What is the difference between ASTM E84 and UL 723?

 

    - ASTM E84: Developed and administered by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International). ASTM is an international standards organization that develops testing methods and specifications for a variety of industries.

    - UL 723: Developed and administered by Underwriters Laboratories. UL is an independent product safety certification and testing organization, focusing on the safety performance evaluation of various products.

    - ASTM E84: Known as "Standard Test Methods for Flame Spread Index and Smoke Development Rate for Evaluation of Surface Burning Properties", often referred to as "Standard 84" or "Surface Burning Test".

    - UL 723: Known as "Test Standard for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials", often referred to as "UL 723" or "Surface Burning Test".

 

    - ASTM E84: Uses the vertical burn test to measure the rate of flame spread and smoke development of materials under standard flame exposure. This testing is typically performed in fume hood and shaft testing facilities.

    - UL 723: The vertical burn test is used to evaluate the flame spread and smoke suppression properties of materials, as well as their resistance to flame and smoke generated by the flame. Similar to ASTM E84, the UL 723 test also involves the measurement of the flame spread rate and smoke development rate of a sample under a standard flame exposure.

 

    - ASTM E84: No specific certification or marking. Test results are reported as Flame Spread Index and Smoke Developed Index.

    - UL 723: If the UL 723 test results meet the requirements, UL certification and marking can be obtained. Certified products can display the "UL Classified" or "UL Listed" logo on their logo.

 

Although ASTM E84 and UL 723 differ in some respects, their goals are similar, which is to evaluate the surface burning performance of building materials. Which standard to use depends on the requirements of the relevant industry, regulations and norms.