ASTM E970 Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Exposed Attic Floor Insulation Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source

1. Scope
1.1 This fire-test-response standard describes 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 in a test chamber. The specimen is 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 pilot burner.

1.2 This fire-test-response standard measures the critica radiant flux at the point at which the flame advances the farthest. It provides a basis for estimating one aspect of fire exposure behavior for exposed attic floor insulation. The imposed radiant flux simulates the thermal radiation levels likely to impinge on the floors of attics whose upper surfaces
are heated by the sun through the roof or by flames from an incidental fire in the attic. This fire-test-response standard was developed to simulate an important fire exposure component of fires that develop in attics, but is not intended for use in estimating flame spread behavior of insulation installed other than on the 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 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 this standard.

1.5 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.

1.6 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.

1.7 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered as requirements of the standard.

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2

ASTM C167 Test Methods for Thickness and Density of Blanket or Batt Thermal Insulations
ASTM C665 Specification for Mineral-Fiber Blanket Thermal Insulation for Light Frame Construction and Manufactured Housing
ASTM C739 Specification for Cellulosic Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation
ASTM C764 Specification for Mineral Fiber Loose-Fill Thermal Insulation
ASTM E84 Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
ASTM E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
ASTM E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
ASTM E177 Practice for Use of the Terms Precision and Bias in

ASTM Test Methods
ASTM E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
ASTM E648 Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor- Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
ASTM E691 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
ASTM E2653 Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine Precision Estimates for a Fire Test Method with Fewer Than Six Participating Laboratories