ASTM E2404-22
(Practice)Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Textile, Paper or Polymeric (Including Vinyl) and Wood Wall or Ceiling Coverings, Facings and Veneers, to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Textile, Paper or Polymeric (Including Vinyl) and Wood Wall or Ceiling Coverings, Facings and Veneers, to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 Textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl, or other polymeric wall or ceiling coverings and wall or ceiling covering systems used as interior finish are often evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building or life safety code requirements. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and systems.
5.2 This practice also describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for other systems that are evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building or life safety code requirements. Such systems are facings or wood veneers intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate and water-resistive barriers.
5.3 This practice is not applicable to the following materials:
5.3.1 Foam plastic materials used as water-resistive barriers.
5.3.2 Water vapor retarders installed over thermal insulation.
SCOPE
1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl, or other polymeric wall or ceiling covering materials to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84.
1.2 This practice applies also to facings or wood veneers intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate (see 8.7).
1.3 This practice applies also to water-resistive barriers that are used as a component of exterior wall systems, as part of the exterior envelope (see 3.2.10 and 8.9).
1.4 This practice does not apply to the following:
1.4.1 Laminated products factory produced with a wood substrate, which are covered by Practice E2579.
1.4.2 Water-resistive barriers comprised of foam plastic materials contained within the wall system (see 5.3.1).
1.4.3 Water vapor retarders used, in conjunction with thermal insulation, on the interior or exterior side of an exterior wall (see 3.2.11 and 5.3.1).
1.5 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84.
1.6 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.
1.7 Units—Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard, in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details.
1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
1.9 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 10.
1.10 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard.
1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.12 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Nov-2022
- Technical Committee
- E05 - Fire Standards
- Drafting Committee
- E05.22 - Surface Burning
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2023
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2023
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Apr-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Dec-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2017
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2017
Overview
ASTM E2404-22: Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Textile, Paper or Polymeric (Including Vinyl), and Wood Wall or Ceiling Coverings, Facings, and Veneers, to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics is a widely recognized standard published by ASTM International. This standard outlines the procedures for preparing and mounting specimens of wall and ceiling coverings-including textile, paper, polymeric (such as vinyl), wood facings, veneers, and water-resistive barriers-for fire testing. The primary purpose is to ensure consistent and reliable preparation of test specimens when evaluating their flame spread and smoke development using ASTM E84, a critical test method for assessing surface burning characteristics of building materials.
Key Topics
- Specimen Preparation: Guidance on cutting, conditioning, and mounting wall and ceiling covering test samples correctly according to intended end-use and field installation.
- Applicable Material Types:
- Textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl, and other polymeric wall or ceiling coverings
- Wood facings and wood veneers applied on-site over wood substrates
- Water-resistive barriers as components of exterior wall assemblies
- Exclusions:
- Laminated products factory produced with wood substrates
- Foam plastic water-resistive barriers
- Water vapor retarders used with thermal insulation
- Testing Procedure: All testing under this practice is conducted using ASTM E84 (Steiner Tunnel Test), a primary method for classifying surface burning characteristics for building code compliance.
- Mounting Methods: Instructions for mounting over various substrates, such as fiber-cement board, gypsum board, untreated plywood, or intended field substrates.
- Reporting: Requirements for including detailed descriptions of specimen preparation and mounting in the test report.
- Safety Considerations: Acknowledgement of the inherent hazards in fire testing and the necessity for proper safety protocols.
Applications
ASTM E2404-22 is crucial for industries and professionals involved in the development, selection, and certification of interior finishes and assemblies for commercial and residential buildings. Typical uses include:
- Building materials manufacturers: Ensuring that textile, paper, vinyl, polymeric, and wood-based wall or ceiling coverings can be accurately evaluated for fire performance.
- Architects and designers: Verifying that specified materials for interior finishes comply with local building and life safety codes that reference fire performance testing via ASTM E84.
- Code officials and testing laboratories: Standardized preparation and mounting of test specimens provide consistency and reliability in fire test results.
- Construction professionals: Understanding compliance requirements for installation of wall assemblies, especially where specific mounting substrates (gypsum board, untreated plywood, etc.) affect fire resistance ratings.
- Regulatory compliance: Supporting evaluation for code compliance regarding flame spread and smoke development indices for products as required in the International Building Code (IBC).
Related Standards
- ASTM E84: Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (the test method referenced by E2404-22)
- ASTM E2573: Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
- ASTM E2579: Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Wood Products to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
- ASTM C1186: Specification for Flat Fiber-Cement Sheets (substrate for certain wall coverings)
- ASTM C1396/C1396M: Specification for Gypsum Board (another substrate option)
- IEEE/ASTM SI-10: International System of Units (SI) for standardizing measurement units
By following ASTM E2404-22, stakeholders can be confident that wall and ceiling covering materials are evaluated accurately and consistently for fire safety, supporting compliance with building codes, safety regulations, and best practices across the construction and building materials industry.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E2404-22 is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Textile, Paper or Polymeric (Including Vinyl) and Wood Wall or Ceiling Coverings, Facings and Veneers, to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl, or other polymeric wall or ceiling coverings and wall or ceiling covering systems used as interior finish are often evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building or life safety code requirements. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and systems. 5.2 This practice also describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for other systems that are evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building or life safety code requirements. Such systems are facings or wood veneers intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate and water-resistive barriers. 5.3 This practice is not applicable to the following materials: 5.3.1 Foam plastic materials used as water-resistive barriers. 5.3.2 Water vapor retarders installed over thermal insulation. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl, or other polymeric wall or ceiling covering materials to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.2 This practice applies also to facings or wood veneers intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate (see 8.7). 1.3 This practice applies also to water-resistive barriers that are used as a component of exterior wall systems, as part of the exterior envelope (see 3.2.10 and 8.9). 1.4 This practice does not apply to the following: 1.4.1 Laminated products factory produced with a wood substrate, which are covered by Practice E2579. 1.4.2 Water-resistive barriers comprised of foam plastic materials contained within the wall system (see 5.3.1). 1.4.3 Water vapor retarders used, in conjunction with thermal insulation, on the interior or exterior side of an exterior wall (see 3.2.11 and 5.3.1). 1.5 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84. 1.6 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool. 1.7 Units—Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard, in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details. 1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.9 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 10. 1.10 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard. 1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.12 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 Textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl, or other polymeric wall or ceiling coverings and wall or ceiling covering systems used as interior finish are often evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building or life safety code requirements. This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for such materials and systems. 5.2 This practice also describes specimen preparation and mounting procedures for other systems that are evaluated with Test Method E84 to comply with building or life safety code requirements. Such systems are facings or wood veneers intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate and water-resistive barriers. 5.3 This practice is not applicable to the following materials: 5.3.1 Foam plastic materials used as water-resistive barriers. 5.3.2 Water vapor retarders installed over thermal insulation. SCOPE 1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl, or other polymeric wall or ceiling covering materials to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.2 This practice applies also to facings or wood veneers intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate (see 8.7). 1.3 This practice applies also to water-resistive barriers that are used as a component of exterior wall systems, as part of the exterior envelope (see 3.2.10 and 8.9). 1.4 This practice does not apply to the following: 1.4.1 Laminated products factory produced with a wood substrate, which are covered by Practice E2579. 1.4.2 Water-resistive barriers comprised of foam plastic materials contained within the wall system (see 5.3.1). 1.4.3 Water vapor retarders used, in conjunction with thermal insulation, on the interior or exterior side of an exterior wall (see 3.2.11 and 5.3.1). 1.5 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84. 1.6 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool. 1.7 Units—Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard, in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details. 1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures. 1.9 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section 10. 1.10 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard. 1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.12 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E2404-22 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 91.180 - Interior finishing. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E2404-22 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E176-24, ASTM E84-23d, ASTM E2579-23b, ASTM E84-23c, ASTM E2573-19, ASTM E84-19b, ASTM E84-19a, ASTM E84-19, ASTM E176-18a, ASTM E84-18b, ASTM E84-18a, ASTM E84-18, ASTM E176-18, ASTM E84-17a, ASTM E84-17. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E2404-22 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E2404 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Textile, Paper or
Polymeric (Including Vinyl) and Wood Wall or Ceiling
Coverings, Facings and Veneers, to Assess Surface Burning
Characteristics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2404; 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 shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing
involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This
1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen prepa-
standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and
ration and mounting when testing textile, paper, vinyl, ex-
mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test
panded vinyl, or other polymeric wall or ceiling covering
Method E84. See also Section 10.
materials to assess flame spread and smoke development as
surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. 1.10 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes
which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
1.2 This practice applies also to facings or wood veneers
shall not be considered requirements of the standard.
intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate (see 8.7).
1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.3 This practice applies also to water-resistive barriers that
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
are used as a component of exterior wall systems, as part of the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
exterior envelope (see 3.2.10 and 8.9).
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
1.4 This practice does not apply to the following:
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4.1 Laminated products factory produced with a wood
1.12 This international standard was developed in accor-
substrate, which are covered by Practice E2579.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
1.4.2 Water-resistive barriers comprised of foam plastic
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
materials contained within the wall system (see 5.3.1).
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.4.3 Water vapor retarders used, in conjunction with ther-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
mal insulation, on the interior or exterior side of an exterior
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
wall (see 3.2.11 and 5.3.1).
2. Referenced Documents
1.5 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.6 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can
C1186 Specification for Flat Fiber-Cement Sheets
be used as a regulatory tool.
C1396/C1396M Specification for Gypsum Board
1.7 Units—Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of
standard, in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of
Building Materials
units are given in parentheses, for information only; see
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details.
E2573 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of
1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative
Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burn-
measures.
ing Characteristics
E2579 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of
1.9 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently
Wood Products to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 International System of Units (SI): The
Modern Metric System
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface
Burning. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2022. Published January 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as E2404 – 17. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E2404-22. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2404 − 22
2.2 CSA Standard: topcoat layers added as part of the manufacturing process are
CSA O121 Douglas Fir Plywood included in this definition.
2.3 NIST Standard: 3.2.9 wall or ceiling covering system, n—an assembly of a
Voluntary Product Standard PS 1 Structural Plywood
textilewallorceilingcovering,apaperwallorceilingcovering
or a polymeric (including vinyl) wall or ceiling covering,
2.4 ICC Code:
adhesive (if used), and substrate (if it is part of the assembly)
International Building Code (2021 edition)
used as a wall or ceiling treatment for decorative or acoustical
purposes.
3. Terminology
3.2.9.1 Discussion—The wall or ceiling covering material is
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this
usually intended to be directly attached to a substrate, via
practice, refer to the terminology contained in Terminology
adhesives or mechanical fasteners. In some cases the wall or
E176.
ceiling covering system will be supported by a frame system
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
some distance away from the wall or ceiling covering material.
3.2.1 expanded vinyl wall or ceiling covering, n—a wall or
3.2.10 water-resistive barrier, n—a material behind an ex-
ceiling covering consisting of a woven textile backing, an
terior wall covering that is intended to resist liquid water that
expanded vinyl base coat layer (which is a homogeneous vinyl
has penetrated behind the exterior covering from further
layer that contains a blowing agent), and a nonexpanded vinyl
intruding into the exterior wall assembly.
skin coat.
3.2.10.1 Discussion—The definition above is the way that
3.2.2 paper wall or ceiling covering, n—a wall or ceiling
the International Code Council building code defines and uses
covering with a top layer consisting of paper or an alternative
the term.
cellulosic-basedmaterial,butnotconsistingofawoodproduct.
3.2.11 water vapor retarder, n—a material or system that
3.2.3 polymeric wall or ceiling covering, n—a wall or
impedes the transmission of water vapor under specified
ceiling covering with a top layer consisting of polymeric-based
conditions.
material.
3.2.11.1 Discussion—Thedefinitionaboveisidenticaltothe
3.2.4 self-supporting specimen, n—a specimen that remains
definitionsofwatervaporretardercontainedintheterminology
in place by its own structural characteristics both before and
standards of ASTM Committees C16 (on Thermal Insulation)
during the fire test.
and E06 (on Buildings).
3.2.5 site-fabricated stretch system, n—a system, fabricated
4. Summary of Practice
on site and intended for acoustical, tackable or aesthetic
4.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen prepa-
purposes, that is comprised of three elements: (a) a frame
ration and mounting when testing textile, paper, vinyl, ex-
(constructed of plastic, wood, metal, or other material) used to
panded vinyl, or other polymeric wall or ceiling coverings to
hold fabric in place, (b) a core material (infill, with the correct
assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning
properties for the application), and (c) an outside layer,
characteristics using Test Method E84.
comprised of a textile, fabric or vinyl, that is stretched taut and
held in place by tension or mechanical fasteners via the frame.
4.2 This practice also describes procedures for specimen
preparationandmountingforfacingsorwoodveneersintended
3.2.6 textile, n—originally a woven fabric, now generally
to be applied on site over a wood substrate and for water-
appliedto (1)staplefibersandfilamentssuitableforconversion
resistive barriers.
to or use as yarns or for the preparation of nonwoven fabrics,
(2) yarns made from natural or manufactured fibers, and (3)
5. Significance and Use
fabrics made from fibers as defined in (1) and (2) and from
5.1 Textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl, or other polymeric
yarns.
wall or ceiling coverings and wall or ceiling covering systems
3.2.7 vinyl wall or ceiling covering, n—a wall or ceiling
used as interior finish are often evaluated with Test Method
covering produced by applying a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC,
E84 to comply with building or life safety code requirements.
vinyl) based coating, or laminating a preformed vinyl film,
This practice describes specimen preparation and mounting
onto a woven or nonwoven fabric substrate or paper.
procedures for such materials and systems.
3.2.8 wall or ceiling covering, n—a textile-, paper- or
5.2 This practice also describes specimen preparation and
polymeric (including vinyl) based product designed to be
mounting procedures for other systems that are evaluated with
attached to a wall or ceiling surface for decorative or acoustical
Test Method E84 to comply with building or life safety code
purposes.
requirements. Such systems are facings or wood veneers
3.2.8.1 Discussion—Wall or ceiling coverings with ink or
intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate and
water-resistive barriers.
5.3 This practice is not applicable to the follo
...
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: E2404 − 17 E2404 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Practice for
Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Textile, Paper or
Polymeric (Including Vinyl) and Wood Wall or Ceiling
Coverings, Facings and Veneers, to Assess Surface Burning
Characteristics
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2404; 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 practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl,
or other polymeric wall or ceiling covering materials to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning
characteristics using Test Method E84.
1.2 This practice applies also to facings or wood veneers intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate (see 8.7).
1.3 This practice applies also to water-resistive barriers that are used as a component of exterior wall systems, as part of the
exterior envelope (see 3.2.10 and 8.9).
1.4 This practice does not apply to the following:
1.4.1 Laminated products factory produced with a wood substrate, which are covered by Practice E2579.
1.4.2 Water-resistive barriers comprised of foam plastic materials contained within the wall system (see 5.3.1).
1.4.3 Water vapor retarders used, in conjunction with thermal insulation, on the interior or exterior side of an exterior wall (see
3.2.11 and 5.3.1).
1.5 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84.
1.6 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.
1.7 Units—Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard, in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are
given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details.
1.8 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.
1.9 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface Burning.
Current edition approved July 1, 2017Dec. 1, 2022. Published July 2017January 2023. Originally approved in 2005. Last previous edition approved in 20152017 as
E2404E2404 – 17.-15a. DOI: 10.1520/E2404-17.10.1520/E2404-22.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E2404 − 22
employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. This standard gives
instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84. See also Section
10.
1.10 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall
not be considered requirements of the standard.
1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.11 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes shall
not be considered requirements of the standard.
1.12 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
C1186 Specification for Flat Fiber-Cement Sheets
C1396/C1396M Specification for Gypsum Board
E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E2573 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning
Characteristics
E2579 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Wood Products to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
IEEE/ASTM SI-10 International System of Units (SI): The Modern Metric System
2.2 CSA Standard:
CSA O121 Douglas Fir Plywood
2.3 NIST Standard:
Voluntary Product Standard PS 1-071 Structural Plywood
2.4 ICC Code:
International Building Code (2021 edition)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this practice, refer to the terminology contained in Terminology E176.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 expanded vinyl wall or ceiling covering, n—a wall or ceiling covering consisting of a woven textile backing, an expanded
vinyl base coat layer (which is a homogeneous vinyl layer that contains a blowing agent), and a nonexpanded vinyl skin coat.
3.2.2 paper wall or ceiling covering, n—a wall or ceiling covering with a top layer consisting of paper or an alternative
cellulosic-based material, but not consisting of a wood product.
3.2.3 polymeric wall or ceiling covering, n—a wall or ceiling covering with a top layer consisting of polymeric-based material.
3.2.4 self-supporting specimen, n—a specimen that remains in place by its own structural characteristics both before and during
the fire test.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from Canadian Standards Association (CSA), 178 Rexdale Blvd., Toronto, ON Canada M9W 1R3.M9W 1R3, Canada, http://www.csagroup.org.
Available from National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), 100 Bureau Dr., Stop 1070, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-3460.20899-1070, http://www.nist.gov.
Available from International Code Council (ICC), 500 New Jersey Ave., NW, 6th Floor, Washington, DC 20001, http://www.iccsafe.org.
E2404 − 22
3.2.5 site-fabricated stretch system, n—a system, fabricated on site and intended for acoustical, tackable or aesthetic purposes, that
is comprised of three elements: (a) a frame (constructed of plastic, wood, metal, or other material) used to hold fabric in place,
(b) a core material (infill, with the correct properties for the application), and (c) an outside layer, comprised of a textile, fabric
or vinyl, that is stretched taut and held in place by tension or mechanical fasteners via the frame.
3.2.6 textile, n—originally a woven fabric, now generally applied to (1) staple fibers and filaments suitable for conversion to or
use as yarns or for the preparation of nonwoven fabrics, (2) yarns made from natural or manufactured fibers, and (3) fabrics made
from fibers as defined in (1) and (2) and from yarns.
3.2.7 vinyl wall or ceiling covering, n—a wall or ceiling covering produced by applying a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC, vinyl) based
coating, or laminating a preformed vinyl film, onto a woven or nonwoven fabric substrate or paper.
3.2.8 wall or ceiling covering, n—a textile-, paper- or polymeric (including vinyl) based product designed to be attached to a wall
or ceiling surface for decorative or acoustical purposes.
3.2.8.1 Discussion—
Wall or ceiling coverings with ink or topcoat layers added as part of the manufacturing process are included in this definition.
3.2.9 wall or ceiling covering system, n—an assembly of a textile wall or ceiling covering, a paper wall or ceiling covering or a
polymeric (including vinyl) wall or ceiling covering, adhesive (if used), and substrate (if it is part of the assembly) used as a wall
or ceiling treatment for decorative or acoustical purposes.
3.2.9.1 Discussion—
The wall or ceiling covering material is usually intended to be directly attached to a substrate, via adhesives or mechanical
fasteners. In some cases the wall or ceiling covering system will be supported by a frame system some distance away from the
wall or ceiling covering material.
3.2.10 water-resistive barrier, n—a material behind an exterior wall covering that is intended to resist liquid water that has
penetrated behind the exterior covering from further intruding into the exterior wall assembly.
3.2.10.1 Discussion—
The definition above is the way that the International Code Council building code defines and uses the term.
3.2.11 water vapor retarder, n—a material or system that impedes the transmission of water vapor under specified conditions.
3.2.11.1 Discussion—
The definition above is identical to the definitions of water vapor retarder contained in the terminology standards of ASTM
Committees C16 (on Thermal Insulation) and E06 (on Buildings).
4. Summary of Practice
4.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl,
or other polymeric wall or ceiling coverings to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using
Test Method E84.
4.2 This practice also describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting for facings or wood veneers intended to be
applied on site over a wood substrate and for water-resistive barriers.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 Textile, paper, vinyl, expanded vinyl, or other polymeric wall or ceiling coverings and wall or ceiling covering systems used
as interior finish are
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