Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D4986-22 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
📐 Scope and Applicability of D4986-22
ASTM D4986-22 is a fire-test-response standard that establishes a small-scale laboratory procedure for assessing the horizontal burning characteristics of cellular polymeric materials. Specifically, the test method is applicable to materials with a density of less than 250 kg/m³. This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4986 and the number immediately following indicates the year of last revision (2022).
The primary outputs of this test are the relative rate of burning, as well as the extent and time of burning for horizontally oriented specimens. As noted in the standard, the results serve as a preliminary indication of flammability and the final acceptance is dependent upon the end-product conforming to its own applicable standards.
⚠️ Critical Limitation: Section 1.4 of the standard explicitly states that this test method does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment under actual fire conditions. Furthermore, Section 1.7 emphasizes that fire testing is inherently hazardous and adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall always be employed.
⚙️ Equipment, Terminology, and Referenced Documents
The proper execution of D4986-22 relies on specific equipment and definitions. The laboratory burner used must conform to ASTM D5025 Specification for Laboratory Burner Used for Small-Scale Burning Tests on Plastic Materials. Key terminology is aligned with Terminology E176 (Fire Standards), Terminology D883 (Plastics), and ISO 13943 (Fire Safety—Vocabulary). For precision and bias assessments, the standard relies on Terminology E456 and Practice D4483.
The standard also references ASTM D1622 for measuring the apparent density of rigid cellular plastics, which is critical for qualifying a material for this test method. Materials must have an apparent density below 250 kg/m³ to fall within the scope of this standard.
📊 Key Measured Properties and Classification System
The test method