ASTM E 3020 : 2015

1.1This practice describes a series of ignition sources that have been used and that are potentially applicable to assessing fire-test-response characteristics resulting from the ignition of materials, products, or assemblies.

1.2This practice does not identify which of the ignition sources described is applicable to any specific use since that is a function of the associated fire hazard (see also 5.2).

1.3This practice is not necessarily comprehensive and it is possible that other applicable ignition sources exist (see also 5.3).

1.4This practice describes both flaming and non-flaming ignition sources, since the outcome of a non-flaming ignition can be the eventual flaming ignition of these materials or products (see also 4.2).

1.5This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.

1.6This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.

1.7Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.

1.8This 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.

1.9This practice contains notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes (excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered requirements of the standard.

1.10The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard in referee decisions. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. See IEEE/ASTM SI 10 for further details.

1.11This 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.