1.1 This fire-test-response standard assesses the ability of non-mechanical fire dampers used in vented construction in its open state to limit passage of hot gases, radiation, and flames during a prescribed fire test exposure. The fire exposure condition in this test method is sudden direct flame impingement, which produces these hot gases, radiation, and flames.

1.2 This fire-test-response standard is intended to provide a means to assess the reaction of a non-mechanical fire damper used in vented construction to sudden direct flame impingement, or as a supplement to existing fire-resistive test methods, or both.

1.3 This test method does not circumvent or eliminate the fire resistance rating requirements for construction. The fire resistance rating of construction shall be tested in accordance with published fire-resistance test standards as appropriate for the relevant application of the construction, or as required by the authority having jurisdiction (regulatory authority), or both. Non-mechanical fire dampers shall be tested to the appropriate fire-resistive test standards required for their application in order to determine a fire resistance rating in those constructions.

1.4 This test method specifies the fire exposure conditions, fire test protocol, and criteria to evaluate an open state.

1.5 Results generated by this test method provide the following information:

1.6 This test method does not provide quantitative information about the test assembly related to the leakage of smoke, or gases, or both.

1.7 This test method does not apply to a test assembly having other components than those tested.

1.8 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 the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.9 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered requirements of this standard.

1.10 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

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

1.12 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.