Hi
firestop matrials are classified in Class A: Flame Spread 0-25; smoke-developed 0-450 as per ASTM E 84, could you please explain to me how they calculate smoke and flame spread? is there any unit to measure? or it is in comparison with standard matrials? please explain it in details
thank you
Hi Ahmad,
I can provide a brief explanation but anything in-depth would be best consulted with a testing agency that has performed the ASTM E 84 test on building materials. The test is conducted for a period of 10 minutes. Flame spread is measured in feet per minute of the rate at which the visible flame spreads during the test after ignition. And smoke developed is measured in light absorption (%) per minute. Both of these values are compared to standard materials (i.e. red oak) in order to achieve the classification per ASTM E 84. I hope this helps.
Thanks,
Matt