ASTM E84 Testing and Certification Solutions for Building Materials and the HVAC industry
ASTM E84 Testing Process and Requirements
Understanding ASTM E84 Standards
ASTM E84, also known as the Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, is a fire testing standard used to assess how materials react to fire. It measures two main factors: the Flame Spread Index (FSI), which indicates how quickly flames travel across the surface, and the Smoke Developed Index (SDI), which quantifies the amount of smoke generated.
Certification Requirements by Application
The requirements for ASTM E84 certification can be found throughout the building code for various products. Some products, such as those identified in Chapter 14 - Exterior Walls, require certification by reference to labeling requirements of 1703.5 (2018 International Building Code). Fire-retarded treated wood, and foam plastics are required by their specific chapters, Chapter 23 and 26, respectively, to be certified by an approved agency. Certification is not required by the building code for interior finishes but does require testing in accordance with ASTM E84. Many manufacturers of interior finishes chose to certify their products through an approved agency for ease of approval and demonstration of an elevated quality control system for their products.
Testing Scope and Applicable Materials
This 10-min 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.
Applicable Products:
- Building Materials
- Wallcoverings
- Insulation Materials
- Panel Products
- Paints and Adhesives
- Sealants and Coatings
- Interior Finishes
Related Standards:
ASTM E84, UL 723 and NFPA 255 utilize the same equipment and test method. All three are essentially the same test and are often referred to interchangeably by the building code.
ASTM E2768 is a similar method sometimes referred to as a 30-minute tunnel test. This method is most commonly used to test fire retardant treated wood products.
CAN/ULC S102 utilizes the same equipment with a slightly different set-up and test method to evaluate building materials for use in Canada
Check out our latest document covering FAQ on ASTM E84, the standard test method for assessing the surface burning characteristics of building products
Specialized HVAC Testing Applications
Test Procedure:
An ASTM E84 test is conducted by placing a 24” wide x 24’ long sample into a Steiner Tunnel wherein the test is administered through the use of two burners which provide 89kW of energy. During the 10-minute test, the sample is mounted on the ceiling under a removable lid, and a forced draft is provided in order for the movement of air and products of combustion within the tunnel, and to the exhaust/scrubber system.
The Flame Spread Index (FSI) is calculated with data recorded from flame travel that is observed through the windows located on the side of the chamber. The computer software records the flame-spread position during the test 10-minute test. The area under the flame spread curve is used to calculate the Flame Spread Index.
The Smoke Developed Index (SDI) is calculated with data recorded from a photo meter system that consists of a light source, photocell and specialize electronic equipment. The light beam travels vertically through a vent pipe and the computer software records the light obscuration as the smoke travels through the light beam path during the test. The smoke area under the smoke curve is used to calculate the Smoke Developed Index.
United States
For US testing, the sample is mounted on the horizontal ledges of the testing chamber. This location is considered the top of the tunnel chamber or the ceiling.
Canada
Requires that certain samples be mounted on the floor, depending upon the composition of the sample, or its intended use.
End Result
According to ASTM, 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 Index (FSI) and Smoke Development Index (SDI) are reported for a given sample. However, there is not necessarily a relationship between these two measurements. FSI is the measurement for the speed at which flames progress across the surface of the sample, while SDI measures the amount of smoke a sample emits as it burns. Code officials, designers, and architects use the FSI and SDI results to determine if the product meets applicable building codes requirements based on the results of this test. Most commonly, results are correlated as shown in the chart below for interior finishes (Reference Chapter 6 of the International Building Code).
Classification:
- Class A
- Flame-Spread Index (FSI) - 0-25
- Smoke Development Index (SDI) - 450 Maximum
- Class B
- Flame-Spread Index (FSI) - 26-75
- Smoke Development Index (SDI) - 450 Maximum
- Class C
- Flame-Spread Index (FSI) - 76-200
- Smoke Development Index (SDI) - 450 Maximum
It’s important to note that classifications are utilized for interior finishes. There are product types that are prescribed to have specific numeric values for FSI and SDI for approval.
Intertek Testing Locations:
Elmendorf, TX, York, PA, Coquitlam, BC Canada, Shanghai, China
ASTM E84 Testing and Certification - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
General Testing Questions
ASTM E84 is a standardized fire test that measures how building materials react to fire exposure. It evaluates the Flame Spread Index (FSI) and Smoke Developed Index (SDI) to determine fire safety characteristics. Many building codes require ASTM E84 testing for interior finishes, insulation materials, and HVAC components to ensure occupant safety.
The actual fire test runs for 10 minutes, but the complete testing process including specimen preparation, conditioning, and reporting typically takes 3-5 business days depending on the material and any additional requirements.
ASTM E84 can test a wide range of building materials including wallcoverings, insulation, panel products, paints, adhesives, sealants, coatings, interior finishes, HVAC duct materials, and ceiling tiles. Materials must be able to be mounted in the test position during the test.
Test Requirements and Specifications
Acceptable values depend on building code requirements and application:
- Class A: Flame Spread 0-25, Smoke Developed 0-450
- Class B: Flame Spread 26-75, Smoke Developed 0-450
- Class C: Flame Spread 76-200, Smoke Developed 0-450
The standard test specimen size is 24 inches wide by 24 feet long. Smaller samples may be acceptable for some materials, but the full-size specimen provides the most accurate results for building code compliance.
ASTM E84 can test both individual materials and complete assemblies, provided they can be securely mounted in the ceiling test position. This includes wall assemblies, ceiling systems, and multi-layer constructions.
Certification and Compliance
Requirements vary by application. Some products like fire-retardant treated wood and foam plastics require certification by an approved agency. Interior finishes typically require testing but not always certification, though many manufacturers choose certification for easier code approval.
These three standards use identical test equipment and procedures - they're essentially the same test. Building codes often reference them interchangeably. The choice depends on the specific code requirements in your jurisdiction.
Testing frequency depends on manufacturing consistency and quality control programs. Most certified products undergo periodic retesting as part of ongoing certification maintenance, typically annually or when formulations change.
Technical and Application Questions
Yes, materials with surface treatments like paints, stains, or protective coatings can be tested. The test evaluates the complete system as it would be installed, including all surface treatments.
If a material exceeds acceptable flame spread or smoke values, you have several options: reformulate the material, add fire-retardant treatments, modify the substrate, or consider alternative applications where the current performance meets requirements.
Yes, most building codes require HVAC ducts, duct coverings, and duct tapes to meet specific ASTM E84 flame spread and smoke development requirements. This ensures fire safety in air distribution systems.
Test results are generally transferable between accredited laboratories, but some certification bodies may require testing at their designated facilities. Check with your specific certification agency for their requirements.
Cost and Timeline Questions
Testing costs vary based on material complexity, sample preparation requirements, number of specimens needed, rush timelines, and whether additional services like certification or custom mounting are required.
Yes, most laboratories offer expedited testing services for urgent projects. Rush testing can typically be completed within 24-48 hours for an additional fee, subject to laboratory capacity.
Generally yes, different thicknesses may perform differently in fire conditions. Each thickness intended for commercial use should be tested separately unless the manufacturer can demonstrate equivalent performance through engineering analysis.
Related Links
ASTM E84: Smoke Variability and Smoke Area Calibration
Intertek maintains ASTM E84 accreditation at four labs in North America and Asia. They reviewed equipment, procedures, and the standard itself to understand SDI result variability. Read more with our complimentary white paper download.
Need access to this Standard?
You can purchase ASTM E 84 in digital PDF or printed (hardcopy) formats from Intertek Inform. Or you may like to manage your Standards with i2i, our secure, configurable, cloud-based platform, accessible through our subscription service.
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