Fire resistance tests in the automotive industry
Validation of safety and compliance
Why carry out fire resistance tests in the automotive industry?
Fire resistance tests are essential to guarantee the safety of materials and components used in vehicles. These tests make it possible to :
- Ensure compliance with international regulations such as FMVSS 302, NF EN ISO 3795 and ECE R118.
- Evaluate the resistance of materials to ignition and flame propagation
- Test the reaction of RESS (Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems) in the event of a fire outside the vehicle (ECE regulation R100).
- Obtain the necessary approvals for the marketing of vehicles and their components.
- Protect occupants by limiting the spread of fire in the passenger compartment and technical compartments
Our fire resistance testing services
We offer testing solutions tailored to the various segments of the automotive sector:
- Interior materials: Flammability testing of interior trim and components.
- Mass transit vehicles: Compliance with ECE R118 regulations for buses and coaches.
- RESS: Simulation of direct and indirect exposure to fire in accordance with ECE regulation R100.
Types of fire resistance tests
Material flammability tests (FMVSS 302, ISO 3795)
- Measurement of flame propagation speed.
- Exposure to a 38 mm flame for 15 seconds.
- Interpretation of results in accordance with manufacturers' specifications.
Fire tests for RESS (ECE R100, Annex 9E)
- Exposure to slick fire or gas burner (R100 rev4).
- Thermal monitoring and analysis of battery chemical reactions.
Fire tests for public transport vehicles (R118)
- Flame propagation on panels, fittings and cables.
- Heat resistance test.
- Assessment of the opacity of smoke given off in the event of fire.
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Our testing capabilities and technical resources
Fire test facilities
- Combustion chambers and fume emission measurement equipment.
- Burners complying with standards and ISO 3795, FMVSS 302, D45 1333 and R118.
- Thermal capture systems and infrared cameras for real-time analysis.
Monitoring and analysing results
- Multi-angle video recordings of the tests.
- Characterization of test environment: temperature, wind speed.
- Detailed reports for product interpretation and optimisation.
Standards applicable to automotive fire resistance tests
Our tests comply with the main international regulations:
- FMVSS 302: Flammability standard for vehicle interior materials.
- NF EN ISO 3795: Assessment of flame spread.
- ECE R100 (Annex 9E): Fire safety of RESS.
- ECE R118: Fire regulations for public transport vehicles.
Integrating fire resistance testing into product development
Fire resistance tests help to anticipate risks and improve the safety of vehicles and their components. Our experts can help you with :
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- Analysing the normative requirements specific to your sector.
- Implementing tests using protocols tailored to your products.
- Interpretation of results and optimisation of designs.
Needs
Discover a selection of additional resources that explore topics related to this page including regulatory contexts, technical articles, and specific areas of expertise. These materials provide further insight to help you better understand the key challenges and available solutions.
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