ASTM E136-24b PDF

ASTM E136-24b PDF

1.1This fire-test-response test method covers the determination under specified laboratory conditions of the combustibility of building materials. Materials passing this test are typically classified as noncombustible materials.

1.2Limitations of this fire-test response test method are shown below.

1.2.1This test method does not apply to laminated or coated materials.

1.2.2This test method is not suitable or satisfactory for materials that flow, melt, or intumesce.

1.2.3This test method does not provide a measure of an intrinsic property.

1.2.4This test method does not provide a quantitative measure of heat generation or combustibility; it simply serves as a test method with selected (end point) measures of combustibility.

1.2.5The test method does not measure the self-heating tendencies of materials.

1.2.6In this test method materials are not being tested in the nature and form used in building applications. The test specimen consists of a small, specified volume that is either (1) cut from a thick sheet; (2) assembled from multiple thicknesses of thin sheets; or (3) placed in a container if composed of granular powder or loose-fiber materials.

1.2.7Results from this test method apply to the specific test apparatus and test conditions and are likely to vary when changes are made to one or more of the following: (1) the size, shape, and arrangement of the specimen; (2) the distribution of organic content; (3) the exposure temperature; (4) the air supply; (5) the location of thermocouples.

1.3This test method includes two options, both of which use a furnace to expose test specimens of building materials to a temperature of 750 °C (1382 °F).

1.3.1The furnace for the apparatus for Option A consists of a ceramic tube containing an electric heating coil, and two concentric vertical refractory tubes.

1.3.2The furnace for the apparatus for Option B (Test Method E2652) consists of an enclosed refractory tube surrounded by a heating coil with a cone-shaped airflow stabilizer.

1.4This test method 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 this test method.

1.5The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.6This 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.

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

1.8This 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.

1.9This 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.