- Author
-
Walton, W. D.
|
Waksman, D.
- Title
- Fire Testing of Roof-Mounted Solar Collectors by ASTM E 108.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Sponsor
- Department of Energy, Washington, DC
- Report
-
NBSIR 81-2344,
August 1981,
74 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
-
roofing (finishes)
|
fire tests
|
solar collectors
|
solar energy
- Abstract
- A study was undertaken to investigate the use of ASTM E 108 (NFPA 256, UL 790), Fire Tests of Roof Coverings, for testing roof-mounted solar energy collectors. The ASTM E 108 test method is commonly referenced in building codes as the procedure for determining the fire characteristics of roof coverings. To date, no data have been available regarding the influence of solar collectors on the fire characteristics of roof coverings or on collectors used as roof coverings. This study focused primarily on class C intermittent flame, spread of flame, and burning brand tests, although several class A and B burning brand tests were conducted. The collectors studied were commercially available and constructed with a broad variety of glazing, casing, and insulation materials representative of those commonly in use. The collectors were tested on sloped, asphalt shingled roofs with three types of mountings: integrally as the roof, directly on the roof covering, and on standoffs above the roof covering. Data are presented showing the result of the testing conducted. An evaluation of the testing procedures as they apply to roof-mounted solar collectors is given.