ASTM E906/E906M-17
Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method

Standard No.

ASTM E906/E906M-17

Release Date

2017

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM E906/E906M-21

Latest

ASTM E906/E906M-21

Scope

1.1 This test method provides for determining the release rates of heat and visible smoke (Note 1) from materials, products, or assemblies when exposed to different levels of radiant heat. NOTE 1—Visible smoke is described in terms of the obscuration of transmitted light caused by combustion products released during the tests (see 14.2.1). 1.2 This fire-test-response method assesses heat release by a thermal method, thermopile, using a radiant heat source composed of an array of four electrical resistance elements. 1.3 This test method provides for radiant thermal exposure of a specimen both with and without a pilot. Piloted ignition results from direct flame impingement on the specimen (piloted, point ignition) or from use of the pilot to ignite gases evolved by pyrolysis of the specimen. 1.4 Heat and smoke release are measured from the moment the specimen is injected into a controlled exposure chamber. The measurements are continued during the period of ignition (and progressive flame involvement of the surface in the case of point ignition), and to such a time that the test is terminated. 1.5 The apparatus described in this test method is often referred to as the Ohio State University (OSU) rate of heat release apparatus. Configurations A and B are variations on the original design. 1.6 This test method is suitable for exposing essentially planar materials, products or assemblies to a constant, imposed external heat flux that ranges from 0 to 80 kW/m2 . 1.7 The apparatus described in this test method has been used in two configurations. Configuration A is that which is used by the Federal Aviation Administration for assessing materials for aircraft use, at an external heat flux of 35 kW/m2 (DOT/FAA/AR-00/12), while configuration B is suitable, at various incident heat fluxes, for research and development purposes. 1.8 This test method does not provide information on the fire performance of the test specimens under fire conditions other than those conditions specified in this test method. Known limitations of this test method are described in 1.8.1 – 1.8.5. 1.8.1 Heat and smoke release rates depend on a number of factors, including the formation of surface char, the formation of an adherent ash, sample thickness, and the method of mounting. 1.8.2 Heat release values are a function of the specific specimen size (exposed area) tested. Results are not directly scaleable to different exposed surface areas for some products. 1.8.3 The test method is limited to the specified specimen sizes of materials, products, or assemblies. If products are to be tested, the test specimen shall be representative of the product in actual use. The test is limited to exposure of one surface; the options for exposed surface are vertical and horizontal facing up. 1.8.4 At very high specimen heat release rates, it is possible that flaming is observed above the stack, which makes the test invalid. 1.8.5 No general relationship has been established between heat release rate values obtained from horizontally and vertically oriented specimens. Specimens that melt and drip in the vertical orientation shall be tested horizontally. 1.9 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard. 1.10 Fire testing involves hazardous materials, operations, and equipment. See Section 6. 1.11 This standard is used to measure and describe the response or 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 1 This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.21 on Smoke and Combustion Products. Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2017. Published August 2017. Originally approved in 1983. Last previous edition approved in 2014 as E906 – 14. DOI: 10.1520/E0906-17. *A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. 1 assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. 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. 1.13 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. 1.14 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

ASTM E906/E906M-17 Referenced Document

• ASTM D618 Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing*， 2021-07-15 Update
• ASTM E1354 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
• ASTM E176 Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• ISO 13943 Fire safety — Vocabulary*， 2023-09-01 Update

ASTM E906/E906M-17 history

• 2021 ASTM E906/E906M-21 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method
• 2017 ASTM E906/E906M-17 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method
• 2014 ASTM E906/E906M-14 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method
• 2010 ASTM E906/E906M-10 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method
• 2009 ASTM E906-09 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method
• 2007 ASTM E906-07e1 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method
• 2007 ASTM E906-07 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method
• 2006 ASTM E906-06 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method
• 2004 ASTM E906-04 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products
• 1999 ASTM E906-99 Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products