ASTM E84 Testing
The ASTM E84 test, also known as the Steiner tunnel test, assesses a building material's surface burning characteristics by rating its contribution to flame spread and smoke development.
ASTM E84 testing labs commonly get requests when manufacturers, architects, contractors, engineers and compliance teams need documentation for product qualification, material comparison, supplier requirements, internal safety review or code-related project submittals.
Building and interior finish materials may require this testing depending on the product type, intended use, project specification, and jurisdiction. While wall and ceiling materials are frequent specimens, this test also applies to elements like paints and sealants.
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What ASTM E84 Measures
ASTM E84 evaluates how a flame travels across the exposed surface of a material and how much smoke the specimen produces during controlled test conditions. The results provide comparative fire performance data that can help project teams understand how a product behaves when exposed to a flame.
The Steiner tunnel test does not approve a product for every application on its own. Instead, the results provide standardized fire performance data that can be evaluated alongside project requirements and applicable regulations when the standard is referenced by a project or authority having jurisdiction.
Surface Burning Characteristics Explained
These characteristics describe how the visible or exposed surface of a material responds during flame exposure. This is especially important for interior finish materials, construction assemblies and products that may be installed on large surface areas.
Here, ASTM E84 testing helps document two major concerns:
- How quickly flames spread across the specimen
- How much smoke develops during the test
These measurements are reported by the ASTM E84 testing labs as index values that buyers, specifiers and compliance teams can use when reviewing product requirements.
Materials Commonly Tested Under ASTM E84
ASTM E84 testing is commonly used for building and construction products where surface burning behavior must be documented. Materials that may be tested include:
- Wall and ceiling materials
- Interior finish products
- Insulation products
- Panels and composite boards
- Coatings, paints and surface treatments
- Sealants and adhesives
- Textiles and flexible materials
- Construction products used in regulated building applications
The appropriate Steiner tunnel test setup may depend on the material form, installation method and the documentation required for the project.
ASTM E84 Specimen Preparation
Before the ASTM E84 fire test begins, the specimen is prepared and mounted in a way that reflects the test requirements and, where applicable, the material’s intended installation.
Specimens may be tested unadhered, adhered to gypsum or adhered to glass fiber-reinforced concrete, but this depends on the product and the conditions in which it will be used.
Preparation can affect how the material is evaluated. Therefore, before the testing begins, you should be ready to discuss:
- The product type you need testing for
- The available sample size
- Mounting method
- Intended application
Steiner Tunnel Testing Procedure
Here’s the standardized testing procedure used in ASTM testing by ASTM E84 testing labs to evaluate a material’s surface burning characteristics under controlled conditions.
- Specimen Installation: The test specimen is prepared and mounted on a Steiner tunnel according to the applicable ASTM E84 requirements and mounting methods.
- Flame Exposure: A controlled flame source is applied at one end of the tunnel while airflow is maintained throughout the chamber under specified test conditions.
- Observation and Measurement: During the test, technicians monitor flame travel across the specimen surface and measure the smoke generated by the material.
- Data Collection: Test equipment records the information needed to calculate the Flame Spread Index (FSI) and Smoke Developed Index (SDI).
- Results Reporting: The final report documents the measured values and provides the ASTM E84 test results for the submitted specimen.
Flame Spread Index and Smoke Developed Index
The International Building Code (IBC) commonly references ASTM E84 results for certain building materials and interior finish applications. When ASTM E84 is required by a code, specification, or authority having jurisdiction, the test report provides Flame Spread Index (FSI) and Smoke Developed Index (SDI) values for the submitted specimen.
Steiner tunnel test results are reported using these two primary values.
FSI deals with flame spread testing. It measures how quickly flame travels across the material surface during the test. SDI reflects how much smoke the specimen generates under the test conditions.
These values are useful because they provide a documented way to show how the specimen’s surface behaves under test conditions and support review against project specifications, submittal requirements, or code-related documentation needs.
The values provided by ASTM E84 testing labs also give buyers a documented way to compare materials and respond to project requirements. FSI and SDI values may be used in product data sheets, architectural specifications, construction submittals, supplier documentation and code-related review packages.
ASTM E84 Classifications
Steiner tunnel test results may support Class A, Class B or Class C documentation depending on the reported Flame Spread Index.
- Class A: Flame Spread Index of 0 to 25
- Class B: Flame Spread Index of 26 to 75
- Class C: Flame Spread Index of 76 to 100
For a material to be associated with one of these classifications, the Smoke Developed Index is commonly expected to be 450 or lower. However, classification use depends on the applicable specification, project requirement and authority reviewing the documentation.
VTEC Laboratories reports test results based on the ASTM E84 test method. The results can help support classification or documentation needs, but they should be reviewed in the context of the material’s intended use and applicable requirements.
Building Codes That Reference ASTM E84 Testing
ASTM E84 is often referenced in building codes, construction specifications and IBC-related contexts for evaluating the surface burning characteristics of interior finish and construction materials.
Whether ASTM E84 testing is required depends on the material, application, installation location, project specification and local jurisdiction. For that reason, manufacturers and project teams should confirm the exact requirement before submitting samples for testing.
VTEC Laboratories can help clients understand the testing process and prepare for ASTM E84 testing, but final code interpretation and product acceptance are determined by the applicable authority, project team or reviewing body.
About the Steiner Tunnel Test
The Steiner tunnel has been used in North America for evaluating surface burning characteristics since the mid-20th century.
Labs use ASTM E84 testing for additional materials testing applications, such as meeting criteria set by the Underwriters Laboratories® (UL) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
The apparatus uses controlled burner flames and airflow to evaluate flame travel and smoke development during the test.
The tunnel is 24 feet long and 1.8 feet wide and features a removable top lid. During the test, the air moves through the tunnel at 240 feet per minute and the flame spread and smoke developed are observed through viewing windows.
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Related Fire Testing Standards
ASTM E84 is an important surface burning characteristics test, but some projects may require additional fire and flammability testing depending on the material or assembly.
Related standards may include NFPA 285 for exterior wall assemblies, ASTM E2768 for extended-duration surface burning characteristics, and ASTM E2924 for material or assemblies requiring additional surface burning evaluation. Other related tests may include smoke density, toxicity and cone calorimeter testing.
These related standards should not be treated as replacements for ASTM E84. Instead, they may be used alongside the Steiner tunnel test when a project, product type or specification requires broader fire performance documentation.
Recommended Tests to Pair With the Steiner Tunnel test
SMP-800C
Toxic Gas Generation Test
Industries Using ASTM E84 Testing
ASTM E84 testing is commonly used by manufacturers and project teams involved in construction, architecture, interiors, transportation, aerospace, manufacturing and material development.
The test may be relevant for companies producing wall systems, ceiling products, coatings, insulation, composites, decorative finishes, adhesives, sealants and other materials used in built environments.
It can also support research and development when teams need comparative data before finalizing a material or product design.
How to Request ASTM E84 Testing From VTEC Laboratories
To request ASTM E84 testing, contact VTEC Laboratories with as much project information as possible. Useful details include:
- Material or product type
- Intended application
- Target specification or project requirement
- Available sample dimensions
- Preferred mounting or installation details
- Whether testing is for R&D, submittals, code-related documentation, product qualification or supplier approval.
Contact VTEC Laboratories today to request a free quote or discuss ASTM E84 sample requirements with our testing team.
Learn More About Our 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, including custom testing, by contacting us online or calling us at (718) 542-8248.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ASTM E84 testing required by code?
ASTM E84 testing may be required when a building code, project specification, or authority having jurisdiction calls for surface burning characteristics data. Requirements depend on the material, application, installation location, occupancy type, and local jurisdiction.
How long does testing take?
At VTEC Laboratories, we typically deliver results in under two weeks after receiving samples and payment.
What’s the difference between Class A and Class C?
Class A, B, and C classifications are based on Flame Spread Index ranges. Class A has the lowest FSI range, while Class C has a higher FSI range. Whether a classification is acceptable depends on the material’s intended use, project specification, and applicable code requirements.
Can you fail an ASTM E84 test?
Not technically. ASTM E84, also known as the Steiner tunnel test, assigns a class based on flame spread and smoke development. ASTM E84 is generally reported through index values rather than a simple pass/fail result. Whether a reported FSI or SDI value meets requirements depends on the specification, code provision, or reviewing authority for the project.
What materials are commonly tested?
Wall panels, insulation, sealants, coatings, textiles, composite boards and surface treatments.
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Contact VTEC Laboratories for ASTM E84 Testing
Contact us online or call us at (718) 542-8248 to request an ASTM E84 testing quote or discuss sample requirements with our fire testing team.
VTEC Laboratories Inc.
Since 1982, VTEC Laboratories has provided fast, reliable testing services across aerospace, construction, and manufacturing. Based in New York, we offer ISO-accredited fire, weathering, industrial, and environmental testing delivered with speed, accuracy, and clear communication.
212 Manida Street, Bronx, NY 10474
Phone: 718-542-8248
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