CAN/ULC S102: Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies
Standard: CAN/ULC S102 – Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies
Certification Required: The requirements for CAN/ULC S102 certification can be found throughout the building code for various products. Certification is not required by the building code for interior finishes but does require testing in accordance with CAN/ULC S102. Many manufacturers of interior finishes chose to certify their products through an approved agency for ease of approval and demonstration of an elevated quality control system for their products.
Scope: This 10-min fire-test-response standard for the comparative surface burning behavior of building materials is applicable to exposed surfaces such as walls and ceilings. The test is conducted with the specimen in the ceiling position with the surface to be evaluated exposed face down to the ignition source. The material, product, or assembly shall be capable of being mounted in the test position during the test. Thus, the specimen shall either be self-supporting by its own structural quality, held in place by added supports along the test surface, or secured from the back side.
Applicable Products: Building Materials, Wallcoverings, Insulation Materials, Panel Products, Paints, Adhesives, Sealants and Coatings, Interior Finishes.
Test Procedure: The CAN/ULC S102 test is conducted by placing a 24” wide x 24’ long sample into a Steiner Tunnel wherein the test is administered using two burners. During the 10-minute test, the sample is mounted on the ceiling under a removable lid, and a forced draft is provided for the movement of air and products of combustion within the tunnel, and to the exhaust/scrubber system.
The Flame Spread Index (FSI) is calculated with data recorded from flame travel that is observed through the windows located on the side of the chamber. The area under the flame spread curve is used to calculate the Flame Spread Index.
The Smoke Developed Index (SDI) is calculated with data recorded from a photo meter system that consists of a light source, photocell and specialized electronic equipment. The light beam travels vertically through a vent pipe and the computer software records the light obscuration as the smoke travels through the light beam path during the test. The smoke area under the smoke curve is used to calculate the Smoke Developed Index.
End Result: The purpose of this test method is to determine the relative burning behavior of the material by observing the flame spread along the specimen. Flame Spread Index (FSI) and Smoke Development Index (SDI) are reported for a given sample.
Intertek Testing Locations: Coquitlam, BC
