ASTM International

Standard Practice for Specimen Preparation and Mounting of Caulks and Sealants to Assess Surface Burning Characteristics
 N E2690

Annotation

This practice describes procedures for specimen preparation and mounting when testing caulks and sealants intended to be applied up to 8 in. (203.2 mm) in width to assess flame spread and smoke development as surface burning characteristics using Test Method E84. Caulks and sealants intended to be applied in excess of 8 in. (203.2 mm) are to be tested applied to a substrate so as to completely cover the substrate in a full tunnel width application of Test Method E84.

This practice applies to caulks and sealants intended for various uses within buildings. The caulks and sealants addressed in this practice are not able to be supported by their own structural characteristics during the test unless they are applied to a substrate.

Testing is conducted in accordance with Test Method E84.

This practice does not provide pass/fail criteria that can be used as a regulatory tool.

This practice does not apply to materials for which the test specimen does not remain in place before and during the test until maximum flame propagation has occurred.

This practice is not for system evaluation. It is for the comparison of the materials only.

The results obtained by using this mounting procedure are confined to the materials themselves as tested and are not comparable to those obtained with materials that are tested in a full tunnel width application.

This fire standard cannot be used to provide quantitative measures.

Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.