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: E84 − 20 E84 − 21 An American National Standard

Standard Test Method for

Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E84; 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.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope*

1.1 This fire-test-response standard for the comparative surface burning behavior of building materials is applicable to exposed
surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The test is conducted with the specimen in the ceiling position with the surface to be evaluated
exposed face down to the ignition source. The material, product, or assembly shall be capable of being mounted in the test position
during the test. Thus, the specimen shall either be self-supporting by its own structural quality, held in place by added supports
along the test surface, or secured from the back side.

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1.2 Test Method E84 is a 10-min fire-test response method. The following standards address testing of materials in accordance

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with test methods that are applications or variations of the test method or apparatus used for Test Method E84:

1.2.1 Materials required by the user to meet an extended 30-min duration tunnel test shall be tested in accordance with Test
Method E2768. Document Preview
1.2.2 Wires and cables for use in air-handling spaces shall be tested in accordance with NFPA 262.
ASTM E84-21
1.2.3 Pneumatic tubing for control systems shall be tested in accordance with UL 1820.
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1.2.4 Combustible sprinkler piping shall be tested in accordance with UL 1887.

1.2.5 Optical fiber and communications raceways for use in air handling spaces shall be tested in accordance with UL 2024.

1.3 The purpose of this test method is to determine the relative burning behavior of the material by observing the flame spread
along the specimen. Flame spread and smoke developed index are reported. However, there is not necessarily a relationship
between these two measurements.

1.4 The use of supporting materials on the underside of the test specimen has the ability to lower the flame spread index from those
which might be obtained if the specimen could be tested without such support. These test results do not necessarily relate to indices
obtained by testing materials without such support.

1.5 Testing of materials that melt, drip, or delaminate to such a degree that the continuity of the flame front is destroyed, results
in low flame spread indices that do not relate directly to indices obtained by testing materials that remain in place.

1
This test method 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 March 1, 2020March 1, 2021. Published March 2020March 2021. Originally approved in 1950. Last previous edition approved in 20192020 as
E84-19b.-20. DOI: 10.1520/E0084-20.10.1520/E0084-21.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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1.6 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.7 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes,
excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
1.8 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire-hazard or fire-risk assessment of the materials,
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.9 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.
1.10 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting
these tests.
1.11 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:2

A390 Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Poultry Fence Fabric (Hexagonal and Straight Line)
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C1186 Specification for Flat Fiber-Cement Sheets
C1288 Specification for Fiber-Cement Interior Substrate Sheets

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C1396/C1396M Specification for Gypsum Board
D4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Based Materials
D4444 Test Method for Laboratory Standardization and Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters
Document Preview
E69 Test Method for Combustible Properties of Treated Wood by the Fire-Tube Apparatus
E160 Test Method for Combustible Properties of Treated Wood by the Crib Test 3
E162 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards ASTM E84-21
E286 Test Method for Surface Flammability of Building Materials Using an 8-ft (2.44-m) Tunnel Furnace (Withdrawn 1991)3
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E2231 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning
Characteristics
E2404 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
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
E2599 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Reflective Insulation, Radiant Barrier and Vinyl Stretch Ceiling
Materials for Building Applications to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
E2688 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Tapes to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
E2690 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
E2768 Test Method for Extended Duration Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (30 min Tunnel Test)
E2988 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Flexible Fibrous Glass Insulation for Metal Buildings to Assess
Surface Burning Characteristics
E3202 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Plastic Composites for Use as Deck Boards, Stair Treads, Guards or
Handrails to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
2.2 NFPA Standards:4
NFPA 262 Standard Method of Test for Flame Travel and Smoke of Wires and Cables for Use in Air-Handling Spaces (2007)

2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
4
Available from National Fire Protection Association, 1 Battery March Park, Quincy, MA 02169.

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 E84 − 21
2.3 UL Standards5
UL 1820 Standard for Safety for Fire Test of Pneumatic Tubing for Flame and Smoke Characteristics (2004)
UL 1887 Standard for Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Visible Flame and Smoke Characteristics (2004)
UL 2024 Standard for Safety for Optical Fiber and Communication Cable Raceway (2004)
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:

3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this test method refer to Terminology E176. The term flame spread index from Terminology
E176 is of particular interest to this standard and is defined in 3.1.2.

3.1.2 flame spread index, n—a number or classification indicating a comparative measure derived from observations made during
the progress of the boundary of a zone of flame under defined test conditions.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:

3.2.1 smoke developed index, n—a number or classification indicating a comparative measure derived from smoke obscuration
data collected during the test for surface burning characteristics.

3.2.2 surface flame spread, n—the propagation of a flame away from the source of ignition across the surface of the specimen.
4. Significance and Use

4.1 This test method is intended to provide only comparative measurements of surface flame spread and smoke density
measurements with that of select grade red oak and fiber-cement board surfaces under the specific fire exposure conditions
described herein.
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4.2 This test method exposes a nominal 24-ft (7.32-m) long by 20-in. (508-mm) wide specimen to a controlled air flow and flaming
fire exposure adjusted to spread the flame along the entire length of the select grade red oak specimen in 5 ⁄ min. 12

4.3 This test method does not provide forDocument

the following: Preview
4.3.1 Measurement of heat transmission through the tested surface.
ASTM E84-21
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4.3.2 The effect of aggravated flame spread behavior of an assembly resulting from the proximity of combustible walls and
ceilings.

4.3.3 Classifying or defining a material as noncombustible, by means of a flame spread index by itself.
5. Apparatus

5.1 Fire Test Chamber—See Figs. 1-5.

5.1.1 The fire test chamber is a rectangular horizontal duct with a removable lid. The inside dimensions are as follows:

Width: 17 3⁄4 ± 1⁄4 in. (451 ± 6.3 mm) measured between the top
ledges along the side walls, and 17 5⁄8 ± 3⁄8 in. (448 ± 10
mm) at all other points.
Depth: 12 ± 1⁄2 in. (305 ± 13 mm) measured from the bottom of the
test chamber to the top of the ledges on which the
specimen is supported. This measurement includes the 1⁄8
in. (3.2 mm) thickness of the 1 1⁄2 in. (38 mm) wide woven
fiberglass gasket tape.
Length: 25 ft ± 3 in. (7.62 m ± 76 mm).

5.1.2 The sides and base of the chamber shall be lined with an insulating firebrick with the dimensions of 4 1⁄2 in. by 9 in. by 2
1⁄2 in. thick as illustrated in Fig. 2. The insulating firebrick shall have the following properties:

5
Available from Underwriters Laboratories, 333 Pfingsten Road, Northbrook, IL 60062.

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 E84 − 21

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FIG. 1 Test Furnace, Showing Some Critical Dimensions (Not a Construction Drawing)

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Maximum Recommended Temperature
Bulk Density
Document Preview 2600°F (1427°C)
48 ± 3 lb/ft3 (0.77 ± 0.046 g/cm3)
Thermal Conductivity at Mean
Btu•in./h•ft2•°F W/m•°C
Temperature of
500°F (260°C) ASTM E84-21 1.6 0.23
1000°F (538°C) 1.9 0.27
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1500°F (815°C) 2.2 0.32
2000°F (1093°C) 2.6 0.37

5.1.3 One side of the chamber shall be provided with double observation windows6 with the inside pane flush mounted (see Fig.
2). Exposed inside glass shall be 2 3⁄4 6 3⁄8 by 11 + 1, −2 in. (70 6 10 by 279 + 25 − 50 mm). The centerline of the exposed area
of the inside glass shall be in the upper half of the furnace wall, with the upper edge not less than 2.5 in. (63 mm) below the furnace
ledge. The window shall be located such that not less than 12 in. (305 mm) of the specimen width can be observed. Multiple
windows shall be located along the tunnel so that the entire length of the test sample is observable from outside the fire chamber.
The windows shall be pressure tight in accordance with 7.2 and 7.2.1.

5.1.4 The ledges shall be fabricated of structural materials7 capable of withstanding the abuse of continuous testing. The ledges
shall be level with respect to the length and width of the chamber and each other. The ledges shall be maintained in a state of repair
commensurate with the frequency, volume, and severity of testing occurring at any time.

5.1.5 Lid:

5.1.5.1 The lid shall consist of a removable noncombustible metal and mineral composite structure as shown in Fig. 2 and of a
size necessary to cover completely the fire test chamber and the test samples. The lid shall be maintained in an unwarped and flat
condition. When in place, the lid shall be completely sealed to prevent air leakage into the fire test chamber during the test.

6
Heat-resistant glass, high-silica, 100 % silica glass, nominal 1⁄4-in. thick has been found suitable for the interior pane. Borosilicate glass, nominal 1⁄4-in. thick has been
found suitable for the exterior pane.
7
High-temperature furnace refractory. Zirconium silicate, or water-cooled steel tubing have been found suitable for this purpose.

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 E84 − 21

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Document Preview
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FIG. 2 Test Furnace Showing Critical Dimensions (Not a Construction Drawing)

5.1.5.2 The lid shall be insulated with a minimal thickness of 2 in. (51 mm) castable insulation or mineral composite material
having physical characteristics comparable to the following:

Maximum effective use temperature of

at least: 1200°F (650°C)
Bulk density 21 lb/ft3 (336 kg⁄m3)
Bulk density 21 lb/ft3 (336 kg/m3)
Thermal conductivity at 300 to 700°F 0.50 to 0.71 Btu·in./h·ft2·°F (0.072 to
(149 to 371°C) 0.102 W/m·K)

5.1.5.3 The entire lid assembly shall be protected with flat sections of nominal 1⁄4-in. (6.3-mm) fiber-cement board meeting the
properties of Annex A3. This protective board shall be maintained in sound condition through continued replacement. The
protective board is to be secured to the furnace lid or place on the back side of the test specimen.

5.1.6 Gas Burners:

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 E84 − 21

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ASTM E84-21
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FIG. 3 Typical Exhaust End Transition (Not a Construction Drawing)

5.1.6.1 One end of the test chamber shall be designated as the “fire end”. This fire end shall be provided with two gas burners
delivering flames upward against the surface of the test sample (see Fig. 2). The burners shall be spaced 12 in. (305 mm) from
the fire end of the test chamber, and 7 1⁄2 6 1⁄2 in. (190 6 13 mm) below the under surface of the test sample. Gas to the burners
shall be provided through a single inlet pipe, distributed to each port burner through a tee-section. The outlet shall be a 3⁄4 in. NPT
elbow. The plane of the port shall be parallel to the furnace floor, such that the gas is directed upward toward the specimen. Each
port shall be positioned with its centerline 4 6 1⁄2 in. (102 6 13 mm) on each side of the centerline of the furnace so that the flame
is distributed evenly over the width of the exposed specimen surface (see Fig. 2).

5.1.6.2 The controls used to assure constant flow of gas to the burners during period of use shall consist of a pressure regulator,
a gas meter constructed to read in increments of not more than 0.1 ft3 (2.8 L), a manometer to indicate gas pressure in inches of
water, a quick-acting gas shut-off valve, and a gas metering valve.

5.1.7 Air Intake:

5.1.7.1 An air intake shutter shall be located 54 6 5 in. (1372 6 127 mm) upstream of the burner, as measured from the burner
centerline to the outside surface of the shutter (see Fig. 1). The air intake is to be fitted with a vertically sliding shutter extending
the entire width of the test chamber. The shutter shall be positioned so as to provide an air inlet port 3 6 1⁄16 in. (76 6 2 mm) high
measured from the floor level of the test chamber at the air intake point.

5.1.7.2 To provide air turbulance for proper combustion, turbulance baffling shall be provided by positioning six refractory

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FIG. 4 Plan View—Typical Duct System (Not a Construction Drawing)

firebricks (as defined in 5.1.2) along the side walls of the chamber. With the long dimension vertical, 4 1⁄2 in. (114-mm) dimension
along the wall, place the bricks as follows from the centerline of the burner ports:

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 E84 − 21

FIG. 5 Typical Duct Elbow (Not a Construction Drawing)

iTeh Standards
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On the window side at 7, 12, and 20 ± 1⁄2 ft (2.1, 3.7, and 6.1 ± 0.2 m)

Document Preview
On the opposite side at 4 1⁄2, 9 1⁄2, and 16 ± 1⁄2 ft (1.3, 2.9, and 4.9 ± 0.2 m)

5.1.7.3 The movement of air shall be by an induced draft system having a total draft capacity of at least 0.15 in. (3.8 mm) water
ASTM
column with the sample in place, the shutter at the fire end E84-21
open the normal 3 6 1⁄16 in. (76 6 2 mm), and the damper in the wide
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open position. A draft gauge tap to indicate static pressure shall be inserted through the top at the midwidth of the tunnel, 1 6 0.5
in. (25 6 12 mm) below the ceiling, 15 6 0.5 in. (381 6 12 mm) downstream from the inlet shutter (see Fig. 1).

5.1.8 Exhaust End:

5.1.8.1 The other end of the test chamber is designated as the exhaust end. The exhaust end shall be fitted with a gradual
rectangular-to-round transition piece, not less than 20 in. (508 mm) in length, with a cross-sectional area of not less than 200 in.2
(1290 cm2) at any point (see Fig. 3).

5.1.8.2 The transition piece shall in turn be fitted to a 16 in. (406 mm) diameter duct pipe. A typical duct system shown in Fig.
4 contains two 90° elbows (see Fig. 5) with the exhaust duct running beside the fire test chamber. In order to comply with this
typical design, the vertical centerline of the exhaust duct system is identical to that of the fire test chamber.

5.1.8.3 The exhaust duct is to be insulated with at least 2 in. (51 mm) of high temperature mineral composition material from the
exhaust end of the fire chamber to the photometer location.

5.1.8.4 An exhaust fan shall be installed at the end of the exhaust duct. The air flow shall be controlled as specified in 5.1.10.

5.1.8.5 An alternative exhaust duct layout design shall demonstrate equivalency by meeting the requirements specified in Section
7.

5.1.9 Photometer System:

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5.1.9.1 A photometer system consisting of a white light source and photocell8 shall be mounted on a horizontal section of the
16-in. (406-mm) diameter vent pipe at a point where it will be preceded by a straight run of pipe (at least 12 diameters or 16 ft
(4.88 m) and not more than 30 diameters or 40 ft (12.19 m) from the vent end of the chamber, and with the light beam directed
upward along the vertical axis of the vent pipe. The vent pipe shall be insulated with at least 2 in. (51 mm) of high-temperature
mineral composition material, from the vent end of the chamber to the photometer location. The output of the photoelectric cell
is proportional to the smoke, particulate, and other effluent passing between the light source and photocell. The distance between
the light source lens and the photocell lens shall be 36 6 4 in. (914 6 102 mm). The cylindrical light beam shall pass through
3-in. (76-mm) diameter openings at the top and bottom of the 16-in. diameter duct, with the resultant light beam centered on the
photocell.

5.1.9.2 Linearity of the photometer system shall be verified periodically by interrupting the light beam with calibrated neutral
density filters. The filters shall cover the full range of the recording instrument. Transmittance values measured by the photometer,
using neutral density filters, shall be within 63 % of the calibrated value for each filter.

5.1.10 Draft Regulating Device:

5.1.10.1 An automatically controlled damper to regulate the draft pressure shall be installed in the vent pipe down-stream of the
smoke-indicating attachment. The damper shall be provided with a manual override.

5.1.10.2 Other manual or automatic draft regulation devices, or both, are allowed to be incorporated to help maintain fan
characterization and air-flow control throughout the test.

5.1.11 Thermocouples:

iTeh Standards
5.1.11.1 A No. 18 Awg (1.02-mm) thermocouple, with 3⁄8 6 1⁄8 in. (9.5 6 3.2 mm) of the junction exposed in the air, shall be
inserted through the floor of the test chamber so that the tip is 1 6 1⁄32 in. (25.4 6 0.8 mm) below the top surface of the gasketing
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tape and 23 ft 6 1⁄2 in. (7.0 m 6 13 mm) from the centerline of the burner ports at the center of its width.

Document
thermocouples shall be mounted at distances of 13 ft 6 ⁄ in. (3.96 mPreview
5.1.11.2 Two No. 18 Awg (1.02 mm) thermocouples are embedded below the floor surface of the test chamber. These
6 13 mm) and 23 ⁄ ft 6 ⁄ in. (7.09 m 6 13 mm) measured
12 14 12

from the centerline of the burner ports. The thermocouples shall be inserted from below the fire test chamber through the firebrick
until the tip of the thermocouple is 1⁄8 6 1⁄32 in. (3.2 6 0.8 mm) below the floor surface. The tip of the thermocouples shall be
ASTM E84-21
covered with refractory or portland cement, carefully dried to avoid cracking.
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6. Test Specimens

6.1 Specimens shall be representative of the materials which the test is intended to examine. The report shall include information
on the composition needed for identification of the test specimen as described in 11.1.1.

6.2 The specimen shall be provided in one of two ways: (1) a continuous, unbroken length; (2) sections that will be joined or
butted end-to-end.

6.3 The size of the test specimen shall be:

Width: between 20 and 24 in. (508 and 610 mm)
Length: 24 ft + 12 in. – 6 in.
Thickness: maximum 4 in. (101 mm).

NOTE 1—The test apparatus is not designed for testing at thicknesses greater than 4 in. (101 mm), but has the ability to be modified if required. This is
accomplished through (a) modifications to the test apparatus lid to maintain an airtight seal, and (b) the introduction, usually of additional sample/lid
supports above the test apparatus ledges. Due to the composition of some materials, test results obtained at a thickness greater than 4 in. (101 mm) will
potentially vary from results of a test on the same material tested at a thickness of 4 in. (101 mm) or less.

8
The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time is a model No. 856RRV from Huygen Corp., Crystal Lake, IL. If you are aware of
alternative suppliers, please provide this information to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible technical
committee,1 which you may attend.

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6.3.1 The test specimen shall be required to conform to the test specimen length and width described in 6.3 unless the material
complies with any one of the requirements in 6.3.1.1 – 6.3.1.3.

NOTE 2—When tests are conducted with materials installed at less than full width, representing the end-use width, any resulting flame spread and smoke
developed indices will not relate to indices obtained with the calibration material, which is tested using the specimen width described in 6.3.

6.3.1.1 Materials for which there is a standard practice to address specimen preparation and mounting with this test method shall
be tested as described in the appropriate standard practice (see 6.8).

6.3.1.2 Adhesives, tapes, and trim shall be permitted to be tested in the width or length, or both, specified in their listings, or as
part of their conditions for being labeled, by a nationally recognized testing laboratory.

6.3.1.3 Materials and products for which there is a specific test method or application standard requiring the use of the apparatus
described in Section 5 shall be permitted to be tested in accordance with that specific test method or application standard (see 1.2
– 1.2.5).

6.4 The test specimen shall be conditioned to a constant weight at a temperature of 73.4 6 5°F (23 6 2.8°C) and at a relative
humidity of 50 6 5%.

6.5 The upstream end of the fire test chamber shall be filled with a 14 6 1⁄8 —in. (356 6 3 mm) length of uncoated 16–guage

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(0.053 to 0.060 in.) steel plate positioned on the specimen mounting ledge in front of and under the leading edge of the specimen.

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6.6 When the overall length of the test specimen exceeds 24 ft. (7.32 m), butt one end of the test specimen against the exhaust
continue the installation of the specimen toward the gas burner.

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6.7 When the overall length of the test specimen is 24 ft. (7.32 m) or less, provide a 1 in. (25 mm) overlap of the steel plate at
the upstream end with one end of the test specimen and continue the installation of the specimen toward the exhaust end.
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addition to the above provisions, the standard practices listed below shall be used for specimen preparation, mounting and
reporting of the relevant test materials.
E2231 for pipe and duct insulation materials.
E2404 for paper, polymeric (including vinyl and expanded vinyl) and textile wall and ceiling covering materials, facings or
wood veneers intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate.
E2573 for site-fabricated stretch systems.
E2579 for the following wood products: solid board, lumber and timber products (including solid boards, lumber, timber,
fingerjoined lumber, glulam, laminate wood, laminated veneer lumber and parallel strand lumber products), panel products
(including fibreboard, hardboard, oriented strandboard, waferboard, and plywood panel products), decorative wood products
(including fine woodwork, millwork and moulding) and shingles and shakes used as interior wall and ceiling finish and interior
trim as well as to laminated products factory-produced with a wood substrate.
E2599 for reflective insulation, radiant barrier and vinyl stretch ceiling materials for building applications.
E2688 for tapes.
E2690 for caulks or sealants.
E2988 for flexible fibrous glass insulation for metal buildings.
E3202 for plastic composites for use as deck boards, stair treads, guards or handrails.

6.9 Annexes address the optional use of fiber cement and of metal support pieces in this test method. They also address mounting
methods for some specific materials or products.

6.10 Appendix X1 provides guidance on mounting methods for materials or products not covered by the standard practices in 6.8
or any of the annexes.

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7. Calibration

7.1 Place a nominal 1⁄4-in. (6.3-mm) fiber-cement board meeting the properties of Annex A3 on the ledge of the furnace chamber.
Place the removable lid of the test chamber in position.

7.2 With the 1⁄4-in. (6.3-mm) fiber-cement board in position on top of the ledge of the furnace chamber and with the removable
lid in place, establish a draft to produce a 0.15-in. (3.8-mm) water-column reading on the draft manometer, with the fire-end shutter
open 3 6 1⁄16 in. (76 6 1.6 mm), by manually setting the damper as a characterization of fan performance. Then close and seal
the fire-end shutter, without changing the damper position. The manometer reading shall increase to at least 0.375 in. (9.53 mm),
indicating that no excessive air leakage exists.

7.2.1 In addition, conduct a supplemental leakage test periodically with the tunnel sealed from the inlet end to beyond the
photometer system, by placing a smoke bomb in the chamber. Ignite the bomb and pressurize the chamber to 0.375 6 0.125 in.
(9.53 6 3.18 mm) water column. Seal all points of leakage observed in the form of escaping smoke particles.

7.3 Establish a draft reading within the range 0.055 to 0.100 in. (1.40 to 2.54 mm) water column. The required draft gauge reading
will be maintained throughout the test by the automatically controlled damper. Record the air velocity at seven points, 23 ft from
the centerline of the burner ports, 6 6 1⁄4 in. (168 6 7 mm) below the plane of the specimen mounting ledge. Determine these
seven points by dividing the width of the tunnel into seven equal sections and recording the velocity at the geometrical center of
each section. During the measurement of velocity, remove the turbulence bricks (see 4.3) and the exposed 23-ft thermocouple and
place 24-in. (670-mm) long straightening vanes between 16 and 18 ft (4.88 and 5.49 m) from the burner. The straightening vanes
shall divide the furnace cross section into nine uniform sections. Determine the velocity with furnace air temperature at 73.4 6
5°F (23 6 2.8°C), using a velocity transducer. The velocity, determined as the arithmetic average of the seven readings, shall be
240 6 5 ft (73.2 6 1.4 m)/min.
iTeh Standards
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
7.3.1 The following alternative to the velocity transducer equipment and method of determining the tunnel air velocity has been
found suitable: A 4-in.diameter low-speed rotary vane anemometer, having a resolution of 1 ft./min. with an accuracy of 6 2 %,
is attached to the steel stand and placed in the tunnel 22.5 ft downstream of the burners. Three trials shall be conducted and their
values averaged. The average is roundedDocument Preview
to the nearest unit. The centerline of the vane anemometer shall be aligned with the
vertical centerline of the tunnel by placing it on the steel stand. Trial 1 is run with the vane edge 1 in. from the non-window wall;
Trial 2 is with the center axis at the tunnel center point; and Trial 3 is run with the vane edge 1 in. from the window wall.
ASTM E84-21
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/98bfde6e-dfbe-45b5-8c65-411c86a45b72/astm-e84-21
7.4 The room in which the test chamber is located shall have provision for a free inflow of air during test to maintain the room
at atmospheric pressure during the entire test run. Maintain the air supply at a temperature of 65–80°F (18.3–26.7°C) and a relative
humidity of 45–60 %.

7.5 Supply the fire test chamber with natural (city) or methane (bottled) gas fuel of uniform quality with a heating value of
nominally 1000 Btu/ft3 (37.3 MJ/m3). Adjust the gas supply initially at approximately 5000 Btu (5.3 MJ)/min. Record the gas
pressure, the pressure differential across the orifice plate, and the volume of gas used in each test. If a temperature- and
pressure-compensating mass flowmeter is utilized, record only the volume of gas used. Unless otherwise corrected for, when
bottled methane is employed, insert a length of coiled copper tubing into the gas line between the supply and metering connection
to compensate for possible errors in the flow indicated due to reductions in gas temperature associated with the pressure drop and
expansion across the regulator. With the draft and gas supply adjusted as indicated in 7.3 and 7.4, the test flame shall extend
downstream to a distance of 41⁄2 ft (1.37 m) over the specimen surface, with negligible upstream coverage.

7.6 Preheat the test chamber with the 1⁄4-in. (6.3-mm) fiber-cement board and the removable lid in place and with the fuel supply
adjusted to the required flow. Continue the preheating until the temperature indicated by the floor thermocouple at 231⁄4 ft (7.09
m) reaches 150 6 5°F (66 6 2.8°C). During the preheat test, record the temperatures indicated by the thermocouple at the vent
end of the test chamber at intervals not longer than 15 s.

7.6.1 Compare the temperature readings during the preheat test in 7.6 with those in the time-temperature curve in Fig. 6. If they
are different investigate the differences and make adjustments as necessary, while maintaining calibration requirements.

7.7 Allow the furnace to cool after each test. When the floor thermocouple at 13 ft (3.96 m) shows a temperature of 105 6 5°F
(40.5 6 2.8°C), place the next specimen in position for test.

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 E84 − 21

FIG. 6 Representative Time-Temperature Curve for Preheat Temperatures

7.8 With the test equipment adjusted and conditioned as described in 7.2, 7.3, 7.4, and 7.6, make a test or series of tests, using
nominal 23⁄32-in. (18-mm) select-grade red oak flooring samples and samples of 1⁄4-in. (6-mm) fiber-cement board. Conduct these
tests in either order.

7.8.1 The red oak decks are to be constructed and conditioned as specified in Annex A1 and Annex A2. Make observations at
distance intervals not in excess of 2 ft (0.6 m) and time intervals not in excess of 30 s, and record the time when the flame reaches
the end of the specimen 191⁄2 ft (5.94 m) from the end of the ignition fire. The end of the ignition fire shall be considered as being
41⁄2 ft (1.4 m) from the burners. The flame shall reach the end point in 51⁄2 min 6 15 s. Automatically record the temperature
measured by the exposed thermocouple at 23 ft. (7.0 m) at least every 15 s. Automatically record the photoelectric cell output
iTeh Standards
immediately prior to the test and at least every 15 s during the test.

registers a temperature of 980°F(https://standards.iteh.ai)

7.8.2 Another means of judging when the flame has reached the end point is when the exposed thermocouple at 23 ft (7.0 m)
(527°C).

Document
7.9 Plot the flame spread distance and temperature, for the duration Preview
of the test. Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 are representative curves for red
oak flame spread distance and time-temperature development, respectively. Flame spread distance shall be determined as the
observed distance minus 41⁄2 ft (1.37 m).
ASTM E84-21
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/98bfde6e-dfbe-45b5-8c65-411c86a45b72/astm-e84-21
7.10 Conduct a similar test or tests on samples of 1⁄4-in. (6-mm) fiber-cement board. These results shall be considered as
representing an index of 0. Plot the temperature readings for the duration of the test. Fig. 9 is a representative curve for
time-temperature development for fiber-cement board.

7.11 The calibrations described in Section 7 shall be performed after major repairs, such as re-bricking, have been made. If there
have been no major repairs, new calibrations shall be conducted after 200 tests, or every 12 months, whichever comes first.

FIG. 7 Representative Time-Distance Curve for Flame Spread of Red Oak

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