ASTM E1321-18 - Standard Test Method for Determining Material Ignition and Flame Spread Properties

1.1 This fire test response standard determines material properties related to piloted ignition of a vertically oriented sample under a constant and uniform heat flux and to lateral flame spread on a vertical surface due to an externally applied radiant-heat flux.

1.2 The results of this test method provide a minimum surface flux and temperature necessary for ignition ( q˙"_o,ig, T_ig) and for lateral spread ( q˙"_o,s, T_s,min), an effective material thermal inertia value (kρc), and a flame-heating parameter (Φ) pertinent to lateral flame spread.

1.3 The results of this test method are potentially useful to predict the time to ignition, t _ig, and the velocity, V, of lateral flame spread on a vertical surface under a specified external flux without forced lateral airflow. Use the equations in Appendix X1 that govern the ignition and flame-spread processes and which have been used to correlate the data.

1.4 This test method is potentially useful to obtain results of ignition and flame spread for materials. Data are reported in units for convenient use in current fire growth models.

1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.6 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.

1.7 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.

1.8 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. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.

1.9 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.