ASTM D4804-09
Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics

Standard No.

ASTM D4804-09

Release Date

2009

Published By

American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM)

Status

Be replaced

Replace By

ASTM D4804-14

Latest

ASTM D4804-23

Scope

The test results represent the afterflame and afterglow times, in seconds, for a material under the conditions of the test.

The afterflame and afterglow times and other burning phenomena will vary with thickness. Test data shall only be compared with data for material of comparable thickness.

The effect of material thickness, colors, additives, deterioration, and possible loss of volatile components is measurable.

The results serve as a reference for comparing the relative performance of materials and can be an aid in material selection.

In this procedure, the specimens are subjected to one or more specific sets of laboratory test conditions. If different test conditions are substituted or the end-use conditions are changed, it will not always be possible by or from this test method to predict changes in the fire-test-response characteristics measured. Therefore, the results are valid only for the fire-test exposure conditions described in this test method.

1.1 This fire-test-response test methods describe small-scale laboratory procedures for determining the comparative burning characteristics of solid plastic materials that, due to specimen thinness and nonrigidity, distort or shrink when tested using Test Method D 3801. A flame is applied to the base of specimens held in a vertical position and the extinguishing times are determined upon removal of the test flame.

1.2 The classification system described in Appendix X1 is intended for quality assurance and the preselection of component materials for products.

1.3 This standard measures and describes 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.

Note 18212;This standard is equivalent to ISO 9773.

Note 28212;For rate of burning of nonrigid solid plastics in a horizontal position, formerly Test Method B of this test method, see Test Method D 635, section 9.4.

1.4 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.

1.5 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 and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see 6.1.1.

ASTM D4804-09 Referenced Document

• ASTM D3801 Standard Test Method for Measuring the Comparative Burning Characteristics of Solid Plastics in a Vertical Position
• ASTM D5025 Standard Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials
• 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 E176 Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• ASTM E691 Standard Practice for Conducting an Interlaboratory Study to Determine the Precision of a Test Method

ASTM D4804-09 history

• 2023 ASTM D4804-23 Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
• 2020 ASTM D4804-20 Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
• 2019 ASTM D4804-19a Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
• 2019 ASTM D4804-19 Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
• 2014 ASTM D4804-14 Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
• 2009 ASTM D4804-09 Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
• 2003 ASTM D4804-03 Standard Test Method for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics
• 1998 ASTM D4804-98 Standard Test Methods for Determining the Flammability Characteristics of Nonrigid Solid Plastics