1.1This is a fire-test-response standard.

1.2This test method provides a means of measuring smoke obscuration resulting from subjecting essentially flat materials, products, or assemblies (including surface finishes), not exceeding 25 mm [1 in.] in thickness, in a horizontal orientation, exposed to specified levels of thermal irradiance, from a conical heater, in the presence of a pilot flame, in a single closed chamber. Optional testing modes exclude the pilot flame.

1.3The principal fire-test-response characteristic obtained from this test method is the specific optical density of smoke from the specimens tested, which is obtained as a function of time, for a period of 10 min.

1.4An optional fire-test-response characteristic measurable with this test method is the mass optical density (see Annex A1), which is the specific optical density of smoke divided by the mass lost by the specimens during the test.

1.5The fire-test-response characteristics obtained from this test are specific to the specimen tested, in the form and thickness tested, and are not an inherent property of the material, product, or assembly.

1.6This test method does not provide information on the fire performance of the test specimens under fire conditions other than those conditions specified in this test method. For limitations of this test method, see 5.5.

1.7Use the SI system of units in referee decisions; see IEEE/ASTM SI-10. The inch-pound units given in brackets are for information only.

1.8This test method 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.

1.9Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. This test method may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. See also 6.2.1.2, Section 7, and 11.7.2.

1.10This 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.

1.11This 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.