ASTM D3014-04a

Tests made on rigid cellular materials in accordance with the conditions described by this test method can be of considerable value in comparing their burning characteristics. The height and duration of flame and the mass percent retained by the specimen are recorded.

This test method has been applied to flexible cellular materials and other plastics, but no detailed studies have been conducted to determine its general applicability to these materials.

In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it may not be possible by or from this test to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. The results are therefore valid only for the fire-test-exposure conditions described in this procedure.

1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard. This test method covers a small-scale laboratory screening procedure for comparing relative extent and time of burning and loss of mass of rigid thermoset cellular plastics. This test method is to be used solely to establish relative burning characteristics and shall not be considered or used as a fire-hazard classification.

1.1.1 This test method should not be used for materials that drip or melt under the test conditions.

1.2 During the course of combustion, gases or vapors, or both, are evolved which are hazardous to personnel. Adequate precautions should be taken to protect the operator.

1.3 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. A specific precautionary statement is given in 1.2.

1.4 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 materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

Note 1—There is no similar or equivalent ISO standard.