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NFPA 253, Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source

2023 NFPA 253 Standard - Current Edition
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  • Description

    Help keep buildings and occupants safer by following the latest test methods for determining the exposure behavior of floor covering systems.

    NFPA® 253, Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source, provides a reliable basis for estimating the fire exposure behavior of floor covering systems installed in a building corridor or exit way. The standard is referenced by NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, and other prominent codes and standards. Annex information covers everything from how to calibrate an apparatus and mounting methods to proper application and interpretation of results and safety precautions.

    Notable changes to the 2023 edition of NFPA 253 include:

    • Clarification of terminology for improved usability and accuracy
    • Relocation of radiation instrumentation calibration information from nonmandatory Annex B to a mandatory section in Chapter 6
  • Table of Contents (2023 Current Edition)

    NFPA® 253 Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source, 2023 Edition

    Chapter 1 Administration
    1.1 Scope.
    1.2 Purpose.
    1.3 Application.
    1.4 Summary of Test Method.
    Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
    2.1 General.
    2.2 NFPA Publications. (Reserved)
    2.3 Other Publications.
    2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.
    Chapter 3 Definitions
    3.1 General.
    3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
    3.3 General Definitions.
    Chapter 4 Test Apparatus
    4.1 Radiant Panel Test Apparatus.
    4.2 Test Chamber.
    4.3 Radiant Heat Energy Source.
    4.4 Specimen Holder.
    4.5 Pilot Burner.
    4.6 Thermocouples.
    4.7 Exhaust Hood.
    4.8 Dummy Specimen.
    4.9 Timer.
    Chapter 5 Test Specimens
    5.1 Sampling Procedure.
    5.2 Specimen Size and Mounting.
    5.3 Specimen Conditioning.
    Chapter 6 Radiant Heat Energy Flux Profile Standardization
    6.1 Procedure.
    6.2 Calibration of Radiation Instrumentation.
    Chapter 7 Test Procedure
    7.1 Pretest Heating.
    7.2 Sample Mounting.
    7.3 Ignition of Pilot Burner.
    7.4 Flame Propagation of Specimen.
    7.5 Completion of Test.
    7.6 Data Collection and Recording.
    7.7 Removal of Specimen.
    7.8 Subsequent Testing.
    7.9 Extent of Flame Travel After a Prescribed Period.
    Chapter 8 Calculations
    8.1 General.
    8.2 Formulas.
    Chapter 9 Report
    9.1 Required Information.
    Annex A Explanatory Material
    Annex B Sample Data Logs
    Annex C Commentary on Critical Radiant Flux Test
    Annex D Precision and Bias
    Annex E Safety Precautions
    Annex F Informational References
  • Prior Editions

    2019 Edition

    Estimate the fire exposure behavior of floor covering systems with NFPA 253.

    Knowing how different types of materials react to fire is critical to making informed selections. NFPA 253, Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source, is referenced by NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code®, and building codes as the test procedure used to determine the critical radiant flux of floor covering materials.

    Gain a critical basis for estimating one aspect of the fire exposure behavior of a floor covering system installed in a building corridor or exitway.

    Innovative materials and new methods are continuously available to the construction industry. The 2019 edition of NFPA 253 has been updated and revised to address modern materials used for simulated concrete flooring. Annexes discuss how to calibrate an apparatus, mounting methods, sample data logs, proper application and interpretation of results, specific safety precautions, and more. (Print, 28 pp., 2019)

    2015 Edition

    For the most accurate measurement of critical radiant flux, use the revised testing procedures outlined in NFPA 253.

    Advance knowledge about how materials react to fire is critical to making informed selections. NFPA 253, Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source is referenced by NFPA 101®, Life Safety Code® and building codes as the test procedure used to determine the critical radiant flux of a material. This test method is designed to provide a basis for estimating one aspect of the fire exposure behavior of a floor covering system installed in a building corridor or exitway.

    Testing laboratories need to take note of a major change:

    • This edition includes an important clarification that airflow rates should be measured before igniting the panel.

    Valuable Annexes discuss how to calibrate an apparatus, mounting methods, sample data logs, proper application and interpretation of results, specific safety precautions, and more. (Softbound, 18 pp., 2015)

     

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