scope:

This part of ISO 5660 specifies a method for evaluating materials and products that produce low levels of heat release when exposed to high heat flux typical of fully developed fires. Measurement of heat release rate and total heat release is used to quantify the test specimens' ability to ignite and contribute heat to the fire. It 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. This test method is intended to be used for products and materials that contain only small amounts of combustible elements, e.g. test specimens that yield total heat release less than 15 MJ m-2. For test specimens that yield moderate to high total heat release the apparatus described in ISO 5660-1 should to be used. Heat release is measured from the moment the specimen is subjected to the radiant thermal exposure of a conical heater and is continued for 20 min. The primary measurements are oxygen concentration and exhaust gas flow rate. Provision is also made for time to sustained flaming. This test method is used to evaluate specimens in a horizontal orientation under an external heat flux. The information obtained from this test method can also be used for fire safety engineering purposes. WARNING - The test procedures involve high temperatures and combustion processes. Therefore, hazards may exist for burns, ignition of extraneous objects or clothing, and for inhalation of combustion products. The operator should use protective gloves for insertion and removal of test specimens. Neither the cone heater nor the associated fixtures should be touched while hot except with the use of protective gloves.