Table of Contents

Abstract

Sets out a test method for the determination of ignitability, heat release rates, mass loss rates, effective heat of combustion and smoke release of materials and products when exposed to controlled levels of radiant heating.
RECONFIRMATION NOTICE
Technical Committee FP-018 has reviewed the content of this publication and in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation, it has been determined that the publication is still valid and does not require change.
Certain documents referenced in the publication may have been amended since the original date of publication. Users are advised to ensure that they are using the latest versions of such documents as appropriate, unless advised otherwise in this Reconfirmation Notice.
Approved for reconfirmation in accordance with Standards Australia procedures for reconfirmation on 18 November 2015.
Approved for reconfirmation in New Zealand on behalf of the Standards Council of New Zealand on 18 May 2016.
The following are represented on Technical Committee FP-018:
Australasian Fire and Emergency Service Authorities Council
Australian Building Codes Board
Australian Industry Group
Australian Institute of Building
AWTA Textile Testing
Building Research Association of New Zealand
Bureau of Steel Manufacturers of Australia
CSIRO
Engineers Australia
Fire Protection Association Australia
Fire Protection Association New Zealand
Forest and Wood Products Australia
Insulated Panel Council Australasia
Insulation Australasia
Insurance Council of Australia
Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association
Property Council of Australia
Society of Fire Protection Engineers

Scope

General
This Standard specifies a test method for measuring the response of materials exposed to controlled levels of radiant heating with or without an external igniter. The test method is used to determine the ignitability, heat release rates, mass loss rates, effective heat of combustion, and smoke release of materials and products.

Properties are determined as follows:
(a) Rate of heat release, by measurement of the oxygen consumption, as determined by the oxygen concentration and the flow rate in the exhaust product stream.
(b) Effective heat of combustion from a concomitant measurement of specimen mass loss rate, in combination with the heat release rate.
(c) Smoke release, by obscuration of light by the combustion product stream.
(d) Ignitability, as a measurement of time from initial exposure to time of sustained flaming.

Objectives
The purpose of this Standard is to establish a test method for material and product evaluations, mathematical modelling, design purposes or development and research. The material may comprise specimens from an end-use product or the various components used in the end-use product.

Test parameters
Specimens may be exposed to heating fluxes ranging from 0 to 100 kW/m2. External ignition, when used, is by electric spark. The value of the heating flux and the use of external ignition are to be as specified in the relevant material or performance standard. The normal specimen testing orientation is horizontal, independent of whether the end-use application involves a horizontal or a vertical orientation. Provisions are also made for vertical orientation testing; this is intended for exploratory or diagnostic studies only.

NOTES:
1 The test method does not prescribe the irradiance levels nor whether external ignition is to be used. For an insight into the development of the test method, the features of the apparatus and the use of the data, see Appendix A.
2 See Appendix B for a list of papers that provide additional technical background.

General Product Information

Published
Document Type	Standard
Status	Current
Publisher	Standards Australia
ProductNote	Reconfirmed 10/06/2016. This standard has been reconfirmed in Australia in 2016 and remains current in New Zealand. Reconfirmation Notice 10/06/2016
Pages
ISBN
Committee	FP-018
Under Revision	DR AS/NZS 3837 AMD 1 CP
Supersedes	DR 94340