ASTM D3801-20a
Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position

Standard No.

ASTM D3801-20a

Release Date

2020

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Latest

ASTM D3801-20a

Scope

1.1 This fire-test-response standard covers a small-scale laboratory procedure for determining comparative burning characteristics of solid-plastic material, using a 20-mm (50W) premixed flame applied to the base of specimens held in a vertical position. NOTE 1—This test method and the 20 mm (50W) Vertical Burning Test (V-0, V-1, or V-2) of ANSI/UL 94 are equivalent. NOTE 2—This test method and Test Method B of IEC 60695–11–10 are equivalent. IEC 60695–11–10 has replaced ISO 1210. NOTE 3—For additional information on materials that burn up to the holding clamp by this test method, see Test Method D635. For test methods of flexible plastics in the form of thin sheets and film, see Test Method D4804. For additional information on comparative burning characteristics and resistance to burn-through, see Test Method D5048. 1.2 This test method was developed for polymeric materials used for parts in devices and appliances. The results are intended to serve as a preliminary indication of their acceptability with respect to flammability for a particular application. The final acceptance of the material is dependent upon its use in complete equipment that conforms with the standards applicable to such equipment. 1.3 The classification system described in the appendix is intended for quality assurance and the preselection of component materials for products. 1.4 It is possible that this test is applicable to nonmetallic materials other than plastics. Such application is outside the scope of this technical committee. 1.5 This test method does not cover plastics when used for building construction, finishing or contents such as wall and floor coverings, furnishings, decorative objects etc. In addition, the fire resistance (in terms of an hourly rating), flame spread, smoke characterization and heat release rate are not evaluated by this test. Other fire tests exist and shall be used to evaluate the flammability of materials in these intended end use product configuration. 1.6 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.7 This standard 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. 1.8 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. 1.9 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.

ASTM D3801-20a Referenced Document

• ANSI/UL 94 Standard for Safety Tests for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices
• ASTM D4804 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
• ASTM D5025 Standard Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
• ASTM D5048 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics and Resistance to Burn-Through of Solid Plastics Using 125-mm Flame
• ASTM D5207 Standard Practice for Calibration of 20 and 125 mm Test Flames for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
• ASTM D635 Standard Test Method for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position
• ASTM D883 Standard Terminology Relating to Plastics*， 2024-02-01 Update
• ASTM E176 Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• ASTM E2935 Standard Practice for Evaluating Equivalence of Two Testing Processes*， 2021-06-01 Update
• ASTM E456 Standard Terminology for Relating to Quality and Statistics
• ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method
• ISO 1210 Plastics; determination of the burning behaviour of horizontal and vertical specimens in contact with a small-flame ignition source
• ISO 13943 Fire safety — Vocabulary*， 2023-09-01 Update

ASTM D3801-20a history

• 2020 ASTM D3801-20a Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
• 2020 ASTM D3801-20 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
• 2019 ASTM D3801-19a Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
• 2019 ASTM D3801-19 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
• 2010 ASTM D3801-10 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
• 2006 ASTM D3801-06 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
• 2000 ASTM D3801-00 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
• 1996 ASTM D3801-96e1 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position