- Author
- Gross, D.
- Title
- Preliminary Study of the Fire Safety of Thermal Insulation for Use in Attics or Enclosed Spaces in Residential Housing. Final Report.
- Coporate
- National Bureau of Standards, Gaithersburg, MD
- Report
- NBSIR 78-1497, July 1978, 46 p.
- Distribution
- Available from National Technical Information Service
- Keywords
- fire tests | fiberglass | flame spread | smoldering | thermal insulation
- Identifiers
- cellulosic insulation
- Abstract
- An evaluation was made of the appropriateness of the flammability requirements in Federal Specifications for loose-fill cellulosic and mineral fiber insulation and mineral fiber batts and blankets. This included and analysis of currently used standard test methods for measuring insulation flammability or combustiblility and their principle limitations. To provide for more meaningful evaluations, a review was made of fire statistics and of likely fire occurrences, particularly for retrofit insulation in attic and enclosed spaces of residential buildings. A series of laboratory tests was conducted using an attic floor radiant panel test and a cigarette smoldering test to simulate flaming and smoldering exposures. Mockup tests on attic floor sections were conducted to validate the extent of flame spread on attic insulation and the initiation of smoldering ignition from covered recessed light fixtures. Based on these tests, changes were recommended to Federal Specifications HH-I-515C, HH-I-521E and HH-I-1030A.