AS NZS 3837 Test Method for Products Using Heat and Smoke Release Rates and Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter for Materials

EUROLAB, with its state-of-the-art accredited laboratories and expert team, provides precise and fast testing services within the scope of AS NZS 3837 testing. This Standard specifies a test method for measuring the response of materials exposed to controlled levels of radiant heating, with or without an external igniter. The test method is used to determine the flammability, heat release rates, mass loss rates, effective heat of combustion, and smoke release of materials and products.

The features are determined as follows:

• Heat release rate by measuring oxygen consumption, as determined by the oxygen concentration and the flow rate in the waste product stream;
• The effective heat of combustion obtained from the simultaneous measurement of the sample mass loss rate together with the heat release rate;
• the release of smoke by dimming the light by the combustion product stream;
• Flammability as a measure of the time from initial exposure to sustained flammability.

The purpose of this standard is to establish a test method for materials and product evaluations, mathematical modelling, design purposes, or development and research. The material may include samples from an end-use product or various components used in the end-use product.

Samples may be subjected to heating fluxes ranging from 0 to 100 kW/m2. External ignition is by electric spark when used. The value of the heating flow and the use of external ignition shall be as specified in the relevant material or performance standard. Normal sample testing direction is horizontal regardless of whether the end-use application is horizontal or vertical. Provisions are also made for the vertical orientation test; it is intended for exploratory or diagnostic work only.

Primary measurements are oxygen concentrations and exhaust gas flow rate. Additional measurements include the mass loss rate of the sample, the continuous flame and smokescreen time, or as required by the relevant material or performance Standard.

EUROLAB assists manufacturers with AS NZS 3837 test compliance. Our test experts, with their professional working mission and principles, provide you, our manufacturers and suppliers, the best service and controlled testing process in our laboratories. Thanks to these services, businesses receive more effective, high-performance and quality testing services and provide safe, fast and uninterrupted service to their customers.