ASTM E162: Radiant Heat Surface Flammability Testing Services
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.

TRUSTED BY




Get ASTM E162 compliant results — request your radiant heat surface flammability testing quote
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
What Is ASTM E162 Radiant Heat Surface Flammability?
ASTM E162 provides a test method for evaluating the surface flammability of materials when exposed to a radiant heat energy source. The test measures how easily a material ignites and how flame spreads across its surface under controlled conditions.
This standard is widely used in building, transportation, and materials industries to assess fire performance and ensure safety compliance.
Applications and Benefits of ASTM E162 Radiant Heat Surface Flammability Testing
Scope
ASTM E162 focuses on determining the flammability characteristics of materials by measuring flame spread and heat release when exposed to radiant heat. It provides a comparative evaluation of fire performance.
The test evaluates:
- Flame spread behavior
- Ignition characteristics
- Heat release rate
- Surface burning properties
- Fire performance index
Applications
- Building and construction materials
- Interior finishes and panels
- Transportation materials (rail, aircraft)
- Insulation and composites
- Fire safety testing laboratories
Benefits
- Improves fire safety evaluation
- Supports regulatory compliance
- Helps in material selection
- Provides comparative flammability data
- Enhances product reliability
Our ASTM E162 Testing Procedure
Sample Preparation
Material specimen is prepared and mounted.
1Radiant Heat Exposure
Sample is exposed to a controlled radiant heat source.
2Ignition and Flame Spread
Ignition and flame propagation are observed.
3Data Recording & Evaluation
Flame spread index is calculated and analyzed.
4ASTM E162 Test Parameters and Requirements
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Solid materials and composites |
| Heat Flux Range | Typically up to ~50 kW/m² |
| Orientation | Inclined specimen setup |
| Ignition Source | Pilot flame |
| Test Temperature | Controlled radiant heat exposure |
| Flame spread index, ignition time | Flame spread index, ignition time |
- Radiant panel furnace
- Specimen holder (inclined)
- Pilot flame source
- Heat flux measurement system
- Temperature sensors
- Data acquisition system
Equipment and Instrumentation Used for ASTM E162 Testing
What You Receive: Test Report, Data, and Certification
- Flame spread index
- Ignition behavior analysis
- Fire performance classification
- Test condition summary
- ASTM compliance report
ASTM E162 Radiant Heat Surface Flammability FAQs
ASTM E162 is a standard test method used to evaluate surface flammability of materials using a radiant heat energy source, measuring flame spread and heat release characteristics.
ASTM E162 is important because it helps determine how materials behave under fire exposure, supporting safety compliance in building, transportation, and industrial applications where fire risk is critical.
ASTM E162 exposes a material to radiant heat and ignition source, then measures flame spread rate and heat release to evaluate flammability characteristics.
ASTM E162 requires a radiant panel apparatus, ignition source, specimen holder, and measurement instruments to record flame spread and heat release parameters.
Results are reported as flame spread index and heat release parameters, indicating material flammability and helping determine compliance with fire safety standards.
Why Choose Infinita Lab for Radiant Heat Surface Flammability Testing
At the core of this breadth is our network of 2,000+ accredited laboratories across the USA, offering access to over 10,000 testing methods and analytical services. From advanced materials characterization (SEM, TEM, RBS, XPS) to mechanical, chemical, environmental, biological, and standardized ASTM/ISO-compliant testing, we deliver unmatched flexibility, specialization, and scale. You are never limited by geography, facility, or methodology — Infinita Lab connects you to the right expertise and testing solution, every time.
Need ASTM E162 Radiant Heat Surface Flammability Testing You Can Rely On?
Send query us at hello@infinitalab.com or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you.

Request a Quote
Submit your material details and receive testing procedures, pricing, and turnaround time within 24 hours.
Quick Turnaround and Hasslefree process

Confidentiality Guarantee

Free, No-obligation Consultation

100% Customer Satisfaction

















