1. SCOPE 1.1 This method of test for surface burning characteristics of building materials is
applicable to any type of building material that, by its own structural qualities or the manner in
which it is applied, is capable of supporting itself in position or may be supported in the test
furnace to a thickness comparable to its recommended use. NOTE: For materials which cannot be so supported, or materials which, when tested in the manner
described in Clause 1.1, melt and drip or otherwise disintegrate and continue to burn on the floor
of the test chamber, it is appropriate that they be tested and classified in the manner provided for
in the Standard Method of Test For Surface Burning Characteristics of Flooring, Floor Covering,
and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies, CAN/ULC-S102.2. 1.2 The primary purpose of the test is to determine the comparative burning
characteristics of the material or assembly under test by evaluating the flame spread over its
surface when exposed to a test fire and thus establish a basis on which surface burning
characteristics of different materials or assemblies may be compared, without specific
considerations of all the end use parameters that might affect these characteristics. 1.3 Smoke density and flame spread rate are recorded in this test. However, there is
not necessarily a relationship between these two measurements. 1.4 It is the intent of this method to register performance during the period of
exposure, and not to determine suitability for use after the test exposure. 1.5 This method does not establish standards of performance for specific
applications. It is a means of evaluating the response of materials, products or assemblies to a
particular fire exposure under controlled laboratory conditions.