NCIDQ IDFX Standard Tests
ASTM E662 (NFPA 258) - correct answer ✔✔ASTM's Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of
Smoke Generated by Solid Materials. The key thing to remember about this test, is that it measures
smoke density in lab conditions, in a smoke chamber - but can not predict the density of smoke
generated by the materials upon exposure to heat and flame under actual fire conditions.
The test measures the amount of light obscured by the smoke in a vertical chamber with a light source at
one end. The testing material is ignited and tested in both flaming combustion and non-flaming test
modes (smoldering while still putting off smoke). A photosensor at the other end measures how much
the light is obscured by the smoke.
This test method can be used by manufacturers in research and development of materials but is not
currently used for regulation or fire rating purposes.
ASTM E648 (NFPA 253) - correct answer ✔✔ASTM's Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of
Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source.
This test measures the flame spread of flooring systems, like carpet, in corridors and exits. Radiant heat
is applied by means of a gas fueled panel, inclined at a 30º angle over horizontally installed flooring
mounted on concrete (just like real carpeted corridors). This test is designed to simulate thermal
radiation levels from an adjacent fire, and to rate different materials for use in different occupancies.
This is important, because if there's a fire in the building, you don't want the means of egress to become
a flaming inferno.
The radiant flux is measured in W/cm² and higher numbers are more resistant to spreading the fire.
Materials are rated as either Class I or Class II, with Class I being required in institutional occupancies like
hospitals, nursing homes, jails and other facilities where it would take longer for occupants to get out.
Class II would be used for other occupancies except residential. Whether or not a building is sprinklered
can also determine what class of materials are required.
ASTM E662 (NFPA 258) - correct answer ✔✔ASTM's Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of
Smoke Generated by Solid Materials. The key thing to remember about this test, is that it measures
smoke density in lab conditions, in a smoke chamber - but can not predict the density of smoke
generated by the materials upon exposure to heat and flame under actual fire conditions.
The test measures the amount of light obscured by the smoke in a vertical chamber with a light source at
one end. The testing material is ignited and tested in both flaming combustion and non-flaming test
modes (smoldering while still putting off smoke). A photosensor at the other end measures how much
the light is obscured by the smoke.
This test method can be used by manufacturers in research and development of materials but is not
currently used for regulation or fire rating purposes.
ASTM E648 (NFPA 253) - correct answer ✔✔ASTM's Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of
Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source.
This test measures the flame spread of flooring systems, like carpet, in corridors and exits. Radiant heat
is applied by means of a gas fueled panel, inclined at a 30º angle over horizontally installed flooring
mounted on concrete (just like real carpeted corridors). This test is designed to simulate thermal
radiation levels from an adjacent fire, and to rate different materials for use in different occupancies.
This is important, because if there's a fire in the building, you don't want the means of egress to become
a flaming inferno.
The radiant flux is measured in W/cm² and higher numbers are more resistant to spreading the fire.
Materials are rated as either Class I or Class II, with Class I being required in institutional occupancies like
hospitals, nursing homes, jails and other facilities where it would take longer for occupants to get out.
Class II would be used for other occupancies except residential. Whether or not a building is sprinklered
can also determine what class of materials are required.
