Description

This method describes a procedure for measuring the critical radiant flux of horizontally mounted floor-covering systems exposed to a flaming ignition source in a graded radiant heat energy environment, in a test chamber.

Scope

This method describes a procedure for measuring the critical radiant flux of horizontally mounted floor-covering systems exposed to a flaming ignition source in a graded radiant heat energy environment, in a test chamber. The specimen can be mounted over underlayment, a simulated concrete structural floor, bonded to a stimulated structural floor, or otherwise mounted in a typical and representative way.

This method measures the critical radiant flux at flame-out. It provides a basis for estimating one aspect of fire exposure behavior for floor-covering systems. The imposed radiant flux simulates the thermal radiation levels likely to impinge on the floors of a building whose upper surfaces are heated by flames or riot gases, or both, from a fully developed fire in an adjacent room or compartment. The method was developed to simulate an important fire exposure component of fires that may develop in corridors or exitways of buildings and is not intended for routine use in estimating flame spread behavior of floor covering in building areas other than corridors or exitways. Reference should be made to Appendix X2 for information on proper application and interpretation of experimental results from use of this test.

This standard should be used to measure and describe theproperties ofmaterials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise thefire 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.