ASTM E84 Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials

1.Scope

1.1 This fire-test-response standard for the comparative surface burning behavior of building materials is applicable to exposed surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The test is
conducted with the specimen in the ceiling position with the surface to be evaluated exposed face down to the ignition source. The material, product, or assembly shall be capable of
being mounted in the test position during the test. Thus, the specimen shall either be self-supporting by its own structural quality, held in place by added supports along the test surface,
or secured from the back side.

1.2 The purpose of this test method is to determine the relative burning behavior of the material by observing the flame spread along the specimen. Flame spread and smoke
developed index are reported. However, there is not necessarily a relationship between these two measurements.

1.3 The use of supporting materials on the underside of the test specimen has the ability to lower the flame spread index from those which might be obtained if the specimen could be
tested without such support. These test results do not necessarily relate to indices obtained by testing materials without such support.

1.4 Testing of materials that melt, drip, or delaminate to such a degree that the continuity of the flame front is destroyed, results in low flame spread indices that do not relate directly to
indices obtained by testing materials that remain in place.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard.

1.6 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes that provide explanatory information. These notes and footnotes, excluding those in tables and figures, shall not be
considered as requirements of the standard.

1.7 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..

1.8 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
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
ASTM A 390 Specification for Zinc-Coated (Galvanized) Steel Poultry Fence Fabric (Hexagonal and Straight Line)
ASTM C 1186 Specification for Flat Fiber-Cement Sheets
ASTM D 4442 Test Methods for Direct Moisture Content Measurement of Wood and Wood-Base Materials
ASTM D 4444 Test Method for Laboratory Standardization and Calibration of Hand-Held Moisture Meters
ASTM E 69 Test Method for Combustible Properties of Treated Wood by the Fire-Tube Apparatus
ASTM E 136 Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C
ASTM E 160 Test Method for Combustible Properties of Treated Wood by the Crib Test3
ASTM E 162 Test Method for Surface Flammability of MaterialsUsing a Radiant Heat Energy Source
ASTM E 176 Terminology of Fire Standards
ASTM E 286 Method of Test for Surface Flammability of Building Materials Using an 8-ft (2.44-m) Tunnel Furnace3
ASTM E 2231 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Pipe and Duct Insulation Materials to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
ASTM E 2404 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Textile, Paper or VinylWall or Ceiling Coverings to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
ASTM E 2573 Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Site-Fabricated Stretch Systems to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics