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 as described in this Standard or in a manner comparable to its recommended use.

Where a material cannot be readily determined to be thermoplastic or thermoset, one test is conducted in accordance with this Standard and one additional test in conformance with requirements of CAN/ULC-S102.2, Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Flooring, Floor Coverings, and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies.

The primary purpose of this 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.

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.