ASTM D5207-03

The flame height and color (indicative of air-to-gas ratio) for a test flame have traditionally been specified in the individual test method. The energy content of the flame has also been addressed by reference to a specific supply gas. It has been determined that the supply-gas back pressure and flow rate can be varied without affecting the height and color of the flame. However, the energy content of the flame is affected. This practice provides the back pressure and flow rate of the supply gas for a 20-mm (50–W) and a 125-mm (500–W) test flame, and a procedure for confirming the heat-flux profile of the test flame.

Information is provided for test flames using methane, propane, or butane. Using this information, these supply gases can be used interchangeably with a standardized burner to produce essentially the same test flame.

1.1 This practice covers the confirmation of test flames for small-scale burning tests on plastic materials using the laboratory burner described in Specification D 5025. Back pressures and flow rates for methane, propane, and butane supply gases are given for specific test flames. This practice describes a procedure to confirm the heat evolution of the test flame.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.3 This standard should be used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled 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. Results, however, of the test may be used as elements of a fire-hazard assessment or a fire-risk assessment, which takes into account all of the factors, which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard or fire risk of a particular end use.

Note 1—There is no similar ISO standard. This practice is equivalent in technical content to, but not fully corresponding in presentation with, the confirmatory procedures of IEC/TS 60695-11-3, Method A and IEC/TS 60695-11-4, Method A.

1.4 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.