ISO 5659-2:2017

Overview

ISO 5659-2:2017 - Plastics - Smoke generation - Part 2: Determination of optical density by a single-chamber test specifies a laboratory method to measure smoke production (optical density) from the exposed surface of plastic specimens using a single‑chamber test. The method is applicable to essentially flat specimens up to 25 mm thickness placed horizontally and exposed to defined thermal irradiance in a closed cabinet, with or without a pilot flame. Results are specific to the sample form and thickness tested and intended for research, development and fire‑safety engineering - not as a direct basis for building code ratings or to predict real‑world fire smoke levels.

Key technical topics and requirements

• Specimen requirements
  • Flat geometry, maximum thickness 25 mm, preparation and conditioning procedures.
  • Number, size and orientation of specimens defined to ensure repeatability.
• Test chamber and apparatus
  • Closed single‑chamber (closed cabinet) photometric test cabinet.
  • Radiator cone and heat flux control to deliver specified thermal irradiance.
  • Optional pilot burner for flaming or non‑flaming exposures.
• Photometric system
  • Light source, photodetector alignment, beam collimation and focusing, compensating and range‑extension filters.
  • Recording of light transmission to calculate specific optical density (Ds).
• Calibration and quality checks
  • Chamber leakage test, burner and radiator calibration, linearity checks and compensating filter selection.
  • Frequency of calibration and cleaning procedures described.
• Data and reporting
  • Expression of results as specific optical density with clear‑beam correction.
  • Precision data, test report content and informative annexes (calibration, variability, mass optical density, guidance on testing and sample preparation).

Practical applications and users

Who uses ISO 5659-2:2017:

• Fire safety engineers and researchers conducting smoke generation studies.
• Materials scientists and plastics R&D teams developing low‑smoke formulations.
• Independent test laboratories performing comparative smoke measurements.
• Designers and safety assessors for buildings, rail, marine interiors interested in material behaviour under thermal exposure.

Typical applications:

• Comparing smoke production of different plastic formulations or surface finishes.
• Supporting product development and fire‑performance optimization.
• Integrating smoke data into fire models and safety engineering studies.

Note: The standard excludes assessment of eye‑irritant effects and does not provide a basis for predicting smoke density under different or real‑world fire scenarios.

Related standards

• Other parts of the ISO 5659 series (smoke generation test family).
• Harmonized sample preparation with ISO 5660‑1 (heat release rate tests).