeter or IR ther-
is trying to provide a practical world analog for the results
mometer with an appropriate range.
herein obtained. As a result, the unit under test (UUT) must in
the final mounted condition. The test is able to show flame-
4.5 This test is not designed to provide a PASS or NO PASS
resistance in the final assembly as it interacts with the
status for a switch, rather, it is designed to provide a “grade”
membrane switch’s construction.
for the level of flammability of a membrane switch assembly
(as defined in 3.1.10). The end user should make the final
3.1.11 MSB—rating to quantify the burn characteristics of a
determination if the level of flammability is acceptable for the
membrane switch. Each character of the MSB rating represents
particular application.
a discrete characteristic of a membrane switch performance
under destructive thermal loading. (see Table 1.)
5. Interferences
3.1.12 time-to-ignition (t )—the time to ignite UUT under
ign
thermal loading (by any ignition source selected) with a
5.1 Method of Ignition—Results compared between differ-
self-standing flame front on the UUT (flame on the test
ent methods of ignition (radiant versus convective) may
specimen moving away from the thermal load source). The
provide different results for t . Therefore any comparative
ign
method for ignition (source) can be conductive contact (heated
samples should use the same calibrated method of ignition.
filament), radiant energy (electrical or gas) or convective (free
5.2 Mounted in Final Assembly—Mounting the membrane
flame). Typically measured in seconds.
switch to the end use substrate or enclosure will account for the
3.1.12.1 Discussion—A “perfect” incombustible material
thermal heat sink effect provided by the mounting substrate or
will have infinite time to ignition; similarly a UUT with no
enclosure.
sustained flame within the length of the ignition exposure
would be reported as “no ignition time observed”. 5.3 Rigid Fixture Support—The membrane switch assembly
3.1.12.2 Discussion—Using a convective (free flame) igni- should have rigid fixture support in order to allow remote
tion source the time to ignition may be difficult to determine testing during the burn cycle. UUT should be mounted to
(due to the fact that there is interference between the ignition insure that the parts to do not fall while under test.
source and the ignition of the UUT).
5.4 Venting of the FPA Test Booth—The type and placement
of venting and exhausting for airflow in test booth should be
4. Significance and Use
noted or documented by photos or drawings, or both. Dupli-
4.1 There are numerous flammability ratings and tests.
cation of test results may be achieved only with the same
Almost without fail, these standards and tests are focused on
amount of air-flow and air-to-fuel mixture in the test booth.
very specific industries or results, many of which are not
5.5 Oxygen Concentration—The concentration of the oxy-
applicable to the membrane switch/human machine interface
gen in the FPA chamber atmosphere (normal air, concentrated
assembly. This test is designed to provide relative results
O , pressurized, etc.) during the test or oxidizers, or both,
between membrane switches that have been assembled to the
found in the test material(s) will affect the results.
unit’s final enclosure, housing, etc.
4.2 In addition to the test’s measurement of the rate of burn, 5.6 Duration of Ignition—The longer the ignition burn test
a laboratory can also observe the effects of burning material the greater the chance the part will ignite and begin to exhibit
falling from the test specimen onto other materials (typically a flame propagation.
TABLE 1 MSB Rating
FSR Flame Spread F Continuation of m Mass loss Burn Damage % Gauze Ignition
(time) (loss)
Model t Time to ignition
(ign)
Rate burn
The following >> 0 = no ignition 0 = no burn 0 = self extinguishing 0 = no loss 0 = 0 % damage 0 = no
should be 1 = 10 s> 1 = 1 mm/s 1 = 1 s 1 = 10 % loss 1 = 10 % damage
considered 2 = 9 s 2 = 2 mm/s 2 = 2 s 2 = 20 % loss 2 = 20 % damage
when deciding 3 = 8 s 3 = 3 mm/s 3 = 3 s 3 = 30 % loss 3 = 30 % damage
on a switch 4 = 7 s 4 = 4 mm/s 4 = 4 s 4 = 40 % loss 4 = 40 % damage
MSB rating 5 = 6 s 5 = 5 mm/s 5 = 5 s 5 = 50 % loss 5 = 50 % damage
6 = 5 s 6 = 6 mm/s 6 = 6 s 6 = 60 % loss 6 = 60 % damage
7 = 4 s 7 = 7 mm/s 7 = 7 s 7 = 70 % loss 7 = 70 % damage
8 = 3 s 8 = 8 mm/s 8 = 8 s 8 = 80 % loss 8 = 80 % damage
9 = 2 s or less 9 = very very fast burn 9 = 9 s> 9 = 90 %> 9 = 90 % or more 9 = yes
F2866 − 11 (2019)
5.7 Relative Humidity in FPA—It is thought this will have The minimum flame temperature measured by a calibrated
some effect on the results, however the extent of which is to be thermocouple pyrometer in the center of the flame must be
determined. 1120°K (1556°F).
6.3.3 Radiant Ignition Source—Example: A radiant heat
6. Apparatus
source incorporating four (4) Type LL silicon carbide elements,
6.1 Fire Propaga
...
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