ASTM C1166
ASTM C1166 — Standard Test Method for Flame Propagation
When it comes to fire and flammability tests for materials used in industries such as construction, aerospace, and transportation, ASTM C1166 stands out for its unique capability to measure the flame propagation of dense or cellular elastomeric gaskets and accessories. It’s an important test since gaskets, shims and assorted elastomeric materials are used extensively in everything from the window frames of trains to the cushions of car seats.
For suppliers of the automotive, railway or mass transit industries, contrasting flammability standards can be confusing. While the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration — or FRA — imposes specified flammability limits for elastomeric gaskets and dense cellular materials used in passenger railcar construction, individual OEMs often impose their own unique guidelines. This leaves suppliers and manufacturers in need of an experienced testing facility like VTEC Laboratories to successfully navigate the requirements of their respective markets.
Your A2LA & IOS Accredited Laboratory
At VTEC Laboratories, we’ve been leading the way in standardized materials testing — including flammability testing such as ASTM C1166 — for well over three decades. In that time, we’ve performed standardized tests for the Rail Transportation Industry for practically every major railcar manufacturer and the companies that supply them.
Our testing services range from smoke, flame spread and toxicity to accelerated aging and adhesive strength. In addition, we regularly provide testing for the U.S. Marine Corps and are accredited by BOCA, NYC MEA, San Francisco, Denver and Los Angeles for building construction.
Along with our vast experience, we’re an A2LA and ISO accredited laboratory. This means we’re fully prepared to conduct tests that meet the requirements of oversight bodies such as Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) — including ASTM C1166 testing. We’re also highly experienced in providing customized testing that includes the design, build and installation of custom-made test apparatus.
Ready to learn more about our ASTM C1166 testing services? Scheduling a free consultation is easy. Simply fill out our contact form or call 718-542-8248. We’re here to serve all your materials testing needs.
What Is the ASTM C1166 Flame Propagation Test?
The ASTM C1166 test is a standardized laboratory procedure for testing the flame propagation of dense and cellular elastomeric gaskets and accessories. The data gleaned from this test helps engineers and suppliers better select materials intended for use in components such as shims, spacers, gaskets, setting blocks and other pieces made of elastomeric compounds.
This test exposes a specimen to the open flame of a Bunsen burner for two intervals of time — five minutes and 15 minutes, respectively. The flame should not spread more than 4.87” — or 100mm in either case.
Using the values of the Flame Spread Index — also referred to as SI units — the resulting flame spread is calculated and the specimen’s surface flammability is determined. In this manner, the flame propagation of elastomeric materials that are intended for use in seat cushions, window gaskets, diaphragms and other applications can be verified to be compliant with the fire safety requirements of their respective industry.
Learn More About VTEC Services
At VTEC Laboratories, our role as a multi-functional company stems from our more than three decades of experience. Due to our extensive expertise in multiple industries, we provide comprehensive services that meet each field’s unique standards, needs and objectives.
Learn more about our services by contacting us online or calling us at (718) 542-8248.