ASTM C1166-21 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Test Method for Flame Propagation of Dense and Cellular Elastomeric Gaskets and Accessories — a small-scale laboratory test procedure used to determine the flame-propagation characteristics of dense or cellular elastomeric gasket materials and related accessories (setting blocks, spacers, shims) when exposed to a defined flame exposure.

Abstract

ASTM C1166-21 defines a repeatable bench-scale exposure in which a vertically mounted specimen of dense or cellular elastomeric material is subjected to a gas flame for a specified duration; flame advance along the specimen is measured and reported to differentiate material performance for specification and selection purposes. The method is explicitly limited to the laboratory exposure conditions described and is not, by itself, an overall fire-hazard or fire-risk rating.

General information

• Status: Active standard (current edition).
• Publication date: Approved May 1, 2021; published/issued June 3, 2021 (C1166-21).
• Publisher: ASTM International (Committee C24 — Building Seals and Sealants; Subcommittee C24.73).
• ICS / categories: Building materials and construction products; fire testing of materials; seals & gasket materials; small-scale fire test methods.
• Edition / version: C1166-21 (revises previous edition C1166-06(2016)).
• Number of pages: 3 pages.

Scope

This method covers a laboratory procedure to determine flame propagation characteristics of dense or cellular elastomeric gaskets and accessories when exposed to heat and flame. It provides specific specimen dimensions, exposure times and ventilation limits for the test and is intended to assist specifiers in material selection rather than to serve as a full fire-hazard evaluation. Results are valid only for the exposure conditions described.

Key topics and requirements

• Specimen geometry and mounting: typical specimen nominal size and vertical mounting configuration used for the test.
• Exposure conditions: specified gas-flame exposure durations (dense materials: 15 minutes; cellular materials: 5 minutes) and controlled ventilation (no greater than 18.3 m/min or 60 ft/min).
• Measured output: length of flame propagation along the specimen as the primary numerical result; no direct measurement or weighting of smoke, toxic gases, or full-scale flame spread.
• Intended use and limitations: designed to differentiate materials under the stated test conditions; not a complete fire-risk assessment without additional information.
• Referenced/related documents: the standard references related ASTM documents for terminology and material specification (for example C717 and C864 are cited within the standard).

Typical use and users

Manufacturers of elastomeric gaskets, seal and accessory suppliers, independent testing laboratories, design/specification engineers, procurement teams, and quality assurance personnel use ASTM C1166-21 to compare flame-propagation behavior of gasket materials and accessories and to inform specifications for building and transportation sealing applications. The test is commonly used as part of a materials selection and acceptance process rather than as a standalone fire-safety certification.

Related standards

ASTM C1166-21 cross-references and relates to several ASTM standards for sealant and gasket terminology and material specifications, including but not limited to ASTM C717 (terminology) and ASTM C864 (specification for dense elastomeric compression seal gaskets and accessories). It sits within the work of ASTM Committee C24 on Building Seals and Sealants.

Keywords

flame propagation, elastomeric gasket, cellular gasket, dense gasket, compression seal, lock-strip, setting block, spacer, small-scale flame test, ASTM C1166, building seals, fire test method.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM C1166-21 is a Standard Test Method that specifies a laboratory procedure to measure flame propagation along dense and cellular elastomeric gaskets and certain accessories under defined exposure conditions.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specimen preparation, mounting, exposure durations, ventilation limits, and the measurement of flame advance (length) for dense and cellular elastomeric materials used as gaskets or accessories; it does not provide a full fire-hazard or smoke/toxicity assessment.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Material manufacturers, test laboratories, product specifiers, architects/engineers, and procurement or QA groups use it to compare and specify gasket and accessory materials for building and related applications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The C1166-21 edition is the current, active edition published in 2021 and it revises the prior edition C1166-06(2016). Users should confirm if any amendments or later revisions have been issued beyond 2021 before final specification.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: C1166 is part of ASTM Committee C24’s body of standards addressing seals and sealants; it is aligned with related specifications and test methods (terminology, material specifications) developed by the same committee and subcommittees.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Key keywords are flame propagation, gasket, elastomeric, cellular, dense, compression seal, setting block, small-scale fire test, sealant accessories.