ASTM D1929: Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
Standard: ASTM D1929 - Standard Test Method for Determining Ignition Temperature of Plastics
Certification Required: The International Building Code (IBC) requires this fire test—among others—for light-transmitting plastics. Manufacturers may find it beneficial to obtain an Intertek certification (ETL Mark or Code Compliance Research Report) to provide third-party assurance of their material's performance characteristics.
Additionally, the Florida Building Code (FBC) High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) / Miami-Dade requires this test—among others—in order to qualify as an "Approved Plastic." Manufacturers may wish to obtain a Notice of Acceptance (NOA) from Miami-Dade or a statewide Florida Product Approval. The CCRR can be used in support of a Florida Product Approval.
Scope: Per ASTM D1929, "This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials…to heat and flame… [Results] are not intended to be used…to assess the potential fire hazards of a material in use."
Applicable Products: Plastic materials
Test Procedure: A specimen is placed inside a vertical tube in a hot-air ignition furnace. A technician watches for the occurrence of flaming or glowing combustion, flash, explosion, a rapid rise in temperature, or the end of a 10-minute period, whichever comes first. Depending on whether or not ignition has occurred, the temperature is lowered or raised, and the test is repeated with a fresh specimen. This process is repeated until a Self-Ignition Temperature (SIT) or Flash Ignition Temperature (FIT) has been determined.
Self-Ignition Temperature (SIT) is the minimum temperature at which the self-heating properties of the specimen lead to ignition or ignition occurs of itself, under test conditions, in the absence of any additional flame ignition source. Flash Ignition Temperature (FIT) is the minimum temperature at which, under specified test conditions, sufficient flammable gases are emitted to ignite momentarily upon application of a small external pilot flame.
End Result: This test results in a Spontaneous Ignition Temperature or Self-Ignition Temperature (SIT) and Flash Ignition Temperature (FIT).
Special Notes: Equivalent to ISO 871-1996, Plastics—Determination of Ignition Temperature Using a Hot-Air Furnace
Intertek Testing Locations: York, PA; Middleton, WI; Coquitlam, BC
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