ASTM E84-01 pdf free download.Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials.
1.1 This fire-test-response standard ftr 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.
1.2 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.
1.3 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 he obtained if the specimen could he tested without such support. These test results do not necessarily relate to indices obtained by testing materials without such support.
1.4 Testing of materials that mcli. 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.
1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.
1.6 The text of this standard references notes and Ibotnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures. shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this test method refer to Terminology E 176. The term flame spread index from Terminology E 176 is of particular interest to this standard and is defined in 3.1.1.
3.1.1 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.ASTM E84 pdf download.