Thông tư 40/2013/TT-BGTVT

CIRCULAR

ON NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATIONS OF MOTOR VEHICLE STRUCTURE WITH REGARD TO THE PREVENTION OF FIRE RISKS AND ON THE BURNING BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS USED IN THE INTERIOR STRUCTURE OF CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Pursuant to the Law on Technical Standards and Regulations dated 29 June 2006;

Pursuant to the Government's Decree No. 127/2007/NĐ-CP dated 01 August 2007 on the details for the enforcement of certain articles of the Law on Technical Standards and Regulations;

Pursuant to the Government’s Decree No. 107/2012/NĐ-CP dated 20 December 2012 on functions, missions, authority and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

At the request of the Head of the Department of Science and Technology and the Head of the Vietnam Register;

Minister of Transport issues the national technical regulations of motor vehicle structure with regard to the prevention of fire risks and on the burning behavior of materials used in the interior structure of certain categories of motor vehicles.

Article 1. This Circular is enclosed with 02 sets of national technical regulations:

1. National technical regulation of motor vehicle structure with regard to the prevention of fire risks.

Registered code: QCVN 52:2013/BGTVT.

2. National technical regulation on the burning behavior of materials used in the interior structure of certain categories of motor vehicles

Registered code: QCVN 53:2013/BGTVT.

Article 2. This Circular takes effect as of 01 June 2014.

Article 3. Chief of Office, Chief of Inspectorate, Departments, Vietnam Register, Heads of relevant authorities and agencies under Ministry of Transport, organizations and individuals concerned are responsible for enforcing this Circular./.

QCVN 52:2013/BGTVT

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE STRUCTURE WITH REGARD TO THE PREVENTION OF FIRE RISKS

Preamble

QCVN 52:2013/BGTVT is formulated by Vietnam Register, is assessed by Ministry of Science and Technology and is issued by Minister of Transport under the Circular No. 40/2013/TT-BGTVT dated 01 November 2013.

This technical regulation is formulated by reference to UNECE Regulation No. 34.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION OF MOTOR VEHICLE STRUCTURE WITH REGARD TO THE PREVENTION OF FIRE RISKS

1. GENERAL

1.1. Scope of regulation

1.1.1 This Regulation stipulate technical requirements and technical safety inspection for motor vehicle structure with regard to the prevention of fire risks in passenger vehicles, freight carrying vehicles (goods vehicles), trailers and semi-trailers fitted with liquid fuel tank (referred to as fuel tank).

1.1.2 This Regulation does not apply to vehicles for national defense and security or special purposes.

1.2. Regulated entities

This Regulation applies to manufacturers, assemblers and importers of vehicles, producers and importers of fuel tanks and authorities and entities involved in testing, inspection and certification of quality, technical safety and environmental protection.

1.3. Definitions

In this Regulation, the following phrases are construed as follows:

1.3.1. Vehicle type refers to products of one industrial owner, which carry similar make, design and technical specifications and derive from the same production line. Vehicles contain no variations on:

- Type;

- Make;

- Size and unladen mass of vehicles (tolerance must not exceed permissible deviation limit as per current regulations and standards);

- Permissible number of passengers;

- Shape and structure of cabin, chassis or bodywork;

- Engine, motion drive system;

- Fuel type;

- Structure, shape, size and materials of fuel tank;

- Position of fuel tank in vehicles;

- Technical properties and position of fuel supply system (pump, filter, etc.) in vehicles;

- Technical properties and position of electrical system in vehicles;

- Brake system: drive approach, brake structure;

- Steering system: steering approach and structure;

- Suspension system: type and structure;

- Specialized mechanism (if available).

1.3.2. Passenger compartment means the space for occupants’ accommodation bounded by the roof, floor, side walls, doors, outside glazing, front bulkhead and the plane of the rear compartment bulkhead or the plane of the rear seat back support.

1.3.3. Fuel tank refers to the tank(s) designed to contain the liquid fuel used primarily for the propulsion of the vehicle.

1.3.4. Capacity of the fuel tank means the fuel tank capacity as specified by the manufacturer.

1.3.5. Liquid fuel refers to fuel that is liquid in normal conditions of temperature and pressure.

1.3.6. Transverse plane means the vertical plane perpendicular to the longitudinal median plane.

1.3.7. Unladen mass refers to the weight of a vehicle in functional readiness, unloaded with either passenger or freight, filled up with fuel, coolant, grease, windshield washer fluid, spare parts and spare tire (if required by the manufacturer).

1.3.8 Manufacturers and importers comprise companies that fabricate and import components, enterprises that produce, assemble and import motor vehicles conformable to current regulations.

2. TECHNICAL REQUISITES

2.1. Requisites for fuel tank

2.1.1. General requirements for fuel tank

2.1.1.1. Fuel tank(s) must be made so as to be corrosion-resistant.

2.1.1.2. Fuel tank(s) must be equipped ordinarily with accessories. Leakage tests must be carried out according to Clause 2.1.2 of this Regulation.

Fuel tank(s) made of a plastic material is (are) deemed satisfactory if meeting requisites as defined in Clause 2.1.3 of this Regulation.

2.1.1.3 Pressure exceeding the working pressure in fuel tank(s) must be compensated automatically by suitable devices (vents, safety valves, etc.).

2.1.1.4 The vents must be designed in such a way to prevent fuel in gaseous state from penetrating into the passenger compartment or high temperature spaces in the engine or exhaust system. In particular, fuel that may leak when fuel tank(s) is (are) being filled must not be able to fall on the exhaust system and must be channeled to the ground.

2.1.1.5 Fuel tank(s) must not be situated in or abut on (through floor, wall, buckhead) the passenger compartment or other compartments integral to it.

2.1.1.6. Fuel must not escape through the fuel tank cap or through devices provided to compensate excess pressure in the tank during the course of operation of the vehicle.

2.1.1.6.1. The tank cap must be fixed to the filler pipe.

The requirements in Clause 2.1.1.6.1 of this Regulation shall be met if excess evaporative emissions and fuel spillage caused by loose fuel filler cap are precluded.

Such preclusion may be achieved through one of the following:

- The fuel filler cap is not removable and automatically opened and closed.

- Features are designed to avert excess evaporative emission and fuel spillage due to missing fuel filler cap;

- Other requisites that lead to equivalent effects. Examples may include, but are not limited to, a chained filler cap or a similar locking key for the filler cap and for the vehicle's ignition. In such case, the said key shall only be removable from the filler cap in locked condition. However, the use of chained filler cap or locking key itself is not adequate for vehicles other than small cars and goods vehicles having maximum mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.

2.1.1.6.2. The lock mechanism between the cap and the filler pipe must retained securely in place. The cap must latch securely in place against the lock mechanism of the filler pipe when closed.

2.1.1.7. Fuel tank(s) must be made of a fire-resistant metallic material. Fuel tank(s) may be made of a plastic material provided that the requisites in Clause 2.1.3 are satisfied.

2.1.2. Requirements for tests of fuel tanks

Fuel tank(s) must be subject to tests as defined in Annex A of this Regulation.

2.1.2.1. Requirement for liquid leakage test

After the test is done according to Article A.1, Annex A of this Regulation, the shell of fuel tank(s) must not crack or leak; however, it may be permanently deformed.

2.1.2. Requirement for overturn test

The fuel tank leakage must not exceed 30 g/minute when the test is carried out according to Article A.2, Annex A of this Regulation.

2.1.3. Testing of fuel tanks made of a plastic material

Fuel tank(s) made of a plastic material, apart from satisfying requisites in Clause 2.1.2, must be tested according to Annex B of this Regulation.

2.1.3.1. Collision resistance

The fuel tank leakage must not occur after the test is carried out according to Article B.1, Annex B of this Regulation.

2.1.3.2 Mechanical strength

The fuel tank and its accessories must not crack or leak despite their possible deformation after the test is carried out according to Article B.2, Annex B of this Regulation.

2.1.3.3. Fuel permeability

The maximum permissible average loss of fuel is 20 g per 24 hours of testing time when the test is carried out according to Clause B.3.3, Annex B of this Regulation.

The loss measured shall not exceed 10 g per 24 hours when the test is carried out according to Clause B.3.4, Annex B of this Regulation.

2.1.3.4. Resistance to fuel

After the test is carried out according to Article B.3, Annex B of this Regulation, the fuel tank remains its satisfaction of requisites as defined in Clause 2.1.3.1 and 2.1.3.2 of this Regulation.

2.1.3.5. Resistance to fire

The liquid fuel must not leak from the fuel tank after the test is carried out according to Article B.4, Annex B of this Regulation.

2.1.3.6. Resistance to high temperature

The fuel tank, after the test as defined in Article B.5, Annex B of this Regulation, must not be leaking or severely deformed.

2.1.3.7. Markings on fuel tank

The trade name or label must be affixed onto the fuel tank. Such markings must be indelible and clearly legible on the fuel tank fitted in the vehicle.

2.2. General requisites for installation of fuel system in vehicles

2.2.1. Components of fuel tank installation

2.2.1.1. The fuel tank must satisfy requisites as defined in Clause 2.1 of this Regulation.

2.2.1.2. The components of fuel tank installation must be safely protected by parts of the chassis or bodywork against contact with obstacles on the ground. Such protection shall not be required if the bottom section of the fuel tank is further from the ground than the part of the chassis or bodywork in front of it.

2.2.1.3. Pipes and all other parts of fuel tank installation must be accommodated at positions protected to the fullest possible extent in the vehicle. Twisting and bending movements, and vibrations of the vehicle’s structure or drive unit shall not expose components of fuel tank installation to friction, compression or abnormal stress.

2.2.1.4. The connections of soft or pliable pipes with rigid parts of the components of fuel tank installation must be so designed and constructed as to refrain from leakage under various conditions of use of the vehicle, despite twisting and bending movements and vibrations of the vehicle's structure or drive unit.

2.2.1.5. If the filler hole is located on the side of the vehicle, the filler cap, when closed, must not protrude beyond the surface of that side of the vehicle.

2.2.2. Electrical installation

2.2.2.1 Electric wires other than wires positioned in the vehicle’s hollow components must be attached to the vehicle’s structure or walls or partitions near the front of the vehicle. The points at which electric wires pass through the vehicle's walls or partitions must be satisfactorily protected from exposure or shearing.

2.2.2.2. Electrical installation must be so designed, constructed and fitted that its constituents are able to resist corrosion to which they are exposed.

2.2.3. A partition must be provided to separate the fuel tank(s) from the passenger compartment. The partition may contain apertures (to accommodate cables) provided they are so arranged that fuel cannot flow freely from the fuel tank(s) into the passenger compartment or other compartments integral to it during normal conditions of use.

2.2.4. Every fuel tank must be securely fixed and so placed as to assure that fuel leaking from the fuel tank or its accessories shall escape to the ground but not into the passenger compartment during normal conditions of use. The fuel tank(s) must be installed in position(s) far from ignition sources including electric wires and exhaust pipe. If position(s) of installation is (are) ineluctably adjacent to the exhaust pipe, a partition must be provided. A barrier must be provided to cover the bottom of fuel tank(s) situated above the exhaust pipe.

2.2.5. The filler hole must not be located in the passenger compartment, luggage compartment or engine compartment.

2.2.6. The fuel tank(s) must be installed in such a way to be protected from consequences of a collision at the front or rear of the vehicle. There shall be no protruding parts, sharp edges or so near the fuel tank(s).

2.2.7. The fuel tank(s) and the filler neck must be designed and installed in the vehicle in such a way as to avoid accumulation of static electricity on the entire surface of the tank(s). If accumulation of electric charges occurs, such electricity must be discharged into the metallic structure of the chassis or major metallic mass by means of a good conductor.

3. REQUISITES FOR MANAGEMENT

3.1. Methods of testing

Vehicles and/or fuel tanks shall be produced and must be examined and tested, through manufacturers, assemblers and importers, according to the following circulars by Ministry of Transport: Circular No. 30/2011/TT-BGTVT dated 15 April 2011 on “Regulations for inspection of quality, technical safety and environmental protection for the production and assembly of motor vehicles" and Circular No. 31/2011/TT-BGTVT dated 15 April 2011 on “Procedures for inspection of quality, technical safety and environmental protection for imported motor vehicles”.

3.2. Technical documents and sampling

Manufacturers, assemblers and importers of vehicles and producers and importers of fuel tanks, when requiring tests, must provide testers with technical documents and samples according to Clause 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 of this Regulation.

3.2.1. Requirements for technical documents

Technical documents must include:

- The detailed description of vehicle type by contents regulated, including parameters and/or designations that specify engine type and vehicle type;

- The technical drawings of fuel tanks: Such drawings must indicate full technical features of fuel tanks and properties of materials that constitute fuel tanks;

- The full diagram of the fuel system and electrical system, which specify their installation methods and positions in the vehicle;

- The locations and installation methods of fuel tanks in the vehicle.

3.2.2. Requirement for sampling

The quantity of samples for each product type that requires tests shall be:

- 02 fuel tanks with full accessories (for fuel tanks made of a metallic material) for tests as defined in Annex A of this Regulation, or 07 fuel tanks with full accessories (for fuel tanks made of a plastic material) for tests as defined in Annex B of this Regulation.

- 01 fully made vehicle for fuel tank installation tests as defined in Clause 2.2 of this Regulation.

3.3. Test report

Testers must execute test reports that state requisites in this Regulation by type of fuel tank and vehicle in which such tank is fitted.

3.4. Enforcement of requisites

If documents mentioned in this Regulation are amended or replaced, new documents shall take effect.

Test reports for fuel tanks that have valid registration papers and have been tested according to Clause 3.1 shall be subject to Clause 3.3 of this Regulation.

4. ENFORCEMENT

4.1. Course of implementation

This Regulation shall come into force as of 01 June 2014; however, Clause 2.1.2 and 2.2 shall apply to new vehicle types as of 01 June 2016 and to vehicle types certified in writing for type quality as of 01 June 2018.

4.2. Responsibilities of Vietnam Register

Vietnam Register shall be responsible for implementing this Regulation and providing guidelines for inspection of quality and technical safety for vehicles and/or fuel tanks manufactured, assembled and imported.

ANNEX A

LIQUID FUEL TANK TEST

A.1. Liquid leakage test

The fuel tank must undergo the internal pressure test without any of its accessories. The fuel tank must be full of a non-flammable liquid (e.g. water). After all communications with the outside has been cut off, the pressure must be gradually increased via the pipe connection through which fuel is fed to the engine, to a relative internal pressure twice as much as the tank's working pressure and lower than 0.3 bar in all cases. Such pressure shall be maintained in one minute.

A.2. Overturn test

A.2.1. The tank with all accessories must be mounted onto a test fixture in a manner that resembles the installation approach of the tank in the vehicle. This also applies to pressure compensation systems in the tank.

A.2.2. The test fixture shall rotate about an axis parallel to the vehicle’s longitudinal axis.

A.2.3. The test shall be carried out on the tank filled with a non-flammable liquid to 90% and 30% of its capacity. Such non-flammable liquid must have a density and viscosity close to those of fuels normally used (water is acceptable).

A.2.4. The tank must be turned 90^o to the right of its installed position. The tank shall be kept in such position in at least five minutes. The tank shall then be turned another 90^o in the same direction. The tank shall be remained in such position, in which it is completely inverted, in at least five minutes. The tank shall then be rotated back to its normal position. Testing liquid that does not flow back from the venting system into the tank must be drained and replenished, if necessary. The tank must be then turned 90^o in the opposite direction and left there in at least five minutes.

The tank shall then be turned 90^o further in the same direction. The tank shall be completely inverted in at least five minutes. Afterwards, the tank shall return to its normal position.

ANNEX B

TESTING OF FUEL TANKS MADE OF A PLASTIC MATERIAL

B.1. Collision resistance test

B.1.1. The fuel tank must first be filled to its capacity with water or another liquid that does not alter technical properties of the tank’s material. The tank shall then undergo a collision resistance test according to Clause B.1.3 of this Annex.

B.1.2 The tank, before tested, must be maintained at the test chamber's ambient temperature in at least 3 hours.

B.1.3. A pendulum collision testing fixture shall be employed for the test. The collision body must be a regular square pyramid shape made of steel. The appex and edges are rounded to a radius of 3 mm. The center of percussion of the pendulum must coincide with its center of gravity. The distance from the pendulum's center of gravity to its axis of rotation must be 1 m. The total weight of the pendulum shall be 15 kg. The energy of the pendulum upon collision must not be less than and must be as close to 30 Nm as possible.

B.1.4. The tests must be done on the tank's points that are regarded most vulnerable to frontal or rear collision. Such points include those that are most exposed or weakest on the tank's surface or regarding the manner, in which the tank is fitted in the vehicle. The test report must indicate the points selected for the test.

B.1.5. During the test, the tank must be held in position on the side opposite to the collision side.

B.1.6. All impact tests, at the manufacturer's discretion, may be carried out on one tank or each test may be done on a different tank.

B.2 Mechanical strength test

The fuel tank must be tested under conditions as defined in Article A.1 of Annex A for leakage and shape rigidity. The tank with all accessories must be mounted onto a test fixture in a manner consonant with the approach of installation by which the tank is fitted in the vehicle. Water at 326 K (53^o C) shall fill up the tank. The relative pressure inside the tank must be maintained double the working pressure and, in all cases, less than 0.3 bar at the temperature of 326 K ± 2 K (53°C ± 2°C) in 5 hours.

B.3. Fuel permeability test

B.3.1. The fuel used for the permeability test must be either subject to Annex 9 of ECE Regulation No. 83 or a premium-grade commercial fuel. If the tank is only designed for vehicles with compression-ignition engine, the tank shall be filled with diesel fuel.

B.3.2. Prior to the test, the tank must be filled with the test fuel to 50% of its capacity. The tank shall be then stored in unsealed condition at the ambient temperature of 313 K ± 2 K (40^oC ± 2^oC) until the weight loss per time unit becomes constant.

B.3.3 The tank must be then emptied and refilled with the test fuel to 50% of its capacity before being hermetically sealed and stored at 313 K ± 2 K (40°C ± 2°C). The pressure must be adjusted when the content inside the tank reaches the test temperature. During the test period of 8 weeks, the weight loss due to diffusion shall be determined.

B.3.4. If such loss does not exceed the value as stated in Clause 2.1.3.3 of this Regulation, the test as defined in this section must be repeated on another tank of the same type to clarify the weight loss out of diffusion under similar conditions but at 296 K ± 2 K (23°C ± 2°C).

B.4. Fire resistance test

The fuel tank must undergo the following tests.

B.4.1. The tank must be held in a position that resembles its fitting in the vehicle and then be set on fire in 2 minutes. Leakage must not occur afterwards.

B.4.2. The test must be done three times on different tanks filled with fuel in the following manners:

B.4.2.1. If the tank is designed for vehicles with position ignition engine or compression-ignition engine, the test shall be carried out 3 times on tanks filled with premium-grade gasoline,

B.4.2.2. If the tank is only designed for vehicles with compression-ignition engine, the test shall be done 3 times on tanks filled with diesel fuel;

B.4.2.3. For the test, the tank with accessories must be installed in a test fixture that simulates actual installation conditions to the highest possible extent. The method by which the tank is installed in the said fixture must correspond with relevant specifications of the vehicle. Attention should be given to the vehicle's parts that protect the tank and its accessories from exposure to flame or involvement in the cause of a fire in any manners. Components fitted on the tank and plugs must also be taken into consideration. All openings must be closed though the venting system must remain in operation. The tank, immediately before the test, must be filled with the fuel specified to 50% of its capacity.

B.4.3. The flames to which the tank is exposed must grow from the ignition of a commercial fuel for positive ignition engines (referred to as the fuel) in a pan. The amount of the fuel poured into the pan must suffice to give rise to flames for the entire progress of the test.

B.4.4. The pan's dimensions must be so selected as to assure that the sides of the tank are exposed to flames. Therefore, the pan must be larger than the horizontal projection of the tank by at least 20 cm but less than 50 cm. The pan’s sidewalls must not project more than 8 cm above the level of the fuel upon the start of the test.

B.4.5. The pan filled with the fuel must be placed under the tank in such a way that the distance between the level of the fuel in the pan and the tank's bottom correspond with the designed height of the tank above the road surface under the vehicle's unladen condition (see Clause 1.3.7 of this Regulation for the vehicle’s unladen mass). The pan and/or the test fixture must be freely movable.

B.4.6. During phase C of the test, the pan must be covered by a screen placed 3 cm ± 1 cm above the fuel level.

Such screen must be made of a refractory material as prescribed in Supplement 2, Annex B of this Regulation. Gaps between bricks must not exist and the bricks must lean on the pan in such a manner that the bricks' holes are not obstructed. The length and width of the frame must be 2 cm to 4 cm smaller than the pan's interior dimensions for the existence of a ventilation gap of 1 cm to 2 cm between the frame and wall of the pan.

B.4.7. When the tests are carried out in open air, wind barricade must be sufficiently provided and wind velocity at the pan's location must not exceed 2.5 km/h. Prior to the test, the screen must be heated to 308 K ± 5 K (35°C ± 5°C). Firebricks may be wetted to assure identical test conditions for each successive test.

B.4.8. The test must comprise four phases (see Supplement 1, Annex B of this Regulation).

B.4.8.1. Phase A: Pre-heating (see Figure B.1.1 in this Annex)

The fuel in the pan must be ignited at a distance of at least 3 m from the fuel tank being tested. After 60 seconds of pre-heating, the pan shall be then placed under the tank.

B.4.8.2. Phase B: Direct exposure to flame (see Figure B.1.2 in this Annex)

The tank must be exposed to frames growing from the freely burning fuel in 60 seconds.

B.4.8.3. Phase C: Indirect exposure to flames (see Figure B.1.3 in this Annex)

Upon the completion of phase B, the screen must be inserted between the burning pan and the tank. The tank must be in contact with flames through the screen in another 60 seconds.

B.4.8.4. Phase D: End of test (see Figure B.1.4 in this Annex)

The burning pan covered by the screen must be returned to its original position (phase A). At the end of the test, flames on the burning tank must be extinguished forthwith.

B.5. Resistance to high temperature

B.5.1. The fixture used for the test must match the approach of the tank's installation in the vehicle, including the working manner of the tank's vent.

B.5.2 The tank shall be filled to 50% of its capacity with water at 293 K (20°C) before being stored at 368 K ± 2 K (95°C ± 2°C) in 1 hour.

Annex B - Supplement 1

FIRE RESISTANCE TEST FOR FUEL TANKS MADE OF PLASTIC MATERIAL

Figure B.1.1

Phase A: Pre-heating

Figure B.1.2

Phase B: Direct exposure to flame

Figure B.1.3

Phase C: Indirect exposure to flame

Figure B.1.4

Phase D - End of test

Annex B - Supplement 2

DIMENSIONS AND TECHNICAL DATA OF FIRE BRICK

QCVN 53:2013/BGTVT

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON THE BURNING BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS USED IN THE INTERIOR STRUCTURE OF CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF MOTOR VEHICLES

Preamble

QCVN 53:2013/BGTVT is compiled by Vietnam Register, is assessed by Ministry of Science and Technology and is issued by Minister of Transport under the Circular No. 40/2013/TT-BGTVT dated 01 November 2013.

This technical regulation is formulated by reference to UNECE Regulation No. 118.

NATIONAL TECHNICAL REGULATION ON THE BURNING BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS USED IN THE INTERIOR STRUCTURE OF CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF MOTOR VEHICLES

1. GENERAL

1.1. Scope of regulation

1.1.1. This Regulation stipulates requirements for the burning behavior of materials used in the interior structure of passenger vehicles having maximum mass exceeding 5 tonnes and comprising at least 22 seats including the driver’s seat (referred to as vehicles). It does not apply to urban bus as defined in TCVN 6211 standard on “Means of road transport - Terminology and definition”.

1.2.2. This Regulation does not apply to vehicles used for national defense and security.

1.2. Regulated entities

This Regulation applies to manufacturers, assemblers and importers of vehicles, producers and importers of materials and components used in vehicles’ interior structure (referred to as interior components) and authorities and entities involved in testing, inspection and certification of quality, technical safety and environmental protection.

1.3. Definitions

1.3.1. Urban bus: A vehicle designed and equipped for urban and suburban uses, which has seats and standing area for passengers and allows passengers’ movements in accordance with the vehicle's frequent stops.

1.3.2 Passenger compartment: The space for occupants’ accommodation bounded by the roof, floor, side walls, doors, outside glazing, front bulkhead and the plane of the rear compartment bulkhead or the plane of the rear seat back support.

1.3.3. Production materials: Products, in the form of bulk materials (e.g. rolls of upholstery) or preformed components, supplied to a manufacturer for incorporation in a vehicle tested according to this Regulation.

1.3.4. Seat: Structure that is intended to seat one adult person and may or may not be integral with the vehicle’s structure. This term covers both an individual seat and part of a bench seat intended to seat one adult person.

1.3.5. Group of seat: A bench seat or contiguous separate seats that accommodate one or more seated adult persons.

1.3.6. Bench seat: A structure complete with trim, intended to seat two adult persons or more.

1.3.7. Vehicle type: Products of one industrial owner, which carry similar make, design and technical specifications and derive from the same production line. Vehicles contain no variations on:

- Type;

- Make;

- Size and unladen mass of vehicles (tolerance must not exceed permissible deviation limit as per current regulations and standards);

- Permissible number of passengers;

- Shape and structure of cabin, chassis or bodywork;

- Engine, drive system;

- Fuel type;

- Brake system: motion drive model, brake structure; - Steering system: steering approach and structure; - Suspension system: type and structure; - Motion drive system: beam axle; - - Specialized mechanism (if available);

- Components and materials used in the vehicle’s interior structure.

1.3.8 Component: Constituents, systems and parts used for the assembly of the vehicle.

1.3.9. Type of component: Components that do not differ from the following essential respects:

- The manufacturer’s type designations;

- The intended use (seat upholstery, roof lining, etc.);

- The base material(s) (e.g. wool, plastics, rubber, blended materials);

- The number of layers (of composite materials);

- Other technical characteristics that have appreciable effect on properties as defined in this Regulation.

1.3.10. Burning rate: The quotient of the burnt distance (measured according to Annex C and/or Annex E of this Regulation) and the time taken to burn such distance. Burning rate is expressed in millimeters per minute.

1.3.11. Composite material: A material composed of several layers of similar or different materials intimately held together at their surfaces by cementing, bonding, cladding, welding, etc. When different materials are connected with each other (e.g. by sewing, high-frequency welding, riveting), such materials shall be deemed as composite materials.

1.3.12. Exposed face: The side of an interior material, when mounted in the vehicle, facing towards the passenger compartment.

1.3.13. Upholstery: Interior padding and surface finish material, which jointly constitute the elastic cushioning of the seat frame.

1.3.14. Interior lining(s): Material(s) that (together) constitute(s) the surface finish and substrate of a roof, wall or floor.

2. TECHNICAL REQUISITES

2.1. Testing of a vehicle type with regard to the burning behavior of interior components used in the passenger compartment.

2.1.1. Certification of quality of Interior materials used in the vehicle’s passenger compartment must abide by Clause 2.2 of this Regulation.

2.1.2 Interior materials and/or equipment used in the passenger compartment and/or appurtenances tested and certified as interior components must be installed in such a manner that risks of flame development and propagation are minimized.

2.1.3 Such interior materials and/or equipment must be installed in accordance with their intended purposes and tests that they have passed (see Clauses 2.2.1, 2.2.2 and 2.2.3 of this Regulation), particularly in relation to their burning and melting behavior (in horizontal and vertical direction).

2.1.4 All adhesive agents used to affix an interior material to its supporting structure shall not exacerbate the burning behavior of the material.

2.2. Testing and certification of an interior component for or with regard to the burning behavior of an interior material shall include:

2.1.1. Requirement for the horizontal burning rate of materials (as per Annex C of this Regulation).

The following materials must be tested:

- Material(s) used for the upholstery of seat and its accessories (including the driver's seat);

- Material(s) used for the interior lining of the roof;

- Material(s) used for the interior lining of side and rear walls, including separation walls;

- Material(s) with thermal and/or acoustic function;

- Material(s) used for the interior lining of the floor;

- Material(s) used for the interior lining of luggage racks, heating and ventilation pipes;

- Material(s) used for light fittings.

The horizontal burning rate of materials must be tested according to Annex C of this Regulation. The result of the test shall be considered satisfactory if the horizontal burning rate does not exceed 100 mm/minute or if flames die out before reaching the last measuring point.

2.2.2.2 Requirement for the melting behavior of materials (as per Annex D of this Regulation)

The following materials must be tested:

- Material(s) used for the interior lining of the roof;

- Material(s) used for the interior lining of luggage racks, heating and ventilation pipes;

- Material(s) for light fittings at luggage racks and/or roof.

The melting behavior of materials must be tested according to Annex D of this Regulation. The result of the test is deemed satisfactory if any drop formed does not ignite the cotton wool.

2.1.3. Requirement for the vertical burning rate of materials (as per Annex E of this Regulation).

Materials used for curtains and blinds (and/or other hanging materials) must undergo the test.

The vertical burning rate of materials must be tested according to Annex E of this Regulation. The result of the test shall be considered satisfactory if the vertical burning rate does not exceed 100 mm/minute.

2.2.4. The following materials are not required to undergo the tests as defined in Annex C, D and E of this Regulation:

2.2.4.1. Parts made of metal or glass.

2.2.4.2. Each individual seat accessory with a mass of non-metallic material less than 200 g. If the total mass of accessories is over 400 g larger than the mass of the seat's non-metallic materials, each material must be tested.

2.2.4.3. Elements whose surface area or volume, respectively, does not exceed:

- 100 cm² or 40 cm³ for the elements connected to an individual seat;

- 300 cm² or 120 cm³ per seat row and, to the maximum, per linear meter of the interior of the passenger compartment for the elements that are allocated in the vehicle and not attached to an individual seat.

2.2.4.4. Elements that are not possible to extract a sample in dimensions as prescribed in Clause C.3.1, D.3.1 and E.3.1 of this Regulation.

3. REQUISITES FOR MANAGEMENT

3.1. Methods of testing

Vehicles and/or interior components produced, assembled and imported must be examined and tested according to the following circulars by Ministry of Transport: Circular No. 30/2011/TT-BGTVT dated 15 April 2011 on “Regulations for technical inspection of quality, safety and environmental protection for the production and assembly of motor vehicles" and Circular No. 31/2011/TT-BGTVT dated 15 April 2011 on “Procedures for technical inspection of quality, safety and environmental protection for imported motor vehicles”.

3.2. Technical documents and sampling

Manufacturers, assemblers and importers of vehicles and producers and importers of interior components, when requiring tests, must provide testers with technical documents and samples according to Clause 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 of this Regulation.

3.2.1. Requirement for technical documents

Technical documents comprise:

- For inspection of vehicles: Specification registration sheet as per Annex A of this Regulation

- For inspection of interior components: Specification registration sheet as per Annex B of this Regulation

3.2.1. Requirement for sampling

3.2.2.1. For inspection of vehicles: A representative vehicle that represents the type to be inspected or such vehicle combines with the sample vehicle used for certification of the vehicle type.

3.2.2.2. For interior components certified: A list of certification numbers and manufacturers’ type designations of relevant interior components, with technical documents for vehicle inspection.

3.2.2.3. For interior components not certified:

3.2.2.3.1. Samples of interior components used in the vehicle in quantity as specified in Clause C.1.1, D.1.1 and E.1.1 of this Regulation. Shape and size of samples must conform to requirements in Clause C.3.1, D.3.1 and E.3.1 of this Regulation.

3.2.2.3.2 For interior components such as seats, curtains, separation walls and so on: the samples as prescribed in Clause 3.2.2.3.1 of this Regulation plus some complete components as stated above.

3.3. Test report

Testers must execute test reports that at least state requisites in this Regulation by type of vehicle or interior component.

3.4. Enforcement of requisites

If documents mentioned in this Regulation are amended or replaced, new documents shall take effect.

4. ENFORCEMENT

4.1. Course of implementation

This Regulation shall come into force as of 01 June 2014; however, Clause 2.2 shall apply to new types of vehicle and interior component as of 01 June 2016 and to types of vehicles and interior component certified in writing for type quality as of 01 June 2018.

4.2. Responsibilities of Vietnam Register

Vietnam Register shall be responsible for implementing this Regulation and providing guidelines for inspection of quality and technical safety for vehicles and/or interior components manufactured, assembled and imported.

ANNEX A

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REGISTRATION SHEET
(For inspection of a vehicle type with regard to the burning behavior of interior components used in the passenger compartment)

If systems, components or separate technical units have electronic controls, information concerning their operation must be provided)

A.1. General

A.1.1. Make:  ..........................................................................................................

A.1.2. Type and general description of the product: ..................................................

A.1.3. Methods for identification of type (if marked on the vehicle): ...........................

A.1.4. Location of type marking: ..............................................................................

A.1.5. Category of vehicle^1/: .....................................................................................

A.1.6. Name and address of the manufacturer: .........................................................

A.1.7. Address of the assembly factory: ..................................................................

A.2. General structural characteristics of the vehicle

A.2.1. Photographs and drawings of a representative vehicle:

A.3. Bodywork

Interior equipment

A.3.1. Seat

A.3.1.1. Quantity: ....................................................................................................

A.3.2. Burning behavior of materials used in the vehicle's interior structure

A3.2.1. Material(s) used for interior lining of the roof

A.3.2.1.1. Certification number(s):.............................................................................

A.3.2.2. Material(s) used for the rear and side walls

A.3.2.2.1. Certification number(s): ............................................................................

A.3.2.3. Material(s) used for the floor

A.3.2.3.1. Certification number(s): ............................................................................

A.3.2.4. Material(s) used for seat upholstery

A.3.2.4.1. Certification number(s): ............................................................................

A.3.2.5. Material(s) used for heating and ventilation pipes

A.3.2.5.1. Certification number(s): ............................................................................

A.3.2.6. Material(s) for luggage racks

A.3.2.6.1. Certification number(s): ............................................................................

A.3.2.7. Material(s) used for light fittings.

A.3.2.7.1. Certification number(s): ............................................................................

A.3.2.8. Material(s) for curtains and blinds

A.3.2.8.1. Certification number(s): ............................................................................

A.3.2.9. Material(s) used for other purposes

A.3.2.9.1. Use: ........................................................................................................

A.3.2.9.2. Certification number(s): ............................................................................

A.3.2.10 Interior components certified as complete units (seats, separation walls, luggage racks, etc.)

A.3.2.10.1. Certification number(s): ...........................................................................

We undertake that this sheet matches the vehicle type registered to undergo tests and assume all liabilities for issues out of false or insufficient information declared in this sheet.

____________

^1/ As per definitions in TCVN 6211 and TCVN 7271 standards

ANNEX B

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION REGISTRATION SHEET
(For inspection and certification of an interior component with regard to its burning behavior)

If systems, components or separate technical units have electronic controls, information concerning their operation must be provided)

B.1. General

B.1.1. Make: ...........................................................................................................

B.1.2. Type and general description of the product: ..................................................

B.1.3. Name and address of the manufacturer: .........................................................

B.1.4. Address of the assembly factory:

B.2. Interior materials

B.2.1. Material(s) used for:........................................................................................

B.2.2. Base material(s)/ designation: ........................................................................

B.2.3. Composite/ single material(s), number of layers (if applicable): ........................

B.2.4. Type of coating (if available): .........................................................................

B.2.5. Maximum/ minimum thickness .................................................................. mm

B.2.6. Certification number(s): ..................................................................................

We undertake that this sheet matches the interior component registered to undergo tests and assume all liabilities for issues out of false or insufficient information declared in this sheet.

ANNEX C

TESTING OF HORIZONTAL BURNING RATE OF MATERIALS

C.1. Sampling method

C.1.1. Five samples of an isotropic material shall be tested or ten samples of a non-isotropic material shall be tested (five for each direction).

C.1.2. Samples must be extracted from the material tested. If the burning rates in different directions vary, each direction must be tested. Samples must be taken and placed in test apparatuses in such a manner that the highest burning rate can be determined. When the material is supplied in widths, a length of at least 500 mm shall first be cut, covering the entire width; thence, equidistant samples with length of at least 100 mm shall be taken from the material edge. The sampling of finished products shall follow the similar method if feasible as per the shape of the product. When the thickness of the finished product is more than 13 mm, it must be reduced to 13 mm through a mechanical process applied to the surface not facing towards the passenger compartment. If such reduction is not viable, tests shall be carried out on the initial thickness of the material, which must be stated in the test report.

Composite materials must be tested (see Clause 1.3.11) if they have uniform composition. If materials are made of superimposed layers of different compositions that are not composite materials, all layers of such materials within a depth of 13 mm from the surface facing towards the passenger compartment shall be tested separately.

C.1.3. Samples shall be held horizontally in a U-shaped holder and are exposed to the action of a flame acting on the free end of the holder in 15 seconds in a combustion chamber.

The test ends if the flame extinguishes or when the time in which the flame has passed a defined distance expires.

C.2. Test apparatus

C.2.1. Combustion chamber (see Figure C.1), made of stainless steel in dimensions specified in Figure C.2. The front of the chamber contains a fire-resistant observation window. Such window may cover the front and be constructed as an access panel.

The bottom of the chamber has vent holes and the top has vent slots all around. The combustion chamber is 10 mm high and shall be placed on four feet.

The chamber may have one hole at one end for the insertion of the sample holder; at the opposite end, another hole is available for the gas line. Melted material escapes into a tray (see Figure C.3), which is placed on the bottom of the chamber between vent holes. The tray must not mantle any areas of the vent holes.

Figure C.1: A combustion chamber with sample holder and drip tray

Figure C.2: Combustion chamber

 (Dimensions are displayed in millimeters)

Figure C.3: Typical drip tray

 (Dimensions are indicated in millimeters)

C.2.2. A sample holder consists of two U-shaped metal plates or frames of anti-corrosion material. Dimensions are available in Figure C.4.

The lower plate is equipped with pins matched by holes in the upper plate to assure a firm grip of the sample. The pins also serve as measuring points at the beginning and end of the burning distance.

Heat resistant supportive wires 0.25 mm in diameter shall span at 25-mm intervals over the U-shaped frame at the bottom.

The plane of the lower side of samples must be 178 mm above the floor plate of the chamber. The distance of the front edge of the sample holder from the other end of the chamber must be 22 mm. The distance of longitudinal sides of the sample holder from the sides of the chamber must be 50 mm (all dimensions are measured inside the chamber) (see Figure C.1 and Figure C.2).

Figure C.4: Sample holder

 (Dimensions are indicated in millimeters)

Figure C.5: Section of lower U-shaped frame design for wire support

 (Dimensions are indicated in millimeters)

C.2.3. Gas burner

A Bunsen burner with a diameter of 9.5 mm ± 0.5 mm provides the ignition source. The ignition source is so located in the test cabinet that the center of the burner’s nozzle is 19 mm below the center of the bottom edge of the open end of the sample (see Figure C.2).

C.2.4. Test gas

The gas supplied to the burner must have a calorific value near 38 MJ/m³ (e.g. natural gas, LPG)

C.2.5. Metal comb at least 110 mm in length with 7 to 8 smooth rounded teeth per 25 mm.

C.2.6. Stop swatch accurate to 0.5 second.

C.2.7. Fume cupboard

The combustion chamber may be placed in a fume cupboard provided that the internal volume of the cupboard is at least 20 times but at most 110 times greater than the chamber. Moreover, one of three dimensions including the length, width or height of the cupboard must not be 2.5 times larger than the other two dimensions. Before the test, the vertical velocity of the air passing through the fume cupboard must be measured 100 mm before and behind the location of the chamber. Such velocity must range from 0.10 m/s to 0.30 m/s in order to prevent combustion products from causing discomfort to the operator. A fume cupboard with natural ventilation and appropriate air velocity may be utilized.

C.3. Samples

C.3.1. Shape and dimensions

C.3.1.1. The shape and dimensions of samples are shown in Figure C.6. The thickness of samples shall match that of the products to be tested. Thickness must not exceed 13 mm. Samples, when taken, must have a constant section over its entire length.

Figure C.6: Sample

 (Dimensions are shown in millimeters)

C.3.1.2. If the shape and dimensions of a product do not permit the extraction of samples by given dimensions, these minimum dimensions must be followed:

 (a) For samples having a width of 3 mm to 60 mm, the length shall be 356 mm. In this case, the material is tested in the product’s width;

 (b) For samples having a width of 60 mm to 100 mm, the minimum length shall be 138 mm. In this case, the potential burning distance corresponds with the length of the sample. Data shall be measured from the first measuring point.

C.3.2. Test condition

Samples must be kept in ambient temperatures of 23°C ± 2°C and relative humidity of 50% ± 5% in at least 24 hours but not more than 7 days. Such condition must be maintained until the instant before the start of the test.

C.4. Test procedure

C.4.1. First, the sample with napped or tufted surfaces shall be laid on a flat surface and brushed with a metal comb twice against the nap (see Clause C.2.5).

C.4.2. The sample shall be then placed in the sample holder (see Clause C.2.2) in such a manner that the exposed side lies face downwards to the flame.

C.4.3. The gas flame shall then be adjusted to a height of 38 mm according to the mark in the combustion chamber and the air intake of the closed burner. Before the start of the first test, the flame must burn stably in at least one minute.

C.4.4. The sample holder is inserted into the chamber in such a way that the sample's end is exposed to the flame. Gas flow shall be then cut off after 15 seconds.

C.4.5. The burning time shall be measured upon the flame's licking the first measuring point. The propagation of the flame shall be monitored on the side that burns faster than the other (upper or lower side).

C.4.6. The measured burning time stops when the flame reaches the last measuring point or when the flame dies before reaching the last measuring point. If the flame does not reach the last measuring point, the burning distance shall be measured up to the point where the flame extinguishes. The burning distance refers to the decomposed part of the sample, whose surface or interior is destroyed.

C.4.7. If the sample does not catch fire or stops burning upon the extinguishment of the burner (i.e. the burning time is not measurable), the test report shall indicate the burning rate at 0 mm/minute. The sample applies to the circumstance in which the flame dies before reaching the first measuring point.

C.4.8. When a series of tests is carried out or a test is repeated, the maximum temperature of the chamber and the sample holder must be maintained at 30^oC prior to the following test.

C.5. Calculation

The burning rate B is determined in millimeters per minute by the following formula:

B = 60 S/t

Including:

S - the burning distance, in millimeters;

t - the time consumed, in seconds, to burn the distance S.

The burning rate (B) of each sample shall only be calculated when the flame reaches the last measuring point or burn to the end of the sample.

ANNEX D

TESTING OF MELTING BEHAVIOR OF MATERIALS

D.1. Sampling method

D.1.1. Four samples shall be tested. Both faces of a sample, if not identical, shall undergo the test.

D.1.2. Each sample is inserted in horizontal position into an electric radiator. A receptacle is placed under the sample to collect the resultant drops. Some cotton wool is put on the receptacle to verify if any drops ignite flame.

D.2. Test apparatus

Apparatuses shall consist of (see Figure D.1):

 (a) An electric radiator;

 (b) A sample holder with grill;

 (c) A receptacle (for resultant drops);

 (d) A stand (for the fitting of the apparatuses)

D.2.1. The electric radiator with useful output of 500 W is the source of heat. The radiating surface must be made of a transparent quartz plate 100 mm ± 5 mm in diameter.

The heat radiating from the apparatuses shall be measured on a surface that is parallel to the radiator’s surface at a distance of 30 mm. Such heat must reach 3 W/cm².

D.2.2. The sample holder must be a metallic ring (see Figure D.1). On top of the sample holder lies a grill composed of stainless-steel wires in following dimensions:

 (a) interior diameter: 118 mm;

 (b) dimension of grill’s hole: 2.10 mm square; (c) diameter of steel wire: 0.70 mm. D.2.3. The receptacle shall consist of a cylindrical tube with interior diameter of 118 mm and depth of 12 mm. The receptacle must be filled with cotton wool.

D.2.4. A vertical stand shall hold the apparatuses as stated in Clause D.2.1, D.2.2 and D.2.3.

The radiator is attached to the top of the stand in such a manner that the heat-radiating surface is horizontal and downward.

A level or pedal shall be fitted in the stand to elevate the radiator holder gradually. A catch must also be provided to return the radiator back to its normal position.

The radiator’s axis, the sample holder and the receptacle, in their normal positions, must match each other.

D.3. Samples

D.3.1. The dimensions of a test sample must be 70 mm x 70 mm. Samples must be extracted from finished products in a same manner when the shape of the finished products permits such extraction. When the thickness of the finished product is more than 13 mm, it must be reduced to 13 mm through a mechanical process applied to the surface not facing towards the passenger compartment. If such reduction is not viable, tests shall be carried out on the initial thickness of the material, which must be indicated in the test report.

D.3.2. Composite materials (see Clause 1.3.11) must be tested if they have uniform composition.

D.3.3. If materials are made of superimposed layers of different compositions that are not composite materials, all layers of such materials within a depth of 13 mm from the surface facing towards the passenger compartment shall be tested separately.

D.3.4. The total mass of the sample tested must be at least 2 g. If the mass of one material is lower than such value, samples must be added to suffice.

D.3.5. If two faces of the material differ, both faces shall be tested. In other words, eight samples shall undergo the test. Samples and cotton wool must be kept in ambient temperatures of 23°C ± 2°C and relative humidity of 50% ± 5% in at least 24 hours. Such condition shall be maintained until the instant immediately preceding the test.

D.4. Test procedure

D.4.1. The sample is placed on the sample holder. The holder is so positioned that the distance between the radiator’s surface and the upper side of the sample is 30 mm.

D.4.2. The receptacle filled with cotton wool is located beneath the grill of the sample holder at a distance of 300 mm.

D.4.3. The radiator is put aside before being switched on to avoid the radiation of heat onto the sample. When the radiator reaches its full testing capacity, it is placed above the sample and timing starts.

D.4.4. If the material melts or deforms, the height of the radiator must be adjusted to be maintained at the distance of 30 mm.

D.4.5. If the material burns, the radiator shall be moved aside after 3 seconds. The radiator is returned in position when the flame languishes. The procedure is similarly repeated as frequently as necessary during the first five minutes of the test.

After the fifth minute of the test:

 (i) If the flame on the sample dies (whether the sample burns or not in first five minutes of the test), the radiator remains in position even if the sample reignites.

 (ii) If the material is on fire, the flame has to extinguish before the radiator returns into position again.

In both cases, the test must carry on for another five minutes.

D.5. Test result

Events observed have to be transcribed into the report, for example:

 (i) formation of any drops, whether flammable or not;

 (ii) ignition of cotton wool.

Figure D.1: Apparatuses for testing of melting behavior of materials

 (Dimensions are shown in millimeters)

ANNEX E

TESTING OF VERTICAL BURNING RATE OF MATERIALS

E.1. Sampling method

E.1.1. Three samples of an isotropic material or six samples of a non-isotropic material shall be tested.

E.1.2. In this test, samples are held in vertical position then exposed to a flame. The speed at which the flame spreads over the material tested shall be determined.

E.2. Test apparatus

Apparatuses include:

 (a) a sample holder;

 (b) a burner;

 (c) a ventilation system to extirpate gas and combustion products;

 (d) a template;

 (e) marker threads of white mercerized cotton with a maximum linear density of 50 tex.

E.2.1. The sample holder is composed of a rectangular frame 560 mm in length. Such frame has two rigidly connected parallel rods spaced 150 mm apart from each other. The sample shall be mounted on pins fitted on the rods. The sample is positioned on a plane at least 20 mm from the holder's frame. The pins for mounting the sample must have a diameter of at most 2 mm and a length of at least 27 mm. The pins are positioned on two rods of the rectangular frame's as per Figure E.1. The frame is installed onto a suitable support to maintain the two rods in vertical position during the test. Spacer stubs 2 mm in diameter may abut on the pins to locate the sample on a plane distant from the holder’s frame.

E.2.2. The burner is described in Figure E.3.

Commercial propane gas or commercial butane gas shall be fed to the burner.

The burner must be positioned in front of but below the sample in such a manner that the burner enters the plane passing through the vertical centerline of the sample and being perpendicular to the sample’s surface (see Figure E.2). Moreover, the burner's longitudinal axis must be inclined upwards at 30^o to the vertical direction of the lower edge of the sample. The distance between the tip of the burner and the sample’s lower edge must be 20 mm.

E.2.3. The apparatuses may be placed in a fume cupboard provided that the internal volume of the cupboard is at least 20 times but at most 110 times greater than the apparatuses. Moreover, one of three dimensions including the length, width or height of the cupboard must not be 2.5 times larger than the other two dimensions. Before the test, the vertical velocity of the air passing through the fume cupboard must be measured 100 mm before and behind the location of the combustion chamber. Such velocity must range from 0.10 m/s to 0.30 m/s in order to prevent combustion products from causing discomfort to the operator. A fume cupboard with natural ventilation and appropriate air velocity may be utilized.

E.2.4. A flat rigid template made of a suitable metallic material must be provided. The size of the template shall correspond with that of the sample. Holes having an approximate diameter of 2 mm shall be worn in the template and so positioned as to match the intervals between the centers of the holes and the intervals between the pins on the sample holder (see Figure E.1). Such holes shall be equidistant along the vertical centerline of the template.

E.3. Samples

E.3.1. The dimensions of a test sample must be 560 mm x 170 mm.

E.3.2. Samples must be kept in ambient temperatures of 23°C ± 2°C and relative humidity of 50% ± 5% in at least 24 hours. Such condition shall be maintained until the instant right before the start of the test.

E.4. Test procedure

E.4.1. The test must be carried out in atmospheric temperatures of 10°C to 30°C and relative humidity between 15% and 80%.

E.4.2. The burner must be preheated in 2 minutes. The height of the flame shall be adjusted to 40 mm ± 2 mm. Such height grows from the top of the burner's tube and the yellow tip of the flame that burns in vertical direction under low light condition.

E.4.3. The sample is mounted onto the holder's pins. Such pins must pass through the points on the sample, which are marked by the template. The distance between the sample and the holder's frame must be at least 20 mm. The frame shall be fitted on a stand to keep the sample in vertical position.

E.4.4. The marker threads shall be stretched over the sample at positions as shown in Figure E.1. At each position, a loop of thread shall be hung in such a manner that two strings are spaced 1 mm and 5 mm from the plane in front of the sample.

Each loop shall be attached to a suitable timing instrument. Sufficient tension shall be imposed on the threads to maintain their position on par with the sample.

E.4.5. The sample shall be exposed to fire in 5 seconds. Ignition shall be deemed to have occurred if the sample still burns in 5 seconds after the removal of the igniting flame. If ignition does not occur, another sample shall be exposed to the flame in 15 seconds.

E.4.6. If any result in any set of three samples exceeds the minimum result by 50%, another set of 3 samples shall undergo the test for the same direction or side. If one or two samples in any set of three do not burn to the top marker thread, another set of three shall undergo the test for the same side or direction.

E.4.7. The following periods of time shall be measured in seconds:

 (a) upon the exposure of the igniting flame to the sample to the severance of the first marker thread (t₁);

 (b) upon the exposure of the igniting flame to the sample to the severance of the second marker thread (t₂);

 (c) upon the exposure of the igniting flame to the sample to the severance of the third marker thread (t₃);

E.5. Test result

Events observed have to be transcribed into the report, for example:

 (i) periods of combustion: t₁, t₂ and t₃ [seconds] (ii) relevant distances of combustion: d₁, d₂ and d₃ [mm] For the sample on which the flame spreads to the first marker thread at lowest pace, its burning rate V₁, V₂ and V₃ (if applicable) shall be determined as follows:

V_i = 60 d_i/t_i (mm/minute)

Out of V₁, V₂ and V₃, the fastest burning rate shall be taken into account.

Figure E.1: Sample holder

 (Dimensions are shown in millimeters)

Figure E.2: Location of the burner

Figure E.3: Gas burner

 (Dimensions are shown in millimeters)

ANNEX F

CERTIFICATE (sample form)