ASTM E3287-21
(Practice)Practice for Specimen Preparation of Fenestration Profiles Intended to Support Non-Combustible In-Fill Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
Practice for Specimen Preparation of Fenestration Profiles Intended to Support Non-Combustible In-Fill Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Fenestration products are often evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building or life safety code requirements. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and systems.
5.2 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing fenestration profiles to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84.
1.2 This practice applies to lengths of fenestration profiles only, intended for in-fill no less than 8 in. wide.
1.2.1 This practice does not apply to ancillary materials such as combustible in-fill, reinforcement, hardware, accessories, sealants, or weather-stripping
1.3 This practice presents two ways of testing fenestration profiles; either as profile lengths or as sheets of materials representing the profile.
1.4 Testing shall be conducted with Test Method E84.
1.5 This practice gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 1.9 of Test Method E84 for information on operator safety.
1.6 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.
1.7 Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details.
1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
1.9 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations and equipment.
1.10 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered requirements of the standard.
1.11 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.
1.12 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-Mar-2021
- Technical Committee
- E05 - Fire Standards
- Drafting Committee
- E05.22 - Surface Burning
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2016
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2015
Overview
ASTM E3287-21 is a practice standard developed by ASTM International that addresses the specimen preparation of fenestration profiles intended to support non-combustible in-fill materials for the purpose of assessing surface burning characteristics. This guidance is specifically intended for use with ASTM E84, the widely recognized test method for determining flame spread and smoke development indexes of building materials.
The standard provides comprehensive procedures for preparing and mounting fenestration profile specimens, ensuring that evaluations for flame spread and smoke development are both consistent and reliable. Developed in line with international standardization principles, ASTM E3287-21 supports compliance with building and life safety codes related to fire performance of window and door systems.
Key Topics
Scope and Applicability
- Covers procedures for preparing and mounting fenestration profile specimens, specifically those intended to support in-fill materials at least 8 inches wide
- Does not apply to ancillary materials such as combustible in-fills, reinforcement, hardware, accessories, sealants, or weather-stripping
Testing Methods
- Outlines two approaches to testing: as manufactured profile lengths or as sheets derived from the profile material
- Mandates the use of ASTM E84 for conducting all fire tests
Specimen Preparation and Mounting
- Guidance on conditioning and mounting specimens either as self-supporting sheets or profile lengths
- Specifies the use of metal supports and proper positioning in relation to the test apparatus
Reporting Requirements
- Includes details on the description of products tested, specimen preparation, mounting methods, and material properties
- Requires full documentation as per the ASTM E84 reporting section, including observations and measured flame spread/smoke developed indexes
Safety and Limitations
- Highlights that fire testing is inherently hazardous and emphasizes the need for adequate safety procedures
- States that the standard itself is not a pass/fail regulatory tool, nor does it provide quantitative measures
Applications
ASTM E3287-21 is critical for manufacturers and testers involved with building fenestration products such as window or door frames that support non-combustible materials (e.g., glass, certain panels). Applications include:
- Product Certification
Ensures profiles meet fire performance requirements in accordance with life safety codes. - Regulatory Compliance
Facilitates consistent specimen preparation for evaluations mandated by building authorities. - Research & Development
Supports fire resistance and safety research for new fenestration profile designs. - Quality Assurance
Provides a controlled procedure for assessing the fire behavior of profile materials intended for window and door systems.
Related Standards
- ASTM E84: Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. The reference fire test method for surface burning evaluation.
- ASTM E176: Terminology of Fire Standards. Provides definitions relevant to fire testing and materials.
- IEEE/ASTM SI-10: International System of Units (SI)-The Modernized Metric System. Guidance on unit usage.
- AAMA AG-13: Glossary of fenestration terms by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association.
By adhering to the procedures in ASTM E3287-21, organizations can ensure that their fenestration profiles are accurately and safely prepared for fire performance testing, supporting product integrity and compliance within the building industry.
Keywords: ASTM E3287-21, fenestration profiles, specimen preparation, non-combustible in-fill, surface burning characteristics, flame spread index, smoke developed index, fire test, ASTM E84, window frames, building safety, fire resistance testing, building materials.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E3287-21 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Practice for Specimen Preparation of Fenestration Profiles Intended to Support Non-Combustible In-Fill Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Fenestration products are often evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building or life safety code requirements. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and systems. 5.2 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing fenestration profiles to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.2 This practice applies to lengths of fenestration profiles only, intended for in-fill no less than 8 in. wide. 1.2.1 This practice does not apply to ancillary materials such as combustible in-fill, reinforcement, hardware, accessories, sealants, or weather-stripping 1.3 This practice presents two ways of testing fenestration profiles; either as profile lengths or as sheets of materials representing the profile. 1.4 Testing shall be conducted with Test Method E84. 1.5 This practice gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 1.9 of Test Method E84 for information on operator safety. 1.6 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool. 1.7 Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details. 1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.9 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations and equipment. 1.10 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered requirements of the standard. 1.11 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. 1.12 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.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Fenestration products are often evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building or life safety code requirements. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and systems. 5.2 The limitations for this procedure are those associated with Test Method E84. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing fenestration profiles to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.2 This practice applies to lengths of fenestration profiles only, intended for in-fill no less than 8 in. wide. 1.2.1 This practice does not apply to ancillary materials such as combustible in-fill, reinforcement, hardware, accessories, sealants, or weather-stripping 1.3 This practice presents two ways of testing fenestration profiles; either as profile lengths or as sheets of materials representing the profile. 1.4 Testing shall be conducted with Test Method E84. 1.5 This practice gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 1.9 of Test Method E84 for information on operator safety. 1.6 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool. 1.7 Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details. 1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.9 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations and equipment. 1.10 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered requirements of the standard. 1.11 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. 1.12 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.
ASTM E3287-21 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.50 - Fire-resistance of building materials and elements; 91.060.50 - Doors and windows. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E3287-21 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E176-24, ASTM E84-23d, ASTM E84-23c, ASTM E84-19b, ASTM E84-19a, ASTM E84-19, ASTM E176-18a, ASTM E84-18b, ASTM E84-18a, ASTM E176-18, ASTM E84-18, ASTM E84-17a, ASTM E84-17, ASTM E84-16, ASTM E84-15b. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E3287-21 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
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:E3287 −21 An American National Standard
Practice for
Specimen Preparation of Fenestration Profiles Intended to
Support Non-Combustible In-Fill Materials to Assess
Surface Burning Characteristics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E3287; 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 (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered
requirements of the standard.
1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen prepa-
1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the
ration and mounting when testing fenestration profiles to assess
flame spread and smoke development as surface burning safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
characteristics using Test Method E84.
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.2 This practice applies to lengths of fenestration profiles
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
only, intended for in-fill no less than 8 in. wide.
1.12 This international standard was developed in accor-
1.2.1 This practice does not apply to ancillary materials
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
such as combustible in-fill, reinforcement, hardware,
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
accessories, sealants, or weather-stripping
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.3 This practice presents two ways of testing fenestration
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
profiles; either as profile lengths or as sheets of materials
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
representing the profile.
1.4 Testing shall be conducted with Test Method E84. 2. Referenced Documents
1.5 This practice gives instructions on specimen preparation
2.1 ASTM Standards:
andmounting,butthefire-test-responsemethodisgiveninTest
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
Method E84. See also Section 1.9 of Test Method E84 for
Building Materials
information on operator safety.
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
1.6 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 International System of Units (SI) The
be used as a regulatory tool. Modernized Metric System
1.7 Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard 2.2 AAMA Standard:
in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are AAMAAG-13 Glossary
given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM
SI-10 for further details. 3. Terminology
1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative
3.1 For definitions of terms used in this practice and
measures.
associated with fire issues refer to Terminology E176.
1.9 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
hazardous and adequate safeguards for personnel and property
3.2.1 fenestration profile, n—a profile is the cross-sectional
shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing
geometry of a frame, sash or its components.
involves hazardous materials, operations and equipment.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—The fenestration product is mounted
within the building envelope.
1.10 The text of this practice references notes and footnotes
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Burning. the ASTM website.
Current edition approved April 1, 2021. Published June 2021. DOI: 10.1520/ Available from American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA),
E3287-21. www.aamanet.org.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E3287−21
3.2.2 flame spread index, n—a comparative measure ex- 7.2.1 Profile sheets that are not self-supporting specimens
pressed as a dimensionless number, derived from visual mea- and will not remain in place during the test shall be supported
surements of the spread of flame versus time in Test Method in accordance with Annex A4 of Test Method E84.
E84 (Terminology E176).
7.3 When fenestration profiles are being tested as manufac-
3.2.3 frame, n—the enclosing structure of a window, door,
tured lengths, the test specimens shall be representative of the
tubular daylighting device, roof window, secondary storm
heaviest and largest fenestration profile material representing a
products, or unit skylight which fits into or attaches to the wall
family or series.
or roof opening and received either glazing, sash, panels,
7.3.1 For fenestration profiles intended for fixed lites, the
leaves, or vents.
test specimens shall consist of profile lengths installed end-to-
end to comprise two lengths, 24.5 6 0.5 ft (7.47 6 0.152 m)
3.2.4 hardware, n—all the equipment necessary to retain,
long, of the profile material, installed 8 in. (203
...
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