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ASTM F 1959

ASTM has developed a test method to assist in determining and comparing the protective capacity of various flame resistant fabrics—(ASTM F1959; Standard Test Method for determining the Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) of Materials for Clothing). The higher the value, the more insulated one is from second degree burn When this test method is run, the arc discharge causes a dramatic temperature rise in the receiving monitor sensors in a short period of time (typically less than 1 second). When a flame resistant fabric is placed on the panel, the energy seen by the sensor is blocked by a significant degree. The percentage of blocking is called the heat attenuation factor. When the fabric blocks the temperature rise to a level below the Stoll second degree prediction, no second degree burn results. Using this method, the data for ATPV (Arc Thermal Performance Value) is obtained.

When multiple layers of flame resistant fabrics are evaluated using the ASTM F1959 test method, the test results are higher than the additive ATPV for each layer. This result can be explained by enhanced insulation resulting from a combination of heat transfer through the different layers and entrapped air between the layers. Thus, the higher ATPV’s predict a positive effect of enhanced protection.