On the Criteria for Smoldering Ignition in the CFR 1632 Cigarette Test for Mattresses.
On the Criteria for Smoldering Ignition in the CFR 1632
Cigarette Test for Mattresses.
(720 K)
Ohlemiller, T. J.
NIST TN 1601; NIST Technical Note 1601; 27 p. November
2008.
Keywords:
mattresses; smoldering ignition; cigarettes; fire tests;
regulations; ignition; bench scale tests; smoke
emissions; flammability; experiments; temperature;
smoldering combustion
Abstract:
The Sleep Products Safety Council is sponsoring a study
at NIST of the viability of a bench-scale version of CFR
1632 (cigarette ignition of mattresses). In the context
of this study, NIST was also asked by CPSC to look into
the criteria used to decide the outcome
(smoldering/non-smoldering) of such tests. Three markers
were examined in 241 bench-scale tests conducted to
date: existence of continued smoke emissions, extent of
"charred" area progression away from the cigarette and
the peak temperature of this charred area as seen by an
infrared thermometer. All three of these markers were
found to be useful in reaching an early decision as to
the outcome of a test but certain precautions are
necessary. Recommendations as to a viable procedure
using these markers are made.
Building and Fire Research Laboratory
National Institute of Standards and Technology
Gaithersburg, MD 20899