1. Scope

1.1 This test method determines the protection a coating affords its substrate and the comparative burning characteristics of coatings by evaluating the flame spread over the surface when ignited under controlled conditions in a small tunnel. This establishes a basis for comparing surface-burning characteristics of different coatings without specific consideration of all the end-use parameters that might affect surface-burning characteristics under actual fire conditions.

1.2 In addition to the experimental flamespread rate, the weight of panel consumed, time of afterflaming and afterglow, char dimensions and index, and height of intumescence may be measured in this test. However, a relationship should not be presumed among these measurements.

1.3 This standard should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use.

1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.

1.5 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.

2. Referenced Documents (purchase separately) The documents listed below are referenced within the subject standard but are not provided as part of the standard.

ASTM Standards

C220 Specification for Flat Asbestos-Cement Sheets

D344 Test Method for Relative Hiding Power of Paints by the Visual Evaluation of Brushouts

D1475 Test Method For Density of Liquid Coatings, Inks, and Related Products

D2196 Test Methods for Rheological Properties of Non-Newtonian Materials by Rotational (Brookfield type) Viscometer

E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

Federal Standard

Keywords

fire-retardant; flame spread; paints; tunnel method; Burning characteristics--paints/related coatings/materials; Fire testing--paints/related coatings/materials; Flame spread; Flammability--paints/related coatings/materials; Paint testing; Tunnel method; Two-foot tunnel method

ICS Code

ICS Number Code 13.220.40 (Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products); 87.040 (Paints and varnishes)

DOI: 10.1520/D3806-98

ASTM International is a member of CrossRef.