ASTM E1590-23

Standard Test Method for Fire Testing of Mattresses

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method provides a means of measuring a variety of fire-test-response characteristics resulting from burning a test specimen, mattress or mattress with foundation. After ignition using a propane gas burner, the test specimen is permitted to burn freely under well-ventilated conditions. The most important fire-test-response characteristic measured in this test method is the rate of heat release, which quantifies the intensity of the fire generated.  
5.2 The rate of heat release is measured by the principle of oxygen consumption. Annex A3 discusses the assumptions and limitations.  
5.3 This test method also provides measures of other fire-test-response characteristics, including smoke obscuration (as the rate of smoke release, total smoke released, or optical density of smoke), combustion gas release (as concentrations of combustion gases), and mass loss, which are important to making decisions on fire safety.  
5.4 In the majority of fires, the most important gaseous components of smoke are the carbon oxides, present in all fires. They are indicators of the toxicity of the atmosphere and of the completeness of combustion. Measurement of concentrations of carbon oxides are useful for two purposes: (1) as part of fire hazard assessment calculations and (2) to improve the accuracy of heat release measurements. Other toxic combustion gases, which are specific to certain materials, are also indicators of the toxicity of the atmosphere, but are less crucial for determining combustion completeness and are optional measures; however, fire hazard assessment often requires their measurement.  
5.5 The type of ignition chosen (flaming source) is common in both accidental and intentional fires in public occupancies. The test method is thus applicable to mattresses in public occupancies. Such facilities include, but are not limited to, health-care facilities, old age convalescent and board and care homes, and college dormitories and residence halls.  
5.6 One ...
SCOPE
1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard.  
1.2 This test method provides a means of determining the burning behavior of mattresses used in public occupancies by measuring specific fire test responses when the test specimen, a mattress or mattress with foundation, is subjected to a specified flaming ignition source under well ventilated conditions.  
1.3 This is a test method for mattresses or mattresses with foundations.  
1.4 Test data are obtained describing the burning behavior, following application of a specific ignition source, from ignition until all burning has ceased, a period of 1 h has elapsed, or flashover appears inevitable.  
1.5 This test method does not provide information on the fire performance of mattresses under fire conditions other than those specified in this test method. In particular, this test method does not apply to smoldering ignition by cigarettes. See 5.12 for further information.  
1.6 The rate of heat release of burning test specimen is measured by an oxygen consumption method. See 5.12.4 for further information.  
1.7 Other measurements are the production of light-obscuring smoke and the concentrations of certain toxic gas species in the combustion gases. See 5.12.5 for further information.  
1.8 The burning behavior is documented visually by photographic or video recordings.  
1.9 Units—Use the SI system of units in referee decisions; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10. The units given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.10 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.  
1.11 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.  
1.12 This stan...

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Jan-2023
• ICS: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• ICS: 97.140 - Furniture
• Technical Committee: E05 - Fire Standards
• Drafting Committee: E05.15 - Furnishings and Contents

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E176-24 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E84-23d - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Dec-2023
• Refers: ASTM E2067-23 - Standard Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry Fire Tests
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2023
• Refers: ASTM E84-23c - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2023
• Refers: ASTM E800-20 - Standard Guide for Measurement of Gases Present or Generated During Fires
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2020
• Refers: ASTM E1474-20 - Standard Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Components or Composites Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2020
• Refers: ASTM E84-19b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 15-Apr-2019
• Refers: ASTM E84-19 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2019
• Refers: ASTM E176-18a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18b - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Jul-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-18 - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E176-18 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM E84-17a - Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
• Effective Date: 01-Nov-2017

Overview

ASTM E1590-23 is the internationally recognized standard test method for fire testing of mattresses, developed by ASTM International. This standard provides a scientifically rigorous procedure for evaluating the fire-test-response characteristics of mattresses and mattress with foundations under well-ventilated conditions, focusing on their behavior when ignited with a specified flaming ignition source (propane gas burner). The primary purpose is to quantify the rate of heat release and other fire-related metrics to support fire safety decisions, particularly for mattresses used in public occupancies such as healthcare facilities, nursing homes, and college dormitories.

Key Topics

• Burning Behavior Assessment: The test method measures burning behavior of a full-scale mattress or mattress and foundation using controlled ignition.
• Rate of Heat Release: Quantifies the fire intensity by measuring the amount and rate of heat generated, based on oxygen consumption principles.
• Smoke Measurement: Evaluates the rate of smoke release, total smoke generated, and optical density, important for determining visibility and escape conditions during a fire.
• Combustion Gas Analysis: Measures concentrations of combustion gases, especially carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), which are indicators of atmospheric toxicity and completeness of combustion.
• Mass Loss: Tracks the reduction in mass of the test specimen due to burning, providing additional fire performance data.
• Documentation: Visual records via photography or video provide a clear account of burning progression and events.
• Safety Considerations: The method notes the inherently hazardous nature of fire testing, emphasizing requirements for adequate personnel and facility safeguards.

Applications

ASTM E1590-23 is primarily intended for evaluating mattresses used in public environments where fire safety is critical. Its applications include:

• Fire Safety Compliance: Enables mattress manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers to assess compliance with fire safety regulations and standards before use in public occupancies.
• Risk Assessment: Provides essential data for fire hazard assessment by measuring heat release, smoke production, and toxic gas emissions during mattress combustion.
• Public Occupancy Safety: Suitable for mattresses in hospitals, elder care facilities, assisted living, dormitories, and other group living settings.
• Product Development: Assists manufacturers in designing and testing safer mattress products by revealing performance under worst-case fire scenarios.
• Regulatory Reference: Frequently referenced in regulations and procurement specifications for facilities requiring enhanced fire safety.

Limitations: This standard does not address fire performance from smoldering ignition sources such as cigarettes, nor does it predict fire performance under conditions other than its specified test procedure.

Related Standards

Several related national and international standards complement or reference ASTM E1590-23:

• ASTM E1354: Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter.
• ASTM E1537: Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture.
• CA TB 121, TB 129: California Technical Bulletins on mattress flammability in public occupancies.
• 16 CFR Part 1632 & 1633: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission standards for mattress flammability.
• ISO 9705: Full-scale room fire tests for interior products.
• NFPA 265, 286: Fire test methods for textile wall coverings and interior finishes.
• IEEE/ASTM SI-10: International System of Units (SI) specification for consistent units usage in fire safety testing.

By providing a comprehensive methodology to assess mattresses' performance in fires, ASTM E1590-23 plays a crucial role in improving occupant safety and establishing uniform fire safety benchmarks for the mattress industry worldwide.

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: E1590 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Fire Testing of Mattresses
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1590; 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* incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
assessment of the materials, products or assemblies under
1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard.
actual fire conditions.
1.2 This test method provides a means of determining the
1.11 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
burning behavior of mattresses used in public occupancies by
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
measuring specific fire test responses when the test specimen,
conducting these tests.
a mattress or mattress with foundation, is subjected to a
1.12 This standard does not purport to address all of the
specified flaming ignition source under well ventilated condi-
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
tions.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.3 This is a test method for mattresses or mattresses with
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
foundations.
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 Test data are obtained describing the burning behavior,
1.13 This international standard was developed in accor-
following application of a specific ignition source, from
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ignition until all burning has ceased, a period of 1 h has
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
elapsed, or flashover appears inevitable.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
1.5 This test method does not provide information on the
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
fire performance of mattresses under fire conditions other than
those specified in this test method. In particular, this test
2. Referenced Documents
method does not apply to smoldering ignition by cigarettes.
See 5.12 for further information.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
1.6 The rate of heat release of burning test specimen is
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
measured by an oxygen consumption method. See 5.12.4 for
Building Materials
further information.
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
1.7 Other measurements are the production of light-
E603 Guide for Room Fire Experiments
obscuring smoke and the concentrations of certain toxic gas
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
species in the combustion gases. See 5.12.5 for further infor-
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
mation.
E800 Guide for Measurement of Gases Present or Generated
1.8 The burning behavior is documented visually by photo-
During Fires
graphic or video recordings.
E1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con-
1.9 Units—Use the SI system of units in referee decisions;
sumption Calorimeter
see IEEE/ASTM SI-10. The units given in parentheses are for
E1474 Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate
information only.
of Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Components or
1.10 This standard is used to measure and describe the
Composites Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
Calorimeter
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
E1537 Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furni-
ture
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. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Feb. 1, 2023. Published February 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 2022 as E1590 – 22. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E1590-23. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1590 − 23
E2067 Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calo- 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
rimetry Fire Tests 3.2.1 product, n—mattress, or mattress with foundation, for
E2257 Test Method for Room Fire Test of Wall and Ceiling
which fire-test-response characteristics are to be measured.
Materials and Assemblies
3.2.2 specimen, n—the manufactured item of the product, or
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 International System of Units (SI): The
representative prototype of the product.
Modern Metric System
2.2 ISO Standards:
4. Summary of Test Method
ISO 4880 Burning Behaviour of Textiles and Textile
4.1 This fire-test-response test method determines a number
Products—Vocabulary
of fire-test-response characteristics associated with a full-scale
ISO 9705 Fire Tests—Full Scale Room Test for Surface
test specimen, mattress or mattress with foundation, ignited
Products
with a propane gas burner. Measurements to be made include
ISO 13943 Fire Safety—Vocabulary
the rate of heat and smoke release, total amount of heat
2.3 UL Standards:
released, rates and concentrations of carbon oxides released,
UL 1056 Fire Test of Upholstered Furniture (withdrawn)
and rates and amounts of mass of test specimen lost. Other
UL 1895 Fire Test of Mattresses (withdrawn)
optional measurements are also described.
2.4 CA Standards:
CA Technical Bulletin 121 Flammability Test Procedure for
4.2 In Test Configurations A and B, the test specimen is
Mattresses for Use in Public Occupancies
placed on a weighing platform located in a test room. An
CA Technical Bulletin 129 Flammability Test Procedure for
exhaust hood, connected to a duct, is located at the doorway of
Mattresses for Use in Public Buildings
the room.
CA Technical Bulletin 133 Flammability Test Procedure for
4.3 In Test Configuration C, the test specimen is placed on
Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies (with-
a weighing platform located directly under a hood.
drawn)
4.4 Heat, smoke, and combustion gas release instrumenta-
2.5 Other Documents:
tion is placed in the duct.
CFR Part 1632 Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses
and Mattress Pads (formerly DOC FF4-72, 40 FR 59940)
4.5 Additional (optional) instrumentation placed in the test
CFR Part 1633 Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame)
room is also described.
of Mattress Sets
Nordtest Method NT Fire 032 Upholstered Furniture: Burn-
5. Significance and Use
ing Behavior—Full Scale Test
8 5.1 This test method provides a means of measuring a
2.6 NFPA Standards:
variety of fire-test-response characteristics resulting from burn-
NFPA 265 Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating
ing a test specimen, mattress or mattress with foundation. After
Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on
ignition using a propane gas burner, the test specimen is
Full Height Panels and Walls
permitted to burn freely under well-ventilated conditions. The
NFPA 286 Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating
most important fire-test-response characteristic measured in
Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room
this test method is the rate of heat release, which quantifies the
Fire Growth
intensity of the fire generated.
3. Terminology
5.2 The rate of heat release is measured by the principle of
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test oxygen consumption. Annex A3 discusses the assumptions and
method and associated with fire issues, refer to the terminology limitations.
contained in Terminology E176 and ISO 13943. In case of
5.3 This test method also provides measures of other fire-
conflict, the definitions given in Terminology E176 shall
test-response characteristics, including smoke obscuration (as
prevail. For definitions of terms used in this test method and
the rate of smoke release, total smoke released, or optical
associated with textile issues, refer to the terminology con-
density of smoke), combustion gas release (as concentrations
tained in Terminology D123 and ISO 4880. In case of conflict,
of combustion gases), and mass loss, which are important to
the definitions given in Terminology D123 shall prevail.
making decisions on fire safety.
5.4 In the majority of fires, the most important gaseous
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de
components of smoke are the carbon oxides, present in all fires.
la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://
They are indicators of the toxicity of the atmosphere and of the
www.iso.ch.
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd.,
completeness of combustion. Measurement of concentrations
Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, http://www.ul.com.
of carbon oxides are useful for two purposes: (1) as part of fire
Available from California Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS),
hazard assessment calculations and (2) to improve the accuracy
State of California, Dept. of Consumer Affairs, 3485 Orange Grove Ave., North
of heat release measurements. Other toxic combustion gases,
Highlands, CA 95660-5595, https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/.
Available from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 4330 East
which are specific to certain materials, are also indicators of the
West Hwy., Bethesda, MD 20814, http://www.cpsc.gov.
toxicity of the atmosphere, but are less crucial for determining
Available from Nordtest, P.O. Box 22, SF-00341, Helsingfors, Finland.
combustion completeness and are optional measures; however,
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch
Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org. fire hazard assessment often requires their measurement.
E1590 − 23
5.5 The type of ignition chosen (flaming source) is common 5.12.5 As yet, there is not a known direct correlation
in both accidental and intentional fires in public occupancies. between smoke obscuration or smoke toxicity measurements in
The test method is thus applicable to mattresses in public the exhaust duct and overall fire hazard.
occupancies. Such facilities include, but are not limited to, 5.12.6 This test method does not address changes in fire
health-care facilities, old age convalescent and board and care performance that might occur due to vandalism or to other
homes, and college dormitories and residence halls. misuse.
5.6 One of the following three configurations is to be used
6. Apparatus
in this test method:
6.1 Room Layout and Instrumentation:
5.6.1 Test Configuration A—A test room with the following
6.1.1 Test Room Layout (Test Configuration A)—The test
dimensions: 3.66 m by 2.44 m by 2.44 m (12 ft by 8 ft by 8 ft)
room shall have dimensions of 2.44 m 6 25 mm by 3.66 m 6
high.
25 mm by 2.44 m 6 25 mm (8 by 12 by 8 ft) high. The room
5.6.2 Test Configuration B—A test room with the following
shall have no openings other than a doorway opening 0.76 m 6
dimensions: 3.66 m by 3.05 m by 2.44 m (12 ft by 10 ft by 8
6.4 mm by 2.03 m 6 6.4 mm (30 by 80 in.), located as
ft) high.
indicated in Fig. 1, and other small openings, as necessary, to
5.6.3 Test Configuration C—An open calorimeter (or furni-
make test measurements. Construct the test room of wooden or
ture calorimeter).
metal studs, and line it with fire-rated gypsum wallboard or
5.7 Rooms of other dimensions are acceptable where it has
calcium silicate wallboard. Position a hood, as described in
been shown that equivalent test results are obtained.
Annex A1, outside of the room doorway, such that it collects all
5.8 Measurements in the three test configurations listed in of the combustion gases. There shall be no obstructions to the
5.6 have been shown to give similar results for heat release in air supply to the test setup.
the duct, and mass loss, up to a rate of heat release of 600 kW
NOTE 1—Both Type X gypsum wallboard and calcium silicate wall-
(1).
board with a thickness of at least 13 mm (0.5 in.) have been found
acceptable. If the thickness of the wallboard is larger, it will not affect the
5.9 Measurements of temperatures, gas concentrations, and
results of this test method.
smoke obscuration in the room are dependent on room size.
6.1.2 Test Room Layout (Test Configuration B)—The test
5.10 This test method has been designed to provide details
room shall have dimensions of 3.05 m 6 25 mm by 3.66 m 6
for the means to build and operate equipment capable of
25 mm by 2.44 m 6 25 mm (10 by 12 by 8 ft) high. The room
running tests as required by CA TB 129. However, this test
shall have no openings other than a doorway opening 0.97 m 6
method is more general than that technical bulletin.
5.11 Studies on the flammability performance of mattresses
indicate that bench scale fire tests are useful for preliminary
evaluations of component materials for substitution purposes
(see Appendix X3).
5.12 Limitations:
5.12.1 This test method is not applicable to ignition by
cigarettes, or by any other smoldering source.
5.12.2 The ignition source in this test method is a flaming
source, and it has been shown that mattresses, particularly in
public occupancies, are involved in fires with flaming ignition
sources. Moreover, this particular ignition source has been
shown to be able to provide a distinction between different
kinds of mattress items. However, the fraction of actual
flaming mattress fires occurring with ignitions more or less
intense than that used here is not known.
5.12.3 It is not known whether the results of this test method
will be equally valid when a mattress is burned under condi-
tions different from those specified. In particular, it is unclear
whether the use of a different ignition source, or the same
ignition source but having a different duration of flame
exposure or a different gas-flow rate, will change the results.
5.12.4 The value of rate of heat release corresponding to the
critical limit between propagating mattress fires and non-
propagating fires is not known.
NOTE 1—See text for tolerances; room instrumentation is optional.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
this test method. FIG. 1 Test Room Configuration A
E1590 − 23
6.4 mm by 2.06 m 6 6.4 mm (38 by 81 in.), located as corner. Ensure that the test specimen is at a distance of between
indicated in Fig. 2, and other small openings, as necessary, to 0.10 m and 0.25 m (4 in. and 10 in.) from both walls (Fig. 1 and
make test measurements. Construct the test room of wooden or Fig. 2).
metal studs, and line it with fire-rated gypsum wallboard or 6.1.7 Location of Test Specimen, for Test Configuration
calcium silicate wallboard. Position a hood, as described in C—Position the test specimen on a weighing platform under-
Annex A1, outside of the room doorway, such that it collects all neath the hood (Fig. 3).
of the combustion gases. There shall be no obstructions to the
6.2 Ignition Source:
air supply to the test method setup. (See Note 1.)
6.2.1 As the ignition source, use a gas burner in the shape of
6.1.3 Open Calorimeter Layout (Test Configuration C):
a T, as described in Fig. 4.
6.1.3.1 The area surrounding the test specimen in an open
6.2.2 Construct the burner of stainless steel, with wall
calorimeter layout shall be sufficiently large that there are no
thicknesses of 0.89 mm 6 0.05 mm (0.035 in. 6 0.002 in.).
heat radiation effects from the walls or any other nearby
Make the head of the T 205 mm 6 10 mm (approximately 8 in.
objects. The airflow to the test specimen shall be symmetrical
6 0.4 in.) long and 13 mm 6 1 (0.5 in. 6 0.04 in.) in outer
from all sides.
diameter. Plug the ends of the T. As shown in Fig. 4a and Fig.
6.1.3.2 If the heat release rate of the test specimen is below
4b, construct the burner with two sets of holes equally spaced
600 kW, a load cell sited under a hood, and where the distance
and centered along the head of the burner and oriented 90° to
between the test specimen and any wall is 1 m (3.3 ft) or more,
one another. One set consists of 14 holes and the other of nine
is acceptable.
holes, with each hole spaced 13 mm 6 1 mm (0.5 in. 6 0.04
6.1.3.3 The air supply to the calorimeter shall be sufficient
in.) from the next. Make the holes 1 mm 6 0.04 mm (0.039 in.
so that it does not affect the burning process.
6 0.002 in.) in diameter. Warning—It is common for the
6.1.4 General Discussion of Room Layout—Heat release
burner holes to become clogged up following a test. Inspect
measurements in the duct, made in Test Configurations A, B,
burner holes after each test, and clean thoroughly, if required.
and C, have been shown to yield similar results for heat release
Take care not to enlarge the holes when cleaning them.
rates below 600 kW (see X1.4) (1).
6.2.3 Construct the handle of the burner of stainless steel,
6.1.5 Other Test Room Furnishings—The test room shall
with the same diameter and thickness as the head. Weld it to the
contain no furnishings except for the test specimen.
head in the orientation shown in Fig. 4c. When the 14 holes in
6.1.6 Location of Test Specimen, for Test Configurations A
the head are oriented 45° above the horizontal and the nine
or B—Position the test specimen on a weighing platform in a
holes are oriented 45° below the horizontal, the handle is
approximately 30° above the horizontal. Construct the handle
such that it is at least 450 mm (approximately 18 in.) long, in
order to facilitate its attachment to the support and the propane
line.
NOTE 2—In order to align the burner to the test specimen properly, it is
necessary to position the head as described below; therefore, the angle
between the handle and the head is not critical.
6.2.4 Use propane gas, with a known net heat of combustion
of 46.5 MJ/kg 6 0.5 MJ/kg, as a fuel for this ignition source.
Meter the flow rate of propane at 12 L/min 6 0.25 L/min, at a
pressure of 101 kPa 6 5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure,
NOTE 1—See text for tolerances; room instrumentation is optional.
FIG. 2 Test Room Configuration B FIG. 3 Test Configuration for Mattress in Furniture Calorimeter
E1590 − 23
FIG. 5 T-Burner Impingement With And Without A Mattress Foun-
dation
6.2.6.2 Ensure that the horizontal plane of the head of the
burner (depicted in Fig. 4c) is level with the bottom horizontal
surface of the test specimen. This orientation shall be such that
the 14 holes are directed at the test specimen at an angle of 45°
above the horizontal and the nine holes are directed under the
test specimen (at the mattress or mattress foundation, if one is
used) at an angle 45° below the horizontal. The handle will
thus be set, nominally, at a 30° angle above the horizontal.
6.2.6.3 Locate the burner during ignition in such a way that
the nearest point of the head of the burner is 25 mm 6 2 mm
(1 in. 6 0.1 in.) from the vertical edge of the test specimen.
6.3 Mass Loss Measurements:
NOTE 1—See text for tolerances.
6.3.1 Use a weighing platform to measure the mass of the
FIG. 4 View of T-shaped Gas Burner: 4a, Burner Head Showing
burning test specimen continuously. Construct a weighing
Top Set of Holes; 4b, Burner Head Showing Bottom Set of Holes;
platform, consisting of a horizontal thermal barrier, as de-
and 4c, Side View of Burner Showing Orientation of the Head
scribed in 6.3.2, and placed on top of a mass measuring device
with the Handle
(Fig. 6).
measured at the flow gauge) and a temperature of 20 6 5 °C,
or at a flow calculated to be equivalent to these values. To
deliver the propane to the burner, use flexible tubing fed into
the handle of the burner. Maintain the flow rate of propane
constant while the propane gas flame is lit. Mount the burner
on an adjustable pole, with a counterweight if necessary, in
order to allow the burner to be positioned in the proper location
for ignition of the test specimen and then swung out of the way
after the propane gas flame is turned off.
6.2.5 The approximate ratio of heat release rate output to
gas-flow rate is 1.485 kW min/L under standard conditions.
The calculated rate of heat release from the burner at the
temperature and pressure given above is 17.8 kW.
6.2.6 Location of Gas Burner:
6.2.6.1 Orient the burner with respect to the test specimen as
shown in Fig. 5. FIG. 6 Setup for Mass Loss Measurement
E1590 − 23
6.3.2 Construct a thermal barrier large enough to prevent system, smoke obscuration measurement system (white light
melting or falling material from the tested mattress specimen photocell lamp/detector or laser), and combustion gas sampling
from falling off the thermal barrier. The barrier shall consist of and analysis system. Construct the exhaust collection system as
a galvanized steel pan with a gypsum lining placed under the shown in Fig. 8 and as explained in Annex A1.
mattress specimen. The barrier shall be used to protect the load 6.4.1.2 Ensure that the system for collecting the smoke
cell. The pan shall be constructed of nominally 1.6 mm ( ⁄16 in.) (which includes gaseous combustion products) has sufficient
thick steel, and have dimensions of 1.2 m 6 0.1 m by 2.4 m 6 exhaust capacity and is designed in such a way that all of the
0.1 m (4 ft 6 4 in. by 8 ft 6 4 in.), with a uniform raised lip combustion products leaving the burning test specimen are
of the same material, 100 mm 6 10 mm (approximately 4 in.) collected. Design the capacity of the evacuation system such
high, on each side, to catch falling material. The bottom of the that it will exhaust, minimally, all combustion gases leaving the
pan shall be covered by a tight fitting section of standard test specimen (see A1.1.4),
gypsum board (finish side up), of nominally 13 mm (0.5 in.) 6.4.1.3 Place probes for the sampling of combustion gas and
thickness. The gypsum board shall be clean before the start of measurement of flow rate in accordance with 6.5.
a test; the board shall be replaced for each test. 6.4.1.4 Make all measurements of smoke obscuration, gas
6.3.3 Measure the test specimen mass continuously with a concentrations, or flow rates at a position in the exhaust duct
device capable of an accuracy of no less than 6150 g, up to at where the exhaust is mixed uniformly so that there is a nearly
least 90 kg. Install it in such a way that neither the heat from uniform velocity across the duct section.
the burning test specimen nor any eccentricity of the load will 6.4.1.5 To ensure uniform mixing of the exhaust, provide a
affect the accuracy. Do not make any range shifts during straight section of duct before the measuring system having a
measurements. Install all parts of the mass measuring device length equal to at least eight times the inside diameter of the
below the top level of the thermal barrier. duct. If a measuring system is positioned at a distance of less
6.3.4 The distance from the upper surface of the thermal than 8 diameters, demonstrate the achievement of equivalent
barrier to floor level shall not exceed 0.3 m (12 in.). The area results.
between the thermal barrier and the floor level shall be
6.5 Instrumentation in Exhaust Duct:
shielded, by providing a skirt at the perimeter of the barrier, in
6.5.1 The following specifications are minimum require-
order to prevent lifting forces, due to fire-induced air flow, that
ments for exhaust duct instrumentation. Additional information
influence the measurement.
is given in Annex A2.
6.3.5 Alternatively, use a suspension-gauge weighing sys-
6.5.2 Flow Rate—Measure the flow rate in the exhaust duct
tem to measure the mass loss of the test specimen in a test
by means of a bidirectional probe, or an equivalent measuring
room. For this test method, suspend the bed frame from the
system, with an accuracy of at least 66 % (see Annex A2 for
ceiling with chains (Fig. 7), resulting in penetration through the
further details). The response time to a stepwise change of the
ceiling of the test room. Keep the hole at the ceiling at an
duct flow rate shall not exceed 5 s to reach 90 % of the final
absolute minimum size.
value.
6.4 Exhaust Collection System:
6.6 Combustion Gas Analysis:
6.4.1 General:
6.6.1 Sampling Line—Construct the sampling line tubes of a
6.4.1.1 Construct the exhaust collection system with the
material not influencing the concentration of the combustion
following minimal requirements: a blower, steel hood, duct,
gas species to be analyzed. The following sequence of the gas
bidirectional probe, thermocouple(s), oxygen measurement
train has been shown to be acceptable: sampling probe, soot
FIG. 7 Bed Assembly With Suspending Strain Gauge Load Cell FIG. 8 Design of Hood and Exhaust System
E1590 − 23
filter, cold trap, gas path pump, vent valve, plastic drying
column and carbon dioxide removal columns (if used), flow
controller, and oxygen analyzer (see Fig. 9 and Annex A2 for
further details). Alternative designs of the sampling line must
yield equivalent results. The gas train shall also include
appropriate spanning and zeroing facilities.
6.6.2 Oxygen Measurement—Measure the oxygen concen-
tration with an accuracy of 60.01 vol % oxygen, or better, in
order to have adequate measurements of the rate of heat
FIG. 10 Optical System Using a White Light
release. Take the combustion gas sample from the end of the
sampling line. Calculate the time delay, including the time
constant of the instrument, from the test room; it is a function
and A2.4, for further details). It has been shown that white light
of the exhaust duct flow rate. This time delay shall not exceed
and laser systems will provide similar results (see Refs (2-5)).
60 s (see Annex A2 for further details).
6.6.3 Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide
7. Test Specimen
Measurement—Measure the combustion gas species with an
7.1 As the test specimen, use an actual manufactured
instrument having an accuracy of at least 60.1 vol % for
carbon dioxide and 60.02 vol % for carbon monoxide. A mattress, or prototype thereof, in the configuration of its
intended use.
suitable output range is from 0 to 1 vol % for carbon monoxide
and from 0 to 6 vol % for carbon dioxide. Take the combustion 7.1.1 Use the foundation in tests of mattresses intended for
use with a foundation.
gas sample from the end of the sampling line. Calculate the
time delay, including the time constant of the instrument, from 7.1.2 If the foundation consists exclusively of metallic
components, it is acceptable to replace it, for the test, by the
the test room; it is a function of the exhaust duct flow rate. It
shall be a maximum of 60 s (see Annex A2 for further details). bed frame described in 7.4.
7.2 The mattress size to be tested is twin, which has the
6.7 Smoke Obscuration Measurement:
6.7.1 Install an optical system for measurement of the light following dimensions: 0.97 m by 1.89 m (38.0 in. by 74.5 in.).
Twin size mattresses have varying thicknesses.
obscuration across the centerline of the exhaust duct. Deter-
mine the optical density of the smoke by measuring the light 7.2.1 If the intended use of the product requires a size
different from twin, the test specimen used shall be the size
transmitted with a photometer system consisting of a white
light source and a photocell/detector or a laser system for representative of the intended use. Report the dimensions of
the test specimen.
measurement of light obscuration across the centerline of the
exhaust duct.
7.3 In all respects, the prototype test specimen shall reflect
6.7.2 One photometer system found suitable consists of a
the construction of the actual mattress that it is intended to
lamp, lenses, an aperture, and a photocell (see Fig. 10 and
represent.
Annex A2 for further details). Construct the system so that soot
7.4 Support the test specimen by means of a metal bed
deposits on the optics during a test do not reduce the light
frame. Construct the bed frame of heavy angle-section iron,
transmission by more than 5 %.
with all joints welded and with sinusoidal no-snag type springs.
6.7.3 Alternatively, instrumentation constructed using a 0.5
to 2.0-mW helium-neon laser, instead of a white light system, 7.5 Ensure that the top surface of the test specimen is not
is also acceptable (see Fig. 10 and Annex A2, as well as Fig. 11 more than 0.9 m (35.4 in.) from the floor.
FIG. 9 Schematic of Gas Train
E1590 − 23
FIG. 11 Laser Extinction Beam
8. Calibration
8.1 Calibrate all instruments carefully with standard sources
after initial installation. Among the instruments to be calibrated
are load cells or weighing platforms, smoke meters, flow or
velocity transducers, and gas analyzers. Perform recalibration
tests on the entire system, for example, using standard output
burners.
8.2 Heat Release:
8.2.1 Perform the calibration of the heat release instrumen-
tation in the exhaust duct by burning propane or methane gas
and comparing the heat release rates calculated from the
metered gas input and those calculated from the measured
oxygen consumption. The value of net heat of combustion for
methane is 50.0 MJ/kg, and that for propane is 46.5 MJ/kg.
Position the burner in the same location that the test specimen
is to be placed during the test. Measure the gas flow rate at a
pressure of 101 6 5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure,
measured at the flow gauge) and a temperature of 20 6 5 °C.
8.2.2 A suitable calibration burner is a sand diffusion burner
with a 0.3 m by 0.3 m (12 in. by 12 in.) top surface and a
0.15-m (6-in.) depth. Construct such a gas burner with a 25 mm
(1 in.) thick plenum. Alternatively, use a minimum 100 mm (4
in.) layer of Ottawa sand to provide the horizontal surface
through which the gas is supplied. This type of burner is shown
in Fig. 12. The gas supply to the burner shall be propane, of the
same quality as that used for the ignition burner, or methane.
The gas for the burner flame shall not be premixed with air.
Meter the flow rate of gas, and keep it constant throughout the
calibration test.
NOTE 1—See text for tolerances.
8.2.3 Another suitable calibration burner is a pipe, with an FIG. 12 Calibration Gas Burner
inner diameter of 100 mm 6 1.5 mm (4 in.), supplied with gas
from beneath (ISO 9705). The gas for the burner flame shall
not be premixed with air. 8.2.5 Take measurements at least once every 6 s, and start 1
8.2.4 Obtain a minimum of two calibration points. Obtain a min prior to ignition of the burner. Determine the average rate
lower heat release rate value of 40 kW and then a higher heat of heat release over a period of at least 1 min by (1) the oxygen
release rate value of 160 kW. Approximate propane flow rates consumption method and (2) calculating the heat release rate
for any required heat release rate value are estimated using the from the gas mass flow rate and the net heat of combustion.
following constant: 1.485 kW min/L, determined at a pressure The difference between the two values shall not exceed 5 %.
of 101 kPa 6 5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure, measured This comparison shall be made only after steady-state condi-
at the flow gauge) and a temperature of 20 6 5 °C. tions have been reached.
E1590 − 23
8.2.6 Perform a calibration test in accordance with to 8.5 10.1.4 Have means available for extinguishing a fully de-
prior to each continuous test series. Perform a full basic veloped fire.
calibration on a new system or when modifications are intro-
10.2 Test Procedure:
duced.
10.2.1 Weigh the test specimen immediately upon removal
8.2.7 When calibrating a new system, or modifications are
from the conditioning room and immediately before the start of
introduced, check the response time of the measuring system
testing.
by the following test sequence:
10.2.2 Place the T-shaped propane gas burner at the side of
Time Burner output, kW
the test specimen, as specified in 6.2.6.
0 to 5 min 0
10.2.3 Begin all recording and measuring devices 2 min
5 to 10 min 40
10 to 15 min 160 before starting the ignition burner.
15 to 20 min 0
10.2.4 Light the ignition burner.
The response of the system to a stepwise change of the heat
10.2.5 Expose the test specimen to the gas burner flames for
output from the burner shall be a maximum of 12 s to 90 % of
180 s, at a flow rate of 12 L/min, determined at a pressure of
final value.
101 kPa 6 5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure, measured at
8.2.8 Perform the calibration given in 8.2.7 with the initial
the flow gauge) and a temperature of 20 6 5 °C.
duct air flow rate equal to that to be used in the test procedure. 10.2.6 Extinguish the gas flame and remove the burner after
8.2.9 The change in measured rate of heat release, compar-
the specified burning period (180 s).
ing time average values over 1 min, shall not be more than
10.2.7 Perform a photographic or a video recording before
10 % of the actual heat output from the burner.
and during each test. An indication of elapsed time, giving time
8.2.10 The use of a higher rate of heat release for
to the nearest 1 s, shall appear in all photographic records.
calibration, for example, 500 kW, will generally lead to higher
10.2.8 During the test, record the following events and the
accuracy in the test results.
time when they occur, with respect to the time of ignition of the
burner:
8.3 Mass Loss—Perform calibration of the mass-measuring
10.2.8.1 Ignition of the test specimen,
device by loading the weighing platform with known masses
10.2.8.2 Position of the flame front at various appropriate
corresponding to the measuring range of interest, to ensure that
times,
the requirements of accuracy in 6.3.3 are fulfilled. Conduct this
10.2.8.3 Melting and dripping,
calibration daily, prior to testing.
10.2.8.4 Formation of flaming droplets,
8.4 Smoke Obscuration—Calibrate the smoke meter initially
10.2.8.5 Occurrence of pool fire under the test specimen,
to read correctly for two neutral density filters of significantly
10.2.8.6 General description of the burning behavior, and
different values, and also at 100 % transmission. The use of
10.2.8.7 Any other event of special interest.
neutral-density filters at 0.5 and 1.0 values of optical density
10.2.9 Terminate the test after the first of the following:
has been shown to be satisfactory for this calibration. Once this
10.2.9.1 All signs of combustion have ceased,
calibration is set, only the zero value of extinction coefficient
10.2.9.2 One hour of testing has elapsed, or
(100 % transmission) must be verified each day, prior to
10.2.9.3 Flashover appears inevitable.
testing. Investigate any excessive departure from the zero line
10.2.10 Note, from visual inspection of the specimen after
at the end of a test, and correct it.
the test, the approximate percentage of each surface that was
8.5 Gas Analysis—Calibrate the gas analyzers daily, prior to
burned or charred, and the approximate depth of fire damage.
testing (see Guide E800 for further guidance).
11. Calculation
9. Conditioning 11.1 Considerations for heat release measurements are pre-
sented in Annex A3. Calculate the heat release data using the
9.1 Prior to testing, condition the specimen for at least 48 h
equations presented in A4.1. The testing laboratory shall
in an atmosphere at a temperature of 21 °C 6 4 °C (70 °F 6
choose one of the equations given in A4.1 for calculating heat
7 °F) and a relative humidity of less than 60 %. Test the
release, based on the gas analyzers installed.
specimens as soon as possible after removal from such
conditions if the test room conditions differ from the above.
11.2 Calculate the smoke release data using the equations
Report the time between removal from conditioning room and presented in A4.2.
the start of testing.
11.3 Calculate the gas yield data using the equations pre-
sented in A4.3.
10. Procedure
12. Report
10.1 Initial Conditions:
10.1.1 The ambient temperature shall be above 15 °C 12.1 Report the following descriptive information:
(60 °F), and the relative humidity shall be below 75 %. 12.1.1 Name and address of the testing laboratory;
10.1.2 The horizontal air flow, measured at both the surface 12.1.2 Date and identification number of the report;
and a horizontal distance of 0.5 m (20 in.) from the edge of the 12.1.3 Name and address of the test requester;
−1
weighing platform, shall not exceed 0.5 ms . 12.1.4 Test configuration used: A, B, or C;
10.1.3 Position the test specimen and metal bed frame 12.1.5 Name of the product manufacturer or supplier, if
centrally on the weighing platform. known;
E1590 − 23
12.1.6 Name or other identification marks and description 12.2.2.10 Smoke obscuration, carbon monoxide, and tem-
of the product; perature measurements in the room in the same fashion, if they
have been made.
12.1.7 Density, or mass per unit surface area, total mass,
thickness of the main components in the test specimen, and 12.2.3 Descriptive Results:
12.2.3.1 Photographs or videotape of the fire development;
mass of combustible portion of test specimen, if known;
and
12.1.7.1 Weight change of the test specimen between re-
12.2.3.2 All available information requested in 10.2.8 –
moval from the conditioning room and the start of testing;
10.2.10.
12.1.8 Description of the test specimen, if different from the
product;
13. Precision and Bias
12.1.9 Conditioning of the test specimen;
12.1.10 Date of the test;
13.1 Precision—An interlaboratory test program was con-
12.1.11 Test number and any special remarks; and
ducted in 1997 using six laboratories. These six laboratories
12.1.12 Time between the removal from the conditioning
constituted approximately half of all laboratories known to the
room and the start of testing.
committee to be capable of executing the test method at the
time.
12.2 Report the following test results:
13.1.1 Three replicate samples each of four mattresses were
12.2.1 Table of numerical results containing the following:
tested. Three samples were polyurethane foam mattress de-
12.2.1.1 Peak rate of heat release, kW, and the time at which
signs with identical construction, but with only the thickness of
it occurred;
the polyurethane foam pad varying in each design. The
12.2.1.2 Total heat released, MJ;
1 1
polyurethane foam pads used were 6 mm ( ⁄4 in.), 13 mm ( ⁄2
12.2.1.3 Total heat released at 10 min, MJ;
in.), and 19 mm ( ⁄4 in.) thick. The foam pads were covered by
2 −1
12.2.1.4 Peak rate of smoke release, m s , and the time at
identical top and bottom layers of fabric ticking quilted to a
which it occurred;
polyurethane foam topper pad and a polypropylene netting
12.2.1.5 Total smoke released, m ;
insulator, separated by a wire coil construction. Borders were
12.2.1.6 Total smoke released at 10 min, m ;
slit from the quilt assemblies used for each design.
12.2.1.7 Total mass loss, kg;
13.1.2 The fourth sample was one version of a currently
12.2.1.8 Total mass loss at 10 min, kg;
manufactured hospital mattress. This mattress consists of
12.2.1.9 Total percentage of mass loss, %;
identical top and bottom layers of poly (vinyl chloride)
12.2.1.10 Peak concentration of carbon monoxide, ppm;
mattress ticking (cover reinforced), boric acid powder treated
12.2.1.11 Peak temperatures,°C;
cotton padding, a 15 mm ( ⁄8 in.) polyurethane foam pad, a
12.2.1.12 Equation used to calculate rate of heat release;
spring insulator consisting of polypropylene-netting, and an
12.2.1.13 Peak optical density of smoke (optional);
inner spring unit made of wire coil construction.
12.2.1.14 Average optical density of smoke, over the 10-
13.1.3 All major required properties were determined for
min period, including the peak (optional);
each construction. A statistical analysis is presented in Table 1
12.2.1.15 Total percentage of combustible mass loss, %
containing precision information for seven fire-test-response
(optional);
characteristics: peak rate of heat release (in kW), total heat
12.2.1.16 Average yield of carbon monoxide, g CO/g fuel
released (in MJ), time to peak rate of heat release (in s), total
(optional);
mass loss (in kg), total smoke released (in m ), peak rate of
12.2.1.17 ) Average yield of carbon dioxide, g CO /g fuel
smoke release (in m /s) and time to peak rate of smoke release
(optional); (in s). The statistical parameters presented, calculated with the
12.2.1.18 Carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide molar yield ra- equations in Practice E691, are the average of each property
tio (optional); and from all laboratories (Ave), the repeatability standard deviation
12.2.1.19 Average yield of any other measured combustion (s ), the reproducibility standard deviation (s ), and the number
r R
gas, g combustion gas/g fuel (optional). of laboratories reporting each property.
12.2.2 Graphical Results (Optional):
13.2 This is a preliminary study since not all laboratories
12.2.2.1 Plot of rate of heat release versus time;
followed all procedures as detailed in this standard.
12.2.2.2 Plot of rate of smoke release versus time;
13.2.1 The test program encountered a number of problems,
12.2.2.3 Plot of optical density versus time;
which are likely to have contributed to errors in the measure-
12.2.2.4 Plot of mass loss versus time;
ments. Some of the variations are described, in 13.2.1.1
12.2.2.5 Plot of concentration of carbon monoxide versus
through 13.2.1.3.
time; 13.2.1.1 The tests were conducted in three different types of
12.2.2.6 Plot of concentration of carbon dioxide versus configurations, namely standard test configurations A, B, and
time; C: two laboratories used configuration A, three laboratories
12.2.2.7 Plots of concentration of any other measured com- used configuration B and one laboratory used configuration C.
bustion gas versus time;
12.2.2.8 Plot of mass flow rate in the exhaust duct versus
time; 10
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may
12.2.2.9 Plot of duct temperature versus time; and be obtained by requesting Research Report RR: RR:E05-1011.
E1590 − 23
TABLE 1 Precision Estimates from Interlaboratory Round Robin
13.3 Further Observations:
No. of
13.3.1 For all the properties reported, repeatability and
Ave s S
r R
Laboratories
reproducibility (that is, s and s ) tend to increase with the
r R
Peak Rate of Heat Release (kW)
6 mm 153 22.2 62.1 6
property value. Such trends have not been quantified.
13 mm 288 71.2 129.1 6
A 13.3.2 Reproducibility—Since there are only a small fixed
19 mm 544 216.0 319.4 6
B
Hospital 185 87.8 138.8 6
number of possible laboratories, the usual interpretation of
Total Heat Released @ 10 min (MJ)
reproducibility as a measure of random variation among
6 mm 34.2 8.8 13.7 6
laboratories does not apply. The primary cause of a high
13 mm 49.9 15.4 22.0 6
19 mm 63.0 14.7 24.7 6
reproducibility standard deviation appears to be because some
B
Hospital 15.8 7.7 19.4 6
laboratories show consistent, and significantly different, re-
Time to Peak Rate of Heat Release (s)
6 mm 187.1 45.0 49.2 6 sults: one has consistently high values and one has consistently
13 mm 179.4 23.2 54.1 6
low values.
19 mm 146.4 45.5 51.8 6
C
Hospital 819.8 551.0 551.0 6
NOTE 3—Appendix X5 contains precision estimates that are calculated
Total Mass Loss (kg)
with the two laboratories that used the misaligned burner configuration
6 mm 1.64 0.15 0.25 6
removed. One of those laboratories also used sand in the thermal barrier
13 mm 2.21 0.29 0.47 6
19 mm 2.86 0.25 0.59 6 under the mattress, instead of gypsum board.
D
Hospital 4.04 1.22 1.32 5
Total Smoke Release (m ) 13.4 Bias:
6 mm 46.2 18.8 27.5 4
13.4.1 No information is presented on the bias of the
13 mm 77.4 17.2 29.7 4
19 mm 134.8 63.8 63.8 4 procedure in this test method because correct values of the
Hospital 759.7 160.2 471.8 4
fire-test-response characteristics of mattresses can be defined
Peak Rate of Smoke Release (m /s)
only in terms of a test method. Within this limitation, this test
6 mm 0.29 0.07 0.13 4
13 mm 0.63 0.27 0.35 4
metho
...

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: E1590 − 22 E1590 − 23 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Fire Testing of Mattresses
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1590; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope*
1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard.
1.2 This test method provides a means of determining the burning behavior of mattresses used in public occupancies by measuring
specific fire test responses when the test specimen, a mattress or mattress with foundation, is subjected to a specified flaming
ignition source under well ventilated conditions.
1.3 This is a test method for mattresses or mattresses with foundations.
1.4 Test data are obtained describing the burning behavior, following application of a specific ignition source, from ignition until
all burning has ceased, a period of 1 h has elapsed, or flashover appears inevitable.
1.5 This test method does not provide information on the fire performance of mattresses under fire conditions other than those
specified in this test method. In particular, this test method does not apply to smoldering ignition by cigarettes. See 5.12 for further
information.
1.6 The rate of heat release of burning test specimen is measured by an oxygen consumption method. See 5.12.4 for further
information.
1.7 Other measurements are the production of light-obscuring smoke and the concentrations of certain toxic gas species in the
combustion gases. See 5.12.5 for further information.
1.8 The burning behavior is documented visually by photographic or video recordings.
1.9 Units—Use the SI system of units in referee decisions; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10. The units given in parentheses are for
information only.
1.10 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.
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 Jan. 15, 2022Feb. 1, 2023. Published February 2022February 2023. Originally approved in 1994. Last previous edition approved in 20172022
as E1590 – 17.E1590 – 22. DOI: 10.1520/E1590-22.10.1520/E1590-23.
*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
E1590 − 23
1.11 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
1.12 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.
1.13 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:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E603 Guide for Room Fire Experiments
E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
E800 Guide for Measurement of Gases Present or Generated During Fires
E1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption
Calorimeter
E1474 Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Components or Composites
Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
E1537 Test Method for Fire Testing of Upholstered Furniture
E2067 Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry Fire Tests
E2257 Test Method for Room Fire Test of Wall and Ceiling Materials and Assemblies
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
2.2 ISO Standards:
ISO 4880 Burning Behaviour of Textiles and Textile Products—Vocabulary
ISO 9705 Fire Tests—Full Scale Room Test for Surface Products
ISO 13943 Fire Safety—Vocabulary
2.3 UL Standards:
UL 1056 Fire Test of Upholstered Furniture (withdrawn)
UL 1895 Fire Test of Mattresses (withdrawn)
2.4 CA Standards:
CA Technical Bulletin 121 Flammability Test Procedure for Mattresses for Use in Public Occupancies
CA Technical Bulletin 129 Flammability Test Procedure for Mattresses for Use in Public Buildings
CA Technical Bulletin 133 Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies (withdrawn)
2.5 Other Documents:
CFR Part 1632 Standard for the Flammability of Mattresses and Mattress Pads (formerly DOC FF4-72, 40 FR 59940)
CFR Part 1633 Standard for the Flammability (Open Flame) of Mattress Sets
Nordtest Method NT Fire 032 Upholstered Furniture: Burning Behavior—Full Scale Test
2.6 NFPA Standards:
NFPA 265 Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on Full Height
Panels and Walls
NFPA 286 Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method and associated with fire issues, refer to the terminology
contained in Terminology E176 and ISO 13943. In case of conflict, the definitions given in Terminology E176 shall prevail. For
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 International Organization for Standardization (ISO), 1, ch. de la Voie-Creuse, Case postale 56, CH-1211, Geneva 20, Switzerland, http://www.iso.ch.
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 333 Pfingsten Rd., Northbrook, IL 60062-2096, http://www.ul.com.
Available from California Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS), State of California, Dept. of Consumer Affairs, 3485 Orange Grove Ave., North Highlands,
CA 95660-5595, https://bhgs.dca.ca.gov/.
Available from U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 4330 East West Hwy., Bethesda, MD 20814, http://www.cpsc.gov.
Available from Nordtest, P.O. Box 22, SF-00341, Helsingfors, Finland.
Available from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), 1 Batterymarch Park, Quincy, MA 02169-7471, http://www.nfpa.org.
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definitions of terms used in this test method and associated with textile issues, refer to the terminology contained in Terminology
D123 and ISO 4880. In case of conflict, the definitions given in Terminology D123 shall prevail.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 product, n—mattress, or mattress with foundation, for which fire-test-response characteristics are to be measured.
3.2.2 specimen, n—the manufactured item of the product, or representative prototype of the product.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This fire-test-response test method determines a number of fire-test-response characteristics associated with a full-scale test
specimen, mattress or mattress with foundation, ignited with a propane gas burner. Measurements to be made include the rate of
heat and smoke release, total amount of heat released, rates and concentrations of carbon oxides released, and rates and amounts
of mass of test specimen lost. Other optional measurements are also described.
4.2 In Test Configurations A and B, the test specimen is placed on a weighing platform located in a test room. An exhaust hood,
connected to a duct, is located at the doorway of the room.
4.3 In Test Configuration C, the test specimen is placed on a weighing platform located directly under a hood.
4.4 Heat, smoke, and combustion gas release instrumentation is placed in the duct.
4.5 Additional (optional) instrumentation placed in the test room is also described.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method provides a means of measuring a variety of fire-test-response characteristics resulting from burning a test
specimen, mattress or mattress with foundation. After ignition using a propane gas burner, the test specimen is permitted to burn
freely under well-ventilated conditions. The most important fire-test-response characteristic measured in this test method is the rate
of heat release, which quantifies the intensity of the fire generated.
5.2 The rate of heat release is measured by the principle of oxygen consumption. Annex A3 discusses the assumptions and
limitations.
5.3 This test method also provides measures of other fire-test-response characteristics, including smoke obscuration (as the rate
of smoke release, total smoke released, or optical density of smoke), combustion gas release (as concentrations of combustion
gases), and mass loss, which are important to making decisions on fire safety.
5.4 In the majority of fires, the most important gaseous components of smoke are the carbon oxides, present in all fires. They are
indicators of the toxicity of the atmosphere and of the completeness of combustion. Measurement of concentrations of carbon
oxides are useful for two purposes: (1) as part of fire hazard assessment calculations and (2) to improve the accuracy of heat release
measurements. Other toxic combustion gases, which are specific to certain materials, are also indicators of the toxicity of the
atmosphere, but are less crucial for determining combustion completeness and are optional measures; however, fire hazard
assessment often requires their measurement.
5.5 The type of ignition chosen (flaming source) is common in both accidental and intentional fires in public occupancies. The
test method is thus applicable to mattresses in public occupancies. Such facilities include, but are not limited to, health-care
facilities, old age convalescent and board and care homes, and college dormitories and residence halls.
5.6 One of the following three configurations is to be used in this test method:
5.6.1 Test Configuration A—A test room with the following dimensions: 3.66 m by 2.44 m by 2.44 m (12 ft by 8 ft by 8 ft) high.
5.6.2 Test Configuration B—A test room with the following dimensions: 3.66 m by 3.05 m by 2.44 m (12 ft by 10 ft by 8 ft) high.
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5.6.3 Test Configuration C—An open calorimeter (or furniture calorimeter).
5.7 Rooms of other dimensions are acceptable where it has been shown that equivalent test results are obtained.
5.8 Measurements in the three test configurations listed in 5.6 have been shown to give similar results for heat release in the duct,
and mass loss, up to a rate of heat release of 600 kW (1).
5.9 Measurements of temperatures, gas concentrations, and smoke obscuration in the room are dependent on room size.
5.10 This test method has been designed to provide details for the means to build and operate equipment capable of running tests
as required by CA TB 129. However, this test method is more general than that technical bulletin.
5.11 Studies on the flammability performance of mattresses indicate that bench scale fire tests are useful for preliminary
evaluations of component materials for substitution purposes (see Appendix X3).
5.12 Limitations:
5.12.1 This test method is not applicable to ignition by cigarettes, or by any other smoldering source.
5.12.2 The ignition source in this test method is a flaming source, and it has been shown that mattresses, particularly in public
occupancies, are involved in fires with flaming ignition sources. Moreover, this particular ignition source has been shown to be
able to provide a distinction between different kinds of mattress items. However, the fraction of actual flaming mattress fires
occurring with ignitions more or less intense than that used here is not known.
5.12.3 It is not known whether the results of this test method will be equally valid when a mattress is burned under conditions
different from those specified. In particular, it is unclear whether the use of a different ignition source, or the same ignition source
but having a different duration of flame exposure or a different gas-flow rate, will change the results.
5.12.4 The value of rate of heat release corresponding to the critical limit between propagating mattress fires and non-propagating
fires is not known.
5.12.5 As yet, there is not a known direct correlation between smoke obscuration or smoke toxicity measurements in the exhaust
duct and overall fire hazard.
5.12.6 This test method does not address changes in fire performance that might occur due to vandalism or to other misuse.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Room Layout and Instrumentation:
6.1.1 Test Room Layout (Test Configuration A)—The test room shall have dimensions of 2.44 m 6 25 mm by 3.66 m 6 25 mm
by 2.44 m 6 25 mm (8 by 12 by 8 ft) high. The room shall have no openings other than a doorway opening 0.76 m 6 6.4 mm
by 2.03 m 6 6.4 mm (30 by 80 in.), located as indicated in Fig. 1, and other small openings, as necessary, to make test
measurements. Construct the test room of wooden or metal studs, and line it with fire-rated gypsum wallboard or calcium silicate
wallboard. Position a hood, as described in Annex A1, outside of the room doorway, such that it collects all of the combustion
gases. There shall be no obstructions to the air supply to the test setup.
NOTE 1—Both Type X gypsum wallboard and calcium silicate wallboard with a thickness of at least 13 mm (0.5 in.) have been found acceptable. If the
thickness of the wallboard is larger, it will not affect the results of this test method.
6.1.2 Test Room Layout (Test Configuration B)—The test room shall have dimensions of 3.05 m 6 25 mm by 3.66 m 6 25 mm
by 2.44 m 6 25 mm (10 by 12 by 8 ft) high. The room shall have no openings other than a doorway opening 0.97 m 6 6.4 mm
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this test method.
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NOTE 1—See text for tolerances; room instrumentation is optional.
FIG. 1 Test Room Configuration A
by 2.06 m 6 6.4 mm (38 by 81 in.), located as indicated in Fig. 2, and other small openings, as necessary, to make test
measurements. Construct the test room of wooden or metal studs, and line it with fire-rated gypsum wallboard or calcium silicate
wallboard. Position a hood, as described in Annex A1, outside of the room doorway, such that it collects all of the combustion
gases. There shall be no obstructions to the air supply to the test method setup. (See Note 1.)
6.1.3 Open Calorimeter Layout (Test Configuration C):
6.1.3.1 The area surrounding the test specimen in an open calorimeter layout shall be sufficiently large that there are no heat
radiation effects from the walls or any other nearby objects. The airflow to the test specimen shall be symmetrical from all sides.
6.1.3.2 If the heat release rate of the test specimen is below 600 kW, a load cell sited under a hood, and where the distance between
the test specimen and any wall is 1 m (3.3 ft) or more, is acceptable.
6.1.3.3 The air supply to the calorimeter shall be sufficient so that it does not affect the burning process.
6.1.4 General Discussion of Room Layout—Heat release measurements in the duct, made in Test Configurations A, B, and C, have
been shown to yield similar results for heat release rates below 600 kW (see X1.4) (1).
6.1.5 Other Test Room Furnishings—The test room shall contain no furnishings except for the test specimen.
6.1.6 Location of Test Specimen, for Test Configurations A or B—Position the test specimen on a weighing platform in a corner.
Ensure that the test specimen is at a distance of between 0.10 m and 0.25 m (4 in. and 10 in.) from both walls (Fig. 1 and Fig.
2).
6.1.7 Location of Test Specimen, for Test Configuration C—Position the test specimen on a weighing platform underneath the hood
(Fig. 3).
6.2 Ignition Source:
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NOTE 1—See text for tolerances; room instrumentation is optional.
FIG. 2 Test Room Configuration B
FIG. 3 Test Configuration for Mattress in Furniture Calorimeter
6.2.1 As the ignition source, use a gas burner in the shape of a T, as described in Fig. 4.
6.2.2 Construct the burner of stainless steel, with wall thicknesses of 0.89 mm 6 0.05 mm (0.035 in. 6 0.002 in.). Make the head
of the T 205 mm 6 10 mm (approximately 8 in. 6 0.4 in.) long and 13 mm 6 1 (0.5 in. 6 0.04 in.) in outer diameter. Plug the
ends of the T. As shown in Fig. 4a and Fig. 4b, construct the burner with two sets of holes equally spaced and centered along the
head of the burner and oriented 90° to one another. One set consists of 14 holes and the other of nine holes, with each hole spaced
13 mm 6 1 mm (0.5 in. 6 0.04 in.) from the next. Make the holes 1 mm 6 0.04 mm (0.039 in. 6 0.002 in.) in diameter.
Warning—It is common for the burner holes to become clogged up following a test. Inspect burner holes after each test, and clean
thoroughly, if required. Take care not to enlarge the holes when cleaning them.
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NOTE 1—See text for tolerances.
FIG. 4 View of T-shaped Gas Burner: 4a, Burner Head Showing Top Set of Holes; 4b, Burner Head Showing Bottom Set of Holes; and
4c, Side View of Burner Showing Orientation of the Head with the Handle
6.2.3 Construct the handle of the burner of stainless steel, with the same diameter and thickness as the head. Weld it to the head
in the orientation shown in Fig. 4c. When the 14 holes in the head are oriented 45° above the horizontal and the nine holes are
oriented 45° below the horizontal, the handle is approximately 30° above the horizontal. Construct the handle such that it is at least
450 mm (approximately 18 in.) long, in order to facilitate its attachment to the support and the propane line.
NOTE 2—In order to align the burner to the test specimen properly, it is necessary to position the head as described below; therefore, the angle between
the handle and the head is not critical.
6.2.4 Use propane gas, with a known net heat of combustion of 46.5 MJ/kg 6 0.5 MJ/kg, as a fuel for this ignition source. Meter
the flow rate of propane at 12 L/min 6 0.25 L/min, at a pressure of 101 kPa 6 5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure, measured
at the flow gauge) and a temperature of 20 6 5 °C, or at a flow calculated to be equivalent to these values. To deliver the propane
to the burner, use flexible tubing fed into the handle of the burner. Maintain the flow rate of propane constant while the propane
gas flame is lit. Mount the burner on an adjustable pole, with a counterweight if necessary, in order to allow the burner to be
positioned in the proper location for ignition of the test specimen and then swung out of the way after the propane gas flame is
turned off.
6.2.5 The approximate ratio of heat release rate output to gas-flow rate is 1.485 kW min/L under standard conditions. The
calculated rate of heat release from the burner at the temperature and pressure given above is 17.8 kW.
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6.2.6 Location of Gas Burner:
6.2.6.1 Orient the burner with respect to the test specimen as shown in Fig. 5.
6.2.6.2 Ensure that the horizontal plane of the head of the burner (depicted in Fig. 4c) is level with the bottom horizontal surface
of the test specimen. This orientation shall be such that the 14 holes are directed at the test specimen at an angle of 45° above the
horizontal and the nine holes are directed under the test specimen (at the mattress or mattress foundation, if one is used) at an angle
45° below the horizontal. The handle will thus be set, nominally, at a 30° angle above the horizontal.
6.2.6.3 Locate the burner during ignition in such a way that the nearest point of the head of the burner is 25 mm 6 2 mm (1 in.
6 0.1 in.) from the vertical edge of the test specimen.
6.3 Mass Loss Measurements:
6.3.1 Use a weighing platform to measure the mass of the burning test specimen continuously. Construct a weighing platform,
consisting of a horizontal thermal barrier, as described in 6.3.2, and placed on top of a mass measuring device (Fig. 6).
6.3.2 Construct a thermal barrier large enough to prevent melting or falling material from the tested mattress specimen from falling
off the thermal barrier. The barrier shall consist of a galvanized steel pan with a gypsum lining placed under the mattress specimen.
The barrier shall be used to protect the load cell. The pan shall be constructed of nominally 1.6 mm ( ⁄16 in.) thick steel, and have
dimensions of 1.2 m 6 0.1 m by 2.4 m 6 0.1 m (4 ft 6 4 in. by 8 ft 6 4 in.), with a uniform raised lip of the same material,
100 mm 6 10 mm (approximately 4 in.) high, on each side, to catch falling material. The bottom of the pan shall be covered by
a tight fitting section of standard gypsum board (finish side up), of nominally 13 mm (0.5 in.) thickness. The gypsum board shall
be clean before the start of a test; the board shall be replaced for each test.
6.3.3 Measure the test specimen mass continuously with a device capable of an accuracy of no less than 6150 g, up to at least
90 kg. Install it in such a way that neither the heat from the burning test specimen nor any eccentricity of the load will affect the
accuracy. Do not make any range shifts during measurements. Install all parts of the mass measuring device below the top level
of the thermal barrier.
6.3.4 The distance from the upper surface of the thermal barrier to floor level shall not exceed 0.3 m (12 in.). The area between
the thermal barrier and the floor level shall be shielded, by providing a skirt at the perimeter of the barrier, in order to prevent lifting
forces, due to fire-induced air flow, that influence the measurement.
6.3.5 Alternatively, use a suspension-gauge weighing system to measure the mass loss of the test specimen in a test room. For this
FIG. 5 T-Burner Impingement With And Without A Mattress Foundation
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FIG. 6 Setup for Mass Loss Measurement
test method, suspend the bed frame from the ceiling with chains (Fig. 7), resulting in penetration through the ceiling of the test
room. Keep the hole at the ceiling at an absolute minimum size.
6.4 Exhaust Collection System:
6.4.1 General:
6.4.1.1 Construct the exhaust collection system with the following minimal requirements: a blower, steel hood, duct, bidirectional
probe, thermocouple(s), oxygen measurement system, smoke obscuration measurement system (white light photocell lamp/
detector or laser), and combustion gas sampling and analysis system. Construct the exhaust collection system as shown in Fig. 8
and as explained in Annex A1.
6.4.1.2 Ensure that the system for collecting the smoke (which includes gaseous combustion products) has sufficient exhaust
capacity and is designed in such a way that all of the combustion products leaving the burning test specimen are collected. Design
the capacity of the evacuation system such that it will exhaust, minimally, all combustion gases leaving the test specimen (see
A1.1.4),
6.4.1.3 Place probes for the sampling of combustion gas and measurement of flow rate in accordance with 6.5.
6.4.1.4 Make all measurements of smoke obscuration, gas concentrations, or flow rates at a position in the exhaust duct where the
exhaust is mixed uniformly so that there is a nearly uniform velocity across the duct section.
FIG. 7 Bed Assembly With Suspending Strain Gauge Load Cell
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FIG. 8 Design of Hood and Exhaust System
6.4.1.5 To ensure uniform mixing of the exhaust, provide a straight section of duct before the measuring system having a length
equal to at least eight times the inside diameter of the duct. If a measuring system is positioned at a distance of less than 8
diameters, demonstrate the achievement of equivalent results.
6.5 Instrumentation in Exhaust Duct:
6.5.1 The following specifications are minimum requirements for exhaust duct instrumentation. Additional information is given
in Annex A2.
6.5.2 Flow Rate—Measure the flow rate in the exhaust duct by means of a bidirectional probe, or an equivalent measuring system,
with an accuracy of at least 66 % (see Annex A2 for further details). The response time to a stepwise change of the duct flow rate
shall not exceed 5 s to reach 90 % of the final value.
6.6 Combustion Gas Analysis:
6.6.1 Sampling Line—Construct the sampling line tubes of a material not influencing the concentration of the combustion gas
species to be analyzed. The following sequence of the gas train has been shown to be acceptable: sampling probe, soot filter, cold
trap, gas path pump, vent valve, plastic drying column and carbon dioxide removal columns (if used), flow controller, and oxygen
analyzer (see Fig. 9 and Annex A2 for further details). Alternative designs of the sampling line must yield equivalent results. The
FIG. 9 Schematic of Gas Train
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gas train shall also include appropriate spanning and zeroing facilities.
6.6.2 Oxygen Measurement—Measure the oxygen concentration with an accuracy of 60.01 vol % oxygen, or better, in order to
have adequate measurements of the rate of heat release. Take the combustion gas sample from the end of the sampling line.
Calculate the time delay, including the time constant of the instrument, from the test room; it is a function of the exhaust duct flow
rate. This time delay shall not exceed 60 s (see Annex A2 for further details).
6.6.3 Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide Measurement—Measure the combustion gas species with an instrument having an
accuracy of at least 60.1 vol % for carbon dioxide and 60.02 vol % for carbon monoxide. A suitable output range is from 0 to
1 vol % for carbon monoxide and from 0 to 6 vol % for carbon dioxide. Take the combustion gas sample from the end of the
sampling line. Calculate the time delay, including the time constant of the instrument, from the test room; it is a function of the
exhaust duct flow rate. It shall be a maximum of 60 s (see Annex A2 for further details).
6.7 Smoke Obscuration Measurement:
6.7.1 Install an optical system for measurement of the light obscuration across the centerline of the exhaust duct. Determine the
optical density of the smoke by measuring the light transmitted with a photometer system consisting of a white light source and
a photocell/detector or a laser system for measurement of light obscuration across the centerline of the exhaust duct.
6.7.2 One photometer system found suitable consists of a lamp, lenses, an aperture, and a photocell (see Fig. 10 and Annex A2
for further details). Construct the system so that soot deposits on the optics during a test do not reduce the light transmission by
more than 5 %.
6.7.3 Alternatively, instrumentation constructed using a 0.5 to 2.0-mW helium-neon laser, instead of a white light system, is also
acceptable (see Fig. 10 and Annex A2, as well as Fig. 11 and A2.4, for further details). It has been shown that white light and laser
systems will provide similar results (see Refs (2-5)).
7. Test Specimen
7.1 As the test specimen, use an actual manufactured mattress, or prototype thereof, in the configuration of its intended use.
7.1.1 Use the foundation in tests of mattresses intended for use with a foundation.
7.1.2 If the foundation consists exclusively of metallic components, it is acceptable to replace it, for the test, by the bed frame
described in 7.4.
7.2 The mattress size to be tested is twin, which has the following dimensions: 0.97 m by 1.89 m (38.0 in. by 74.5 in.). Twin size
mattresses have varying thicknesses.
7.2.1 If the intended use of the product requires a size different from twin, the test specimen used shall be the size representative
of the intended use. Report the dimensions of the test specimen.
7.3 In all respects, the prototype test specimen shall reflect the construction of the actual mattress that it is intended to represent.
7.4 Support the test specimen by means of a metal bed frame. Construct the bed frame of heavy angle-section iron, with all joints
welded and with sinusoidal no-snag type springs.
FIG. 10 Optical System Using a White Light
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FIG. 11 Laser Extinction Beam
7.5 Ensure that the top surface of the test specimen is not more than 0.9 m (35.4 in.) from the floor.
8. Calibration
8.1 Calibrate all instruments carefully with standard sources after initial installation. Among the instruments to be calibrated are
load cells or weighing platforms, smoke meters, flow or velocity transducers, and gas analyzers. Perform recalibration tests on the
entire system, for example, using standard output burners.
8.2 Heat Release:
8.2.1 Perform the calibration of the heat release instrumentation in the exhaust duct by burning propane or methane gas and
comparing the heat release rates calculated from the metered gas input and those calculated from the measured oxygen
consumption. The value of net heat of combustion for methane is 50.0 MJ/kg, and that for propane is 46.5 MJ/kg. Position the
burner in the same location that the test specimen is to be placed during the test. Measure the gas flow rate at a pressure of 101
6 5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure, measured at the flow gauge) and a temperature of 20 6 5 °C.
8.2.2 A suitable calibration burner is a sand diffusion burner with a 0.3 m by 0.3 m (12 in. by 12 in.) top surface and a 0.15-m
(6-in.) depth. Construct such a gas burner with a 25 mm (1 in.) thick plenum. Alternatively, use a minimum 100 mm (4 in.) layer
of Ottawa sand to provide the horizontal surface through which the gas is supplied. This type of burner is shown in Fig. 12. The
gas supply to the burner shall be propane, of the same quality as that used for the ignition burner, or methane. The gas for the burner
flame shall not be premixed with air. Meter the flow rate of gas, and keep it constant throughout the calibration test.
8.2.3 Another suitable calibration burner is a pipe, with an inner diameter of 100 mm 6 1.5 mm (4 in.), supplied with gas from
beneath (ISO 9705). The gas for the burner flame shall not be premixed with air.
8.2.4 Obtain a minimum of two calibration points. Obtain a lower heat release rate value of 40 kW and then a higher heat release
rate value of 160 kW. Approximate propane flow rates for any required heat release rate value are estimated using the following
constant: 1.485 kW min/L, determined at a pressure of 101 kPa 6 5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure, measured at the flow
gauge) and a temperature of 20 6 5 °C.
8.2.5 Take measurements at least once every 6 s, and start 1 min prior to ignition of the burner. Determine the average rate of heat
release over a period of at least 1 min by (1) the oxygen consumption method and (2) calculating the heat release rate from the
gas mass flow rate and the net heat of combustion. The difference between the two values shall not exceed 5 %. This comparison
shall be made only after steady-state conditions have been reached.
8.2.6 Perform a calibration test in accordance with to 8.5 prior to each continuous test series. Perform a full basic calibration on
a new system or when modifications are introduced.
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NOTE 1—See text for tolerances.
FIG. 12 Calibration Gas Burner
8.2.7 When calibrating a new system, or modifications are introduced, check the response time of the measuring system by the
following test sequence:
Time Burner output, kW
0 to 5 min 0
5 to 10 min 40
10 to 15 min 160
15 to 20 min 0
The response of the system to a stepwise change of the heat output from the burner shall be a maximum of 12 s to 90 % of final
value.
8.2.8 Perform the calibration given in 8.2.7 with the initial duct air flow rate equal to that to be used in the test procedure.
8.2.9 The change in measured rate of heat release, comparing time average values over 1 min, shall not be more than 10 % of the
actual heat output from the burner.
8.2.10 The use of a higher rate of heat release for calibration, for example, 500 kW, will generally lead to higher accuracy in the
test results.
8.3 Mass Loss—Perform calibration of the mass-measuring device by loading the weighing platform with known masses
corresponding to the measuring range of interest, to ensure that the requirements of accuracy in 6.3.3 are fulfilled. Conduct this
calibration daily, prior to testing.
8.4 Smoke Obscuration—Calibrate the smoke meter initially to read correctly for two neutral density filters of significantly
different values, and also at 100 % transmission. The use of neutral-density filters at 0.5 and 1.0 values of optical density has been
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shown to be satisfactory for this calibration. Once this calibration is set, only the zero value of extinction coefficient (100 %
transmission) must be verified each day, prior to testing. Investigate any excessive departure from the zero line at the end of a test,
and correct it.
8.5 Gas Analysis—Calibrate the gas analyzers daily, prior to testing (see Guide E800 for further guidance).
9. Conditioning
9.1 Prior to testing, condition the specimen for at least 48 h in an atmosphere at a temperature of 21 °C 6 4 °C (70 °F 6 7 °F)
and a relative humidity of less than 60 %. Test the specimens as soon as possible after removal from such conditions if the test
room conditions differ from the above. Report the time between removal from conditioning room and the start of testing.
10. Procedure
10.1 Initial Conditions:
10.1.1 The ambient temperature shall be above 15 °C (60 °F), and the relative humidity shall be below 75 %.
10.1.2 The horizontal air flow, measured at both the surface and a horizontal distance of 0.5 m (20 in.) from the edge of the
−1
weighing platform, shall not exceed 0.5 ms .
10.1.3 Position the test specimen and metal bed frame centrally on the weighing platform.
10.1.4 Have means available for extinguishing a fully developed fire.
10.2 Test Procedure:
10.2.1 Weigh the test specimen immediately upon removal from the conditioning room and immediately before the start of testing.
10.2.2 Place the T-shaped propane gas burner at the side of the test specimen, as specified in 6.2.6.
10.2.3 Begin all recording and measuring devices 2 min before starting the ignition burner.
10.2.4 Light the ignition burner.
10.2.5 Expose the test specimen to the gas burner flames for 180 s, at a flow rate of 12 L/min, determined at a pressure of 101
kPa 6 5 kPa (standard atmospheric pressure, measured at the flow gauge) and a temperature of 20 6 5 °C.
10.2.6 Extinguish the gas flame and remove the burner after the specified burning period (180 s).
10.2.7 Perform a photographic or a video recording before and during each test. An indication of elapsed time, giving time to the
nearest 1 s, shall appear in all photographic records.
10.2.8 During the test, record the following events and the time when they occur, with respect to the time of ignition of the burner:
10.2.8.1 Ignition of the test specimen,
10.2.8.2 Position of the flame front at various appropriate times,
10.2.8.3 Melting and dripping,
10.2.8.4 Formation of flaming droplets,
10.2.8.5 Occurrence of pool fire under the test specimen,
10.2.8.6 General description of the burning behavior, and
10.2.8.7 Any other event of special interest.
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10.2.9 Terminate the test after the first of the following:
10.2.9.1 All signs of combustion have ceased,
10.2.9.2 One hour of testing has elapsed, or
10.2.9.3 Flashover appears inevitable.
10.2.10 Note, from visual inspection of the specimen after the test, the approximate percentage of each surface that was burned
or charred, and the approximate depth of fire damage.
11. Calculation
11.1 Considerations for heat release measurements are presented in Annex A3. Calculate the heat release data using the equations
presented in A4.1. The testing laboratory shall choose one of the equations given in A4.1 for calculating heat release, based on
the gas analyzers installed.
11.2 Calculate the smoke release data using the equations presented in A4.2.
11.3 Calculate the gas yield data using the equations presented in A4.3.
12. Report
12.1 Report the following descriptive information:
12.1.1 Name and address of the testing laboratory;
12.1.2 Date and identification number of the report;
12.1.3 Name and address of the test requester;
12.1.4 Test configuration used: A, B, or C;
12.1.5 Name of the product manufacturer or supplier, if known;
12.1.6 Name or other identification marks and description of the product;
12.1.7 Density, or mass per unit surface area, total mass, thickness of the main components in the test specimen, and mass of
combustible portion of test specimen, if known;
12.1.7.1 Weight change of the test specimen between removal from the conditioning room and the start of testing;
12.1.8 Description of the test specimen, if different from the product;
12.1.9 Conditioning of the test specimen;
12.1.10 Date of the test;
12.1.11 Test number and any special remarks; and
12.1.12 Time between the removal from the conditioning room and the start of testing.
12.2 Report the following test results:
12.2.1 Table of numerical results containing the following:
12.2.1.1 Peak rate of heat release, kW, and the time at which it occurred;
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12.2.1.2 Total heat released, MJ;
12.2.1.3 Total heat released at 10 min, MJ;
2 −1
12.2.1.4 Peak rate of smoke release, m s , and the time at which it occurred;
12.2.1.5 Total smoke released, m ;
12.2.1.6 Total smoke released at 10 min, m ;
12.2.1.7 Total mass loss, kg;
12.2.1.8 Total mass loss at 10 min, kg;
12.2.1.9 Total percentage of mass loss, %;
12.2.1.10 Peak concentration of carbon monoxide, ppm;
12.2.1.11 Peak temperatures,°C;
12.2.1.12 Equation used to calculate rate of heat release;
12.2.1.13 Peak optical density of smoke (optional);
12.2.1.14 Average optical density of smoke, over the 10-min period, including the peak (optional);
12.2.1.15 Total percentage of combustible mass loss, % (optional);
12.2.1.16 Average yield of carbon monoxide, g CO/g fuel (optional);
12.2.1.17 ) Average yield of carbon dioxide, g CO /g fuel (optional);
12.2.1.18 Carbon monoxide/carbon dioxide molar yield ratio (optional); and
12.2.1.19 Average yield of any other measured combustion gas, g combustion gas/g fuel (optional).
12.2.2 Graphical Results (Optional):
12.2.2.1 Plot of rate of heat release versus time;
12.2.2.2 Plot of rate of smoke release versus time;
12.2.2.3 Plot of optical density versus time;
12.2.2.4 Plot of mass loss versus time;
12.2.2.5 Plot of concentration of carbon monoxide versus time;
12.2.2.6 Plot of concentration of carbon dioxide versus time;
12.2.2.7 Plots of concentration of any other measured combustion gas versus time;
12.2.2.8 Plot of mass flow rate in the exhaust duct versus time;
12.2.2.9 Plot of duct temperature versus time; and
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12.2.2.10 Smoke obscuration, carbon monoxide, and temperature measurements in the room in the same fashion, if they have been
made.
12.2.3 Descriptive Results:
12.2.3.1 Photographs or videotape of the fire development; and
12.2.3.2 All available information requested in 10.2.8 – 10.2.10.
13. Precision and Bias
13.1 Precision—An interlaboratory test program was conducted in 1997 using six laboratories. These six laboratories constituted
approximately half of all laboratories known to the committee to be capable of executing the test method at the time.
13.1.1 Three replicate samples each of four mattresses were tested. Three samples were polyurethane foam mattress designs with
identical construction, but with only the thickness of the polyurethane foam pad varying in each design. The polyurethane foam
1 1 3
pads used were 6 mm ( ⁄4 in.), 13 mm ( ⁄2 in.), and 19 mm ( ⁄4 in.) thick. The foam pads were covered by identical top and bottom
layers of fabric ticking quilted to a polyurethane foam topper pad and a polypropylene netting insulator, separated by a wire coil
construction. Borders were slit from the quilt assemblies used for each design.
13.1.2 The fourth sample was one version of a currently manufactured hospital mattress. This mattress consists of identical top
and bottom layers of poly (vinyl chloride) mattress ticking (cover reinforced), boric acid powder treated cotton padding, a 15 mm
( ⁄8 in.) polyurethane foam pad, a spring insulator consisting of polypropylene-netting, and an inner spring unit made of wire coil
construction.
13.1.3 All major required properties were determined for each construction. A statistical analysis is presented in Table 1 containing
precision information for seven fire-test-response characteristics: peak rate of heat release (in kW), total heat released (in MJ), time
2 2
to peak rate of heat release (in s), total mass loss (in kg), total smoke released (in m ), peak rate of smoke release (in m /s) and
time to peak rate of smoke release (in s). The statistical parameters presented, calculated with the equations in Practice E691, are
the average of each property from all laboratories (Ave), the repeatability standard deviation (s ), the reproducibility standard
r
deviation (s ), and the number of laboratories reporting each property.
R
13.2 This is a preliminary study since not all laboratories followed all procedures as detailed in this standard.
13.2.1 The test program encountered a number of problems, which are likely to have contributed to errors in the measurements.
Some of the variations are described, in 13.2.1.1 through 13.2.1.3.
13.2.1.1 The tests were conducted in three different types of configurations, namely standard test configurations A, B, and C: two
laboratories used configuration A, three laboratories used configuration B and one laboratory used configuration C.
13.2.1.2 The laboratory using configuration C also used sand as a covering on the thermal barrier (see 6.3.2) under the mattress,
instead of gypsum board, and a burner with misaligned burner jets. One of the laboratories using configuration B also used
misaligned burner jets. The use of sand facilitates cleanup but is likely to lead to a significant decrease in the heat release measured,
as burning of the molten material is inhibited by the sand. See also Appendix X5 for a revised precision statement excluding these
two laboratories.
13.2.1.3 It is not known to the committee whether different computational methods were used by any of the laboratories.
13.2.2 The thermal barrier specified in 6.3.2 was incorporated into the test method as a result of this interlaboratory study.
13.3 Further Observations:
13.3.1 For all the properties reported, repeatability and reproducibility (that is, s and s ) tend to increase with the property value.
r R
Such trends have not been quantified.
Supporting data have been filed at ASTM International Headquarters and may be obtained by requesting Research Report RR: RR:E05-1011.
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TABLE 1 Precision Estimates from Interlaboratory Round Robin
No. of
Ave s S
r R
Laboratories
Peak Rate of Heat Release (kW)
6 mm 153 22.2 62.1 6
13 mm 288 71.2 129.1 6
A
19 mm 544 216.0 319.4 6
B
Hospital 185 87.8 138.8 6
Total Heat Released @ 10 min (MJ)
6 mm 34.2 8.8 13.7 6
13 mm 49.9 15.4 22.0 6
19 mm 63.0 14.7 24.7 6
B
Hospital 15.8 7.7 19.4 6
Time to Pe
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