ASTM E662 Smoke Density Test
As an ISO accredited laboratory, VTEC Labs expertly performs the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) E662 smoke density test. We offer the fastest turnaround in the industry for soot and smoke testing. This means that if you provide the specimen, we can complete the test and deliver your report within two weeks.
Need it sooner? Let us know, and we will do our best to accommodate your schedule.
What Is ASTM E662 Testing?
ASTM E662 is a standard that gauges a solid material's smoke production during a fire by measuring the optical density, not volume, of the smoke it produces. This type of optical density test is specific to solid materials and equipment up to 1 inch in thickness that rests in a vertical position.
This type of soot and smoke testing allows manufacturers to confirm that a material's smoke production falls within the standard's parameters.
Optical density refers to a substance's ability to transmit light. A substance with high optical density transmits little to no light, while a substance with low optical density is mostly transparent.
Smoke detectors read a room's atmosphere to determine the optical density because the presence of smoke will increase a room's optical density. This allows the smoke detector to alert occupants when there is danger.
The ASTM E662 smoke density test is a requirement in various industries and one aspect of transportation codes that apply to trains and buses, such as National Fire Protection Association 130 and 49 Code of Federal Regulations Part 238.
It also applies to military specifications like MIL-STD-1623 for Navy ships and submarines.
How Is Testing Performed?
This test is done at a certified laboratory with the amenities to support each of the assessment's components. VTEC Laboratories has the equipment and personnel capable of conducting this test accurately.
ASTM E662 soot and smoke testing consists of four stages:
- Specimen preparation
- Preconditioning
- Non-flaming condition
- Flaming condition
Specimen Preparation
After scheduling your test, send at least six samples of the material in question.
With this type of optical density test, we will examine a sample of no more than 3 inches by 3 inches by 1 inch. Each sample should be identical for the test's accuracy. If your material is available in multiple colors, we must evaluate each variation in separate tests.
Preconditioning and Conditioning
For the ASTM E662 smoke density test, your specimens will then undergo conditioning periods to set each sample at a consistent moisture level according to its weight.
During the first conditioning step, the specimens rest in an oven set within 5 degrees of 140 degrees Fahrenheit.
After 24 hours of the first step, we will move the samples into a conditioning environment set within 5 degrees of 73 degrees Fahrenheit and 5% of 50% relative humidity.
Non-Flaming Condition
Each specimen first undergoes non-flaming testing inside a “smoke density chamber.”
During this part of ASTM E662 soot and smoke testing, we will mount the specimen inside the chamber, then expose it to an electrical radiant heat source that's rated at 2.5 watts per centimeter squared. We then shine a light beam through the chamber.
Exposure lasts for 20 minutes or for three minutes after a minimum light transmittance value is reached. The smoke density can subsequently be calculated by measuring the obscuration of the light beam by the smoke using a photo sensor.
Flaming Condition
Next, we test the specimens under a flaming condition inside the same smoke density chamber with a light beam shining through.
During this portion of the ASTM E662 optical density test, we supplement the radiant energy source with evenly spaced flames from a tube burner.
The flame impinges on the bottom of the substrate. Like the non-flaming portion, the flaming portion lasts for 20 minutes or until three minutes after a minimum light transmittance value is reached.
How to Interpret the Results
The ASTM E662 smoke density test produces the following data for the non-flaming and flaming variations:
- Ds (1.5): Specific optical density after 1.5 minutes of exposure
- Ds (4.0): Specific optical density after four minutes of exposure
- Dm: Maximum specific optical density recorded during the examination
- Dm (corr.): Corrected maximum specific optical density during the examination
The compliance-specific optical density/soot and smoke testing figure that a material must display varies with the substance and industry. Dm (corr.) accounts for smoke deposit that may obscure the glass and light source.
Your organization can compare the ASTM E662 test's findings with industry-specific requirements to verify compliance.
Note that the results are specific to the material at its sample size. The material's performance may vary at smaller and larger sizes.
Common Applications of The Smoke Density Test
This optical density and flammability test is commonly needed to examine the smoke generation properties of coatings, construction products, materials and textiles. It’s often used for the construction industry, the railroad industry and the military sector.
Related Tests
The ASTM E662 smoke density test is frequently performed in combination with ASTM E162, which exposes materials to a radiant heat source in order to test their surface flammability.
By combining both tests, you can obtain a good overview of a material’s smoke generation properties, flame spread factor and heat evolution factor.
How Long Does the Testing Process Take?
At VTEC Labs, we have the ability to test your product quickly and comprehensively: just two weeks if you provide the test specimen.
If you don’t provide the test sample and instead give us instructions on how to fabricate the ASTM E662 test specimen, it will impact the turnaround time.
Once the specimen is ready, we will complete the optical density test and get the report to you in two days. The entire soot and smoke testing process typically takes approximately two weeks, but let us know if you need the test to be completed sooner, and we may be able to accommodate you.
Why Choose VTEC Labs for Commercial Flammability Testing?
At VTEC Laboratories, we have been providing top-of-the-line commercial testing services since 1982.
During that time, we have become one of the world’s leading commercial testing companies, even for ASTM E662 smoke density tests. We understand that our customers’ businesses depend on the correct and timely testing of their materials and, of course, on the accuracy and comprehensiveness of the results.
For this reason, we offer a wide range of high-quality standard testing services to meet the needs and regulations of numerous industries, from transportation to military.
Our engineers can also design custom tests, and field testing is available upon request. Finally, we’re dedicated to providing outstanding customer service, and our turnaround times are among the fastest in the industry.
We’re an ISO 17020, 17025 and 17065 accredited laboratory, plus, we’re accredited by A2LA and the New York City Housing Authority. In addition, we’re an approved vendor for NAVSEA, the Naval Surface Warfare Center, the U.S. Navy, the New York City Transit Authority and the Port Authorities of New York and New Jersey.
Recommended Tests to Pair with The ASTM E662 Optical Density Test:
- ASTM E162 - Surface Flammability Test
- ASTM E1354 - Cone Calorimeter Test
- BSS 7239 - Toxicity Test
- ASTM E648 - Critical Radiant Flux Test
- SMP-800C - Toxic Gas Generation Test
Learn More About VTEC Labs 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.