ASTM D3801 – Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics

Standard: ASTM D3801 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position

Scope: Per ASTM D3801: "This fire-test-response standard covers a small-scale laboratory procedure for determining comparative burning characteristics of solid-plastic material, using a 20-mm (50W) premixed flame applied to the base of specimens held in a vertical position."

Products: Plastics

Procedure: Per ASTM D3801: "The procedure consists of subjecting a set of preconditioned specimens of identical composition and geometry to a standard test flame for two 10-s flame applications. The afterflame time is recorded after the first flame application, and the afterflame and afterglow times are recorded after the second flame application. Information is also recorded on whether or not flaming material drips from the specimen (and whether these drips ignite a cotton indicator) and total flame time for a particular specimen set."

Result: Test results such as total afterflame time and maximum burning time may be reported.

Technical equivalents: ISO 1210 / IEC 60695-11-10 Test Method B