Ignition Sources In Room Fire Tests And Some Implications For Flame Spread Evaluation

Large scale room/corner fire test methods permit evaluation of the reaction to fire of wall and ceiling finish materials in configurations and under exposure conditions representative of end use. The response of a lining material depends directly on the exposure conditions imposed on the material, so selection of an appropriate ignition source intensity and location is essential for realistic appraisal of fire performance. A number of experiments have been conducted to evaluate the effects of heat release rate and ignition source location on the heat flux distribution imposed on lining materials in room/corner fire tests. Results of these experiments are reported and some implications for room/corner fire test methods and for flame spread prediction are discussed.