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Re: Flammability of vinyl clad siding
Posted by: PMK140 (IP Logged)
Date: July 12, 2007 05:14PM

ASTM E119 testing is not "real world" testing. It is designed to comparatively rate various building components with the 1/2 hour, 1 hour, etc.. fire ratings. These ratings do not relate to "actual" fire failure times in fires.

ASTM E119 - Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials

"Abstract
1.1 The test methods described in this fire-test-response standard are applicable to assemblies of masonry units and to composite assemblies of structural materials for buildings, including bearing and other walls and partitions, columns, girders, beams, slabs, and composite slab and beam assemblies for floors and roofs. They are also applicable to other assemblies and structural units that constitute permanent integral parts of a finished building.

1.2 It is the intent that classifications shall register comparative performance to specific fire-test conditions during the period of exposure and shall not be construed as having determined suitability for use under other conditions or after fire exposure.

1.3 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.

1.4 These test methods prescribe a standard fire exposure for comparing the test results of building construction assemblies. The results of these tests are one factor in assessing predicted fire performance of building construction and assemblies. Application of these test results to predict the performance of actual building construction requires the evaluation of test conditions.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
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."

Pat Kennedy, CFEI, CFPS, MIFireE
Fire and Explosion Analyst
Sarasota, Florida
[www.kennedy-fire.com]



Subject Views Written By Posted
  Flammability of vinyl clad siding 1672 adelee 07/10/2007 08:58AM
  Re: Flammability of vinyl clad siding 876 cda 07/10/2007 10:51AM
  Re: Flammability of vinyl clad siding 929 MIKE 07/11/2007 08:01AM
  Re: Flammability of vinyl clad siding CORRECTION 869 MIKE 07/11/2007 08:11AM
  Re: Flammability of vinyl clad siding CORRECTION 832 MIKE 07/11/2007 08:14AM
  Re: Flammability of vinyl clad siding 801 PMK140 07/12/2007 05:14PM


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