ISO 5660-1: Heat release, smoke production, and mass loss rate

ISO 5660-1 outlines a procedure for using a cone calorimeter to measure the heat release and smoke production rates of materials upon exposure to a predetermined heat flux.

Before testing, representative specimens are conditioned at 23±2 ℃ and 50±5% RH until reaching constant mass. They are then wrapped in foil, placed in a sample holder within a retainer frame, and exposed to an irradiance of 50±1 kW/m² (unless specified otherwise).

The results will include the maximum average rate of heat emission (MARHE), which is required information for multiple material types when evaluating their fire safety in railway applications according to EN 45545-2. Other measured parameters include the following:

• Mass at the start and end of the experiment

• Mass loss percentage

• Average mass loss rate

• Ignition and extinction times

• Maximum rate of heat release (RHR)

• RHR at 180 and 300 seconds after starting the test

• Total heat release (THR)

• Total smoke production per unit area (overall + before and after ignition)

We can also offer other reaction-to-fire tests to meet EN 45545-2 requirements, including ISO 5658-2 and ISO 5659-2. Do not hesitate to contact our experts if you need a quote for the full set of tests.