Standard Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate and Other Fire-Test-Response Characteristics of Wall Covering or Ceiling Covering Composites Using a Cone Calorimeter

Abstract

5.1 This test method is used to determine the time to sustained flaming and heat release of materials and composites exposed to a prescribed initial test heat flux in the cone calorimeter apparatus. 5.2 Quantitative heat release measurements provide information that can be used to compare wall or ceiling coverings and constructions and for input to fire models. 5.3 Heat release measurements provide useful information for product development by giving a quantitative measure of specific changes in fire performance caused by component and composite modifications. 5.4 Heat release data obtained by this test method will be inappropriate if the product will not spread flame over its surface under the fire exposure conditions of interest. 5.5 Variations in substrates, mounting methods, and adhesives used to laminate composite products will potentially affect the test responses. These variables must be controlled during any comparative experiments. 5.6 Test Limitations—The test data are invalid if any of the following occur: 5.6.1 Explosive spalling, 5.6.2 The specimen swells sufficiently prior to ignition to touch the spark plug or swells up to the plane of the heater base during combustion, or 5.6.3 The surface laminate rolls or curls when placed under the radiant heater. 5.7 The specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory conditions in this procedure. If different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it is not always 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.