ASTM E2579-23B - Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Wood Products to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics

1.1 This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing wood products to assess flames spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84 or Test Method E2768.

1.2 This practice applies also to laminated products factory-produced with a wood substrate (see 8.6). This practice does not apply to wood veneers or facings intended to be applied on site over a wood substrate, which are covered by Practice E2404.

1.3 Testing is conducted with Test Method E84 or with Test Method E2768.

1.4 Testing for the reporting of the moisture content of the test specimen is conducted with Test Methods D4442.

1.5 This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.

1.6 Units—Use the values stated in inch-pound units as the standard, in referee decisions. The values in the SI system of units are given in parentheses, for information only; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10 for further details.

1.7 This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.

1.8 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory materials. These notes and footnotes shall not be considered requirements of the standard.

1.9 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. Fire testing involves hazardous materials and equipment. This standard gives instructions on specimen preparation and mounting, but the fire-test-response method is given in Test Method E84, or in Test Method E2768, as appropriate. See also Section 10.

1.10 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.

1.11 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.