ISO (International Organization for Standardization) has developed a number of standards for flammability testing of materials. These standards cover a range of materials, including plastics, textiles, building materials, and electrical appliances, and provide methods for evaluating the ignition, flame spread, and other flammability characteristics of these materials. The ISO standards for flammability testing are widely used and recognized around the world.
One of the most commonly used ISO standards for flammability testing is ISO 12136:2011, which provides a method for determining the flammability of textiles and related materials using a 45-degree inclined test plane. In this test, a small flame is applied to the surface of the material, which is positioned at a 45-degree angle, and the time for the flame to extinguish or for the material to self-extinguish is recorded. This standard also provides guidance on measuring other parameters, such as the length of the burned portion of the material, the rate of flame spread, and the production of toxic gases.
Another important ISO standard for flammability testing is ISO 5660-1:2015, which provides a method for measuring the heat release rate, smoke production rate, and other flammability characteristics of construction materials, such as insulation, wood, and composite materials. This test method involves exposing a sample of the material to a controlled heat flux using a cone-shaped heater and measuring the various parameters using specialized equipment.
ISO 4589-2:2018 is another important ISO standard for flammability testing, which provides a method for determining the oxygen index of polymers. The oxygen index is a measure of the minimum concentration of oxygen required to maintain combustion, and is an indicator of the material's flammability.
ISO 5660-2:2019 is a standard for measuring the smoke production rate of materials using a radiant heat source. This test method is particularly useful for evaluating the fire performance of materials used in transportation vehicles, such as trains and airplanes.
ISO 5659-2:2012 is a standard for measuring the smoke density of materials using a test chamber and a radiant heat source. This test method is widely used in the transportation industry to evaluate the smoke production of materials used in passenger areas.
Overall, the ISO standards for flammability testing provide a comprehensive framework for evaluating the fire performance of materials. By using these standards, manufacturers and designers can ensure that the materials they use meet the necessary safety requirements and reduce the risk of fire.