AS/NZS 3837:1998

Sets out a test method for the determination of ignitability, heat release rates, mass loss rates, effective heat of combustion and smoke release of materials and products when exposed to controlled levels of radiant heating.

GeneralThis Standard specifies a test method for measuring the response of materials exposed to controlled levels of radiant heating with or without an external igniter. The test method is used to determine the ignitability, heat release rates, mass loss rates, effective heat of combustion, and smoke release of materials and products.Properties are determined as follows:(a) Rate of heat release, by measurement of the oxygen consumption, as determined by the oxygen concentration and the flow rate in the exhaust product stream.(b) Effective heat of combustion from a concomitant measurement of specimen mass loss rate, in combination with the heat release rate.(c) Smoke release, by obscuration of light by the combustion product stream.(d) Ignitability, as a measurement of time from initial exposure to time of sustained flaming.ObjectivesThe purpose of this Standard is to establish a test method for material and product evaluations, mathematical modelling, design purposes or development and research. The material may comprise specimens from an end-use product or the various components used in the end-use product.Test parametersSpecimens may be exposed to heating fluxes ranging from 0 to 100 kW/m2. External ignition, when used, is by electric spark. The value of the heating flux and the use of external ignition are to be as specified in the relevant material or performance standard. The normal specimen testing orientation is horizontal, independent of whether the end-use application involves a horizontal or a vertical orientation. Provisions are also made for vertical orientation testing; this is intended for exploratory or diagnostic studies only.NOTES:1 The test method does not prescribe the irradiance levels nor whether external ignition is to be used. For an insight into the development of the test method, the features of the apparatus and the use of the data, see Appendix A.2 See Appendix B for a list of papers that provide additional technical background.

First published as AS/NZS 3837:1998.

Reissued incorporating Amendment No. 1 (June 2012).