5.1 This test method is intended for determining and comparing the relative thermal protection provided by different materials and material composites when exposed to a laboratory-produced fire from the apparatus described.

5.1.1 This test method does not simulate high radiant exposures, for example, those found in electric arc flash exposures, some types of fire exposures where liquid or solid fuels are involved, nor exposure to nuclear explosions.

5.2 This test method does not establish pass/fail criteria for material performance.

5.3 This test method maintains the specimen in a static, upright position and does not involve movement except that resulting from the exposure.

5.4 This test method has similarities and differences to Test Method F2700 and Test Method F1930 but is not intended to provide direct comparison to either of those test methods.

1.1 This test method measures the heat transfer through flame-resistant materials for clothing mounted on a stationary, vertically aligned instrumented cylinder which are then exposed in a laboratory to a simulated fire environment having controlled heat flux, flame distribution, and duration. The average exposure heat flux is 84 kW/m² ± 2.1 kW/m² (2 cal/s·cm² ± 0.05 cal/s·cm²), with durations up to 20 s.

1.1.1 This test method is not applicable to sample fabrics that are not flame resistant.

1.1.2 This test method has the characteristic of providing a uniform spacing of the clothing material specimen on the instrumented cylinder.

1.2 This test method 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.

1.3 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound or other units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems has the potential to result in nonconformance with the standard.

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

1.5 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.

1.6 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.