ISO 9239-1 Cataloge

ISO 9239-2: Reaction to Fire Test for Floor Coverings

Flooring Radiant Panel

Compliance

ISO 9239-1, ASTM E648, NFPA 253

The Flooring Radiant Panel test is used for determining the critical heat flux of horizontally mounted floor covering systems exposed to a flaming ignition source in a controlled radiant heat environment.

The test specimen is positioned horizontally beneath a gas-fuelled radiant panel inclined at 30°, where it is subjected to a defined heat flux gradient. A pilot flame is applied to the hotter end of the specimen. During the test, the development of any flame front is observed, and the progression of the flame horizontally along the length of the specimen is recorded in terms of the time taken to reach defined distances. Smoke production is measured as light transmission reduction in the exhaust stack, with ISO 9239-1:2025 allowing the use of either conventional or LED-based light sources for this measurement.

Under the European Construction Products Regulation (CPR), all EU Member States are required to use this method to evaluate the reaction-to-fire performance of all flooring products, including textile carpets, cork, wood, rubber, plastics coverings, and coatings.

Results obtained by this method represent the performance of the flooring, including any substrate used. Changes such as modifications to the backing, bonding to a substrate, use of underlays, or different adhesives (including generic adhesives defined in ISO 9239-1:2025) can affect test results. The standard also includes guidance for securing tile edges and testing loose-laid flooring, as well as procedures for re-ignition events during testing.

The following data are reported from the Flooring Radiant Panel test (ISO 9239-1:2025):

Critical Heat Flux (CHF) and/or HF-E or HF-30, in kW/m², with the mean CHF calculated when applicable.
Flame spread distance, in mm.
Integral of smoke obscuration, in %·min.

Flooring Radiant Panel – Technical Specifications

1. Test Chamber

Construction: Stainless steel with a front-opening door for easy cleaning and specimen replacement.
Internal Lining: 13 mm-thick calcium silicate panel.
Observation Window: Fireproof glass, 110 mm × 1100 mm, positioned to view the entire specimen during testing.
Exterior: Thick stainless steel sheeting for durability.
Access Door: Located below the observation window, tightly sealed, enabling the specimen platform to slide in/out.
Measurement Rulers: Steel rulers (50 mm and 10 mm scale intervals) mounted on each side of the specimen.

2. Test Platform

Design: Sliding platform guided by high-temperature resistant iron rails for long service life.
Air Circulation: Total area between chamber and specimen holder – 0.23 m², equally split along the long sides.
Specimen Holder:
- 2.0 mm thick heat-resistant L-type stainless steel.
- Opening: 200 mm × 1015 mm.
- Secured to platform with two bolts at each end.

3. Radiation Heat Source

Type: Porous ceramic refractory panel in a metal frame.
Radiating Surface: 300 mm × 450 mm.
Mounting Angle: Long side at 30 ± 1° from horizontal.
Performance: Withstands > 900 °C; produces stable, luminous, flame-free heat.

4. Burner Assembly

Type: T-shaped stainless steel porous burner.
Dimensions: Inner Ø = 6 mm; Outer Ø = 10 mm.
Hole Pattern:
- 19 × 0.7 mm holes along center line.
- 16 × 0.7 mm holes at 60° below center line.
Operation: Cylinder push mode for automatic timed flame application.

5. Airflow Measurement & Control

Anemometer: Range 0–10 m/s; Accuracy ± 0.1 m/s.
Location: In exhaust chimney, measurement point at 250 ± 10 mm above chimney.
Flow Control: Imported mass flow controller with digital display.
Air Supply: Frequency converter to adjust blower volume, with tempering valve to prevent flashback. Integrated venturi mixer for test gas.

6. Temperature & Heat Flux Measurement

Pyrometer: Infrared radiometer, range 0–800 °C (black body temp).
- Distance from panel: ~ 1.4 m.
- Measures circular area Ø = 250 mm at panel center.
- Mounted on universal adjustable stand.
Heat Flow Meter: Imported, water-cooled, range 0–20 kW/m².
- Includes closed-loop cooling (no external water needed).
Calibration Plate: 250 mm × 1050 mm with Ø = 26 mm holes positioned at 110 mm, 210 mm … 910 mm along center line.
- Mobile lifting calibration mode with software-plotted heat flux curve.

7. Timing & Smoke Density System

Timer: Automatic, accurate to ± 1 s over 1 h.
Neutral Filter: For smoke density calibration, optical density 0.05–2.0 (light transmission 89%–1%).
Light System: 2900 ± 100 K incandescent lamp with silicon photodiode receiver.
Shutter: Computer-controlled for 0% and 100% calibration.

8. Temperature Sensing

Thermocouple: K-type insulated, range 0–1000 °C, mounted in chimney with enclosure.
Software Display: Real-time temperature monitoring.

9. Additional Components

Stainless steel exhaust hood mounted on top of combustion chamber.
Footswitch to record flame spread time at set distance, with automatic logging.
Data Acquisition Software: Displays heat flux, smoke density, transmittance, airflow, and other test parameters.
Computer: Industrial 15″ touch-screen PC for full process monitoring.

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