ASTM D3814-06

Plastics, like many other materials, are combustible. This guide lists the test methods for plastics used in various industries at the present time. These test methods provide some information on the combustibility and burning characteristics of plastics products.

This guide is intended to assist the user in locating test methods that may provide data of the combustion characteristics of the user’product. (Warning—During the course of combustion, gases or vapors, or both, are evolved that may be hazardous to personnel. Adequate precautions should be taken to protect the operator during execution of any of these test methods.)

The user of this guide is responsible for obtaining the current (latest) edition of any test method selected for use.

1.1 This guide provides assistance in locating test methods and related documents for determining the combustion properties of polymeric materials used for various applications.

1.2 This guide includes standardized North American and global test methods promulgated by ASTM, CSA, NFPA, SAE, Underwriters Laboratories, North American Government Agencies, IEC, and ISO. It does not include industrial tests, user specification tests, nor nonstandard test methods. This list of tests is not exhaustive and the user must assume other tests may exist for specific materials or applications.

1.3 This guide is arranged according to products and systems.

1.4 The test methods described in this guide should be used solely to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or systems in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be considered or used for the description, appraisal, or regulation of the fire hazard of materials, products, or systems under actual fire conditions.

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. Specific precautionary statements are given in .Note 1

There are no ISO or IEC standards equivalent to this guide.

Related IEC and ISO standards are referenced in the appropriate places throughout this guide.