ASTM C1485-06
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using an Electric Radiant Heat Energy Source
Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using an Electric Radiant Heat Energy Source
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
This test method is designed to provide a basis for estimating one aspect of the fire exposure behavior of exposed insulation installed on the floor of an open attic. The test environment is intended to simulate attic floor exposure to radiant heat conditions. Radiant heat has been observed and defined in full-scale attic experiments.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for measuring the critical radiant flux of exposed attic floor insulation subjected to a flaming ignition source in a graded radiant heat energy environment inside a test chamber. The test specimen can be any attic floor insulation. This test method is not applicable to those insulations that melt or shrink away when exposed to the radiant heat energy environment or the ignition source.
1.2 This test method measures the critical radiant flux at the farthest point to which the flame advances. It provides a means for relative classification of a fire test response standard for exposed attic floor insulation. The imposed radiant flux simulation levels of thermal radiation are likely to impinge on the surface of exposed attic insulation from roof assemblies heated by the sun and by heat or flames of an incidental fire which may involve an attic space. This test method is intended to simulate an important element of fire exposure that may develop in open attics, but is not intended for use in describing flame spread behavior of insulation installed other than on an attic floor.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.4 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but dose not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the material, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
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.
General Information
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Standards Content (Sample)
NOTICE: This standard has either been superseded and replaced by a new version or withdrawn.
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Designation: C1485 − 06
StandardTest Method for
Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using
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an Electric Radiant Heat Energy Source
This standard is issued under the fixed designation C1485; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents
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2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method covers a procedure for measuring the
C168Terminology Relating to Thermal Insulation
critical radiant flux of exposed attic floor insulation subjected
E691Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to
to a flaming ignition source in a graded radiant heat energy
Determine the Precision of a Test Method
environment inside a test chamber. The test specimen can be
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:
any attic floor insulation. This test method is not applicable to
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CRF Calibration Form
those insulations that melt or shrink away when exposed to the
radiant heat energy environment or the ignition source.
3. Terminology
1.2 This test method measures the critical radiant flux at the
3.1 Definitions:
farthestpointtowhichtheflameadvances.Itprovidesameans
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in this specification, see
for relative classification of a fire test response standard for
Terminology C168.
exposed attic floor insulation. The imposed radiant flux simu-
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
lation levels of thermal radiation are likely to impinge on the
3.2.1 critical radiant flux (CRF)—the level of incident
surfaceofexposedatticinsulationfromroofassembliesheated
radiant heat energy on the attic floor insulation system at the
by the sun and by heat or flames of an incidental fire which
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most distant flame-out point in W/cm. (Btu/ft s).
may involve an attic space. This test method is intended to
3.2.2 flux profile—the curve relating incident radiant heat
simulate an important element of fire exposure that may
energy on the specimen plane to distance from the point of
develop in open attics, but is not intended for use in describing
initiation of flaming ignition, that is, 0.0 cm. (0.0 in.).
flame spread behavior of insulation installed other than on an
attic floor. 3.2.3 graded radiant energy—the heating element is placed
on an angled plain.
1.3 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
3.2.4 total flux meter—the instrument used to measure the
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
level of radiant heat energy incident on the specimen plane at
only.
a given point.
1.4 This standard is used to measure and describe the
3.2.5 screed—gently remove the excess material using a
responseofmaterials,products,orassembliestoheatandflame
metalstraightedgetoleaveauniformsurfaceontheinsulation
under controlled conditions, but dose not by itself incorporate
flush with the top of the container.
all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the
3.2.6 voltage regulator—a regulated constant voltage trans-
material, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
former equipped with a voltmeter shall be connected between
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
the chamber and the power source. This will be maintained at
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
115 6 5 volts.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
4. Summary of Test Method
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 Ahorizontally mounted insulation specimen is exposed
to the heat from an electric radiant heat energy panel located
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ThistestmethodisunderthejurisdictionofASTMCommitteeC16onThermal For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
InsulationandisthedirectresponsibilityofSubcommitteeC16.31onChemicaland contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Physical Properties. Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Current edition approved April 1, 2006. Published May 2006. Originally the ASTM website.
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approved in 2001. Last previous edition approved in 2001 as C1485–01 DOI: Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Adjunct No.
10.1520/C1485-06. ADJC1485. Original adjunct produced in 2006.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
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C1485 − 06
above and inclined at 30° to the specimen. After a short The gauge shall have a range of 0 to 121°C (32 to 250°F)
preheat, the hottest end of the specimen is ignited with a small graduated in 2°C
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