Standard Test Method for the Determination of Combustibility Parameters of Building Materials Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter (Cone Calorimeter)

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Standards Development Organisation:
ULC Standards
Contact Information:
ULC Standards Normes ULC
Working Program:
View the ULC work program
Designation Number:
ULC-S135
Standard Type:
Consensus SDO Standard
Standard Development Activity:
Amendment Revision
ICS code(s):
13.220.50; 19.040
Status:
Proceeding to development
SDO Comment Period Start Date:
SDO Comment Period End Date:
Posted On:

Scope:

1.1 This test method determines combustibility parameters for the assessment of degree of combustibility of building materials by measuring the heat release and smoke production from specimens exposed to radiant heat using the test apparatus, specimen configurations and procedures described.

1.2 This test method determines the amount of heat and smoke that may be contributed to a fire involving products made from the same material as that of the test specimen.

1.3 This test method provides for radiant thermal exposure of a specimen. An external source of ignition is provided by an electric spark.

1.4 This test method is based on the observation that generally, the net heat of combustion of a material is directly related to the quantity of oxygen required for its combustion. This relationship is such that approximately 13.1 x 103 kJ of heat are released per 1.0 kg of oxygen consumed.

1.5 Heat release is measured from the moment the specimen is subjected to the radiant thermal exposure of a conical heater.

1.6 The primary measurements are oxygen concentration, light obscuration and exhaust flow rate. Provision is also made for measurement of mass‑loss rate and time to sustained flaming.

1.7 Smoke development is measured by obscuration of light in the combustion product stream.

1.8 This test method is used to evaluate specimens in a horizontal orientation under an external heating flux exposure of 50 kW/m2.  The specimen, once ignited, is also heated by its own flame.

Project need:

There is an existing Note to 6.1.6. Some labs are doing this incorrectly for compliance with the NBCC (and other Provincial Codes), which is the only place this Standard is currently being used. They are terminating the test after 15 minutes instead of extending it as per NBCC 3.1.5.1.(3), which states: 3.1.5.1 NBCC 3) If a material referred to in Sentence (2) consists of a number of discrete layers and testing reveals that the surface layer or layers protect the underlying layers such that complete combustion of the underlying layers does not occur, the test shall be repeated by removing the outer layers sequentially until all layers have been exposed during testing, or until complete combustion has occurred. This proposal provides clarification to the original intent of the requirements to ensure the test is being performed correctly.

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