This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what

changes have been made to the previous version. Because

it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.

Designation: E2912 − 13 E2912 − 17 An American National Standard

Standard Test Method for

Fire Test of Non-Mechanical Fire Dampers Used in Vented
Construction1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E2912; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This fire-test-response standard assesses the ability of non-mechanical fire dampers used in vented construction in its open
state to limit passage of hot gases, radiation, and flames during a prescribed fire test exposure. The fire exposure condition in this
test method is sudden direct flame impingement, which produces these hot gases, radiation, and flames.
NOTE 1—Non-mechanical fire dampers can be used in vented construction. Vented constructions may be parts of buildings including walls, floors,
ceilings and concealed spaces and cavities used for air transfer and to allow ventilation in structures without ductwork. Non-mechanical fire dampers can
be located adjacent to combustible construction or materials and situated in exposed or concealed locations, or both. Unlike typical fire resistive
assemblies, vented construction uses non-mechanical fire dampers to allow air transfer without the use of ducts. Resistance to flame, radiation, and hot
gases may be requirements when direct flame impingement is a credible risk, or when no penetration of flames is required by the authority having
jurisdiction, or both. The proposed test method provides procedures that enable an assessment of this direct flame impingement on non-mechanical fire
dampers. This test method does not alter any requirements for non-mechanical fire dampers used in fire resistance rated construction and assemblies.
1.2 This fire-test-response standard is intended to provide a means to assess the reaction of a non-mechanical fire damper used
in vented construction to sudden direct flame impingement, or as a supplement to existing fire-resistive test methods, or both.

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1.3 This test method does not circumvent or eliminate the fire resistance rating requirements for construction. The fire resistance
rating of construction shall be tested in accordance with published fire-resistance test standards as appropriate for the relevant

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application of the construction, or as required by the authority having jurisdiction (regulatory authority), or both. Non-mechanical
fire dampers shall be tested to the appropriate fire-resistive test standards required for their application in order to determine a fire
resistance rating in those constructions.
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NOTE 2—Some of the major international standards development organizations (SDO) include, but are not limited to, ASTM International, CEN, ISO,
UL, and ULC. Some examples of standards employing standard time-temperature curves for fire exposure used to determine a construction’s fire
resistance rating include, but are not limited to, the following: Test Methods E119, E814, E1966, E2307, UL 10B, UL 10C, UL 555, UL 555C etc. The
term “authority having jurisdiction” is defined in Practice E2174.
ASTM E2912-17
1.4 This test method specifies the fire exposure conditions, fire test protocol, and criteria to evaluate an open state.
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NOTE 3—There are currently no published test methods (nationally or internationally) that address the application of sudden direct flame impingement
on non-mechanical fire dampers used in vented construction. In the European Union (EU), CEN (European Committee for Standardization) has very
recently started a work item to address reaction to sudden direct flame impingement on non-mechanical fire dampers. Also, in the EU, some countries
have used large scale tests with 5MW fire exposures to assess test specimens’ reactions to sudden direct flame impingement as part of the entire building
construction. Standard time-temperature curves used to control gas-fired furnaces do not ensure a sudden direct flame impingement on the test specimen,
which this test method is designed to do. A post flashover condition, the spontaneous combustion of materials, ignition of a highly combustible material
acting as the source of the fire (for example, stored cleaning solutions or fuels) or the location of materials can create a fire scenario resulting in a sudden
direct flame impingement.
1.5 Results generated by this test method provide the following information:
1.5.1 the open state fire performance of vented construction, and
1.5.2 the non-mechanical fire damper’s fire-test-response characteristic when exposed to sudden direct flame impingement.
1.6 This test method does not provide quantitative information about the test assembly related to the leakage of smoke, or gases,
or both.
1.7 This test method does not apply to a test assembly having other components than those tested.
1.8 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials,
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.11 on Fire Resistance.
Current edition approved July 1, 2013Aug. 1, 2017. Published July 2013September 2017. Originally approved in 2013. Last previous edition approved in 2013 as
E2912-13. DOI: 10.1520/E2912-13.10.1520/E2912-17.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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1.9 The text of this standard references notes and footnotes which provide explanatory material. These notes and footnotes
(excluding those in tables and figures) shall not be considered requirements of this standard.
1.10 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.11 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
1.12 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety safety, health and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.13 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:2
E119 Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E631 Terminology of Building Constructions
E814 Test Method for Fire Tests of Penetration Firestop Systems
E1966 Test Method for Fire-Resistive Joint Systems
E2174 Practice for On-Site Inspection of Installed Firestops
E2257 Test Method for Room Fire Test of Wall and Ceiling Materials and Assemblies
E2307 Test Method for Determining Fire Resistance of Perimeter Fire Barriers Using Intermediate-Scale, Multi-story Test
Apparatus
2.2 UL Standards:3
UL 10B Fire Tests of Door Assemblies iTeh Standards
UL 10C Positive Pressure Fire Tests of Door Assemblies
UL 555 Fire Dampers
UL 555C Ceiling Dampers (https://standards.iteh.ai)
3. Terminology Document Preview
3.1 Definitions—Terms defined in Terminologies E176 and E631 shall prevail for fire and building terms not defined in this
document.
ASTMand
3.1.1 For definitions of terms used in these test methods E2912-17
associated with fire issues, refer to the definitions contained in
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Terminology E176.
3.1.2 For definitions of terms used in these test methods and associated with building issues, refer to the definitions contained
in Terminology E631.
3.1.3 When there is a conflict between Terminology E176 and Terminology E631 definitions, Terminology E176 definitions
shall apply.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 closed state, n—the sealed or closed condition of an opening in vented construction.
3.2.2 insulation, n—ability of a test assembly, when exposed to fire on one side, to restrict the temperature rise to below
specified levels on its unexposed side.
3.2.3 integrity, n—the ability of a test assembly, when exposed to fire from one side, to prevent the passage of flame or hot gases
through it or the occurrence of flames on its unexposed side.

2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
Available from Underwriters Laboratories (UL), 2600 N.W. Lake Rd., Camas, WA 98607-8542, http://www.ul.com.

3.2.3.1 Discussion—

In this test method the integrity of the test assembly is determined by Section 11, Integrity Test, and the Ignition Test Procedure
in Annex A2.
3.2.4 non-mechanical fire damper, n—venting device used as part of vented construction intended to resist the transfer of hot
gas, radiation, and flame.
3.2.5 open state, n—the unsealed or unclosed condition of the non-mechanical fire damper prior to being closed or sealed.

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3.2.6 open state fire performance, n—the ability to limit the passage of hot gases, radiation, and flames produced during this
test method’s standardized, sudden-flaming exposure.
3.2.7 splice, n—a connection of parts of test specimens within the vented construction.
3.2.8 test assembly, n—the complete assembly of a test specimen(s) installed in the vented construction.
3.2.9 test specimen, n—a non-mechanical fire damper with specific attributes such as material(s), gaps, shapes, size, and width.
3.2.10 vented construction, n—a building element or construction feature (such as a floor, wall, roof, ceiling, joint, door or wall
cavity, crawl space, air gap, etc.) that includes an opening(s) used for venting of spaces or as part of ductless ventilation equipped
with one or more non-mechanical fire dampers.

4. Summary of Test Method

4.1 The test assembly is subjected to a standardized fire exposure created using a propane-powered gas burner regulated to a
specific heat output as noted in 6.1.5.
4.2 This test method is applicable to either horizontal or vertical test assemblies that are symmetrical or asymmetrical as
referenced in 7.5 and 7.6.
4.3 The test assembly is conditioned at specific temperature and humidity ranges as stated in Section 9.
4.4 This test method establishes a specific test procedure in Section 10 to measure the open state fire performance of vented
construction when exposed to hot gases, radiation, and flames prior to, and including, its closed state.
4.5 This test method requires the time be reported at which flaming occurs, if any, as noted in 13.1.19 based on information
obtained from 10.13, 11.1, and 11.2.
4.6 The open state fire performance is monitored using an integrity test and an insulation test in accordance with Sections 11
and 12, respectively.

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4.7 This test method requires the time be reported when individual and average unexposed surface temperature readings exceed
the limitations established by this test method as noted in 13.1.20.

5. Significance and Use (https://standards.iteh.ai)

5.1.1 Ability of the test specimen toDocument Preview
5.1 This test method provides for the following observations, measurements and evaluations of an open state during the test fire.
resist the passage of flames, radiation, and hot gases caused by sudden direct flame
impingement.
5.1.2 Transmission of heat through the test specimen.
5.2 This test method does not provide the following:
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5.2.1 Evaluation of the degree to which the test assembly contributes to the fire hazard by generation of smoke, toxic gases, or
other products of combustion.
5.2.2 Measurement of the degree of control or limitation of the passage of smoke or products of combustion through the test
specimen or the test assembly.
5.2.3 Measurement of flame spread over the surface of the test specimen or the test assembly.
5.2.4 Durability of the test specimen or test assembly under actual service conditions, including the effects of cycled
temperature.
5.2.5 Effects of a load on the test specimen or test assembly.
5.2.6 Any other attributes of the test specimen or the test assembly, such as wear resistance, chemical resistance, air infiltration,
water-tightness, and so forth.
5.3 The results of this test method shall not be used as an alternative to, or a substitute for, requirements for a required fire
resistance rating of building construction.

6. Apparatus
6.1 Fire Source:
6.1.1 A gas burner shall be used as the fire source.
6.1.2 The gas burner shall have a nominal 170 by 170 mm porous top surface consisting of a refractory material (for example,
sand) as shown in Fig. 1. Unless otherwise specified, the tolerance for dimensions in figures shall be 65 %.
NOTE 4—The burner and its output were selected to produce a sudden direct flame impingement on the test specimen that is constant. The burner
configuration and its output were based upon those prescribed in Test Method E2257. The distance between the test specimen and the fire source (gas
burner) was set to address variables typically seen in building occupation that contribute to sudden direct flaming. Two of many possible examples are:
(1) Interior vents located in storage rooms and offices where combustibles are stacked on top of filing cabinets, (2) Exterior vents in contact with
landscaping (vegetation or forestation, or both). In many cases, these combustibles are just inches from the vent, which is open to allow airflow, and are
subject to a sudden direct flame impingement.

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FIG. 1 Gas Burner Exposure Fire Source

ASTM E2912-17
6.1.3 The burner shall be supplied with CP4 grade propane (99 % purity) with a net heat of combustion of 46.5 6 0.5 MJ/kg.
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The gas flow to the burner shall be measured to an accuracy of at least 63 %. The flow measuring equipment shall be calibrated
per the manufacturer’s instructions at least once per year.
6.1.4 The heat output to the burner shall be controlled within 65 % of the prescribed value.
6.1.5 The gas supply to the burner shall produce a constant net heat output of 300 6 10 kW for at least 10 min.
6.2 Test Bench:
6.2.1 The test bench shall be constructed of framing and shall use materials suited to withstand the duration of the fire test.
Unless otherwise specified, the tolerance for dimensions in figures and text in this section shall be 65 %.
6.2.2 The test bench shall have the following surface dimensions measured from inside the framing:
6.2.2.1 Length 2300 mm.
6.2.2.2 Width 1150 mm.
6.2.2.3 The overall length and width of the test bench will vary depending on the thickness of the framing and other materials
used to construct the test bench.
NOTE 5—Wood framing and gypsum board have been found to be suitable materials with which to build a test bench. The wood framing should be
protected from the heat source. However, other combinations of materials may also be appropriate for this use, such as steel framing, calcium silicate
board, cement board, etc.
6.2.3 The test bench shall be constructed to have the dimensions and characteristics illustrated in Figs. 2-7, inclusive.
6.2.3.1 The test bench surface shall have a 500-mm square opening located as illustrated in Fig. 4.
6.2.3.2 A 400-mm600-mm skirt shall cover the two sides and the front of the test bench as illustrated in Figs. 5-7.
6.2.3.3 Discussion—The skirt is Excessive flue gas is also channeled out the open end of bench by the skirts. The side skirts
are intended to provide some shielding for laboratory personnel from the effects of the gas burner. However, the laboratory shall
implement additional safeguards as necessary to ensure laboratory personnel safety. The skirt is also used to avoid flames

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Commonly called commercial propane.

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FIG. 2 Left Isometric View of Test Bench

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FIG. 3 Right Isometric View of Test Bench

circumventing the opening in the test bench and affecting the unexposed side of the test specimen. Excessive flue gas is also
channeled out the open end of bench by the skirts.
6.2.4 The height of the test bench shall be as necessary to meet the clearance dimensions illustrated in Fig. 8.
6.2.5 Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 show the test bench top surface, with the 500-mm square opening.
6.2.6 The top surface of the gas burner, referred to as the gas burner’s “sand surface” in Fig. 4 and Fig. 8, shall be positioned
parallel to the bottom surface of the test bench as illustrated in Fig. 8.
6.2.7 Locate the gas burner’s sand surface a distance of 250 mm below the bottom surface of the test bench, as shown in Fig.
8, and center the burner in the 500-mm square opening as shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 8, creating a concentric annular space of 165
mm around the gas burner in the plan view.
6.3 Cotton Pads and Applicator Frame:
6.3.1 Refer to Annex A1 for drawings and descriptions.
6.4 Unexposed Surface Thermocouples:
6.4.1 The wires for the thermocouple in the length covered by the pad shall be not heavier than No. 18 B&S gage (1.02 mm)
and shall be electrically insulated with heat-resistant or moisture-resistant coatings, or both.
6.5 Thermocouple Pads:
6.5.1 The insulating pads shall be dry, felted, refractory fiber pads.
6.5.2 The pads shall be 9.5 6 1.6 mm thick.
6.5.3 The pads length and width shall measure 50 6 1 mm.
6.5.4 The pads shall have a density of 500 6 10 kg/m3.
6.6 Other Temperature Detection Devices:

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FIG. 4 Plan View of Test Bench

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ASTM E2912-17
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FIG. 5 Side Elevation View of Test Bench

6.6.1 A visual imaging camera or calibrated thermal imaging camera is permitted to be used as an additional means of
observation of flame penetration on the unexposed surface of the test specimen.
6.7 Time Measurement:
6.7.1 A computer chronograph used as part of the temperature data acquisition equipment and either:
6.7.1.1 an electric clock with a sweep hand or
6.7.1.2 a digital clock.
7. Test Specimen and Test Assembly
7.1 The test assembly shall be representative of the vented construction and the test specimen shall be representative of the
non-mechanical fire damper for which the open state fire performance and the fire-test-response characteristic are to be recorded,
with respect to materials, components, workmanship, and details.

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FIG. 6 Front Elevation View of Test Bench

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FIG. 7 Rear Elevation View of Test Bench

7.2 Test Specimen Splices:

7.2.1 When a test specimen is able to be spliced during manufacture or in the field, or both, test the factory-manufactured splice
and the field splice, as applicable. Photograph the splicing procedure and document the splicing instructions.
7.2.2 When the factory-manufactured splice is the same as the field splice technique, test one splice.
7.2.3 Position the splice in the middle of the test specimen. When testing splices position them equidistant in the length of the
test specimen. The total area of the splices shall not exceed 25 % of the test specimen’s area. No more than two splices shall be
tested as part of the test specimen. The laboratory shall decide whether splices can be tested as part of the test specimen. When
the laboratory believes that splices have the potential to increase performance of the test specimen, splices shall be tested
separately.
7.2.3.1 Discussion—Calculate the splices’ positions using the equation: L/(x + 1). Where x is the number of splices to be created
in the test specimen’s length (L). Separate two splices by a distance of L/3.
7.2.4 When applicable to the end use of the test specimen, test each type of end sealing condition. Photograph the sealing
procedure and document the sealing instructions.
7.3 Test Specimen Size:
7.3.1 The test specimen shall be 500 mm long (L) or high (H) by 500 mm wide (W).
7.3.2 When the test specimen’s maximum dimensions are less than those required in 7.3.1, test the maximum length and width
of the test specimen.
7.3.3 Document the dimensions of the test specimen tested.
7.4 Test Specimen Installation:

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FIG. 8 Section View A-A of Fig. 4 – Burner Location as used with Test Bench

7.4.1 Install the test specimen into the test assembly in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Photograph
the installation procedure and document the installation instructions. Document whether the test specimen and test assembly are
symmetrical or asymmetrical.

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7.5 Horizontal Test Specimens:
7.5.1 Horizontal test specimens used in horizontal assemblies (for example, floors, roofs, or ceilings) shall be installed as
intended for use. Refer to Fig. 11 for various locations of horizontal test specimens that create symmetrical and asymmetrical test
assemblies.
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7.5.2 Test the horizontal test assembly centered over the opening in the test bench surface as shown in Fig. 10, Section A–A.

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7.5.3 Horizontal test specimens used in vertical assemblies (for example, wall cavities) shall be tested at as shown in Fig. 12.
7.5.4 For symmetrical horizontal test assemblies, install the test specimen in the center (T/2) of the test assembly’s thickness
(T) as shown in Section A-A of Fig. 10, where the recess from the top (rt) equals the recess from the bottom (rb): rt = rb.
7.5.5 For asymmetrical horizontal test assemblies, mount the test specimen as it is intended to be installed in the field: either
flush with the test assembly’s top surface (where rt = ASTM E2912-17
0) or bottom surface (where rb = 0) or offset (where rt > or < rb) within
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the test assembly’s thickness as shown in Fig. 11. Document the test specimen’s position in terms of “rt” and “rb” using mm as
the dimensions.
7.6 Vertical Test Specimens:

FIG. 9 Example of Test Bench, Fire Source, and Test Box in Test Configuration

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FIG. 10 Horizontal Symmetrical Test Assembly

7.6.1 For vertical test assemblies as shown in Fig. 13, construct a test box as shown in Fig. 14 using gypsum board. Record the
thickness of the gypsum board. Create a square 500-mm ASTMopening and four (50-mmone (80-mm wide by 300-mm750-mm long)
E2912-17
slotsslot in the test box top as shown in Fig. 14. When reinforcement (for example, light gauge angle) is used on the test box’s
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edges, apply the reinforcement to the test box’s exterior without obstructing the test box opening or slots.slot.
NOTE 6—The test box allows test specimens in a vertical orientation to be assessed using a similar flame impingement exposure as the horizontal
orientation of test specimens. Through a “trial and error” method, the slotsslot on the top of the box werewas sized and positioned to develop a constant
and steady flame impingement on the test specimen positioned in the square 500-mm opening as is done in the horizontal orientation. The design of the
test box is intended to produce a simple reproducible device to subject the test specimen to a credible sudden direct flame impingement. The pressure
within the test box is slightly positive based on the convective heat flow as in most real life fire scenarios. Positive pressure is a more severe condition
than negative pressure when assessing insulation and integrity of the test specimens.
7.6.2 Mount the test specimen in a vertical position against the test box as shown in Fig. 16.
7.6.3 For symmetrical vertical test assemblies, mount the vertical test specimen in the center (T/2) of the vertical test assembly’s
thickness (T) using the same method previously described in 7.5 for the installation of the symmetrical horizontal test specimens
where rt = rb.
7.6.4 For asymmetrical vertical test assemblies, use the same method previously described in 7.5 for the installation of the
asymmetrical horizontal test specimens to mount the vertical test specimen as it is intended to be installed in the field: either flush
with the test assembly’s front (exterior) surface (where rt = 0) or back (interior) surface (where rb = 0) or offset (where rt > or
< rb) within the test assembly’s thickness.
7.6.5 Test asymmetrical vertical test assemblies with either side (front or back) exposed to the fire. Document the asymmetrical
vertical test assembly’s configuration (refer to Fig. 13) and the side exposed to the fire.
7.6.6 When testing both sides of an asymmetrical vertical test assembly, use duplicate test specimens of the same lot, and test
each side independently. For each side tested, document the integrity as described in Section 11 and insulation as described in
Section 12.
7.6.7 Mount and seal the test assembly against the square 500-mm square opening of the test box as shown in Fig. 16. The
interior dimensions of the test box shall be 800-mm high by 800-mm wide by 800-mm long. When required to properly position
the test assembly against the opening, use a support for the vertical test assembly as shown in Fig. 16.
NOTE 7—The mounting and sealing method is usually determined by the individual laboratory. However, the following may provide some guidance.

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FIG. 11 Horizontal Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Test Assemblies

Mechanical devices, such as C-clamps, may be placed so that the test assembly is clamped to the test box. When the mechanical device is tightened, the
gasket between the test assembly and the test box is compressed, sealing the two together.
7.6.8 Attach a flexible, high-temperature, gasket to the bottom of the test assembly and, when used, the test box. Refer to Fig.
10, Fig. 12 and Fig. 16. This gasket will seal the perimeter of the opening of the test bench surface between the test box and the
test bench surface. When the test assembly is smaller than the opening, a support for the vertical test assembly or horizontal
assembly is also used to cover the opening. Also, attach the gasket to the support as shown in Fig. 16.
NOTE 8—The type of flexible, high-temperature gasket and method used to attach the gasket is usually determined by the individual laboratory.
However, the following may provide some guidance. Each laboratory may employ different methods of placing the test assembly over the opening. One
such placement method is to slide the test assembly. In this case, the flexible, high-temperature gasket should resist fraying. Two commonly available
materials that meet the 7.6.8 criteria for flexible, high-temperature gaskets are thin ceramic sheets or papers. An adhesive, such as a silicone sealant, is
one attachment method that can be employed to attach the flexible, high-temperature gasket. Another attachment method would be to use mechanical
fasteners, such as staples or metal brads, recessed into the flexible, high-temperature gasket.

8. Preparation of Apparatus
8.1 Fire Test Apparatus:

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