Designation: E 2058 – 00

Standard Test Methods for

Measurement of Synthetic Polymer Material Flammability
Using a Fire Propagation Apparatus (FPA)1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 2058; 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 (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope suitable for materials that, on heating, melt sufficiently to form

1.1 This fire-test-response standard determines and quanti- a liquid pool.
fies synthetic polymer material flammability characteristics, 1.7 Values stated are in SI units. Values in parentheses are
related to the propensity of materials to support fire propaga- for information only.
tion, by means of a fire propagation apparatus (FPA). Material 1.8 This standard is used to measure and describe the
flammability characteristics that are quantified include time to response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame
ignition (tign), chemical ( Q̇chem), and convective ( Q̇c) heat under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate
release rates, mass loss rate ( ṁ) and effective heat of all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the
combustion (EHC). materials, products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.2 The following test methods, capable of being performed 1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the
separately and independently, are included herein: safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.2.1 Ignition Test, to determine tign for a horizontal speci- responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
men; priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.2.2 Combustion Test, to determine Q̇chem, Q̇c, ṁ, and EHC bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard
from burning of a horizontal specimen; and, statements, see Section 7.
1.2.3 Fire Propagation Test, to determine Q̇chem from burn- 2. Referenced Documents
ing of a vertical specimen.
1.3 Distinguishing features of the FPA include tungsten- 2.1 ASTM Standards:
quartz external, isolated heaters to provide a radiant flux of up E 176 Terminology of Fire Standards2
to 65 kW/m2 to the test specimen, which remains constant E 906 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
whether the surface regresses or expands; provision for com- Rates for Materials and Products2
bustion or upward fire propagation in prescribed flows of E 1321 Test Method for Determining Material Ignition and
normal air, air enriched with up to 40 % oxygen, air oxygen Flame Spread Properties2
vitiated, pure nitrogen or mixtures of gaseous suppression E 1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
agents with the preceding air mixtures; and, the capability of Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con-
measuring heat release rates and exhaust product flows gener- sumption Calorimeter2
ated during upward fire propagation on a vertical test specimen E 1623 Test Method for Determination of Fire and Thermal
0.305 m high. Parameters of Materials, Products, and Systems Using an
1.4 The FPA is used to evaluate the flammability of syn- Intermediate Scale Calorimeter (ICAL)2
thetic polymer materials and products. It is also designed to 3. Terminology
obtain the transient response of such materials and products to
prescribed heat fluxes in specified inert or oxidizing environ- 3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in these test
ments and to obtain laboratory measurements of generation methods, refer to Terminology E 176.
rates of fire products (CO2, CO, and, if desired, gaseous 3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
hydrocarbons) for use in fire safety engineering. 3.2.1 effective heat of combustion, EHC, (kJ/kg), n—the
1.5 Ignition of the specimen is by means of a pilot flame at energy generated by chemical reactions per unit mass of fuel
a prescribed location with respect to the specimen surface. vaporized.
1.6 The Fire Propagation test of vertical specimens is not 3.3 Symbols:

Ad = cross sectional area of test section duct (m2)

1
These test methods are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-05 on Fire
Standards and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.22 on Surface
Burning.
Current edition approved Jan. 10, 2000. Published April 2000. 2
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 04.07.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

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cp =specific heat of air at constant pressure (kJ/kg K) 4.3 The Combustion test method is used to determine the
Ġco =mass flow rate of CO in test section duct (kg/s) chemical and convective heat release rates when the horizontal
Ġco2 =mass flow rate of CO2 in test section duct (kg/s) test specimen is exposed to an external radiant heat flux.
DHeff =effective heat of combustion (kJ/kg) 4.4 The Fire Propagation test method is used to determine
K =flow coefficient of averaging Pitot tube [duct gas the chemical heat release rate of a burning, vertical specimen
velocity/(2Dpm/r)1/2] (-) during upward fire propagation and burning initiated by a heat
Mloss = ultimate change in specimen mass resulting from flux near the base of the specimen. Chemical heat release rate
combustion (kg) is derived from the release rates of carbon dioxide and carbon
ṁ = mass loss rate of test specimen (kg/s) monoxide. Observations also are made of the flame height on
ṁd = mass flow rate of gaseous mixture in test section the vertical specimen during fire propagation.
duct (kg/s)
Patm = atmospheric pressure (Pa) 5. Significance and Use
Dpm = pressure differential across averaging Pitot tube in
5.1 These test methods are an integral part of existing test
test section duct (Pa)
standards for cable fire propagation and clean room material
Q = cumulative heat released during Combustion Test
flammability, as well as, in an approval standard for conveyor
(kJ)
Q̇chem = chemical heat release rate (kW) belting (1-3).3 Refs (1-3) use these test methods because
Q̇c = convective heat release rate (kW) fire-test-response results obtained from the test methods cor-
Ta = gas temperature in test section duct before igni- relate with fire behavior during real-scale fire propagation tests,
tion (K) as discussed in X1.4
Td = gas temperature in test section duct (K) 5.2 The Ignition, Combustion, or Fire Propagation test
t = time (s) method, or a combination thereof, have been performed with
tign = ignition time (s) materials and products containing a wide range of polymer
Dt = time between data scans (s) compositions and structures, as described in X1.7.
XCO2 = measured carbon dioxide analyzer reading or 5.3 The Fire Propagation test method is different from the
mole fraction of carbon dioxide (-) test methods in the ASTM standards listed in 2.1 by virtue of
XCO = measured carbon monoxide analyzer reading or producing laboratory measurements of the chemical heat
mole fraction of CO (-) release rate during upward fire propagation and burning on a
3.4 Superscripts: vertical test specimen in normal air, oxygen-enriched air, or in
oxygen-vitiated air. Test methods from other standards, for
• example, Test Method E 1321, which yields measurements
= per unit time (s–1)
0 during lateral/horizontal or downward flame spread on mate-
= before ignition of the specimen
rials and Test Methods E 906, E 1354, and E 1623, which yield
3.5 Subscripts:
measurements of the rate of heat release from materials fully
involved in flaming combustion, generally use an external
d = test section duct radiant flux, rather than the flames from the burning material
j = fire product itself, to characterize fire behavior.
5.4 These test methods are not intended to be routine quality
4. Summary of Test Method
control tests. They are intended for evaluation of specific
4.1 Three separate test methods are composed herein, and flammability characteristics of materials. Materials to be ana-
are used independently in conjunction with a Fire Propagation lyzed consist of specimens from an end-use product or the
Apparatus. The Ignition and Combustion test methods involve various components used in the end-use product. Results from
the use of horizontal specimens subjected to a controlled, the laboratory procedures provide input to fire propagation and
external radiant heat flux, which can be set from 0 up to 65 fire growth models, risk analysis studies, building and product
kW/m2. The Fire Propagation test method involves the use of designs, and materials research and development.
vertical specimens subjected to ignition near the base of the
specimen from an external radiant heat flux and a pilot flame. 6. Apparatus
Both the Combustion and Fire Propagation test methods can be 6.1 General:
performed using an inlet air supply that is either normal air or 6.1.1 Where dimensions are stated in the text or in figures,
other gaseous mixtures, such as air with added nitrogen or air they shall be considered mandatory and shall be followed
enriched with up to 40 % oxygen. within a nominal tolerance of 6 0.5 %. An exception is the
4.2 The Ignition test method is used to determine the time case of components meant to fit together, where the joint
required for ignition, tign, of horizontal specimens by a pilot tolerance shall be appropriate for a sliding fit.
flame as a function of the magnitude of a constant, externally 6.1.2 The apparatus (see overview in Fig. 1 and exploded
applied radiant heat flux. Measurements also are made of time views in Figs. 2 and 3) shall consist of the following compo-
required until initial fuel vaporization. The surface of these nents: an infrared heating system, a load cell system, an
specimens is coated with a thin layer of black paint to ensure
complete absorption of the radiant heat flux from the infrared
heating system (note that the coating does not itself undergo 3
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of
sustained flaming). this standard.

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FIG. 1 Main View

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FIG. 2 Exploded View of Specimen Mounting

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5

NOTE 1—All dimensions are in mm unless noted.

FIG. 3 Exploded Main View
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ignition pilot flame and timer, a product gas analysis system, a 6.6.1 Gas Sampling—The gas sampling arrangement is
combustion air distribution system, a water-cooled shield, an shown in Fig. 4. This arrangement consists of a sampling probe
exhaust system, test section instruments, calibration instru- in the test section duct, a plastic filter (5-micron pore size) to
ments, and a digital data acquisition system. prevent entry of soot, a condenser operating at temperatures in
6.2 Infrared (IR) Heating System—The IR Heating System4 the range –5°C to 0°C to remove liquids, a tube containing an
shall consist of four 241-mm long heaters (see different views indicating desiccant (10–20 mesh) to remove most of the
in Figs. 1-3) and a power controller. remaining moisture, a filter to prevent soot from entering the
6.2.1 IR Heaters—Each of four IR heaters shall contain six analyzers, if not already removed, a sampling pump that
tungsten filament tubular quartz lamps in a compact reflector transports the flow through the sampling line, a system flow
body that produces up to 510 kW/m2 of radiant flux in front of meter, and manifolds to direct the flow to individual analyzers
the quartz window that covers the lamps. The reflector body is (CO, CO2, O2, and hydrocarbon gas). The sampling probe,
water cooled and the lamp chamber, between the quartz made of 6.35-mm (0.25-in.) O.D. stainless steel tubing inserted
window and reflector, is air cooled for prolonged life. The through a test section port, shall be positioned such that the
emitter of each lamp is a 127-mm long tungsten filament in an open end of the tube is at the center of the test section. The
argon atmosphere enclosed in a 9.5-mm outer diameter clear sampling probe is connected to a tee fitting that allows either
quartz tube. The emitter operates at approximately 2205°C sample or calibration gas to flow to the analyzer, and the excess
(4000°F) at rated voltage, with a spectral energy peak at 1.15 to waste.
micron. Wavelengths greater than about 2-microns are ab- 6.6.2 Carbon Dioxide/Carbon Monoxide Analyzers—The
sorbed by the quartz bulb envelope and heater front window, carbon dioxide analyzer shall permit measurements from 0 to
which are air cooled. 15 000 ppm and the carbon monoxide analyzer shall permit
6.2.2 Power Controller—The controller shall maintain the measurements from 0 to 500 ppm concentration levels. Drift
output voltage required by the heater array despite variations in shall be not more than 6 1 % of full scale over a 24-h period.
load impedance through the use of phase angle power control Precision shall be 1 % of full-scale and the 10 to 90 % of
to match the hot/cold resistance characteristics of the tungsten/ full-scale response time shall be 1 s or less.
quartz lamps. The controller also shall incorporate average 6.6.3 Inlet-Air Oxygen Analyzer—This analyzer shall have a
voltage feedback to linearize the relationship between the 10 to 90 % of full-scale response time of 1 s or less, an
voltage set by the operator and the output voltage to the lamps. accuracy of 1 % of full-scale, a drift of not more than 6 50
6.3 Load Cell System—The load cell system, shown in Figs. ppm O2 over 1⁄2 h and a 0 to 50 % range.
1-3, shall consist of a load cell, which shall have an accuracy 6.6.4 Optional Product Analyzers for the Combustion
of 0.1 g, and a measuring range of 0–1000 g; a 6.35-mm Test—An additional oxygen analyzer can be used to measure
diameter stainless steel shaft, at least 330 mm long, resting on the depletion of oxygen in the combustion products. This
the load cell support point; a 100-mm diameter, 1.5-mm thick analyzer should have the same specifications as the inlet-air
aluminum load platform connected to the upper end of the analyzer but should have a concentration range of 19 to 21 %.
stainless steel shaft by a collar; and two low friction, ball- A hydrocarbon gas analyzer employing the flame ionization
bushing bearings that guide the shaft as it passes through the method of detection can be used to determine the total gaseous
top and bottom, respectively, of the air distribution chamber. hydrocarbon concentration. This analyzer should have a 10 to
The stainless steel shaft shall incorporate, at the lower end, a 90 % of full-scale response time of 1 s or less and multiple
threaded adjustment rod to compensate for horizontal test ranges to permit measurements from a full-scale of 10 ppm
specimens of different thicknesses. methane equivalent to 10 000 ppm.
6.4 Ignition Pilot Flame—The ignition pilot shall consist of
6.7 Combustion Air Distribution System—This system shall
an ethylene/air (60/40 by volume) flame adjusted for a 10-mm
consist of an air distribution chamber, shown in Fig. 5, and air
length. The pilot flame is anchored at the 50-mm long,
supply pipes, shown in Figs. 6 and 7.
horizontal end of a 6.35-mm O.D., 4.70-mm I.D. stainless steel
tube. In the horizontal tube section, use a four-hole ceramic 6.7.1 Air Distribution Chamber—This aluminum chamber,
insert to produce a stable flame and prevent flashback. The shown in Fig. 5, shall contain eight discharge tubes arranged in
pilot flame tube shall be able to be rotated and elevated to a circle of 165-mm inside diameter. Each tube shall be
position the horizontal flame at specified locations near the aluminum and built to distribute inlet gases (air, O2, N2, etc.)
specimen, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3. to three sets of screens (stainless steel woven wire cloth of 10,
6.5 Ignition Timer—The device for measuring time to 20, and 30 mesh from bottom to top, respectively), for
sustained flaming shall be capable of recording elapsed time to producing a uniform air flow. Inlet air flows downward through
the nearest tenth of 1 s and have an accuracy of better than 1 the eight discharge tubes, disperses on the bottom plate, then
s in 1 h. rises through the mesh screens toward the aluminum support
6.6 Gas Analysis System—The gas analysis system shall cylinder.
consist of a gas sampling system and gas analysis instruments, 6.7.2 Air Supply Pipes—These pipes shall consist of an
described in 6.6.1-6.6.4 aluminum cylinder, shown in Figs. 3 and 6 extending from the
air distribution chamber up to the load platform. This cylinder
4 shall contain a step (see Figs. 6 and 7) to support a quartz pipe.
The Model 5208-05 high density infrared heater with Model 500T3/CL/HT
lamps and Model 664 SCR power controller, manufactured by Research, Inc., P.O. Above the load platform elevation, the quartz pipe (see Figs. 6
Box 24064, Minneapolis, MN 55424 is suitable for this purpose. and 7) shall supply oxidant to the specimen flame while

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FIG. 4 Flow Diagram of Gas Sampling System

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FIG. 5 Air Distribution Chamber

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the following main components: an intake funnel (Figs. 9 and
10), a mixing duct (Fig. 11), a test section (Fig. 12), duct
flanges (Fig. 13), and a high temperature blower to draw gases
through the intake funnel, mixing duct and test section at
variable flow rates up to 0.25 m3/s. The intake funnel, mixing
duct and test section shall be coated internally with fluorinated
ethylene propylene (FEP) resin enamel and finish layers over a
suitable primer to form a three layer coating that shall
withstand temperatures of at least 200°C.
6.10 Test Section Instruments:
6.10.1 Test Section Thermocouple Probe—A thermocouple
probe, inserted through a test section port, shall be positioned
such that the exposed, type K measurement bead is at the
center of the test section, at the axial position of the gas
sampling port. Fabricate the thermocouple probe of wire no
larger than 0.254-mm diameter for measurement of gas tem-
perature with a time response (in the specified exhaust flow) of
no more than 1 s and an accuracy of 1.0°C.
6.10.2 Averaging Pitot Probe and Pressure
Transducer—An averaging Pitot probe, inserted through a test
section port 220 to 230 mm downstream of the thermocouple
port, shall measure the mass flow rate of the gas stream using
at least four sets of flow sensing openings, one set facing
upstream and the second downstream and shall be designed for
compatibility with the test section diameter. Measure the
differential pressure generated by the probe with an electronic
pressure transducer (electronic manometer). The measured
differential pressure is proportional to the square of the flow
rate. Experience has shown that the averaging Pitot probe in
this application is reliable (not susceptible to plugging), while
minimizing pressure losses in the exhaust system.
6.11 Heat-Flux Gage—For calibration of the IR heating
system, use a Gardon type, or equivalent, total heat-flux gage
having a nominal range of 0 to 100 kW/m2 and a flat, 6 to
8-mm diameter sensing surface coated with a durable, flat-
black finish. The body of the gage shall be cooled by water
above the dew point of the gage environment. The gage shall
be rugged and maintain an accuracy of within 63 % and a
repeatability within 0.5 % between calibrations. Check the
calibration of the heat-flux gage monthly through the use of a
black-body oven calibration facility that compares the gage
response to that of a NIST-traceable optical pyrometer. Alter-
FIG. 6 Exploded View of Quartz Pipe Assembly natively, compare the gage output to that of a reference
standard.
allowing radiant energy from the IR heating system to reach
the specimen surface. The aluminum support cylinder shall be 6.12 Digital Data Collection System—Digitally record the
rigidly attached to the distribution chamber, but the quartz pipe output from the CO, CO2, hydrocarbon gas, O2 combustion and
shall be removable. O2 inlet-air analyzers, the load cell, the test section duct
6.8 Water-Cooled Shield—To prevent the specimen from thermocouple, and the electronic pressure transducer at 1 s
being exposed to the IR heaters during the one minute heater intervals. Time shift the data for the gas concentrations to
stabilization period, there shall be a shield (see Fig. 8) account for delays within the gas sampling lines and respective
consisting of two aluminum cylinders welded together with an instrument response times. The data collection system shall be
inlet and outlet for water circulation. An electrically-actuated, accurate to within 61°C for temperature measurement and
pneumatic piston shall raise the shield to cover the specimen 60.01 % of full-scale instrument output for all other channels.
during test preparation and shall lower the shield within 1 s to The system shall be capable of recording data for at least 1 h
expose the specimen at the start of a test. at 1-s intervals, although test duration typically is between 8
6.9 Exhaust System—The exhaust system shall consist of and 15 minutes.

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FIG. 7

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NOTE 1—All dimensions are mm unless noted.

FIG. 8 Water Cooled Shield

7. Hazards operation before testing and must be discharged away from

7.1 All normal laboratory safety precautions must be fol- intakes for the building ventilation system. Provision must be
lowed since the test procedures involve high temperatures and made for collecting and venting any combustion products that
combustion reactions, as well as the use of electric radiant fail to be collected by the exhaust system.
heaters, laboratory glassware, and different types of com-
pressed gases. 8. Test Specimen
7.1.1 Hazardous conditions leading, for example, to burns, 8.1 Specimen Holders—Four types of specimen holders are
ignition of extraneous objects or clothing, and inhalation of used: horizontal square; horizontal circular (Fig. 14); a vertical
combustion products, may exist. During the operation of the specimen holder (Fig. 15); and, a vertical cable specimen
apparatus, the operator must use hearing protection and at least holder (Fig. 16). The horizontal square holder consists of two
shade five welding goggles or glasses. The operator must use layers of 2-mil (0.05-mm thickness) aluminum foil molded to
protective gloves for insertion and removal of test specimens. the sides and bottom of a square specimen. The horizontal
Specimens must be removed to a fume hood. Neither the circular holder is a 0.099-m (3.9-in.) diameter aluminum dish
heaters nor the associated fixtures can be touched while hot (see Fig. 14l). The vertical specimen holder is a 0.485-m
except with protective gloves. (19-in.) high 3 0.133-m (5.2-in.) wide ladder rack (see Fig.
7.1.2 The exhaust system must be checked for proper 15). The vertical cable holder is 0.825-m high (see Fig. 16) and

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NOTE 1—Coat inside of funnel with FEP after welding.

coat thickness: 0.5 mm
All dimensions are in mm unless noted.
FIG. 9 Intake Funnel

can support a cable specimen 0.81 m (32.5 in.) long and up to 8.2.2 Fire Propagation Test of Vertical, Rectangular Speci-
51-mm (2-in.) diameter. mens:
8.2 Specimen Size and Preparation: 8.2.2.1 Cut specimens from essentially planar materials or
8.2.1 Ignition and Combustion Tests of Horizontal products to be 101.6 mm in width and 305 mm in height (4 by
Specimens—Cut specimens from essentially planar materials 12 in.). Specimens shall have a thickness of no less than 3 mm
or products to be 101.6 by 101.6 mm (4 by 4 in.) in area. and no more than 13 mm and be representative of the end-use
Specimens shall have a thickness of no less than 3 mm and no material or product.
more than 25.4 mm and be representative of the end-use
8.2.2.2 Place ceramic paper (density 190–200 kg/m3) of 3.2
material or product. For testing, place the square specimen in
mm (0.125 in.) thickness to cover the sides and back surface of
the horizontal square holder. Place granular or cable specimens
the specimen and then wrap the specimen, with the ceramic
in the horizontal circular holder, with the cable specimens cut
paper, in two layers of aluminum foil of 2-mil (0.05-mm)
to cover the center and at least 20-mm on each side of the
thickness to expose only the front surface to be tested.
center of the aluminum dish. Spray the exposed top surface of
the specimen with a single coat of flat black paint5 that is 8.2.2.3 Wrap the covered and exposed width of the speci-
designed to withstand temperatures of 540 6 10°C. Prior to men securely with one turn of No. 24-gage nickel/chromium
testing, cure the paint coating by conditioning the specimen at wire at distances of 50-mm from each end and at the midpoint
a temperature of 23 6 3°C and a relative humidity of 50 6 5 % of the 305-mm length of the specimen.
for 48 h. This coating is applied to insure surface absorption of 8.2.2.4 Place the bottom of the specimen on the metal
the imposed radiant heat flux. Place the holder containing the base-plate (see Fig. 15l) of the vertical holder with the covered
specimen on a 13-mm thick, calcium silicate board (density (back) surface of the specimen against the ladder rack.
700–750 kg/m3, thermal conductivity 0.11–0.13 W/m K) 8.2.2.5 Wrap one turn of No. 24 gage nickel/chromium wire
having the same dimensions as the holder, as shown in Fig. 2, securely around the specimen, the ladder rack and the threaded
just before a test is to be performed. rods at distances of 100 and 200 mm from the bottom of the
specimen to keep the specimen firmly in contact with the
vertical specimen holder.
5
Thurmaloxt Solar Collector Coating, No. 250 Selective Black spray paint,
packaged for the Dampney Company, 85 Paris St., Everett, MA 02149, is suitable
8.2.3 Fire Propagation Test of Vertical, Cable Specimens:
for this purpose. 8.2.3.1 Mount cable specimens as explained in Fig. 16.

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NOTE 1—All dimensions are in mm unless noted.

FIG. 10 Funnel Flange

8.3 Expose composite specimens in a manner typical of the quartz pipe in position, as required, and record IR heater
end-use condition. voltage settings and measured radiant flux levels for planned
8.4 If the preparation techniques in 8.2 do not retain tests.
specimens within the specimen holder during combustion, 9.1.2 Positioning of Radiant-Flux Heaters—At least annu-
specify the exact mounting and retaining methods used in the ally, check the position of the IR heaters. Set the heater voltage
test report. at 90 % of the maximum value. Position the heat-flux gage
9. Calibration sensing surface to be horizontal and measure the heat flux at
each of five locations, corresponding to each corner and the
9.1 Radiant-Flux Heater:
center of a square, horizontal specimen, at an elevation
9.1.1 Routine Calibration—Calibrate IR heaters at the start
of the test day. Clean the quartz windows, lamps, and back equivalent to that of the specimen top surface. Adjust the
reflective surfaces of the heaters to keep them free of any position of each IR heater symmetrically and repeat these heat
impurity buildup or scratches. Position the heat-flux gage- flux measurements, if necessary, until there is at most a 5 %
sensing surface to be horizontal, at a location equivalent to the mean deviation of the five readings from the average value.
center of the top surface of a horizontal specimen. Place the Then, position the heat-flux gage to locations equivalent to the

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NOTE 1—Flanges to be square with tube.

Coat inside of duct with FEP after welding.
NOTE 1—Flanges to be square with tube. Material 304 S.S.
Coat inside of duct with FEP after welding. All dimensions are in mm unless noted.
Material 304 S.S. FIG. 12 Test Section
All dimensions are in mm unless noted.
FIG. 11 Mixing Duct
down-scale calibration point at the lower end of the analyzer
range. Use nitrogen as the “zero gas” reference source by
vertical axis at the center of a square specimen. Measure the turning on a Grade 5 nitrogen cylinder at 0.8 L/minute. Zero
heat flux at elevations of 10 mm and 20 mm above and below the CO and CO2 analyzers. Span each analyzer with its
that equivalent to the specimen top surface. Check that the heat appropriate gas for the corresponding range.
flux at these four elevations is within 5 % of the value at the 9.2.2 Oxygen Analyzer—Calibrate the oxygen analyzer for
elevation of the specimen face. measurement of inlet oxygen concentration (and the optional
9.2 Gas-Analyzer Calibration—Calibrate the carbon diox- oxygen analyzer for combustion gases) by establishing a
ide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, and total hydrocarbon analyz- downscale calibration point and an upscale calibration point.
ers before the first Combustion or Fire Propagation test of the Perform the upscale calibration with a “span gas” at the upper
day. end of the range that will be used during actual sample analysis
9.2.1 Carbon Dioxide/Carbon Monoxide Analyzers— and use a “zero gas” for the down-scale calibration point at the
Calibrate the CO2 and CO analyzers for measurement of lower end of the analyzer range. To calibrate the analyzer, open
combustion gases by establishing a downscale calibration point the span gas at 1.0 L/minute, set the analyzer span, close the
and an upscale calibration point. Perform the upscale calibra- span gas, and open the zero gas at the same flow rate, and then
tion with a “span gas” at the upper end of the range that will be set the lower end of the analyzer range. Re-span and re-zero
used during actual sample analysis and use a “zero gas” for the several times, if necessary.

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NOTE 1—Material 304 S.S.

A matching pair consists of one flange with O-ring groove, and one flange without.
All dimensions are in mm unless noted.
FIG. 13 Duct Flanges

9.2.3 Optional Hydrocarbon Gas Analyzer—Adjust the 9.4.2 Perform the rest of the required calibration procedures
zero control of the analyzer by using ultra pure nitrogen as described in this section.
flowing at 3 L/minute as the “zero gas”. As the “span gas,” use 9.4.3 Check that inlet air flow is set at 200 L/minute.
methane at a concentration that matches the operating range of 9.4.4 Start data acquisition program.
the analyzer. 9.4.5 Place 100.0 mL of acetone in a specimen dish 0.097-m
9.3 Load Cell—Calibrate the load cell each time it is used. (3.8-in.) diameter on the load cell.
Set the output voltage to zero by adjusting the tare, with the 9.4.6 Ignite the acetone using a match 30 s after the start of
appropriate empty specimen holder in position. Then, place a data acquisition.
NIST-traceable weight corresponding to the weight of the 9.4.7 End data acquisition two minutes after the end of
specimen to be tested on the empty holder and measure the visible flaming.
output voltage. Check linearity by repeating this procedure 9.4.8 Determine the effective heat of combustion following
with three other NIST-traceable weights so as to cover the the calculation procedure in Section 12.
entire specimen weight range. 9.4.9 Determine the delay time for the gas analyzers by
9.4 Heat Release Calibration—Calibrate the heat release computing the difference between the time when the test
rate measurement process at least monthly to ensure the proper section duct gas temperature reaches 50 % of its steady-state
functioning of the FPA. Check that the measured effective heat value and the time when the reading of each analyzer reaches
of combustion of acetone is within 6 5 % of the reference 50 % of its steady-state value.
value of 27 900 kJ/kg (4) and that the measured total delay (or
lag) time of the gas analyzers is less than 15 s. 10. Conditioning
9.4.1 Do not use the IR heaters or the pilot. 10.1 Condition specimens to moisture equilibrium (constant

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11.1.12 If there is sustained flaming, turn off the IR heater
voltage and introduce nitrogen to extinguish flames.
11.1.13 When the specimen has cooled sufficiently to be
handled safely, remove the specimen to a ventilated environ-
ment.
11.1.14 Repeat this procedure for additional infrared heater
settings, as required.
11.2 Procedure 2: Combustion Test—The combustion test is
conducted to measure the chemical and convective heat release
rates ( Q̇chem and Q̇c), mass loss rate ( ṁ) and to determine the
EHC of a horizontal specimen.
11.2.1 Place the 13-mm thick calcium silicate board sup-
porting the appropriate horizontal specimen holder in position
(centered) on the aluminum load platform.
11.2.2 Verify that the gas sampling system is removing all
water vapor and similarly condensable combustion products. If
NOTE 1—This holder is used to hold and melting materials as well as
the sampling system flow meter indicates less than 10
powdered specimens. L/minute, then replace sampling system filter elements.
All dimensions are in mm unless noted. 11.2.3 Install fresh indicating desiccant and soot filter in the
FIG. 14 Horizontal Circular Specimen Holder gas sampling line.
11.2.4 Ignite the flame in the hydrocarbon gas analyzer and
weight) at an ambient temperature of 23 6 3°C and a relative
check the flame out indicator on the front panel to assure that
humidity of 50 6 5 % for 24 h.
there is flame ignition.
11. Procedure 11.2.5 Verify that nitrogen for flame extinguishment is
11.1 Procedure 1: Ignition Test—The ignition test is per- available for flow at 100 6 10 L/minute into the inlet-air
formed to determine the time required from the application of supply line and that pilot flame gases (ethylene to air ratio
an externally applied heat flux to a horizontal test specimen 60:40) are regulated to give specified flame length when
until ignition of that specimen. needed.
11.1.1 Verify that nitrogen for flame extinguishment is 11.2.6 Turn on gas sampling pump and set correct sampling
available for flow at 100 6 10 L/minute and that pilot flame flow rate for each gas analyzer (gas analyzers, the electronic
gases (ethylene to air ratio 60:40) are regulated to give pressure transducer, and load cell are powered on at all times to
specified flame length when needed. maintain constant internal temperatures).
11.1.2 Place the 13-mm thick calcium silicate board sup- 11.2.7 Perform required calibration procedures as specified
porting the appropriate horizontal specimen holder in position in Section 9.
(centered) on the aluminum load platform (confirm that there is 11.2.8 Turn on the exhaust and air-supply blowers servicing
no quartz pipe in place, to insure natural air flow). the apparatus.
11.1.3 Turn on the exhaust blower. 11.2.9 Light the pilot flame and adjust for a 10-mm flame
11.1.4 Light the pilot flame and adjust for a 10-mm flame length.
length.
11.2.10 Move the lighted pilot flame to a position 10-mm
11.1.5 Move the lighted pilot flame to a position 10-mm
above the specimen surface and 10-mm from the perimeter of
above the specimen surface and 10-mm from the perimeter of
the specimen.
the specimen.
11.1.6 Turn on air and water to cool the infrared radiant 11.2.11 Turn on air and water to cool the infrared radiant
heaters. heaters.
11.1.7 Raise the water-cooled shield surrounding the speci- 11.2.12 Install the quartz pipe on the mounting step in the
men holder to prevent specimen exposure to external heat flux. aluminum oxidant supply pipe.
11.1.8 Set the IR heater voltage to produce the desired heat 11.2.13 Raise the water-cooled shield to cover the speci-
flux and allow for one minute of stabilization. men.
11.1.9 Lower the water-cooled shield to expose the sample 11.2.14 Set an inlet-air supply rate of 200 L/minute into the
to the external heat flux. Simultaneously start a timer. air distribution chamber. To change oxygen content of inlet air
11.1.10 Record the time when vapors are first observed supply from that of normal air, introduce oxygen or nitrogen
coming from the test specimen. (from grade 2.6 and 4.8 cylinders, respectively) into the
11.1.11 Record the time to ignition as the time duration inlet-air supply line and check oxygen concentration with
from exposure to the external heat flux until sustained flaming inlet-air oxygen analyzer (maximum oxygen concentration
(existence of flame on or over most of the specimen surface for shall be 40 % by volume).
at least a four-s duration). If there is no ignition after a 11.2.15 Set the IR heater voltage to produce the desired
15-minute heat flux exposure time, turn off the IR heater radiant exposure of the specimen surface and allow the IR
voltage and stop the test. heaters to stabilize for one minute.

16
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NOTE 1—All dimensions are in mm unless noted.

FIG. 15 Vertical Specimen Holder

11.2.16 Start the digital data collection system to record at 11.2.17 At 30 s, lower the cooling shield to expose speci-
1-s intervals. men to infrared radiant heaters.

17
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NOTE 1—The cable specimen is placed in the center of the holder with the lower end on the steel plate. It is secured by three tie wires and is centered
by tightening the three bolts in the steel tube.
All dimensions are in mm unless noted.
FIG. 16 Cable Specimen Holder
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11.2.18 Record the time when vapors are first observed propagation has not already occurred, and then move the pilot
coming from the test specimen, the time at ignition, flame flame away from the specimen.
height, flame color/smokiness, any unusual flame or specimen 11.3.14 Measure the chemical heat release rate as a function
behavior and flame extinction time. of time during fire propagation, using the Combustion test
11.2.19 Maintain the position of the pilot flame to be a 10 6 procedures.
5-mm height above the exposed surface of any specimen that 11.3.15 Record the time when vapors are first observed
regresses or expands during the test period. coming from the test specimen, the time at ignition, flame
11.2.20 Turn off the IR heaters and introduce nitrogen two height at one-minute intervals, flame characteristics, such as
minutes after the end of visible flaming or if flames reach 35 6 color, and the time at flame extinction.
10 mm above the rim of the collection funnel for more than 30 11.3.16 Turn off the IR heaters and introduce nitrogen two
s. minutes after the end of visible flaming or if flames reach 35 6
11.2.21 When the specimen has cooled sufficiently to be 10 mm above the rim of the collection funnel for more than 30
safely removed from the specimen holder, weigh the residue s, or if the specimen undergoes noticeable structural deforma-
and record the result. tion.
11.2.22 Repeat the above procedures to give a total of three 11.3.17 Repeat the above procedures to give a total of three
chemical heat release rate and mass loss rate determinations. heat release rate determinations.
11.3 Procedure 3: Fire Propagation Test—The fire propa-
gation test is performed to determine the chemical heat release 12. Calculation
rate ( Q̇chem) of a vertical specimen during upward fire 12.1 Determine the chemical heat release rate, Q̇chem, from
propagation and burning. the following expression, derived in X1.3:
11.3.1 Repeat steps needed for measurement of heat release
Q̇chem 5 13 300 ~ĠCO2 – ĠCO20! 1 11 100 ~ĠCO – ĠCO0! (1)
rate in 11.2.2-11.2.8, with the exception of the load cell
calibration. where:
11.3.2 Remove the stainless steel load cell shaft and the ĠCO2 and ĠCO = the generation rates (kg/s) of CO2 and
ball-bushing bearings from the air distribution chamber and CO, respectively, and
replace with the appropriate vertical specimen holder. ĠCO20 and ĠCO0 = the corresponding measurements be-
11.3.3 Install specimen such that the bottom edge of the fore ignition of the specimen.
vertical specimen that is to be exposed to IR heating is at an Determine the generation rates of CO2 and CO from the
elevation equivalent to that of the top surface of a horizontal following expressions, derived in X1.3:
specimen. ĠCO2 5 Ad K ~Patm/101 000!1/2 ~2 * 353 Dpm/Td!1/2 * 1.52 XCO2 (2)
11.3.4 Light the pilot flame and adjust for a 10-mm flame
length.
11.3.5 Turn on air and water to cool the infrared radiant ĠCO 5 Ad K ~Patm/101 000!1/2 ~2 * 353 Dpm/Td!1/2 * 0.966 XCO (3)
heaters. 12.2 The convective heat release rate, Q̇c, is obtained as
11.3.6 Install the quartz pipe on the mounting step in the follows:
aluminum oxidant supply pipe. Q̇c 5 ṁd cp ~Td – Ta! (4)
11.3.7 Raise the water-cooled shield surrounding the speci-
men holder to prevent pre-exposure to external heat flux. where:
11.3.8 Move the pilot flame to a position 75 mm from the ṁd (kg/s) = the mass flow rate of combustion products
bottom of the specimen and 10 mm away from the specimen in the test section duct (an expression for
surface. which is derived in X1.3),
11.3.9 Set an inlet-air supply rate of 200 L/minute into the cp (kJ/kg•K) = the specific heat of air,
air distribution chamber. To change oxygen content of inlet air Td (K) = the gas temperature in the test section duct,
supply from that of normal air, introduce oxygen, or nitrogen and
(from grade 2.6 and 4.8 cylinders, respectively) into the Ta (K) = the gas temperature in the test section duct
inlet-air supply line and check oxygen concentration with just before pilot flame ignition occurs.
inlet-air oxygen analyzer (maximum oxygen concentration Correct the specific heat, cp, for temperature as follows:
shall be 40 % by volume). cp 5 1.00 1 1.34 * 10–4 Td – 2590 / Td2 (5)
11.3.10 Set the IR heater voltage to produce 50 kW/m2 and In summary, determine the convective heat release rate from
allow to stabilize for one minute. the following equation:
11.3.11 Start the digital data collection system to record at
1-s intervals. Q̇c 5 Ad K ~Patm/101 000!1/2 ~706 Dpm/Td!1/2 ~1.00
11.3.12 At 30 s, lower the water-cooled shield to expose the 1 1.34 * 10–4 Td – 2590/Td2! ~Td–Ta! (6)
lower portion of the vertical sample to the external heat flux 12.3 Determine specimen mass loss rate, ṁ, from the slope
from the infrared radiant heaters. Simultaneously start a timer. of five-point, straight-line regression fits to the data on mass
11.3.13 After preheating the base area of the specimen for loss versus time. Compute the slope at each time using mass
one minute, move the pilot flame into contact with the loss data from the current time record, from the two preceding
specimen surface to initiate fire propagation, if ignition and fire time records and from the two succeeding time records.

19
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12.4 Determine the effective heat of combustion, DHeff, 13.2.2 Generation rates of carbon monoxide, and carbon
from the following expression: dioxide (kg/s).
DHeff 5 Q/Mloss (7) 13.2.3 Specimen mass loss rate (kg/s).
13.2.4 Effective heat of combustion, DHeff (kJ/kg).
where: 13.2.5 Specimen mass remaining after test (kg).
Q = the cumulative heat generated during the Combus- 13.2.6 Number of replicate specimens tested under the same
tion test, based on a summation over all data scans conditions.
of the product of Q̇chem, from Eq 1, and Dt, the 13.3 Procedure 3: Fire Propagation Test—In addition to
time between scans; and, 13.1.1-13.1.12, report the following information:
Mloss = the change in measured specimen mass (by labo-
13.3.1 Chemical and convective heat release rates per unit
ratory balance) resulting from the Combustion
exposed specimen area (kW/m2).
test.
13.3.2 Flame height at one-minute interval (m).
13. Report 13.3.3 Number of replicate specimens tested under the same
conditions.
13.1 Procedure 1: Ignition Test—Report the following in-
formation: 14. Precision and Bias
13.1.1 Specimen identification code or number.
13.1.2 Manufacturer or name of organization submitting 14.1 Intermediate Precision—The precision of these test
specimen. methods has not been fully determined, but the task group will
13.1.3 Date of test. be pursuing actively the development of data regarding the
13.1.4 Operator and location of apparatus. precision of these test methods.
13.1.5 Composition or generic identification of specimen. 14.1.1 Tables X2.1 and X2.2 contain some data on preci-
13.1.6 Specimen thickness and dimensions of specimen sion, based on tests conducted by two laboratories at the same
surface exposed to IR heaters (mm). organization. Within this very limited study, the maximum
13.1.7 Specimen mass (kg). deviation from the mean value generally is within 6 10 % for
13.1.8 Details of specimen preparation. three different commercial cable specimens and two different
13.1.9 Specimen orientation, specimen holder and descrip- commercial conveyor belt specimens.
tion of special mounting procedures. 14.2 Bias:
13.1.10 Room temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%). 14.2.1 The effective heat of combustion (kJ/kg) measured
13.1.11 Exhaust system flow rate (L/minute). for acetone (see 9.4) is routinely within 65 % of the Ref (4)
13.1.12 Radiant flux from IR heating system applied to test value.
specimen (kW/m2). 14.2.2 Ignition times measured for poly (methyl methacry-
13.1.13 Time when vapors are first observed coming from late) are consistent with independent measurements for that
the test specimen (s). plastic, as described in detail in Ref (5).
13.1.14 Time at which there is ignition (sustained flaming) 14.2.3 As shown in Tables 3–4.11 of Ref (4), the values of
(s). EHC obtained from Combustion tests of three different wood
13.1.15 Additional observations (including times of transi- varieties are all within 7 % of the EHC obtained for a fourth,
tory flaming, flashing, or melting). similar wood variety using Test Method E 1354.
13.2 Procedure 2: Combustion Test—In addition to 13.1.1-
13.1.12, report the following information: 15. Keywords
13.2.1 Chemical and convective heat release rates per unit 15.1 effective heat of combustion; fire propagation appara-
exposed specimen area (kW/m2). tus; flammability characteristics; upward fire propagation

APPENDIX

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. COMMENTARY

X1.1 Background measurements are made. As described in Ref (6), this unifor-
mity is achieved by passing the flow through an orifice at the
X1.1.1 The Fire Propagation Apparatus (FPA) was first
entry to a mixing duct six duct diameters upstream of the test
developed and used by Factory Mutual Research Corporation
section.
(FMRC) during the mid-1970s. The apparatus collects the flow
of combustion gases from a burning test specimen, and then X1.2 Terminology
conditions this flow to uniform velocity, temperature, and X1.2.1 Definitions of Terms Used Only in This Commen-
species concentration within the test section duct, where tary:

20
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X1.2.1.1 fire propagation index, FPI, (m5/3/kW2/3 s1/2),
n—the propensity of a material to support fire propagation Ad = test section duct cross sectional area (m2)
beyond the ignition zone, determined, in part, by the chemical K = flow coefficient of the averaging Pitot
heat release rate during upward fire propagation in air contain- tube (-)
ing 40 % oxygen. Patm = the actual atmospheric pressure (Pa)
X1.2.1.2 thermal response parameter, TRP, (kW•s1/2/m2), Dpm = pressure differential across the averaging
n—a parameter characterizing resistance to ignition upon Pitot tube in the test section duct (Pa)
exposure of a specimen to a prescribed heat flux. Td = gas temperature in the test section duct,
X1.2.2 Symbols: measured by a thermocouple (K), and
353 (kg K/m3) = r * Td for air, at an atmospheric pressure
NOTE X1.1—The following symbols are used only in this commentary. of 101 kPa.
X1.3.2 The density of air, r (kg/m3), assumed to be ideal,
ḊO2 = mass consumption rate of oxygen (kg/s) can be expressed as follows:
Ġj = mass flow rate of compound j in test section duct r 5 @353 ~Patm/101 000!#/Td (X1.3)
(kg/s)
X1.3.3 From Eq X1.1-X1.3, the mass flow rate, ṁd (kg/s), is
DHco = heat of complete combustion per unit mass of CO
determined as follows:
(kJ/kg)
DHco2 = heat of complete combustion per unit mass of ṁd 5 Ad K ~Patm/101 000!1/2~2 * 353 Dpm/Td!1/2 (X1.4)
CO2 (kJ/kg) X1.3.4 The mass generation rate, Ġj (kg/s), of CO2 or CO or
DHo2 = heat of complete combustion per unit mass of
compound j, is expressed as:
oxygen (kJ/kg)
DHT = net heat of complete combustion per unit mass of Ġj 5 ṁd Xj MWj (X1.5)
fuel vaporized (kJ/kg)
kCO2 = stoichiometric CO2 to fuel mass ratio, for conver- where:
sion of all fuel carbon to CO2 (-) ṁd = the duct mass flow rate from Eq X1.4,
kCO = stoichiometric CO to fuel mass ratio, for conver- Xj = the measured volume ratio or mole fraction of
sion of all fuel carbon to CO (-) compound, j, (-), and
kO2 = stoichiometric ratio of mass of oxygen consumed MWj = the ratio of the molecular weight of compound, j, to
to mass of fuel burned (-) that of air.
MWj = ratio of the molecular weight of compound, j, to X1.3.5 The heat generated by chemical reactions in fires,
that of air (-) defined as chemical heat, is calculated from the following
v̇ = total volumetric flow rate in test section duct relationships, based on generation rates of CO and CO2 and
(m3/s) consumption rate of O2:
W = width of a flat specimen or the circumference of Q̇chem 5 ~DHT/kCO2! ~ĠCO2 – ĠCO20!
a cable specimen (m)
1 @~DHT – DHCO kCO! / kCO# ~ĠCO – ĠCO0! (X1.6)
Xj = measured analyzer reading for compound, j, or
mole fraction of compound, j (-)
r = gas density in test section duct (kg/m3) Q̇chem 5 ~DHT/kO2! ḊO2 (X1.7)

X1.3 Details of Heat Release Rate Calculation where:

Q̇chem = the chemical heat release rate (kW),
X1.3.1 Total volumetric and mass flow rates of product-air DHT = the net heat of complete combustion
mixture through the test section are calculated from measure- (kJ/kg),
ments of volumetric flow, v̇, and density of the flow, r, in the DHCO = the heat of combustion of CO (kJ/kg),
test section duct. Using these measurements, the duct mass ĠCO and ĠCO2 = the generation rates of CO and CO2,
flow rate, ṁd, is calculated from the following relationship by respectively ( ĠCO20 and ĠCO0 represent
assuming the mixture is essentially air: values prior to ignition, and
ṁd 5 v̇ r (X1.1) ḊO2 = the consumption rate of O2 (kg/s),
kCO2 = the stoichiometric yield of CO2 when all
The volumetric flow, v̇ (m3/s), in the test section duct is the carbon present in the material is
given by: converted to CO2 (kg/kg),
v̇ 5 Ad K ~Patm/101 000!–1/2 ~2 Dpm Td/353!1/2 (X1.2) kCO = the stoichiometric yield of CO (kg/kg),
and
where:

21
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kO2 = the mass stoichiometric oxygen to fuel straight-line regression fit to values for incident heat flux (from
ratio (kg/kg). The net heat of complete the IR heaters) versus values for the inverse of the square root
combustion is measured in an oxygen of tign. Ignition time results for this slope calculation corre-
bomb calorimeter and the values of spond to incident heat flux values of 45, 50, 55, and 60 kW/m2.
kCO2, kco and kO2 can be calculated from If the standard deviation (standard error) of the slope due to
the measured elemental composition of data scatter is not within 10 % of the regression fit slope,
the specimen material. It is also accept- additional ignition time results are obtained.
able to obtain the coefficients of ( ĠCO2 X1.4.3.2 Fig. X1.1 illustrates the TRP calculation described
– ĠCO20) and ( ĠCO – ĠCO0) in Eq X1.6 in X1.4.3.1. Ignition times, tign, from a typical test are shown
or the coefficient of ḊO2 in Eq X1.7, for in Fig. X1.1. A linear regression fit to the four highest external
the particular type of material being heat flux values (45, 50, 55, and 60) is shown as the solid line
tested, from values tabulated in Ref (4) in the figure. Regression software6 yields the slope of this fit,
for that material type. which equals the TRP, as well as, the standard deviation
X1.3.6 Analysis of the thermodynamics of more than 20 (standard error) of the slope. Lines having a slope one standard
different classes of solids, liquids, and gases, described in Ref deviation greater than and one standard deviation less than the
(4), shows that average values for the coefficients of ( ĠCO2 – TRP also are shown in Fig. X1.1. In this case, the data scatter
ĠCO20) and ( ĠCO – ĠCO0) in Eq X1.6 are 13 300 (6 11 %) is acceptable since the standard deviation is less than 10 % of
kJ/kg and 11 100 (6 18 %) kJ/kg, respectively, as opposed to the TRP.
12 800 (6 7 %) kJ/kg for the coefficient of ḊO2 in Eq X1.7. Use X1.5 Background on the Use of a 40 % Oxygen
of constant coefficients to determine chemical heat release rate Concentration for the Fire Propagation Test
is thus less accurate when using the CO2 and CO generation
method (mainly determined by the CO2 uncertainty, since CO X1.5.1 A key feature of the fire propagation index (FPI)
concentrations are generally very small in comparison) than for discussed in X1.4 is the use of Fire Propagation test results
the oxygen depletion method. This inaccuracy in the use of obtained for an inlet air supply containing a 40 % oxygen
constant coefficients is offset partly by the greater accuracy concentration. This is done to simulate, in a small-scale
available for the direct measurement of CO2 and CO concen- apparatus, the radiant heat flux from real-scale flames in
trations, than that for depletion of oxygen, at low heat release various fire situations.
rates. In both cases, accuracy is improved if the composition of X1.5.2 It is shown in Refs (4 and 10) that flame radiant heat
the test specimen is known or is able to be assigned to one of flux associated with a variety of burning polymeric materials
the categories listed in Ref (4). increases as the ambient oxygen concentration in air is in-
creased, with radiant flux reaching an asymptotic value near an
X1.4 Application of the Test Methods to the Evaluation oxygen concentration of 40 %. This result is not surprising in
of Cable Insulation, Clean Room Materials and view of the fact that increasing the oxygen concentration in
Conveyor Belting Using a Fire Propagation Index normal air increases flame temperatures somewhat and in-
X1.4.1 Background Information—As part of the standards creases soot production reaction rates substantially; hence,
cited in 2.2, a Fire Propagation Index (FPI) is calculated, based flames in air having a 40 % oxygen concentration would be
on the concept that fire propagation is related both to the heat expected to have higher concentrations of luminous soot
flux from the flame of a burning material and to the resistance particles to radiate much more efficiently than flames in normal
of a material to ignite (7,8). Flame heat flux is derived from the air.
chemical heat release rate per unit width of a vertical specimen X1.5.3 The following table, extracted from Table 1 in Ref
during upward fire propagation and burning in air containing (10), illustrates the point made in X1.5.2 for a Combustion test
40 % oxygen (needed to simulate the radiant heat flux from of a 0.093-m diameter specimen of polypropylene without the
real-scale flames, as discussed in X1.5 and in Refs 9 and 10). use of the IR heaters (see Table X1.1).
Resistance of a material to ignite is derived from the change in X1.5.4 Table X1.1 shows that the calculated flame radiant
ignition time with changes in incident heat flux. flux from a laboratory-scale specimen is only 14 kW/m2 in
X1.4.2 Calculation of FPI—The fire propagation index is normal air (21 % oxygen) but increases to the level of 40 to 50
obtained from the following expression: kW/m2 characteristic of large-scale fires (4) when the oxygen
concentration is increased to 40 %.
FPI 5 1000 @~0.42 Q̇chem!/W#1/3/TRP (X1.8)
X1.6 Real-Scale Fire Behavior and the Fire Propagation
where: Index of Cable Insulation, Clean Room Materials
Q̇chem = a result from the Fire Propagation test performed and Conveyor Belting
with an inlet air supply containing 40 % oxygen,
W = the width of the vertical, essentially planar speci- X1.6.1 Values of fire propagation index (FPI, see X1.4), as
men or the circumference of the vertical cable well as, fire propagation behavior during real-scale tests are
specimen used in the Fire Propagation test, and discussed in Ref (8) for electrical cables insulated with
TRP = the thermal response parameter, discussed in polymeric material and in Ref (11) for solid panels of poly-
X1.4.3. meric clean room materials. The real-scale tests involved fires
X1.4.3 Calculation of TRP from Ignition Test Results:
X1.4.3.1 The thermal response parameter is the slope of a 6
The LINEST function in Microsoft Excel is suitable for this purpose.

22
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FIG. X1.1 Ignition Time Measurements for Calculation of TRP, Showing Standard Deviation/TRP = 7 %

TABLE X1.1 Effect of Oxygen Concentration on Flame Radiant TABLE X1.2 Comparison of FPI Value with Real-Scale Fire
Flux from a 93-mm Diameter Polypropylene Specimen in the Propagation Behavior
Absence of External Heating FPI from Fire
Fire Propagation
Oxygen Concentration in Air, % Flame Radiant Heat Flux, kW/m2 Material Composition and Propagation Test
Beyond the Ignition
ArrangementA Method, m5/3/kW2/3
21 14 Zone at Real-ScaleB
s1/2
24 23
28 37 Gray PVC panel 4 None
34 41 PVDF panel 5 None
40 44 White PVC panel 6 None
47 53 Rigid, Type I PVC panel 8 Limited
Modified FRPP panel 9 Yes
ETFE panel 9 Limited
FRPP panel >10 Yes
initiated by a 60 kW propane sand-burner located between PMMA panel >10 Yes
vertical, parallel arrays of the cables or clean room materials. XLPE/Neoprene cable 9 Limited
In addition, values of FPI for conveyor belts, as well as, fire PVC/PVDF cable 7 None
XLPO cable 9 Limited
propagation behavior of these belts in a U.S. Bureau of Mines XLPE/EVA cable 7 Limited
large-scale fire test gallery, are discussed in Ref (12). Fires in PE/PVC cable 20 Yes
the large-scale gallery were initiated by a burning flammable CR or PVC conveyor belts <6 None
CR or SBR conveyor belts 7 to 8 Limited
liquid pool. PVC or SBR conveyor belts >8 Yes
X1.6.2 Table X1.2, extracted from Table 1 in Ref (11) and A
Polymer abbreviations: PVC—polyvinylchloride; PVDF—polyvinylidene fluo-
from information in Ref (12), illustrates how the Fire Propa- ride; FRPP—fire retarded polypropylene; ETFE—ethylenetetrafluoroethylene;
gation Index is related to real-scale fire propagation behavior PMMA—polymethylmethacrylate; XLPE—crosslinked polyethylene; XLPO—
crosslinked polyolefin; EVA—ethylvinyl acetate; PE—polyethylene; CR—
shown in Table X1.2. chloroprene rubber; SBR—styrene-butadiene rubber.
X1.6.3 Table X1.2 shows that a Fire Propagation Index B
Propagation Behavior: Yes—fire propagates beyond the ignition zone to the
equal to or less than a value of 6 m5/3/kW2/3 s1/2 correlates very boundary of the exposed material surface; Limited—fire propagates beyond the
ignition zone but propagation stops well before the boundary of the exposed
well with real-scale fire behavior for which propagation is material surface; None—fire does not propagate beyond the ignition zone, defined
limited to the ignition zone. as the area of flame coverage by the initiating fire source.

X1.7 Examples of Materials That Have Undergone the

Test Methods have undergone the Ignition, Combustion, or Fire Propagation
X1.7.1 A wide range of polymeric materials and products test methods, in addition to the polymers noted in X1.6.2. Table

23
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X1.3, extracted from Tables 3–4.2, 3–4.3 and 3–4.11 in Ref (4) TABLE X1.4 Reproducibility of Data on Ignition Time
and Table 1 in Ref (7), lists these polymer groups. Relative
X1.7.2 The Ignition and Combustion test methods, as well Time to Time to Difference of
Polymer-Insulated Incident
Ignition, Ignition, Each Ignition
as other tests performed in the FPA, have been used to obtain Cable Type Heat Flux
Apparatus 1 Apparatus 2 Time from the
flammability characteristics of plywood specimens for use in a Mean Value
predictive model of upward fire propagation, as described in [kW/m2] [s] [s] [%]

Ref (13). Predictions from the computer model were in good Insulated cable 1 20 265 260 1
Insulated cable 1 30 91 102 5.7
agreement with the results of real-scale fire tests of vertical Insulated cable 1 40 45 58 12.6
panels of the same plywood materials. Insulated cable 1 50 34 36 2.9
Insulated cable 1 60 21 24 6.7
X1.8 Precision Insulated cable 2 15 334 320 2.1
Insulated cable 2 30 42 41 1.2
X1.8.1 Table X1.4 presents data on precision, based on a Insulated cable 2 40 24 24 0
comparison of results from the Ignition Test method performed Insulated cable 2 50 17 17 0
Insulated cable 2 60 13 11 8.3
at two separate laboratories of Factory Mutual Research
Corporation. Table X1.5 presents data on precision, based on a
comparison of results from the Fire Propagation test method TABLE X1.5 Reproducibility of Data on Heat Release Rate
Relative Difference
TABLE X1.3 Examples of Materials That Have Undergone the Peak Heat Peak Heat
of Each Heat
Test Methods Specimen Type Release Rate, Release Rate,
Release Rate from
Apparatus 1 Apparatus 2
Description of Polymer or Material Containing Polymer Parameters Calculated the Mean Value
[kW] [kW] [%]
Polystyrene TRP, EHC
Polypropylene TRP, EHC Insulated cable 1 7 6 7.7
Polyoxymethylene TRP, EHC Insulated cable 2 5.6 5.2 3.7
Nylon TRP, EHC Insulated cable 3 8 7.5 3.2
Polycarbonate TRP, EHC Conveyor belt 1 13.4 10.8 10.7
Fiberglass-reinforced polyester TRP, FPI, EHC Conveyor belt 2 9.25 9.05 1.1
Fiberglass-reinforced epoxy TRP, FPI, EHC
Fluorinated ethylene-propylene TRP, FPI, EHC
Phenolic/kevlar composite TRP, FPI, EHC
Polyurethane foams TRP, EHC
Polystyrene foams TRP, EHC with an inlet air supply containing 40 % oxygen, performed at
Phenolic foams TRP, EHC the same two laboratories.
Wood, cardboard containing cellulose TRP, FPI, EHC

REFERENCES

(1) Cable Fire Propagation Specification Test Standard, Class Number (9) Tewarson, A. and Newman, J.S.,“ Scale Effects on Fire Properties of
3972, Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood, MA Materials,” Fire Safety Science—Proceedings of the First Interna-
02062–9102, July 1989. tional Symposium, International Association for Fire Safety Science,
(2) Clean Room Materials Flammability Test Protocol: Test Standard, pp. 451–462, Hemisphere Publishing Corporation, New York 1986.
Class Number 4910, Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood, (10) Tewarson, A., Lee, J.L., and Pion, R.F., “The Influence of Oxygen
MA 02062–9102, September 1997. Concentration on Fuel Parameters for Fire Modeling,” Eighteenth
(3) Class 1 Conveyor Belting Approval Standard, Class Number 4998, Symposium (International) on Combustion, pp. 563–570, The Com-
Factory Mutual Research Corporation, Norwood, MA 02062–9102, bustion Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 1981.
August 1995.
(11) Tewarson, A., Bill, R.G. Jr., Braga, A., DeGiorgio, V. and Smith, G.,
(4) Tewarson, A.,“ Generation of Heat and Chemical Compounds in “Flammability of Clean Room Materials,” Factory Mutual Research
Fires,” Chapter 4, Section 3, The SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Corporation, White Paper, FMRC J.I. 0B0J8.RC, November, 1996.
Engineering, 2nd Edition, pp. 3–53 to 3–84, The National Fire
Protection Association Press, Quincy, MA, June 1995. (12) Lazzara, C.P. and Perzak, F.J., “Conveyor Belt Flammability Test:
Comparison of Large-Scale Gallery and Laboratory-Scale Tunnel
(5) Tewarson, A. and Ogden, S.D., “Fire Behavior of Polymethyl-
methacrylate,” Combustion and Flame, Vol. 89, pp. 237–259, 1992. Results,” Proceedings of 23rd International Conference of Safety in
Mines, Mines Research Institute, Washington, DC, Sept. 11–15,
(6) Ackeret, J., “Aspects of Internal Flow,” in Fluid Mechanics of Internal
1989, pp. 138–150.
Flow (G. Sovran, ed.), Elsevier Publishing Company, New York, p. 1,
1967. (13) Tewarson, A., “Flammability,” Chapter 42 in Physical Properties of
(7) Tewarson, A. and Khan, M.M., “Flame Propagation for Polymers in Polymers Handbook, J.E. Mark, Ed., The American Institute of
Cylindrical Configuration and Vertical Orientation,” Twenty-Second Physics, Woodbury, New York, pp. 577–604, 1996.
Symposium (International) on Combustion, p. 1231–40, The Combus- (14) Delichatsios, M.M., Wu, P., Delichatsios, M.A., Lougheed, G.D.,
tion Institute, Pittsburgh, PA 1988. Crampton, G.P., Qian, C., Ishida, H. and Saito, K., “Effect of External
(8) Tewarson, A. and Khan, M.M., “Fire Propagation Behavior of Elec- Radiant Heat Flux on Upward Fire Spread: Measurements on
trical Cables,” Fire Safety Science—Proceedings of the Second Inter- Plywood and Numerical Predictions,” Fire Safety Science—
national Symposium, International Association for Fire Safety Science, Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium, International
pp. 791–800, Hemisphere Publishing Corporation, New York 1989. Association for Fire Safety Science, pp. 421–432, 1994.

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