T18A: Flammability Index

AWTA TEST CODE

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T18A

OTHER NAMES

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Flammability Index,

TEST FOR FLAMMABILITY OF MATERIALS

TEST METHODS

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AS 1530.2

IMAGE

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AS1530.2 Test Rig

APPLICATION

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This test applies to thin flexible materials that are sufficiently pliable to be inserted into the apparatus by hand without special softening treatment.

The test is used for products such as sarking (building papers), curtains, drapes and other vertically oriented thin flexible materials.

The test is unsuitable for materials that melt readily or shrink away from an igniting flame.

PRINCIPLE

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A sample of material (535mm x 75mm) is placed vertically in a test rig and ignited at the bottom using a small alcohol flame. The height to which the flame travels up the specimen is recorded. If the flame reaches the top of the specimen, then the time to reach the top is also recorded. In addition the rise in temperature of the gasses in a flue above the test rig is also recorded continuously during the test.

The flame height is used to calculate a Spread Factor (in the range 0-40), the time for the flame to reach the top of the specimen, if recorded, is used to calculate a Speed Factor (in the range 0-60) and the area under the temperature curve is used to calculate a Heat Factor (generally in the range 0-40). The Flammability Index is the sum of the Heat Factor plus the larger of the Spread Factor and the Speed Factor.

SAMPLES REQUIRED FOR TESTING

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Approx 1.5 square metres of material

INTERPRETATION

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The Flammability Index should be compared with the requirements given in the Building Code of Australia to see in which classes of building the product may be used. In addition some government authorities have specific requirements for such products as vertical drapes.

SERVICE TARGET

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7 working days

COST

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See current Fees List.