ASTM E84: Standard for Fire Performance Testing of Building Materials
What is ASTM E84?
ASTM E84, also known as the “Steiner Tunnel Test,” is a standardized test method used to evaluate the fire resistance and smoke generation of building materials. This standard measures the surface tone of materials and their response to fire, which is essential for ensuring the safety of structures in various applications, including commercial buildings, homes and public institutions.
Why is ASTM E84 important?
The use of ASTM E84 offers many advantages:
- Safety: The standard allows manufacturers to evaluate the fire safety of their products, which is critical to protecting life and property.
- Quality assurance: By using standardized testing methods, organizations can guarantee that their materials meet the required fire safety standards.
- Compliance: Many building regulations require compliance with fire safety standards, and ASTM E84 provides a framework for meeting these requirements.
How does ASTM E84 work?
The test method includes the following steps:
- Sample preparation: materials are prepared in a specific form and placed in a controlled tunnel setup.
- Test procedure: The sample is exposed to a controlled flame, and the rate of fire spread, as well as smoke production, is measured and recorded.
Relation to ISO 11925-2
ISO 11925-2 is another relevant standard aimed at the fire safety of materials and specifically for testing their flammability using a small flame. While ASTM E84 focuses on the overall fire performance and smoke generation of building materials, ISO 11925-2 provides guidelines for assessing the flammability of materials under brief exposure to a flame. Applying both standards enables companies to carry out a comprehensive assessment of fire safety and to better protect their products against fire risks.
Applications of ASTM E84 in industry
At Deon Research Centre, we are involved in the application of ASTM E84 in various sectors:
- Building and construction: the standard is essential for guaranteeing the fire safety of building materials such as insulation materials, wall coverings and ceilings.
- Transport: assessment of the fire resistance of materials used in vehicles and means of transport.
- Electronics: testing electrical components and housings to ensure they meet fire safety standards.
What does this mean for your company?
By investing in ASTM E84 compliance, companies can:
- Ensure increased product safety and protection against fire risks.
- Achieving compliance with relevant fire safety standards, which is essential for product acceptance in the market.
- Improved competitiveness by delivering safe and reliable products.
Get in touch with us!
Are you interested in ASTM E84 and ISO 11925-2 tests in your fire assessment processes? Contact us for more information and find out how our expertise in fire testing can optimize your products and improve quality!
Direct contact +31 (0) 6 51 06 02 62