Development of Mobile Home Fire Test Methods to Judge the Fire-Safe Performance of Foam Plastic Sheathing and Cavity Insulation

摘要

This report presents the results of studies to develop test methods for plausible fire scenarios in which cavity insulation and sheathing in the walls and ceilings of mobile homes may affect life safety or contribute to significant property damage. The report examines fires originating in usually inhabit spaces, electrical fires originating in wall cavities, and electrical fires originating in ceiling cavities. The fire tests were conducted in modules representative of mobile home modules with and without modifications by the introduction of foam plastic insulation. Results suggest that two standard tests be adopted: a room test for form systems to be used both in walls and ceilings of mobile homes and a ceiling cavity/ electrical overload test for systems seeking 'ceiling use only' approval. The proposed room test imposes the fire from a 6-7 pound crib placed at the midpoint of one long wall and opposite the doorway of a mobile home room module. Life safety criteria are compared for a conventional room module and one incorporating the proposed foam plastic wall insulation system. Both modules incoporate gypsum ceilings for rest purposes. The proposed ceiling test imposes fire from an overheated, burning electric cable or the interior of four ceiling modules, three with the proposed foam plastic system and one of conventional mobile home construction. Fire intensity and damage criteria are used to judge system acceptability. Many graphs, charts, and photographs are supplied. Appendixes include mobile home construction and fire safety standards, a draft bulletin, and a statement of work. Ten references are also appended. (Author abstract modified).