ASTM E162 Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source

ASTM E162 standard is used to determine and give details of the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions. But under actual fire conditions, it does not incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies by itself.

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Scope:

The ASTM E162 fire-test-response standard describes the measurement of materials’ surface flammability. It is not intended for use as a basis for rating building codes.

Test Procedure:

In the ASTM E162 test method, a radiant heat source comprising a 12 by 18-in. (305 by 457-mm) panel is used to measure the surface flammability of the material. A specimen of 6 by 18-in. (152 by 457 mm) is inclined in the front of the panel. The orientation of the specimen is such that ignition is forced near its upper edge and the flame front progresses downward. To measure the radiant panel index two factors are combined: the factor derived from the rate of progress of the flame and the factor derived from the rate of heat liberated by the material under the test.

Video 01: ASTM E162 Fire Testing

Test Specimen:

The test specimen used in ASTM E162 testing shall be 6 by 18 in. (152 by 457 mm) by the sheet thickness, where this is less than 1 in. (25.4 mm).

Data:

The radiant panel index, Is, is calculated in ASTM E162 testing by using the following formula:

Fs =flame spread factor.

Q = Heat evolution factor,

Fs (flame spread factor.)

On a linear graph paper, plot the distance vertically against the time of arrival of flame at each mark horizontally. For this purpose, assume that the flame starts at 0 in. (0 mm) at time 0 min, and plot this initial point also.

Q = Heat evolution factor

Where,

C = arbitrary constant 5.7, chosen to make results consistent with those obtained before the metrication of this calculation,

T = observed maximum stack thermocouple temperature difference in degrees Celsius between the temperature-time curve for the specimen and that for a similar curve of the inorganic reinforced cement board calibration specimen.

β = mean stack thermocouple temperature rise for unit heat input rate of the calibration burner in degrees Celsius per kilowatt, a constant for the apparatus. (β will probably be found to lie between 0.6 and 1.2°F/Btu·min, or between 20 and 40°C/kW.)

Conclusion:

The ASTM E162 fire-test-response standard describes the measurement of surface flammability of materials. It is not intended for use as a basis of ratings for building code purposes.