This part of IEC 60695 specifies a small-scale laboratory screening procedure for comparing the relative burning behaviour of vertically or horizontally oriented specimens made from plastic and other non-metallic materials, exposed to a small-flame ignition source of 50 W nominal power.

These test methods determine the linear burning rate and the afterflame/afterglow times, as well as the damaged length of specimens. They are applicable to solid and cellular materials that have an apparent density of not less than 250 kg/m³, determined in accordance with ISO 845. They do not apply to materials that shrink away from the applied flame without igniting; ISO 9773 should be used for thin flexible materials.

The test methods described provide classification systems (see 8.4 and 9.4), which may be used for quality assurance, or the pre-selection of component materials of products.

The methods may be used for the pre-selection of a material, providing positive results are obtained at a thickness equal to the smallest thickness used in the application.

NOTE – Test results are influenced by material components, e.g. pigments, fillers and fire-retardants, and properties such as the direction of anisotropy and the molecular mass.