ASTM D635-03 - 10.7.2003
 
1. Scope

1.1 This fire-test-response test method covers a small-scale laboratory screening procedure for comparing the relative linear rate of burning or extent and time of burning, or both, of plastics in the form of bars, molded or cut from sheets, plates, or panels, and tested in the horizontal position.

Note 1—This test method, and test method A of IEC 60695-11-10 are technically equivalent.

Note 2—For additional information on materials which do not burn to the first reference mark by this test, see Test Method D 3801.

1.2 This test method was developed for polymeric materials used for parts in devices and appliances. The results are intended to serve as a preliminary indication of their acceptability with respect to flammability for a particular application. The final acceptance of the material is dependent upon its use in complete equipment that conforms with the standard applicable to such equipment.

1.3 The classification system described in the appendix is intended for quality assurance and the preselection of component materials for products.

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 does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazards or fire risk assessment of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.5 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. For specific hazards statements, see 9.2.1.

 
2. Referenced Documents

D3801-26

Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position

D5025-20a

Standard Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 4/16/2020).

E691-23

Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

IEC?60695-11-10

Fire Hazard Testing--Part 11-10 Test Flames--50W Horizontal and Vertical Flame Test Methods

E84-26a

Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 4/15/2026).

D2843-26

Standard Test Method for Density of Smoke from the Burning or Decomposition of Plastics

D618-21

Standard Practice for Conditioning Plastics for Testing

D5207-20

Standard Practice for Confirmation of 20-mm (50-W) and 125-mm (500-W) Test Flames for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials

D648-18

Standard Test Method for Deflection Temperature of Plastics Under Flexural Load in the Edgewise Position

D883-26b

Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics (Includes all amendments and changes 8/24/2026).

D1929-23

Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics

E176-24a

Standard Terminology of Fire Standards (Includes all amendments and changes 12/9/2024).