EPDM & Neoprene Rubber

BRP offers flame and smoke resistant neoprene and EPDM along with self-extinguishing Neoprene & EPDM rubber. With increasing awareness surrounding public safety, conformance with fire safety specifications is essential for businesses in North America. Flame propagation testing falling under the ASTM C 1166 Standard Test Method for Flame Propagation of Dense and Cellular Elastomeric Gaskets and Accessories is often required.

Testing is conducted on all elastomeric materials employed in parts having surface areas of 16 inches² (100 cm²) or more. Materials such as wiring slings in computer networking applications, weather seals, window gaskets, or diaphragms – all products conforming to ASTM C -1166 are tailored to meet a wide range of needs.

Flame propagation evaluates the extent to which flame spreads when exposed to heat and flame. Flame and smoke resistant neoprene & EPDM rubber manufactured at BRP meet or exceed the guidelines set forth by ASTM C 1166. This requires that cellular and dense elastomers be exposed to a Bunsen burner with a specified flame for 5 to 15 minutes respectively.

FST (Flame Smoke and Toxicity)

Whether it be automobiles, rail, subways or any other form of human conveyance there are ever-increasing concerns for safety in relation to fire smoke, and toxicity.

Interior trim, various extruded seals in windows and floors, seating, cable retainers, and covers are places where flame, smoke, or toxicity products are often specified.

Rail carriers, commercial aircraft and mass transit continue to specify certified for passenger safety and long term toxic health issues.

In the event of a fire, these specifications are designed to allow passengers the time needed to evacuate the conveyance safely. Sheet and extrusion manufacturer must always observe the fine balance between flame retardance and low rates of smoke generation.

BRP Manufacturing, by independent test, has established just the right balance required.

As a quick overview of the BRP Manufacturing specifications and requirements are noted here.

NFPA 130 Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems

This standard specifies fire protection and life safety requirements for underground, surface, and elevated fixed guideway transit and passenger rail systems.

The guideline’s purpose is to provide fire protection and safety requirements for underground, surface and elevated rail systems. This also includes emergency ventilation systems and other systems that are crucial in case of a fire. “The purpose of NFPA 130 is to provide realistic degrees of safety in the event of a fire”.

As part of NFPA 130, the following BRP Manufacturing Company Specifications and compounds have also been tested to ensure complete compliance. We can and will gladly provide Certifications of Conformance.

ASTM C1166 – Standard Test Method for Flame Propagation of Dense and Cellular Elastomeric Gaskets and Accessories

This test is run on sheet and extrusions and tells to what extent flame spreads along a material when exposed to a resident heat source (heat and flame). The slower the flame spreads, the longer passengers and safety services personnel have to react to potentially dangerous situations.

ASTM E162 – Surface Flammability of Material Using a Radiant High Energy Source

This standard generally applies to surface flammability of rubber products commonly used in the passenger compartments for public transportation. It is also often used in manufactured homes and the recreational vehicle industry.

This is recognized as one of the more realistic testing procedures as it requires exposure to radiant heat source over a 12-18-inch area which would be more in line with actual fire conditions.

ASTM E662 – Standard Test Method for Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials

Commonly referred to as the “smoke chamber test,” this standard is usually used along with the ASTM C1166 and ASTM E162. Material, placed in a fixed volume box, is irradiated with an electric heat source to produce smoke. The amount of smoke density is measured for two time-specific time periods. 1 to 1.5 minutes and 4 minutes. In a statement from the FRA (U.S. Federal Railroad Administration) “The key is how much smoke is generated in the first four minutes. Passenger safety and the firefighter’s ability to attack the source of the fire will suffer if the interior of a burning rail car is smoky enough to impede visibility.” In several best practices recommendations, the statement “for all applications requiring smoke density testing (ASTM E662), the BSS 7239 smoke toxicity test is also required.”

BSS 7239 Toxicity Test – Fire test to aircraft material – Boeing Standard

In the 70s, Boeing initiated a procedure called BSS 7279 used in designs to measure the amount of toxic gas generated from particular materials. From this beginning, other manufacturers such as a Bombardier in the 80s have taken their own route, but BSS 7279 is still the most recognized.

FMVSS No. 302, Flammability of Interior Material

In the late 60s, the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration ) to protect the traveling public determined they would need to establish a basic guideline for the safety of passengers that were related to the flammability of interior trim. Sound deadening products, blinds, weather strips, and cushioning pads should be tested and certified to this simple and effective test procedure. The products listed above as well as BRP Manufacturing premium grade EPDM and neoprene all meet these requirements.

Please Call BRP for more information.

Flame & Smoke Resistant EPDM and Neoprene Rubber

Conforms toBSS 7239BSS 7239BSS 7239

Flame Propagation is the spread of flame across combustible surfaces over a period of time against a measurable distance.

NFPA 130: Standard for Fixed Guideway Transit and Passenger Rail Systems

BSS 7239: Boeing Specification Support Standard BSS 7239 Rev: A1-18-88 for Toxic Gas Generation by Material on Combustion

ASTM C1166: Flame Propagation of Dense and Cellular Elastomeric Gaskets

ASTM E662: Specific Optical Density of Smoke Generated by Solid Materials

FMV-SS-302: Flammability of Interior Materials – Passenger Cars, Multipurpose Vehicles, and Trucks (Officially known as 49 CFR 571.302)