What is the difference between ASTM E119 and NFPA 252?

ASTM E119 and NFPA 252 are both test standards used to evaluate the fire performance of building materials and components, but they differ in some respects. The following is a detailed summary of the major differences between them:

 

1. Standard-setting organization:

   - ASTM E119: ASTM E119 is a standard developed by the American Society for Testing and Materials, also known as "Standard Test Methods for Evaluating the Fire Resistance of Building Materials and Components".

   - NFPA 252: NFPA 252 is a standard developed by the National Fire Protection Association (National Fire Protection Association) to evaluate the fire resistance of wood frame doors.

2. test object:

   - ASTM E119: ASTM E119 is widely used to evaluate the fire performance of a variety of building materials and components including, but not limited to, walls, floors, roofs, structural framing, and load-bearing structural elements.

   - NFPA 252: NFPA 252 is primarily used to evaluate the fire performance of wood-framed doors, including single and double doors.

 

3. Specimen and evaluation requirements:

   - ASTM E119: The ASTM E119 standard requires specimens to maintain integrity, stability, and insulation under fire conditions. It evaluates the fire resistance of the specimen, including its ability to protect against flame, smoke, and high temperature radiation.

   - NFPA 252: The NFPA 252 standard evaluates the flame spread performance of wood-framed doors. It requires that the door not propagate flames and limit the propagation of smoke and noxious gases for a specified period of time.

 

4. flame exposure conditions:

   - ASTM E119: The ASTM E119 test simulates real fire conditions, focusing on the effects of flames and heat radiation. Specimens will be exposed to flames and high temperatures to evaluate their resistance to fire.

   - NFPA 252: NFPA 252 tests the ability of a specimen to propagate flames in a fire, focusing on flame spread on doors.

 

5. Fire Resistance Rating:

   - ASTM E119: The ASTM E119 standard rates members and categorizes them according to how long they maintain integrity, stability, and insulation during testing. It does not specify fire resistance ratings.

   - NFPA 252: The NFPA 252 standard specifies fire resistance ratings for different types of doors for specific periods of time, such as 20 minutes, 45 minutes, 60 minutes, and so on. These ratings indicate that the door is capable of resisting flame spread for a specific period of time.

 

6. Certifications and Scope of Application:

   - ASTM E119: The ASTM E119 test is usually performed by an independent third-party laboratory and there is no specific certification body. It is applicable to different types of building materials and components and is used to evaluate the overall fire safety performance of a building.

   - NFPA 252: NFPA 252 testing is typically performed by an independent third-party laboratory and has no specific certification body. It applies primarily to wood-frame doors, such as room-dividing and entrance/exit doors in residential and commercial buildings.

 

It is important to note that ASTM E119 and NFPA 252 are standard test methods in the U.S. and may have different test standards and requirements in other countries or regions. If you need detailed information about the fire test standards in a specific country or region, please refer to the relevant local codes and specifications.