ASTM E1537-99 - 10.1.2002
 
1. Scope

1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard.

1.2 The purpose of this test method is to determine the burning behavior of upholstered furniture used in public occupancies by measuring specific fire-test responses when the specimen of furniture is subjected to a specified flaming ignition source under well-ventilated conditions.

1.3 Data are obtained describing the burning behavior from a specific ignition source until all burning has ceased, a period of 1 h has elapsed, or flashover appears inevitable.

1.4 This test method does not provide information on the fire performance of upholstered furniture in fire conditions other than those conditions specified. In particular, this test method does not apply to smoldering ignition by cigarettes. See X1.6 for further information.

1.5 The rate of heat release of the burning specimen is measured by an oxygen consumption method. See X1.6.4 for further information.

1.6 The production of light obscuring smoke is measured and the concentrations of certain toxic gas species in the combustion gases are determined. See X1.6.5 for further information.

1.7 The burning behavior is visually documented by photographic or video recordings, whenever possible.

1.8 The system of units to be used in referee decisions is the SI system of units, see Practice E 380 only. The units given in parentheses are for information only.

1.9 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 hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.10 Fire testing of products and materials is inherently hazardous, and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests. This test method may involve hazardous materials, operations, and equipment

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.

 
2. Referenced Documents

Nordtest Method NT Fire 032

Upholstered Furniture: Burning BehaviorFull Scale Test

UL 1056

Fire Test of Upholstered Furniture

ISO 13943

Fire SafetyVocabulary

E1354-23

Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter

ISO 9705

ISO 4880

IEEE/ASTM SI-10

E2257-22

Standard Test Method for Room Fire Test of Wall and Ceiling Materials and Assemblies

E2067-23

Standard Practice for Full-Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimetry Fire Tests

BS 5852

Fire Tests for Furniture. Methods of Test for the Ignitability of Upholstered Composites for Seating by Flame Sources

D123-23

Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles

E84-23d

Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (Includes all amendments and changes 1/29/2024).

E176-24

Standard Terminology of Fire Standards

E800-20

Standard Guide for Measurement of Gases Present or Generated During Fires

E603-23

Standard Guide for Room Fire Experiments