BRITISH STANDARD 476-12:

BS 476-12:
1991
1991
Incorporating
Corrigendum No. 1

Fire tests on building

materials and
structures —
Part 12: Method of test for ignitability of
products by direct flame impingement

ICS 13.220.50
BS 476-12:1991

Committees responsible for this

British Standard

The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by the Fire Standards
Policy Committee (FSM/-) to Technical Committee FSM/1, upon which the
following bodies were represented:

Association of British Roofing Felt Department of Transport (Marine Directorate)

Manufacturers Engineering Equipment and Materials Users’
Association of Building Component Association
Manufacturers Eurisol (UK) Mineral Wool Association
Association of Structural Fire Protection Fibre Building Board Organisation (FIDOR)
Contractors and Manufacturers Fibre Cement Manufacturers’ Association
British Cement Association Limited
British Fire Services’ Association Flat Glass Manufacturers’ Association
British Floor Covering Manufacturers’ Flat Roofing Contractors’ Advisory Board
Association Gypsum Products Development Association
British Plastics Federation Home Office
British Railways Board Institution of Fire Engineers
British Rigid Urethane Foam Manufacturers’ London Fire and Civil Defence Authority
Association Loss Prevention Council
British Wood Preserving and Damp-proofing Mastic Asphalt Council and Employers’
Association Federation
Chemical Industries’ Association National Council of Building Material
Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers’ Producers
Association National GRP Construction Federation
Concrete Society National House-building Council
Department of Education and Science RAPRA Technology Ltd.
Department of the Environment (Building Royal Institute of British Architects
Research Establishment) Steel Construction Institute
Department of the Environment (Construction Timber Research and Development
Directorate) Association
Department of the Environment (Property United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority
Services Agency) Warrrington Fire Research Centre
Department of the Environment for Northern Wood Wool Slab Manufacturers’ Association
Ireland

The following bodies were also represented in the drafting of the standard,
through subcommittees and panels:
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete Products Polyethylene Foam Insulation Association
Association Queen Mary College
British Carpet Manufacturers’ Association Suspended Ceilings Association
Ltd. Thermal Insulation Manufacturers’ and
British Steel Industry Suppliers’ Association (TIMSA)
GAMBICA (BEAMA Ltd.) Yarsley Technical Centre Ltd.
Phenolic Foam Manufacturers’ Association

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Fire Standards
Committee, was published
This
underBritish Standard,
the authority having
of the
been prepared
Standards under
Board andthe
comes
direction
into effectofon
the Fire Standards
Policy Committee,
30 August 1991 was published
under the authority of the
Standards Board and comes
© The
into British
effect on Standards Amendments issued since publication
Institution
30 August 19912014
Published by BSI Standards Amendments/corrigenda
Amd. No. Date issued since publication
Comments
Limited
© 2014
BSI 01-1999

Amd. No. Date Comments

The following BSI references
The following
relate BSI on
to the work references
this C1 March 2014 Information added to Foreword
relate to the work on this
standard:
standard: reference FSM/1
Committee
Committee
Draft reference
for comment FSM/1 DC
90/36346
Draft for comment 90/36346 DC
ISBN 0 580
ISBN 978 19833
0 580 2 0
85686
 BS 476-12:1991

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword ii
1 Scope 1
2 Definitions 1
3 Principle 1
4 Safety considerations 1
5 Apparatus 1
6 Conditioning and testing atmospheres 7
7 Ignition source application times 7
8 Specimens 7
9 Room ventilation 8
10 Procedure 8
11 Report 9
Appendix A Result sheet 12
Appendix B Use by specifiers 14
Figure 1 — Burner carriage 3
Figure 2 — Burner for ignition sources D and E 4
Figure 3 — Test frame with draught shields 5
Figure 4 — Restraining combs for thermoplastic and
flexible materials 6
Figure 5 — Surface ignition 10
Figure 6 — Bottom edge ignition 11
Table 1 — Specimen size and flame application times 7
Publication(s) referred to Inside back cover

© BSI
The 01-1999
British Standards Institution 2014 i
BS
BS 476-12:1991
476-12:1991

BS 476-12:1991 Foreword

Foreword
This part
The
Part of BS 476 is
British
Policy
haspublished by BSIunder
been prepared
Standards Institution.
Committee.
Standards Limited,ofunder
the direction licence
the Fire from
Standards

This
Whilststandard
this testhashasbeen
been superseded
designed to bygive
the current
informationBS EN on ISO 11925-2, but of
the performance it has
a
been retained based on legitimate need for the standards within
product in the early stages of a fire, it should not be considered or used by itself non-EU markets.
for describing
This Part of BSor476 appraising
has beenthe fire hazard
prepared under ofthe
a material,
directioncomposite
of the FireorStandards
assembly
under actual
Policy Committee.fire conditions. Neither should it be used as the sole source on which
a
Whilst this test has been designed to give information on the performance of aof
valid assessment of hazard pertaining to ignitability can be based. A series
second
productgeneration
in the early “reaction
stages oftoafire”
fire, tests are under
it should not bepreparation
considered or in used
ISO/TC 92,
by itself
Fire tests on building materials, components and structures.
for describing or appraising the fire hazard of a material, composite or assembly The
United Kingdom
under actual is participating
fire conditions. Neither in this
shouldwork, and
it be it isasintended
used the sole to offeron
source this test
which
for consideration.
a valid assessment of hazard pertaining to ignitability can be based. A series of
This
secondPart of BS 476“reaction
generation has beento produced
fire” tests in are
response
undertopreparation
the perceived need for92,
in ISO/TC tests
which will assess the response of building materials
Fire tests on building materials, components and structures. The and products to any of a
range of primary sources. The test regime does not involve
United Kingdom is participating in this work, and it is intended to offer this test the imposition on the
testconsideration.
for specimen of any irradiation other than that from the ignition source.
Although
This Part theof BSsources
476 has specified in the test
been produced have been
in response to chosen to represent
the perceived need forthetests
heating characteristics of a number of statistically important
which will assess the response of building materials and products to any of a real-life ignition
sources,
range of such as asources.
primary match flameThe testor electrical
regime does sources, they are
not involve theall flame sources,
imposition on the
some diffusion, some pre-mixed. These flame sources
test specimen of any irradiation other than that from the ignition source. are matched, as far as
practicable,
Although theinsources
terms of intensity
specified in and areahave
the test of heating and together
been chosen represent
to represent the a
range of both characteristics. In the long term, specifiers
heating characteristics of a number of statistically important real-life ignition may lay down
requirements
sources, such as related to particular
a match levels rather
flame or electrical thanthey
sources, requiring
are allall testssources,
flame to be
carried
some diffusion, some pre-mixed. These flame sources are matched, as far as of
out. This may require the provision of rules for re-testing if the results
testing differinfor
practicable, eachof
terms specimen.
intensityAn and example
area of of such rules
heating is given in
and together appendixa B.
represent
The
range of both characteristics. In the long term, specifiers may lay downinvolving
method has been subjected to a wide ranging interlaboratory trial
six laboratories
requirements and 26todifferent
related particular materials.
levels rather than requiring all tests to be
carried
Attentionout.is This
drawn may require
to the the and
Health provision
Safetyofatrules
Work foretc.
re-testing
Act 1974, if the
andresults
the need of
testing
to ensurediffer
thatfor
theeach specimen.
method of testAn example
specified inof such
this rules isis
standard given
carriedin appendix
out underB.
suitable
The method environmental conditions
has been subjected to atowide
provide adequate
ranging protection trial
interlaboratory to personnel
involving
against
six the risk and
laboratories of fire
26and inhalation
different of smoke and/or toxic products of
materials.
combustion.
Attention is drawn to the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and the need
Appendix A gives
to ensure that theamethod
recommended form of result
of test specified in thissheet.
standard is carried out under
suitable environmental conditions
A British Standard does not purport to include to provide adequate protectionprovisions
all the necessary to personnel of a
against the risk of fire and inhalation of smoke and/or toxic
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application. products of
combustion.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
Appendix A gives a recommended form of result sheet.
from legal obligations.
A British
This Standard
publication does
does notnot purport
purport to include
to include all all
thethe necessary
necessary provisions
provisions of aof a
contract. Users are responsible
of British for itsare
Standards correct application.
responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer
does not immunity
of itself from
confer immunity
legal obligations.
from legal obligations.

Summary of pages
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 14, an inside back cover and a back cover.
This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may have had
Summary
amendments ofincorporated.
pages This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
This document comprises a front cover, an inside front cover, pages i and ii,
pages 1 to 14, an inside back cover and a back cover.
ii This standard has been updated (see copyright date) and may
© The British have had
Standards © BSI 01-1999
Institution 2014
amendments incorporated. This will be indicated in the amendment table on
the inside front cover.
 BS 476-12:1991

1 Scope 2.8
constant mass
This Part of BS 476 describes a method of test for
the determination of the ignitability of materials, the state of a test specimen when two successive
composites and assemblies subjected to direct weighing operations, carried out at an interval
impingement of flames of different size and of 24 h, do not differ by more than 0.1 % of the mass
intensity but without impressed irradiance. of the specimen or 0.1 g, whichever is the greater
NOTE The titles of the publications referred to in this standard
are listed on the inside back cover. 3 Principle
Vertically held specimens are exposed to specified
2 Definitions flames of different sizes and intensities and their
For the purposes of this Part of BS 476, the ignition behaviour is observed. The flame is applied
following definitions apply. to the surface and/or a bottom edge on different
2.1 specimens.
sustained ignition
4 Safety considerations
after withdrawal of the ignition source, the presence
of a flame on the surface of the specimen that There are hazards with these tests and it is
persists for at least 10 s essential that adequate precautions are taken.
Particular attention should be paid to: the handling
2.2 of flammable gases; the evolution of potentially toxic
transient ignition gases; and the fact that extensive flaming of
after withdrawal of the ignition source, the specimens may occur.
appearance of flashes, or flames, which are not Between tests, the atmosphere of the testing room
sustained for a continuous 10 s (see 5.1) should be cleared of smoke and toxic gases
2.3 by an extractor fan or other means of ventilation.
progressive smouldering The required atmosphere for testing should be
an exothermic oxidation not accompanied by restored.
flaming which is self-propagating, i.e. independent Adequate means of extinguishing the specimen
of the ignition source, and may be accompanied by should be provided, bearing in mind that some
incandescence specimens may produce severe flaming during the
test. A hand and/or fixed water spray which can be
2.4
directed over the burning area should be available
flaming debris
with other means, such as fire extinguishers
matter flowing or separating from the specimen (see BS 5423) and fire blankets (see BS 6575).
during the test procedure and falling below the NOTE In some cases, smouldering may be difficult to
initial lower edge of the specimen and continuing to extinguish completely and immersion in water may be necessary.
flame as it falls
2.5 5 Apparatus
afterflame 5.1 Testing room. A room equipped with an
persistence of flaming of a specimen, under specified extractor fan or other means of ventilation and
test conditions, after the ignition source has been capable of providing a substantially drought-free
removed environment at between 10 °C and 30 °C and a
relative humidity of 50 ± 20 %.
2.6
NOTE 1 It is recommended that the testing room be divided
afterglow into two parts, the inner part for carrying out the tests and easily
persistence of glowing of a specimen, under specified viewed from the outer part in which control equipment would be
situated.
test conditions, after cessation of flaming or, if no NOTE 2 It has been found that a partially darkened room
flaming occurs, after removal of the ignition source assists with the perception of small surface flames.
2.7 For ignition sources D, E, F and G, either a testing
flame application time room with a minimum volume of 20 m3 is required,
the time (in seconds) for which the burner is in its or alternatively, a smaller enclosure with a through
final testing position flow of air. If the latter is used it shall be equipped
with inlet and extraction systems with air flow rates
between 0.02 m/s and 0.2 m/s in the locality of the
test specimen.

© BSI
The 01-1999
British Standards Institution 2014 1
BS 476-12:1991

These limits provide adequate oxygen without The flowmeter shall be calibrated to supply a
disturbing the burning behaviour. propane gas flow rate at 25 °C of 25 ± 2 mL/min.
NOTE 3 Testing with ignition sources A, B and C may be NOTE 2 Under these conditions the flame height is
carried out in either of these environments, or in a suitably approximately 12 mm. The ignition source is similar to those
ventilated fume cupboard. specified in BS 415 and BS 6458-2.2.
5.2 Propane supply and regulation. A supply of 5.3.2 Ignition source B. A burner tube consisting of
commercial propane complying with BS 4250-1 a length of stainless steel tube (8.0 ± 0.1 mm outside
connected to the ignition sources by the following. diameter, 6.5 ± 0.1 mm internal diameter
a) A cylinder regulator complying with BS 3016 and 200 ± 5 mm in length). The flowmeter shall be
with an outlet pressure of 1 bar1) absolute. calibrated to supply a propane gas flow rate at 25 °C
of 45 ± 2 mL/min.
b) An appropriate length of 5 mm internal
NOTE Under these conditions the flame height is
diameter high pressure hose to BS 3212. approximately 35 mm. This ignition source corresponds
c) Two flowmeters with integral needle valves approximately to that specified as butane flame ignition
and accuracies of ± 0.25 %, with flow ranges source 1 in BS 5852.
covering 25 mL/min to 160 mL/min and 1 L/min 5.3.3 Ignition source C. A burner tube consisting of
to 10 L/min, connected to a common manifold top a length of stainless steel tube (8.0 ± 0.1 mm outside
and bottom to allow measurement with either diameter, 6.5 ± 0.1 mm internal diameter
meter. and 200 ± 5 mm in length). The flowmeter shall be
d) A length of 5 mm internal diameter hose not calibrated to supply a propane gas flow rate at 25 °C
greater than 3.0 m in length to connect the of 160 ± 5 mL/min.
flowmeters to the burner carriage via a gas cock NOTE Under these conditions the flame height is
approximately 120 mm. This ignition source corresponds
mounted on the carriage. approximately to that specified as butane flame ignition source 2
e) A burner carriage consisting of a movable in BS 5852.
column which incorporates a 10 mm OD × 1 mm 5.3.4 Ignition source D. A gas burner comprising
wall stainless steel tube terminated by a a 185 mm long horizontal stainless steel
threaded boss to which the various burners can tube (12.0 mm outside diameter, 9.0 mm inside
be fixed (see Figure 1). diameter) closed at each end and fitted with a
NOTE Some difficulties have been reported with the supply and central gas supply pipe. The burner tube shall have
measurement of the propane particularly where the propane a row of 14 holes of 1.5 mm diameter at 12.5 mm
cylinder has, of necessity, to be stored in an environment cooler centres arranged so that the gas jets issue at an
than the defined test conditions and/or some distance from the
test rig. In these cases, and other situations where difficulties angle of 45° below the horizontal (see Figure 2). The
occur, it is important that there is a sufficient length of tubing flowmeter shall be calibrated to supply a propane
inside the controlled environment (10 °C to 30 °C) to ensure that gas flow rate at 25 °C of 2 L/min.
the propane equilibrates to the required temperature before flow
measurement. One way to assist this is to pass the propane NOTE Under these conditions the flame height is
(before flow measurement) through a metal tube immersed in approximately 240 mm. This burner corresponds approximately
water maintained at 25 °C. to the manifold specified in BS 476-6.
Great care also needs to be exercised with the measurement and 5.3.5 Ignition source E. A gas burner comprising
setting of the flow rate of the propane. Direct reading flow a 185 mm long horizontal stainless steel
meters, even those obtained with a direct propane calibration,
need to be checked when initially installed, and also at regular tube (12.0 mm outside diameter, 9.0 mm inside
intervals during testing, with a method capable of measuring diameter) closed at each end and fitted with a
accurately the absolute propane flow at the burner tube. One way central gas supply pipe. The burner tube shall have
of doing this is to connect the burner tube with a short length of a row of 14 holes of 1.5 mm diameter at 12.5 mm
tubing (about 7 mm internal diameter) to a soap bubble
flowmeter, such that the upward passage of a soap film meniscus centres arranged so that the gas jets issue at an
in a glass tube of calibrated volume (e.g. a burette) over a known angle of 45° below the horizontal (see Figure 2). The
period of time gives an absolute measurement of the flow. Fine flowmeter shall be calibrated to supply a propane
control valves which can each be preset to one of the desired
propane flow rates, with simple switching means from one to the
gas flow rate at 25 °C of 10 L/min.
other, have also proved helpful. NOTE Under these conditions the flame height is
approximately 780 mm. This burner corresponds approximately
5.3 Ignition sources to the manifold specified in BS 476-6.
5.3.1 Ignition source A. A burner consisting of a
stainless steel tube with a bore of 0.5 ± 0.1 mm and
with a minimum length of 35 mm.
NOTE 1 A hypodermic syringe, with the tapered end cut off
square and cleanly, has been found suitable.

1)
1 bar = 105 N/m2 = 105 Pa.

2 © BSI 01-1999
© The British Standards Institution 2014
 BS 476-12:1991

5.3.6 Ignition source F. A mild steel nickel plated NOTE Information on a commercially available burner
burner (nominally 15.75 mm outside complying with this description is available from Customer
Information, BSI, Linford Wood, MK14 6LE. No flowmeter is
diameter, 13.5 mm internal diameter and 66.6 mm required and the flame height will be approximately 110 mm.
in length) with four pre-mixing air holes each
nominally 20 mm × 3 mm and each
nominally 40 mm from the burner end, and spaced
equidistant from each other.

Figure 1 — Burner carriage

© BSI
The 01-1999
British Standards Institution 2014 3
BS 476-12:1991

Figure 2 — Burner for ignition sources D and E

5.3.7 Ignition source G. A mild steel nickel plated 5.6 Burner carriage and tube. The ignition source
burner (nominally 38.1 mm outside (see 5.3) shall be mounted on a burner support tube
diameter, 34 mm internal diameter and 98.3 mm in fitted to the burner carriage (see Figure 1). The tube
length) with 10 pre-mixing air holes each shall be equipped with means to allow vertical
nominally 30 mm × 5 mm and each adjustment of the ignition source position as
nominally 63 mm from the burner end, and spaced required by the various tests. The burner carriage
equidistant from each other. shall be designed in such a way that the distance
NOTE Information on a commercially available burner between the burner and the specimen is obtained
complying with this description is available from Customer accurately, reproducibly and automatically, and
Information, BSI, Linford Wood, MK14 6LE. No flowmeter is manufactured so that the ignition source can be
required and the flame height will be approximately 230 mm.
brought into the prescribed position smoothly and
5.4 Test frame. A horizontal steel platform to which within 1 s.
a sliding burner carriage and burner tube are
attached. At one end of the platform, means shall be 5.7 Timer. Capable of being read to 0.1 s and
provided to maintain the specimen holder in a preferably with a suitable audible warning device.
vertical position (see Figure 3). 5.8 Restraining combs. Two restraining combs
NOTE Because of the corrosive conditions of testing and (see Figure 4), consisting of mild steel flat
extinguishing, it is suggested that the frame be constructed of bars, 4 mm thick and 20 mm deep, through which
stainless steel. prongs of mild steel, 2.5 mm thick and 300 mm long,
5.5 Specimen holder. The vertical specimen holder are passed. One comb may be attached to the test
shall be capable of accommodating the largest size of frame via bolts and using wing nuts at a distance at
specimen. Specimens shall be gripped at intervals least 75 mm below the specimen; the prongs on this
along both vertical edges. comb shall be positioned at 100 mm centres. The
For narrower specimens, holders may be designed to back comb shall be capable of being attached to the
fit within the widest holder in order to provide a front comb using nuts and 60 mm long bolts; this
common position for testing. comb shall have 5 prongs at 100 mm centres
and 50 mm from each end.

4 © BSI 01-1999
© The British Standards Institution 2014
 BS 476-12:1991

Figure 3 — Test frame with draught shields

© BSI
The 01-1999
British Standards Institution 2014 5
BS 476-12:1991

Figure 4 — Restraining comb for thermoplastic and flexible materials

6 © BSI 01-1999
© The British Standards Institution 2014
 BS 476-12:1991

5.9 Draught shields. Draught shields of 9 mm thick 8.2 Number and cutting
non-combustible board, triangular in shape, with a Take a minimum of six full thickness representative
base of approximately 500 mm and specimens for each ignition source to be applied and
approximately 750 mm in height shall be provided each flame application time (three for surface
for use with ignition sources A, B and C. One shield ignition and three for bottom edge ignition). If the
shall be positioned on each side of the test frame and material under test is asymmetric through its
adjacent to it (see Figure 3). thickness, and in practice either face may be
exposed to a source of ignition, test a separate series
6 Conditioning and testing of specimens on each face. Similarly, for materials
atmospheres which are chemically or physically not uniform in
Before testing, the specimens shall be conditioned to any other plane, test by as many series of specimens
constant mass at a temperature of 23 ± 2 °C and a as needed to represent the actual behaviour of the
relative humidity of 50 ± 5 %. material when exposed to the various ignition
sources.
Testing shall be carried out in an atmosphere with
a temperature of 20 ± 10 °C. Most composite materials and many homogeneous
ones are installed with covered edges, and edge
7 Ignition source application times ignition tests shall be carried out on specimens of
this form. If such materials may be used with
The flame application times to be used for each unprotected edges they shall be tested in this form.
ignition source shall be as shown in Table 1.
NOTE 1 To take an extreme sample, a composite material with
Table 1 — Specimen size and flame application a grain/material direction and asymmetrical through its
times thickness, which could be installed with edges protected or
otherwise, would require 8 sets of 3 specimens for bottom edge
Ignition Specimen size Flame application times ignition and 4 sets of 3 specimens for face ignition, for each
source (see 2.7) chosen ignition exposure in order to characterize its ignition
behaviour.
mm s s s s
Where materials will be fixed to substrates in
A 100 × 150 1 5 20 120
practice, analogous procedures shall be used to
B 100 × 150 1 5 20 40 prepare test specimens.
C 300 × 300 1 5 20 40 NOTE 2 Care is needed when preparing specimens for bottom
edge exposure of materials applied to substrates since in practice
D 500 × 750 — 5 60 180 the substrate may extend beyond the bottom of the material to be
tested and not itself be subject to edge exposure. The
E 500 × 1 200 — 5 60 180 configuration of the test specimen should reflect the practical
aspects of such factors as type of substrate, fixing to substrate
F 300 × 300 1 5 20 40 and presence and form of joints.
G 500 × 750 — 5 60 180 8.3 Suitability of a product for testing
NOTE Whilst it is possible to test a product against the 8.3.1 An essentially flat product having one of the
complete matrix of sources and times it is recognized that a
more economic approach would be to select a limited number of
following characteristics is suitable for evaluation
combinations. Such an approach is likely in any performance by this method:
specification using this method. a) an essentially flat exposed surface;
b) a surface irregularity that is evenly distributed
8 Specimens over the exposed surface provided that:
8.1 Size 1) at least 50 % of the surface of a
The specimen size shall be as shown in Table 1, with representative square area
a tolerance of + 0, – 5 mm. In its usual form, the of 250 mm × 250 mm lies within a depth
apparatus is able to accommodate specimens up to a of 6 mm from a plane taken across the highest
maximum thickness of 50 mm. If thicker specimens points on the exposed surface; or
are required to be tested, appropriate modifications 2) for a surface containing cracks, fissures or
to the specimen holder and rest position of the holes which do not exceed 6.5 mm in width
burner carriage shall be made. nor 10 mm in depth, the total area of such
cracks, fissures or holes at the surface does not
exceed 30 % of a representative square area
of 250 mm × 250 mm of the exposed surface.

© BSI
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British Standards Institution 2014 7
BS 476-12:1991

8.3.2 Where a product has areas of its surface which Record for each specimen, for each ignition source
are distinctly different, but each of these separate and for each flame application time:
areas can satisfy the surface characteristics a) whether a sustained ignition
described in 8.3.1, then more than one test shall be (greater than 10 s, see 2.1) or transient ignition
conducted to fully evaluate the product. (less than 10 s, see 2.2) occurs;
8.3.3 When an exposed surface does not comply with b) whether debris separates and whether it is
the conditions of either item a) or b) of 8.3.1, the flaming or glowing;
product may be tested in a modified form with an
c) whether flaming (or glowing) reaches any edge
essentially flat exposed surface and this shall be
within 10 s of the end of the flame application
stated in the report.
time;
9 Room ventilation d) whether flaming (or glowing) reaches any edge
during application of the ignition source.
Before any specimen is tested, ventilate the testing
room or fume cupboard to ensure removal of 10.3.2 Ignition sources F and G
combustion gases from previous tests and allow Apply the flame from the ignition source to the face
adequate time for air movement to cease or to of the specimen at an angle of 90° so that the axis of
reduce to the limits given in 5.1. the burner is on the vertical centre line of the
specimen, and 150 mm (ignition source F)
10 Procedure or 300 mm (ignition source G) above the bottom
10.1 Specimen mounting edge and the end of the burner tube is 90 mm
(ignition source F) or 70 mm (ignition source G)
Mount a specimen in the specimen holder (5.5). from the face of the specimen [see Figure 5(b)].
10.2 Restraint system Simultaneously start the clock. After the specified
With some materials, particularly those which are application time (see Table 1) remove the burner by
flexible at ambient temperature or which flex under withdrawing it smoothly from the specimen
the action of heat, it is necessary to restrain the within 1 s.
larger specimens in order to maintain their surface Record for each specimen, for each ignition source
at the specified distance from the burner tube and for each flame application time:
orifice. This can be achieved by use of a restraining a) whether a sustained ignition
comb system as shown in Figure 4. The combs (5.8) (greater than 10 s, see 2.1) or transient ignition
clamp the specimen between their off-set prongs. (less than 10 s, see 2.2) occurs;
The procedure for their use is as follows: b) whether debris separates and whether it is
a) clamp the first comb to the test frame flaming or glowing;
(Figure 4); c) whether flaming (or glowing) reaches any edge
b) mount the specimen in the test frame; with 10 s of the end of the flame application time;
c) clamp the second comb to the first comb so that d) whether flaming (or glowing) reaches any edge
the specimen is sandwiched between the prongs during application of the ignition source.
of the two combs (Figure 4);
10.4 Bottom edge ignition
d) apply the ignition sources following the
Apply the flame from ignition sources A, B, C, D and
procedure given in 10.3 and 10.4 using a fresh
E at an angle of 45° to the bottom edge of the
specimen for each ignition source and flame
specimen, with the end of the burner tube
application time.
positioned 5 mm below the bottom edge and 5 mm
10.3 Face ignition from the face of the specimen as shown in
10.3.1 Ignition sources A, B, C, D and E Figure 6(a).
Apply the flame from the ignition source to the face For ignition sources F and G, apply the flame to the
of the specimen at an angle of 45° so that the axis of bottom edge of the specimen at an angle of 90° to the
the burner is on the vertical centre line of the specimen face and at a distance of 90 mm
specimen, and 30 mm above the bottom edge, and and 70 mm for ignition sources F and G respectively
the end of the burner tube is 5 mm from the face of as shown in Figure 6(b). Simultaneously start the
the specimen [see Figure 5(a)]. Simultaneously start clock. After the specified application time
the clock. After the specified application time (see Table 1) remove the burner by withdrawing it
(see Table 1) remove the burner by withdrawing it smoothly from the specimen within 1 s.
smoothly from the specimen within 1 s.

8 © BSI 01-1999
© The British Standards Institution 2014
 BS 476-12:1991

Record for each specimen, for each ignition source 11 Test report
and for each flame application time:
The test report shall include the following:
a) whether a sustained ignition
a) reference to this British Standard,
(greater than 10 s, see 2.1) or transient ignition
i.e. BS 476-12:1991;
(less than 10 s, see 2.2) occurs;
b) whether debris separates and whether it is b) identification and description of the product
flaming or glowing; tested including its colour, thickness and density;
c) for each specimen, the information recorded in
c) whether flaming (or glowing) reaches any edge
accordance with clause 10, separately for face
within 10 s of the end of the flame application
and edge exposure;
time;
d) any special features noted during the test;
d) whether flaming (or glowing) reaches any edge
during application of the ignition source. e) the statement: “The test results relate only to
the behaviour of the test specimens of the product
under the particular conditions of test; they are
not intended to be the sole criterion for assessing
the potential fire hazard of the product in use”.
NOTE It is recommended that use be made of the result sheet
shown in appendix A.

© BSI
The 01-1999
British Standards Institution 2014 9
BS 476-12:1991

Figure 5 — Surface ignition

10 © BSI 01-1999
© The British Standards Institution 2014
 BS 476-12:1991

Figure 6 — Bottom edge ignition

© BSI
The 01-1999
British Standards Institution 2014 11
BS 476-12:1991

Appendix A Result sheet

Name of Laboratory Laboratory Ref. No.

Address

Tel. No Date of test

Telex No Telefax No.

Report of test in accordance with BS 476-12:1991 Ignitability of products by direct flame impingement
Sponsor

Address

Manufacturer/Supplier (if known)

Description of product (including thickness and density)

12 © BSI 01-1999
© The British Standards Institution 2014
 BS 476-12:1991

Results: I = Ignition occurred

T = Transient ignition
N = Ignition did not occur
W = Flaming or glowing to edge during application of ignition source or within 10 s of its
removal
Where flaming or glowing occurred, duration recorded in brackets (in seconds)

SURFACE APPLICATION

Flame application time (s)

1 5 20 40 60 120/180 Observations
Specimen 123 123 123 123 123 123
Ignition
source

© BSI
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British Standards Institution 2014 13
BS 476-12:1991

Results: I = Ignition occurred

T = Transient ignition
N = Ignition did not occur
W = Flaming or glowing to edge during application of ignition source or within 10 s of its
removal

Where flaming or glowing occurred, duration recorded in brackets (in seconds)

BOTTOM EDGE APPLICATION

Flame application time (s)

1 5 20 40 60 120/180 Observations
Specimen 123 123 123 123 123 123
Ignition
source

Appendix B Use by specifiers

It is expected that, with experience, specifiers will make use of this Part of BS 476 by requiring that a
product does not ignite when tested by a specific ignition source for a specific flame application time.
For example, it may be decided that for a particular end use, the product should not ignite when tested by
source G for 60 s by face ignition.
In this case, it would be necessary to specify that the test should be carried out and none of the three
specimens should ignite.
Because of the recognized variability of fire performance and fire tests, however, it may be appropriate to
consider what action should be taken in the event of a single specimen igniting. This may be considered as
an outlier and it may be acceptable to require that an additional three specimens be tested. If none of these
additional specimens ignite, then the product could be accepted as complying with the specifier’s
requirement.

14 © BSI 01-1999
© The British Standards Institution 2014
 BS 476-12:1991

Publication(s) referred to

BS 415, Specification for safety requirements for mains-operated electronic and related apparatus for
household and similar general use.
BS 476, Fire tests on building materials and structures.
BS 476-6, Method of test for fire propagation for products.
BS 3016, Specification for pressure regulators and automatic changeover devices for liquefied petroleum
gases.
BS 3212, Specification. Flexible rubber tubing and hose (including connections where fitted and safety
recommendations) for use in LPG vapour phase and LPG/air installations.
BS 4250, Liquefied petroleum gas.
BS 4250-1, Specification for commercial butane and propane.
BS 5423, Specification for portable fire extinguishers.
BS 5852, Methods of test for assessment of the ignitability of upholstered seating by smouldering and
flaming ignition sources.
BS 6458, Fire hazard testing for electrotechnical products.
BS 6458-2, Methods of test.
BS 6458-2.2, Needle flame test.
BS 6575, Specification for fire blankets.

© BSI
The 01-1999
British Standards Institution 2014 15
NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW

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