4.1 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.

4.2 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 method2 covers a laboratory determination of the flash ignition temperature and spontaneous ignition temperature of plastics using a hot-air furnace.

1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3 Caution—During the course of combustion, gases or vapors, or both, are evolved that have the potential to be hazardous to personnel.

1.4 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-hazard or fire-risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

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

1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. Specific precautionary statements are given in 1.3 and 1.4.

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

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.