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WallWrap Fire Rating ASTM E648
ASTM E648-19a Standard test method for critical radiant flux of floor- covering systems using a radiant heat energy source on "Caviar" wallwrap
The ASTM E648 test measures critical radiant flux, which evaluates how materials perform when exposed to radiant heat energy similar to conditions found in building fires. This test specifically addresses materials used in floor-adjacent wall applications where radiant heat from burning flooring materials could ignite wall coverings. The test uses a radiant heat panel to simulate these conditions and measures the minimum heat flux required to sustain flame propagation.
WallWrap Caviar represents specialized wallcovering designed for applications where radiant heat resistance becomes crucial. Areas near floor surfaces, particularly in corridors and exit pathways, face unique fire safety challenges because of potential radiant heat exposure from floor-level ignition sources. This makes ASTM E648 certification particularly valuable for materials used in these critical locations.
Building codes increasingly recognize the importance of radiant flux testing for wall materials in specific applications. This certification ensures that WallWrap Caviar meets the performance requirements for floor-adjacent installations, providing architects and designers with documentation needed to satisfy building code requirements in critical fire safety applications.
Test Specifications
The specimen was evaluated in accordance with the following:
ASTM E648-19A, Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor-Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
Test Specimen Description
| Sample ID | Caviar |
| Description | Wallwrap |
| Specimen Preparation | Specimen was sent by client in a sheet. Specimen was then cut to the dimensions required by the standard (41in x 9in() to fit into the test frame) by Intertek |
| Received Date | 04/30/2020 (Samples received in good condition) |
| Intertek Sample Tracker Number | SAT2004301612-001 |
| Sample Cond. | 69.8±5.4°F and 50±5% relative humidity |
| Environmental Cond. | 73°F and 63-65% r.h. |
Test Overview & Procedure
This procedure provides a way of measuring critical radiant flux (the level of incident radiant heat energy on a floor covering system at the most distant flame-out point, reported as W/cm2) of horizontally mounted floor-covering systems exposed to a flaming ignition source while being exposed to radiant heat energy from a panel with approximately a 30° angle from the horizontal. The radiant flux ranges from 1.09 W/cm2 at the 100 mm mark to 0.13 W/cm2 at the 900 mm mark.
At least three specimens shall be tested. The specimens are conditioned at 69.8 ± 5.4°F and a relative humidity of 50 ± 5 % for a minimum of 48 hours. Following the ASTM E648-19A calibration procedures, the first specimen was loaded into the test chamber. After a 5 minute pre-heat time, the pilot flame was placed into contact with the specimen at the 0 mm mark. This pilot flame is to remain in contact with the specimen for 5 minutes, then removed. If the specimen does not propagate flame during the 5 minute pilot flame contact, then the test is terminated. For specimens that do propagate flame, the test is continued until the flame goes out. The distance to the farthest flame-out point is noted, which is then used to determine the critical radiant flux, based on a radiant heat energy flux profile curve of the apparatus obtained during calibration.
Test Results
| Specimen | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Distance (mm) | 80* | 40* | 60* |
| Time to Max. Distance (min.) | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Critical Radiant Flux (W/cm²) | >1.09* | >1.09* | >1.09* |
| Time to All Flame Out (min.) | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Run No. | Smoking | Discolored | Ignition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0:46 | 3:29 | 5:06 |
| 2 | 0:53 | 4:32 | 5:02 |
| 3 | 0:51 | 2:40 | 5:02 |
Requirements For Classes
ASTM E648 does not have a pass/fail criteria. In most cases the codes that require this testing will indicate criteria for the critical radiant heat flux as categorized by Class I or Class II. The requirements for these classes will depend on the code that is applicable for the product and/or installation.
For example, NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (2015 edition) states that:
10.2.7.3* Interior floor finishes shall be classified in accordance with 10.2.7.4, based on test results from NFPA 253, Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source, or ASTM E 648,
Standard Test Method for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source.
10.2.7.4.1 Class I Interior Floor Finish. Class I interior floor finish shall have a critical radiant flux of not less than 0.45 W/cm2, as determined by the test described in 10.2.7.3.
10.2.7.4.2 Class II Interior Floor Finish. Class II interior floor finish shall have a critical radiant flux of not less than 0.22 W/cm2, but less than 0.45 W/cm2, as determined by the test described in 10.2.7.3.
The requirements for the above mentioned classes will depend on the code that is applicable for the product and/or installation.
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