Tests made under conditions herein prescribed can be of considerable value in comparing the relative ignition characteristics of different materials. Values obtained represent the lowest ambient air temperature that will cause ignition of the material under the conditions of this test. Test values are expected to rank materials according to ignition susceptibility under actual use conditions.

This test is not intended to be the sole criterion for fire hazard. In addition to ignition temperatures, fire hazards include other factors such as burning rate or flame spread, intensity of burning, fuel contribution, products of combustion, and others.

1.1 This fire test response test method covers a laboratory determination of the flash ignition temperature and spontaneous ignition temperature of plastics using a hot-air furnace.

1.2 CautionDuring the course of combustion, gases or vapors, or both, are evolved that may be hazardous to personnel. Adequate precautions should be taken to protect the operator.

1.3 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 hazards or fire risk assessment of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.4 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. Specific precautionary statements are given in 1.2 and 1.3.

Note 1—This test method and ISO 871-1996 are identical in all technical details.