Flame combustion time testing service

Flame Combustion Time Testing Service – Quantifying Fire Resistance and Flammability for Brazilian Safety Compliance

As an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited independent testing laboratory, we provide precise flame combustion time testing services to Brazilian manufacturers, importers, and regulatory compliance teams. Combustion time – the duration for which a material continues to burn after ignition – is a critical fire‑safety parameter for textiles, building materials, automotive interiors, electrical enclosures, and consumer goods. Our test protocols measure flame spread rate, afterflame time, afterglow time, and dripping behaviour under controlled laboratory conditions. All methods are aligned with ABNT NBR standards, UL 94, IEC 60695‑11‑10, ISO 3795, and ASTM D6413, and are recognised by INMETRO (for product safety certification), ANVISA (for healthcare textiles), ABNT (technical compliance), and Brazilian fire brigades for building material approvals. With traceable ignition sources, calibrated timers, and repeatable test conditions, we deliver the accurate data you need to meet Brazil’s strict fire safety regulations and protect end‑users.

Product Samples We Regularly Test for Flame Combustion Time

Our fire laboratory accommodates a diverse range of materials and finished products. Typical test specimens include:

• Textiles and upholstery fabrics – curtain fabrics, furniture coverings, mattress ticking, and automotive interior textiles
• Plastics and polymer components – electronic housings, switchgear enclosures, cable insulation, and pipe fittings
• Building and construction materials – thermal insulation foams, wall panels, roofing membranes, and acoustic tiles
• Wiring and cables – single‑core and multi‑core electrical cables, harnesses, and flexible cords
• Personal protective equipment (PPE) – flame‑retardant coveralls, welding aprons, firefighter gloves, and balaclava hoods
• Furniture and bedding – foam cushions, mattress covers, and laminated wood composites
• Transportation components – aircraft seat materials, railway upholstery, and bus interior panels

Textiles and Upholstery Fabrics – Vertical and Horizontal Flame Test (ISO 3795 / ABNT NBR 14641)

• Vertical flame spread and afterflame time (ISO 15025 / ABNT NBR 14641) – We mount conditioned fabric specimens (200 mm × 80 mm) vertically in a test cabinet and apply a standard flame (20 mm height) to the lower edge for 10 seconds. After removing the burner, we measure the afterflame time (seconds that the specimen continues to burn) and the afterglow time (seconds of glowing combustion). The flame spread rate (mm/min) is calculated from the burn length. These parameters are critical for curtain and upholstery materials in Brazilian public buildings and transport vehicles.
• Horizontal burning rate (ISO 3795 / ABNT NBR 14810) – For automotive interior materials, we clamp specimens horizontally and expose one end to a gas flame for 15 seconds. The time taken for the flame to travel a specified distance (254 mm) is recorded; the burning rate is expressed in mm/min. A burning rate exceeding 100 mm/min is typically considered unacceptable for Brazilian vehicle interior components.
• Dripping and melting behaviour assessment – During both vertical and horizontal tests, we observe and record any flaming droplets or molten particles that fall from the specimen. The number of drips and whether they ignite the underlying cotton indicator are reported. This is particularly important for textiles containing thermoplastic fibres, as drip ignition can propagate fire.
• Effect of washing and abrasion on combustion time – For textiles intended for reusable protective clothing, we perform 5 or 10 wash/dry cycles (per ISO 6330) before flame testing. We then repeat the combustion time measurement and report the change (typically an increase in afterflame time indicates depletion of flame‑retardant finish). This data helps Brazilian PPE manufacturers guarantee performance over the garment’s service life.

Plastics and Electronic Enclosures – Horizontal and Vertical Burning Classification (UL 94 / IEC 60695‑11‑10)

• UL 94 V‑0, V‑1, V‑2 vertical burning test – We prepare standard bar specimens (125 mm × 13 mm × thickness) and condition them at 23 °C and 50 % RH for 48 hours. The specimen is mounted vertically and exposed to a specified flame (50 W, 20 mm high) for two 10‑second applications. After each application, we measure the afterflame time (t1 and t2), the total afterflame time for five specimens, and whether flaming particles ignite the cotton indicator. Classification is assigned as V‑0 (afterflame ≤ 10 s, no dripping), V‑1 (≤ 30 s, no dripping), or V‑2 (≤ 30 s, with dripping that ignites cotton). This is mandatory for electrical housings and connectors imported to Brazil under INMETRO certification.
• Horizontal burning (HB) classification per UL 94 – For less flame‑sensitive plastics, we perform the horizontal test on three specimens. The flame is applied to the end of the specimen for 30 seconds; the time to reach a reference mark (25 mm and 100 mm) is recorded. The burning rate is calculated; a rate ≤ 40 mm/min for thickness < 3 mm qualifies as HB class, which is acceptable for low‑risk applications.
• Glow‑wire and needle‑flame correlation – For components used in Brazilian appliances, we also measure the glow‑wire ignition temperature (GWIT) and glow‑wire flammability index (GWFI) per IEC 60695‑2‑10 to complement the combustion time data. We provide a comprehensive fire‑safety profile that includes both direct flame and hot‑wire exposure results.
• Effect of specimen thickness and colour – We test multiple thicknesses (e.g., 0.8 mm, 1.6 mm, 3.2 mm) and different pigment formulations because these factors influence combustion time. Our report includes a thickness‑dependent classification to help moulders select appropriate grades for their specific application.

Cables and Wiring – Vertical Flame Propagation and Smoke Extinction (IEC 60332‑1 / ABNT NBR 13249)

• Single cable vertical flame test (IEC 60332‑1‑2 / ABNT NBR 13249) – We mount a cable specimen (600 mm length) vertically in a metal chamber and apply a 1 kW flame (with a blue cone of 10‑12 mm) to the underside of the cable for 60 seconds. We measure the afterflame time (in seconds) and the maximum distance to which the flame has propagated (in mm) above the lower mark. The test is considered passed if the charred length does not reach the upper mark (typically 50 mm from the upper clamp) and if the afterflame extinguishes within 60 seconds after flame removal.
• Flame propagation for bundles (IEC 60332‑3‑24) – For cables installed in trays or bundles, we perform a bunched cable test where multiple cables are arranged in a vertical ladder and subjected to a 20‑minute flame application. We measure the charred length and compare it to the required maximum (e.g., ≤ 2.5 m for Category A). This is critical for Brazilian power plants and large industrial installations.
• Smoke emission and acidity during combustion – In parallel with the flame test, we measure the light transmittance (smoke density) and the pH of combustion gases (for halogen content) per IEC 60754‑1 and IEC 61034‑2. These parameters are often required alongside combustion time for cable approval in enclosed Brazilian spaces (e.g., tunnels, high‑rise buildings).
• Insulation and sheath material type verification – We also identify the polymer type (PVC, XLPE, LSZH) by infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to ensure that the test results are consistent with the claimed material; this helps Brazilian importers verify that suppliers have not substituted a less flame‑resistant compound.

Building Insulation and Construction Materials – Surface Spread of Flame and Burn‑Through Time

• Surface flame spread test (ASTM E84 / ABNT NBR 15394 adapted) – For thermal insulation foams and wall panels, we determine the flame spread index (FSI) and smoke‑developed index (SDI) using a horizontal tunnel furnace. The test records the time to reach specific flame front positions; the combustion time is expressed as the average time for the flame to travel 1.5 m. An FSI ≤ 25 is required for low‑risk building materials in Brazilian commercial buildings.
• Burn‑through time and heat release rate (ISO 5660‑1 cone calorimeter) – We conduct cone calorimeter tests at an incident heat flux of 50 kW/m² to measure the time to ignition (TTI) and the peak heat release rate (pHRR). The combustion time is defined as the duration from ignition to flame extinction. This is particularly useful for assessing the fire growth potential of polyurethane and phenolic foams used in Brazilian construction.
• Drip and melt behaviour of foams – During the vertical foam test, we observe and record the formation of molten droplets. The time to first drip and the total combustion time of the melt are reported, as dripping can create secondary ignition points – a critical concern for materials used in ceiling and wall cavities.
• Effect of ageing and humidity on combustion time – For building materials exposed to tropical humidity, we condition specimens at 40 °C and 95 % RH for 7 days before testing. The resulting combustion time is compared to the baseline; any increase greater than 20 % is flagged as a warning for moisture‑sensitive insulation.

Protective Clothing and PPE – Heat Transmission and Afterflame (ISO 11612 / ABNT NBR 16005)

• Limited flame spread test for protective clothing (ISO 15025) – We test flame‑retardant coveralls and aprons using Method A (surface ignition) and Method B (edge ignition). After flame application (10 seconds), we measure the afterflame time, afterglow time, and whether the flame penetrates to the back of the specimen. For Brazilian PPE certification, afterflame must be ≤ 2 seconds for both methods – any longer is deemed a failure.
• Heat transfer (radiant and convective) after flame exposure – We measure the heat transfer index (HTI) by exposing the fabric to a radiant heat source (20 kW/m²) and recording the time for the temperature to rise by 12 °C and 24 °C on the back side. The combustion time is only one aspect; we combine it with HTI to give a comprehensive thermal protection rating.
• Mannequin flash‑fire test (optional, ASTM F1930) – For high‑risk PPE, we perform instrumented mannequin tests where the garment is exposed to a gas‑fired flash‑fire (2‑3 seconds). We record the total burn time (flame duration on the mannequin surface) and the percentage of body area that receives second‑degree burns. The measured flame combustion time on the garment is correlated with the predicted skin burn injury, providing the most realistic assessment for Brazilian firefighters and industrial workers.
• Resistance to repeated washing and ironing – We repeat the flame combustion time after multiple washing cycles (per ISO 6330) and after ironing to assess durability of the flame‑retardant finish. The results are reported as retention percentages, ensuring that the PPE remains safe throughout its usable life.

Report Acceptance & Compliance with Brazilian Regulatory Bodies

All flame combustion time tests described above are performed within the framework of our ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditation, using calibrated gas flowmeters, thermocouples, and digital timers traceable to national standards. Our test chambers are verified daily with reference standard materials (e.g., methanamine discs or specified calibration panels) to ensure reproducibility. The final test reports include: a clear description of the test method and reference standard, sample conditioning details, individual and average afterflame and afterglow times (in seconds), burning rates (mm/min), flame propagation lengths, observations of drip and melt behaviour, photographic records of the specimen before and after the test, a classification or pass/fail verdict against the specified requirement, and an uncertainty statement for timing measurements (±0.5 s) and flame dimensions. These reports are widely accepted by INMETRO for product certification of electrical and consumer goods, by ABNT for normative compliance, by ANVISA for flame‑resistant medical textiles, by Brazilian building authorities for construction permits, and by fire departments for safety approvals in public venues. Bilingual (Portuguese/English) versions are available to facilitate submissions to regulatory agencies and audits by your customers. With our rigorous combustion time testing, you can confidently demonstrate that your products meet Brazil’s fire safety standards, protecting both property and lives.