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 NORDTEST METHOD NT FIRE 049 1

Approved 2005-11
Edition 2
NT FIRE 049
1(16)

COMBUSTIBLE PRODUCTS:
COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION – FIRE TEST PROCEDURE

Key words: Combustible products, commodity classification, fire test procedure

TABLE OF CONTENTS 10 TESTING 6

10.1 Initial conditions and preparation 6
1 INTRODUCTION 2 10.2 Test procedure 6
2 SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION 2 10.3 Repeat of tests 6

3 REFERENCES 2 11 CLASSIFICATION 6
11.1 General 6
4 DEFINITIONS 3
11.2 Principle of classification 7
5 TEST PRINCIPLES 3 11.3 Evaluation of the test results –
6 CALORIMETER SYSTEM 3 classification 7
6.1 Hood and exhaust system 3 12 TEST REPORT 8
6.2 Instrumentation in the exhaust duct 4
6.2.1 Volume flow rate 4
6.2.2 Gas analysis 4 ANNEX A – PRINCIPLE DESIGN OF THE
CALORIMETER SYSTEM 9
7 STORAGE ARRAY 4
7.1 Rack storage arrangement 4 ANNEX B – PRINCIPLE DESIGN OF THE
7.2 Ignition source 5 WATER APPLICATOR 10

8 WATER APPLICATION SYSTEM 5 ANNEX C – CLASSIFICATION TABLES 11

8.1 Water applicator 5 ANNEX D – CLASSIFICATION GRAPHS
8.2 Flow rate and pressure measurements 5 (Informative) 14
9 TEST COMMODITIES 5

Nordic Innovation Centre ISSN: 1459—2819

Stensberggata 25, 0170 OSLO Project: 1654-04
Telephone +47 47 61 44 00
Fax +47 22 56 55 65
info@nordicinnovation.net
www.nordicinnovation.net
NORDTEST METHOD
1 INTRODUCTION
The fire characteristics of commodities stored in a
warehouse are important parameters when the design and
capacity of a sprinkler system are determined. Un-
fortunately, these parameters are often difficult to assess.
Actual fire testing and classification of the type of commodity
to be stored provides considerable information on its fire and
suppressability characteristics.
This Nordtest method provides a methodology for com-
modity classification by fire testing at an intermediate scale.
Fire testing involves arranging a four-pallet load of the
particular commodity in a rack storage arrangement. A water
applicator consisting of a matrix of spray nozzles is arranged
over the commodity and the entire set-up is positioned
underneath a calorimeter to facilitate the measurement of
the heat release rate.
With the data obtained from the tests, classification criteria
for the four main commodity categories according to the
European sprinkler standard, EN 12845 [1] (categories I, II,
III and IV) can be established. It is also possible to
determine whether or not a commodity shall be treated as a
“special hazard”. The commodity classification method-
ology, and its resulting classification limits, mean that any
particular type of commodity can be classified with
considerably better accuracy and safety than by using
simple tabular assessment in accordance with EN 12845.
A full classification of a particular commodity requires three
fire tests to be conducted.
This methodology was originally developed by Factory
Mutual Research Corporation for classification according to
the US commodity classification scheme, but has been
modified to correspond to the European commodity
classification scheme.
Note: Users of this test method should observe the following
warning: SUITABLE PRECAUTIONS MUST BE TAKEN TO
SAFEGUARD HEALTH, REQUIRING THAT THE ATTENTION
OF ALL ENGAGED IN THE FIRE TESTS IS DRAWN TO THE
POSSIBILITY THAT TOXIC OR HARMFUL GASES MAY BE
EVOLVED DURING COMBUSTION OF TEST COMMODITIES.
2 SCOPE AND FIELD OF APPLICATION
This Nordtest method is intended to provide a basis for
classification of commodities. On the basis of this
classification, relevant sprinkler protection can be achieved
according to the European sprinkler standard, EN 12845.
The classification test procedure is highly standardised. The
aim is to determine the hazard level of a commodity by
comparing the test results with data from identical tests on
well-defined “standard” commodities, with fire characteristics
similar to commodities of Category I, II, III and IV. These
tests, forming the basis of this philosophy, are described in
SP Report 2003:03 [2]. Additional information is provided in
SP Report 1993:70 [3].
If a tested product shows fire characteristics similar to one
of the standard commodities, it is assumed that the same
protection requirements are adequate for the tested com-
modities.
NT FIRE 049 2
A rack storage configuration is used in the classification
tests. However, the results may also be applied to free-
standing, palletized rack and post-pallet storage con-
figurations, using the design criteria given for these
configurations in EN 12845.
It is important to note that the commodity classification tests
do not directly provide the protection requirements e.g.
design water density for the commodity tested although
reference is made to a range of water discharge densities in
the tests. The purpose is to determine the hazard level of the
commodity. It should also be noted that this classification
procedure has been developed for ordinary combustible
hazards. Commodities such as exposed plastics, aerosols
and containers with flammable liquids may represent a
hazard that exceeds that of Category IV commodities, and
should therefore be considered as “special hazards”.
Requirements for the protection of “special hazards” are
given in Annex G, “Protection of special hazards” of EN
12845.
3 REFERENCES
[1] EN 12845, “Fixed fire fighting systems, Automatic
sprinkler systems, Design, installation and main-
tenance”, (Approved by CEN on November 29, 2002),
August 2003
[2] Arvidson, Magnus and Lönnermark, Anders,
“Commodity Classification Tests of Selected Ordinary
Combustible Products”, SP Report 2002:03, Swedish
National Testing and Research Institute, Borås, 2002
[3] Persson, Henry, “Commodity Classification – A more
objective and applicable methodology”, SP Report
1993:70, Swedish National Testing and Research
Institute, Borås, 1993
[4] ISO 9705:1993(E), “Fire tests – Full-scale room test for
surface products”, International Organisation for
Standardization, First edition 1993-06-15
[5] Dahlberg, Martin, “The SP Industry Calorimeter for Rate
of Heat Release Measurements up to 10 MW”, SP
Report 1992:43, Swedish National Testing and
Research Institute, Borås, 1992
[6] Dahlberg, Martin, “Error analysis for heat release
measurements with the SP Industry Calorimeter”, SP
Report 1994:29, Swedish National Testing and
Research Institute, Borås, 1994
[7] Heskestad, Gunnar, “A Fire Products Collector for
Calorimetry in the MW Range”, Factory Mutual Research
Corporation, FMRC J.I. OC2E1.RA, June 1981
[8] Croce, P. A., “A Method for Improved Measurement of
Gas Concentration Histories in Rapidly Developing
Fires”, Combustion Science and Technology, Vol. 14,
pp. 221–228, 1976
[9] Chicarello, P. J. and Troup, J. M. A., “Fire Products
Collector Test Procedure for Determining the Commodity
Classification of Ordinary Combustible Products”,
Technical Report, FMRC J.I. OROE5.RR, August 1990
NORDTEST METHOD NT FIRE 049 3

4 DEFINITIONS calorimeter to facilitate the measurement of the heat release

rate. The commodity is ignited at the centreline of the flue
For the purpose of this test method, the following definitions
space, and water is applied when the fire reaches a
apply:
convective heat release rate of 2 MW. At this point, the fire
Commodity: A commodity is the combination of a product, normally involves the whole upper tier of the commodity.
packaging material, container, and material handling aids The measurement of the heat release rate continues for 25
(e.g. pallet), upon which the commodity classification is minutes after ignition.
based.
Three fire tests are conducted for each type of commodity,
HRRconv: The convective part of the heat release rate at three different rates of water application. However, in
measured during a test on the basis of the gas temperature some of the cases, the first two fire tests are followed by a
and mass flow rate in the calorimeter system. third freeburning test. The water application rates shall be
HRRtot: The total heat release rate measured during a test either 2,5, 5,0 or 7,5 mm/min (Note. mm/min equals (L/min)/
on the basis of oxygen depletion in the calorimeter system, m2). The first two tests are always conducted at 5,0 mm/min
which is comprised of both the convective and radiative heat and 2,5 mm/min, respectively, and based on the results, the
release. decision is to be made whether the water application rate
should be increased to 7,5 mm/min or a free burn test
Mean total rank: The average of the mean unit rank values
conducted.
obtained in tests specified in this test method.
Based on the heat release rate measurements, four
Mean unit rank: Average of the rank values obtained for
parameters, V1–V4 are calculated. The values of these
each of the parameters V1-V2-V3-V4 on the basis of the
parameters are translated into a rank value, which, when
tests results obtained for one of the specified water
averaged, is used as the basis for the classification.
discharge densities or the free burn test.
Pallet load: The quantity (size and volume) of the
commodity stored on a standard 1200 mm by 1000 mm
pallet (including the pallet).
Pallet load height: The height of the pallet load, measured
from the bottom of the pallet to the top of the commodity.
Rank value: A numerical value (0,25–4,50) related to each
of the parameters V1-V2-V3-V4. The rank values are
obtained for each test by comparing the test results with the
rank values tabulated in Tables C1–C4 of Annex C.
Storage array: The test arrangement of four pallet loads in
a 2 by 1 by 2 rack storage arrangement.
V1: Maximum one-minute average of the total heat release
rate (kW) (see also Clause 11).
V2: Maximum one-minute average of the convective part of
the total heat release rate (kW) (see also Clause 11).
V3: Effective convective heat release rate, defined as the
convective heat release rate averaged over the five-minute
interval of most intense fire (kW) (see also Clause 11).
V4: Convective energy, defined as the amount generated Figure 1. A schematic drawing of the test set-up and the
during the most intense ten-minute interval of the fire (MJ) water applicator. The nominal dimensions given in the figure
(see also Clause 11). may need to be adjusted due to the size of the commodity.
Water discharge density: The water density applied to the
top of the storage array, using a specified water applicator.
6 CALORIMETER SYSTEM

5 TEST PRINCIPLES 6.1 Hood and exhaust system

Fire testing involves arranging a four-pallet load of the
particular commodity in a rack in a 2 by 1 by 2 storage
arrangement, see Figure 1. A water applicator consisting of
a matrix of spray nozzles is arranged over the commodity.
The water applicator provides a uniform water density on top
of the storage array, simulating the discharge density from
a sprinkler. The entire set-up is positioned underneath a
The calorimeter system consists of a large hood connected
to an exhaust system with a capacity of at least 25 m3/s at
20ºC. Exhaust system design based on natural convection is
not permitted.
The hood shall be at least 6 m in diameter with its lower rim
about 8 m to 9,5 m above floor level. Additional information
can be found in Annex A.
NORDTEST METHOD
6.2 Instrumentation in the exhaust duct
The following specifications are minimum requirements.
Additional information can be found in Annex A.
6.2.1 Volume flow rate
The volume flow rate in the exhaust duct shall be measured
with an accuracy of at least ±5%.
6.2.2 Gas analysis
Sampling line
The gas samples shall be taken into the exhaust duct at a
position where the combustion products are uniformly mixed
along the entire diameter of the duct. The sampling line
tubes shall be made of a material which does not influence
the concentration of the gaseous species to be analysed.
Oxygen analyser
The oxygen depletion shall be measured with an accuracy of
at least ±0,01% by volume of oxygen. A suitable output
range is 0–21% by volume. The time delay from sampling to
analysis, including the time constant of the instrument, shall
be reduced as much as possible and accurately controlled.
Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide analyser
The gas species shall be measured with an accuracy of at
least ±0,1% by volume for carbon dioxide and ±0,02% by
volume for carbon monoxide. A suitable output range is
0–1% for carbon monoxide and 0–6% for carbon dioxide.
The time delay from sampling to analysis, including the time
constant of the instrument, shall be reduced as much as
possible and accurately controlled.
Smoke obscuration measurement system
(not compulsory)
Smoke obscuration may be determined either by measuring
the light attenuation with a system consisting of a lamp,
lenses, an aperture and a photocell or a laser equipment.
The system shall be constructed such that soot deposits
during a test do not reduce the light transmission by more
than 5%. Such systems are described in ISO 9705 [4].
6.3 Calibration
The accuracy of the heat release measurements is of great
importance and a quality control system for the use of the
calorimeter system including calibration routines should
therefore be applied.
A basic calibration shall be performed on a newly installed
calorimeter system or on any other occasion when this is
considered necessary. A simplified calibration shall be made
prior to each test or continuous test series.
The simplified calibration of the instrumentation in the
exhaust duct shall be performed by using e.g. a propane gas
NT FIRE 049 4
burner or a methanol fire of relevant size. The heat release
rate calculated from the metered gas input or weighed mass
loss, respectively, and the measured heat release rate
based on oxygen consumption shall then be compared.
Equations for the calculations are given in ISO 9705 [4] and
in SP Reports 1992:43 and 1994:29 [5, 6]. The calibration of
the convective part of the total heat release rate shall be
based on methanol pool fires assuming the average
convective heat flux fraction (of the theoretical heat release
rate) to be 0,80 as described in the report FMRC J.I
OC2E1.RA [7].
The difference between the time average value, measured
over a period of one minute, calculated from the measured
oxygen consumption and the heat release rate calculated
from the metered gas input or weighed mass loss,
respectively, must not exceed 10%. These measurements
shall only be made when steady state conditions have been
reached.
The calibration procedure shall also involve stepwise
changes of the heat release rate to verify that the time lag
of the gas concentration measurements is properly
accounted for to obtain results closely representing the
temporal concentration variations in the exhaust duct. The
overall time lag associated with each analyser consists of
two components; the gas transport time from the gas
sampling port to the analyser’s detection cell and the
response lag due to the analyser itself. The former lag is
linear and can be corrected by performing simple time shift.
The latter lag depends on the analyser’s characteristics and
is generally non-linear. The characteristic response time of
most gas analysers is quite significant compared with the
variation rate of fire development. The non-linear lag can be
corrected electronically in real time or corrected in post-test
data processing using appropriate schemes, e.g. like those
proposed by Croce [8]. The concentration deduced from
simple time shift may deviate significantly from actual
concentrations if the analyser is not responsive enough.
Simple time shift is only acceptable for steady or moderately
varying fire development if the mean value is of primary
interest.
A basic calibration also involves measurements of the flow
profile in the exhaust duct, determination of temperature
losses in the exhaust duct, etc. as described in references
[5, 6] and [7].
7 STORAGE ARRAY
7.1 Rack storage arrangement
A two tier, single rack storage segment is used to hold the
test commodity during the tests (see also Clause 9). The
rack storage segment is placed centrally below the
calorimeter hood. The lower beam shall be located 300±50
mm above the floor. The upper beam shall be adjusted such
that the vertical distance between the top of the commodity
on the first tier and the top of the beam is 200±50 mm, as
shown in Figure 1.
NORDTEST METHOD
7.2 Ignition source
Two igniters shall be used to ignite the commodity. Each
igniter shall be made from a porous cellulose material, e.g.
pieces of insulating fibre board. The igniters may be either
square or cylindrical in shape, 60 mm across for a square or
75 mm in diameter for a cylinder. The length shall be 75 mm.
The igniters shall be mounted at the end of a steel rod, fixed
to a stand. The overall height of the steel rod and the stand
shall such that the igniters are in the correct position, as
described below.
Immediately prior to the test, the igniters shall be soaked in
120 mL of n-heptane and wrapped in a polyethylene foil bag.
The igniters on the steel rod shall be placed on a support
near the centre flue space of the storage array at the lower
tier. The igniters shall be positioned close (10±5 mm) to the
commodity, level with the top surface of the wood pallet, as
shown in Figure 1.
8 WATER APPLICATION SYSTEM
8.1 Water applicator
A water applicator is used for delivering a known flow of
water directly onto the burning storage array. The system
consists of four parallel, double-jacketed, stainless steel
pipes fitted with six water spray nozzles along each pipe to
form a 6 by 4 matrix of nozzles, 450 mm apart. The
corresponding total coverage area is 4,86 m2, which results
in some degree of overlap, and some extension outside the
pallet loads. The nozzles are installed close to the top of the
storage array.
The following nozzles and total water flow rates shall be
used for the nominal water discharge densities specified in
the test method (see Clause 10).
Table 1. Water discharge densities, total water flow rates,
pressures and the associated spray nozzles.
Nominal water Total water Approximate Nozzles2)
discharge flow rate water pressure
density
(mm/min)1) (L/min) (bar)
2,5 12±0,5 1,5 460.368
5,0 24±1 2,0 460.408
7,5 36±1,5 3,0 460.448
1) The rate mm/min equals L/min/m2.
2) The nozzles are manufactured by Lechler GmbH, Germany.
On activation, the system shall be capable of reaching 90%
of the steady-state flow rate within 10 seconds. This implies
that the water delivery system to the applicator is equipped
with one adjustable valve for the flow adjustment prior to the
test and an on-off valve to be used for the activation. The
applicator must also be equipped with an air relief system.
Note: The detailed design of the water applicator is shown in
Annex B. If other pallet sizes than European standard
(EUR) pallets with the dimension 1000 mm by 1200 mm are
used for the tested commodities, the design of the
NT FIRE 049 5
applicator might have to be modified. The reproducibility
and classification criteria when different pallet sizes and/or
design of the water applicator are used shall be verified by
comparative tests.
8.2 Flow rate and pressure measurements
The total water flow rate and static water pressure shall be
measured and the following equipment and performance are
required.
Flow meter with a suitable range and accuracy within the
tolerances specified in Clause 8.1.
Pressure gauge with an accuracy within ±0,05 bar within
the range 0–5 bar.
9 TEST COMMODITIES
The overall size of a single pallet load shall conform as
closely as possible to the dimensions given below. If this
condition cannot be met, the test results achieved may not
be accurate.
The commodity shall be stored on European standard
(EUR) wood pallets with the dimension 1000 mm by 1200
mm. The total height of one pallet load shall be 1,15 m
including the height of the wood pallet.
However, for practical reasons these dimensions might be
difficult to achieve, and the following tolerances are normally
considered as acceptable:
• Horizontal dimensions: The horizontal dimensions are
important because of the water applicator design. If the
horizontal dimensions vary by more than ±25 mm of the
nominal pallet size for which the applicator is designed,
the amount of water spraying outside the storage array
(overshoot) may vary considerably and thereby affect the
results and the classification. Testing of cylindrical or
irregular shaped commodities might pose problems
because of this and the results must be considered
carefully.
• Pallet load height: Reasonable tolerances for the pallet
load height are considered to be 1,15±0,10 m.
The moisture content of the commodity shall be within the
range expected during normal storage. Moisture of
cardboard cartons shall be controlled within 5–10% by
weight.
The commodity shall be carefully documented, the weight of
the various parts determined (product(s), packaging
material, carton, etc.)
If the tested commodity is expected to become unstable
during the tests, it must be supported as a collapse might
influence the test results and thereby the subsequent
classification. A suitable support method is to use wires
wrapped around the storage array or reinforcement netting
placed around the storage array.
NORDTEST METHOD
10 TESTING
10.1 Initial conditions and preparation
The ambient temperature inside the test hall shall be
20±5ºC.
The horizontal wind draught measured at a distance of 1 m
from the storage array may not exceed 0,5 m/s.
All measurement channels for the calorimeter and water
application system shall be scanned and checked for
ambient conditions.
The flow rate, pressure and the filling sequence of the water
applicator shall be adjusted to correspond to the selected
water density for the test. The discharge from the nozzles
shall be visually examined to ensure that all nozzles are free
of blockage.
The water applicator system shall be allowed to completely
drain out. Ensure that all air relief devices are in an open
position.
The test commodity shall be placed in the rack storage
segment. The flue space shall be carefully adjusted to
150±10 mm.
The height of the water applicator shall be adjusted so that
the clearance between the nozzles and the top of the
storage array is 250±50 mm. If the top surface of the storage
array is not completely even, the distance shall be
measured along the rim of the storage array.
Prepare the igniters and place them as described in Clause
7.2.
Means for manual extinguishment of a fully developed fire
shall be ready available.
10.2 Test procedure
The commodity shall be measured, weighed and
photographed before testing.
All recording and measuring devices shall be started and
data taken at least two minutes prior to ignition.
Ensure steady state temperature conditions in the test hall
and calorimeter system and that the flow through the hood
system is at least 25 m3/s.
Ignite the storage array.
The fire is allowed to develop naturally until the convective
heat release rate reaches 2 MW.
The water applicator is activated to deliver the calibrated
flow rate of water onto the burning commodity. If necessary,
adjustments are made during the test to ensure that the
specified tolerances in Clause 8.1 are complied with.
A photographic and/or video recording shall be made during
a test. A clock shall appear in all photographic records,
giving time to nearest one second. During a test, records of
the following events including times when they occur shall
be taken:
NT FIRE 049 6
• Ignition of the storage array.
• Activation time of the water application system.
• Any occurrence of melting and dripping.
• Any formation of a pool fire under the storage array.
• A general description of the burning behaviour.
• Any collapses from the storage array.
• Any other event of interest.
Usually, the test is continued for 25 minutes after ignition,
but may be terminated earlier if the commodity is completely
consumed.
The extent of damage to the commodity shall be
documented after the test. A judgement is made of each of
the four pallet loads and the proportion consumed by the fire
(by volume) is estimated. The total damage to the
commodity is then calculated.
10.3 Repeat of tests
The first test shall be made according to Clause 11.2, using
a nominal water discharge density of 5,0 mm/min. The
second test shall be made at a nominal water discharge
density of 2,5 mm/min.
Based on the calculated mean unit rank of the first two tests,
the decision is to be made whether the water application
rate shall be increased to 7,5 mm/min or whether a free burn
test shall be conducted.
11 CLASSIFICATION
11.1 General
The classification test procedure is highly standardised. The
aim is to determine the hazard level of a commodity by
comparing the test results with data from identical tests on
well-defined “standard” commodities, with fire characteristics
similar to commodities of Category I, II, III and IV. The tests,
forming the basis of this philosophy, are described in SP
Report 2003:03 [2]. Additional information is provided in SP
Report 1993:70 [3].
If a tested product shows fire characteristics similar to one
of the standard commodities, it is assumed that the same
protection requirements are adequate for the tested
commodity.
It is important to note that the commodity classification tests
do not directly provide the protection requirements e.g.
design water density for the commodity tested although
reference is made to a range of water discharge densities in
the tests. The purpose is to determine the hazard level of the
commodity.
A rack storage configuration is used in the classification
tests. However, the results may also be applied to free-
standing, palletized rack and post-pallet storage con-
figurations, using the design criteria given for these
configurations in EN 12845.
NORDTEST METHOD
11.2 Principle of classification
Four parameters are used to characterize the level of hazard
of the tested commodity. These parameters refer to both the
total heat release rate and the convective part of the total
heat release rate as both these play a major role regarding
sprinkler operation and the protection of the building
construction. The four parameters are:
V1 Maximum one-minute average of the total heat release
rate.
V2 Maximum one-minute average of the convective part of
the heat release rate.
V3 Effective convective heat release rate, defined as the
convective heat release rate averaged over the most
intense five-minute interval of the fire.
V4 Convective energy, defined as the amount generated
during the ten-minute period of most intense fire.
These are considered to be important variables which can
be measured with accuracy and give large enough
differences in the measured values from one hazard level to
the next, to provide a credible assessment of the hazard.
The significance of each variable is discussed in detail in the
report FMRC J.I. OROE5.RR [9] and can be summarized as
follows:
V1 Maximum one-minute average of the total heat
release rate
The maximum total heat release rate is an important
measure of the potential for fire spread and is also an overall
fundamental measure of fire severity. The total heat release
rate can be divided into two parts, the convective part and
the radiative part. Normally one-third of the energy is
released by radiation. Radiation is the primary mechanism
for fire spread across aisles and other open spaces to
adjoining combustibles and is also, in part, responsible for
lateral fire spread throughout a large storage array. The total
heat release rate is based on gas analysis of the
combustion gases and the one-minute average value is
used to avoid the influence of spikes during the
measurements due to environmental changes, non-
uniformity of storage packages, electrical noise, etc.
V2 Maximum one-minute average of the convective heat
release rate
The maximum convective heat release rate is one of the
most important measures for characterizing fire severity.
Approximately two-thirds of the energy generated from a fire
is released as convective energy. Both the gas velocity and
temperature within a fire plume are related to the convective
heat release rate and these two parameters are very
important for the activation of sprinklers and the penetration
of the water droplets. The higher the velocity and
temperature, the lower the portion of water that penetrates
the fire plume. The one-minute average is used for the same
reason as mentioned above.
NT FIRE 049 7
V3 Effective convective heat release rate (The
convective heat release rate averaged over the most
intense five-minute interval of the fire)
The convective energy released from the fire is to a large
part responsible for heating of the ceiling construction and
the activation of sprinklers. For this purpose, the maximum
rate of heat release is not relevant, as it is a matter of heat
transfer for which duration time is very important. A very
intense but short-lived fire might be less severe than a fire
of lower intensity but with a longer duration time. When
assessing the fire severity it is therefore necessary to
determine the heat release rate for a longer period of time.
The effective convective heat release rate is, therefore,
defined as the convective heat release rate averaged over
the most intense five-minute interval of the fire.
V4 The convective energy generated during the most
intense ten-minute interval of the fire
The total convective energy released during a fire is an
important measure of the potential for causing thermal
damage to a construction. The higher the convective
energy, the greater the damage potential. Once again, a
product with a lower intensity but with a long fire duration
time, which thereby releases more energy in total, might
cause more severe damage to a construction. The
convective energy reported from these classification tests is
defined as the amount generated during the most intense
ten-minute period of the fire or during the entire test if the fire
duration time is less. The 10 minute value is based on the
experience that most of the energy from the commodities
used in the tests will be released during this period of time.
11.3 Evaluation of the test results –
classification
In tables C1 through C4 of Annex C, rank values are listed
in one-quarter increments for the V1–V4 parameters at each
of the water discharge densities and the fire burn test. For
information purposes, a graphical presentation of the tables
C1 through C4 is given in Annex D.
For each test, a mean unit rank shall be calculated as the
arithmetic average of the rank values obtained for each of
the parameters V1–V4.
The mean total rank shall be calculated as the arithmetic
average of the mean unit rank values obtained in each of the
three tests. Based on the mean total rank, the commodity is
classified according to Table 2.
Table 2. Classification of commodity.
Mean total rank Classification of
commodity
Less than 1,0 Category I
Equal to or greater than 1,0 but less than 2,0 Category II
Equal to or greater than 2,0 but less than 3,0 Category III
Equal to or greater than 3,0 but less than 4,0 Category IV
Equal to or greater than 4,0 Special hazard
NORDTEST METHOD NT FIRE 049 8

In addition to Table 2, the following special requirements l) Dimensions and description of the storage array
apply: arrangement, support if any, etc
• If a tested commodity has a mean unit rank which m) Test results (see also Annex C)
exceeds the mean total rank by more than 1,00, the m:1 Total heat release rate histories (graphs)
commodity should be classified according to the highest
mean unit rank value. m:2 Convective heat release rate histories (graphs)

• If a single, or several, individual rank values exceed 4,50 m:3 Mass flow as a function of time in the exhaust duct
the commodity shall be considered a “special hazard”. m:4 Maximum one-minute average of the total heat
In Table C5, a commodity classification fire test analysis release rate (V1)
protocol is provided. m:5 Maximum one-minute average of the convective part
of the heat release rate (V2)
m:6 Effective convective heat release rate (V3)
12 TEST REPORT
m:7 Convective energy (V4)
The test report shall contain the following information:
m:8 Rank values, mean unit rank for each test and mean
a) Name and address of the testing laboratory total rank according to Clause 11 and the tables in
b) Date and identification number of the report Annex C
c) Name and address of the client m:9 Calibration results according to Clause 6.3
d) Purpose of the test When appropriate also:
e) Method of sampling m:10 The production rate of carbon monoxide as a function
f) Name of manufacturer or supplier of the commodity of time
g) Name or other identification marks and description of m:11 The production rate of carbon dioxide as a function of
the commodity time
h) Dimensions, numbers, weight, moisture content, etc m:12 The production rate of light obscuration smoke as a
of the main component in the commodity function of time
i) Conditioning of the commodity n) Deviations from the test method, if any
j) Date of test o) When not identified in the test method, equipment
k) Test method and instruments used.
NORDTEST METHOD
ANNEX A – DESIGN PRINCIPLE OF THE CALORIMETER SYSTEM
The combustion gases from the burning storage array are
collected by a hood connected to an exhaust system. The
flow capacity shall be at least according to the specification
in Clause 6.1.
Note: A large amount of smoke may be generated during the
fire tests described in this test method and it is strongly
recommended that a suitable smoke cleaning system is
connected to the exhaust system.
As the conditions might be different in various fire
laboratories it is not relevant to specify the detailed design
of the calorimeter system. However, there are some
calorimeter systems in use which are designed to comply
NT FIRE 049 9
ANNEX A
with the requirements specified in this test method. Two such
systems are described in SP Reports 1992:43 and 1994:29
[5, 6] and in the report FMRC J.I OC2E1.RA [7]. Some
general guidance regarding the design of a calorimeter
system can also be obtained in ISO 9705 [4].
A general description of the instrumentation and a detailed
description of the calculation equations for volume flow, total
heat release rate based on oxygen consumption, production
rates of combustion gases and light obscuration are given in
ISO 9705 [4]. Further information is also given in references
[5, 6] and in reference [7].
NORDTEST METHOD
ANNEX B – DESIGN PRINCIPLE OF THE WATER APPLICATOR
The water applicator is used for delivering a specific rate of
water directly onto the burning storage array. The water
applicator consists of four parallel, double-jacketed,
stainless steel pipes fitted with six spray nozzles along each
pipe to form a 6 by 4 matrix of nozzles. The full-cone type
nozzles are spaced 450 mm apart to provide uniform
coverage over a 4,86 m2 area. The detailed design of the
applicator is shown in Figure B1.
Figure B1. Design of the water applicator and the water
delivery system to be used in the commodity classification
tests.
NT FIRE 049 10
ANNEX B
The feed line is equipped with a flow meter, pressure
transducer and a control valve in order to adjust the flow rate
corresponding to the desired water discharge density during
the water calibration, prior to the test. The water flow is then
turned on and off by using the solenoid valves.
The suppression water is fed from both ends into the pipes.
In order to reduce the fill-up time, air relief devices1) are
installed at the midpoint of the pipes. This allows the air in
the pipes to bleed. The relief devices are automatically shut
off as soon as the pipes are completely filled with water. In
order to further reduce the fill-up time, a special charge line
should also be connected. This shall be controlled with a
time relay and shut off at the same moment as the pipes are
filled with water. This “charge time” has to be adjusted for
each flow rate during the water calibration, prior to the test.
In order to avoid blockage of the nozzles during the test, the
feed line shall be equipped with necessary filter
arrangements. Preferably, a filter shall also be installed
before each water spray nozzle.
The applicator is water cooled in the annular area of the
double jacked pipes to protect it from the flames. The
cooling water is fed from one end and discharged through
the other. The air relief devices must also be protected from
the flames by insulation.
If the horizontal dimensions of the tested commodity differ
considerably from the specified dimensions the results and
the classification may be affected. Testing of cylindrical or
other irregular commodities might pose a problem because
of this and the results have to be considered carefully.
1) A check valve for water, turned in the opposite flow direction and with a light
weight valve cone and the spring-load removed might be used.
NORDTEST METHOD NT FIRE 049 11
ANNEX C

ANNEX C – CLASSIFICATION TABLES

Table C1. Rank values: Free burn test.

V1 V2 V3 V4
Rank Maximum one-minute Maximum one-minute Effective convective Convective
total heat convective heat heat release rate energy
release rate release rate
(kW) (kW) (kW) (MJ)
0,25 0 – 800 0 – 550 0 – 425 0 – 175
0,50 801 – 1600 551 – 1100 426 – 850 176 – 350
0,75 1601 – 2400 1101 – 1650 851 – 1275 351 – 525
1,00 2401 – 3200 1651 – 2200 1276 – 1700 526 – 700

1,25 3201 – 3675 2201 – 2500 1701 – 2025 701 – 875

1,50 3676 – 4150 2501 – 2800 2026 – 2350 876 – 1050
1,75 4151 – 4625 2801 – 3100 2351 – 2675 1051 – 1225
2,00 4626 – 5100 3101 – 3400 2676 – 3000 1226 – 1400

2,25 5101 – 5250 3401 – 3500 3001 – 3125 1401 – 1450

2,50 5251 – 5400 3501 – 3600 3126 – 3250 1451 – 1500
2,75 5401 – 5550 3601 – 3700 3251 – 3375 1501 – 1550
3,00 5551 – 5700 3701 – 3800 3376 – 3500 1551 – 1600

3,25 5701 – 6638 3801 – 4288 3501 – 3912 1601 – 1888

3,50 6639 – 7575 4289 – 4775 3913 – 4325 1889 – 2175

Table C2. Rank values: Nominal discharge density of 2,5 mm/min.

V1 V2 V3 V4
Rank Maximum one-minute Maximum one-minute Effective convective Convective
total heat convective heat heat release rate energy
release rate release rate
(kW) (kW) (kW) (MJ)
0,25 0 – 775 0 – 525 0 – 375 0 – 150
0,50 776 – 1550 526 – 1050 376 – 750 151 – 300
0,75 1551 – 2325 1051 – 1575 751 – 1125 301 – 450
1,00 2326 – 3100 1576 – 2100 1126 – 1500 451 – 600

1,25 3101 – 3462 2101 – 2325 1501 – 1712 600 – 725

1,50 3463 – 3825 2326 – 2550 1713 – 1925 726 – 850
1,75 3826 – 4188 2551 – 2775 1926 – 2137 851 – 975
2,00 4189 – 4550 2776 – 3000 2138 – 2350 976 – 1100

2,25 4551 – 4712 3001 – 3112 2351 – 2462 1101 – 1150

2,50 4713 – 4875 3113 – 3225 2463 – 2575 1151 – 1200
2,75 4876 – 5037 3226 – 3337 2576 – 2687 1201 – 1250
3,00 5038 – 5200 3338 – 3450 2688 – 2800 1251 – 1300

3,25 5201 – 6138 3451 – 3938 2801 – 3212 1301 – 1588

3,50 6139 – 7075 3939 – 4425 3213 – 3625 1589 – 1875
3,75 7076 – 8012 4426 – 4912 3626 – 4038 1876 – 2162
4,00 8013 – 8950 4913 – 5400 4039 – 4450 2163 – 2450

4,25 8951 – 9888 5401 – 5888 4451 – 4862 2451 – 2738

4,50 9889 – 10825 5889 – 6375 4863 – 5275 2739 – 3025
SH > 10826 > 6376 > 5276 > 3026
SH = Special hazard, the commodity needs special considerations.
NORDTEST METHOD NT FIRE 049 12
ANNEX C

Table C3. Rank values: Nominal discharge density of 5,0 mm/min.

V1 V2 V3 V4
Rank Maximum one-minute Maximum one-minute Effective convective Convective
total heat convective heat heat release rate energy
release rate release rate
(kW) (kW) (kW) (MJ)
0,25 0 – 750 0 – 500 0 – 325 0 – 125
0,50 751 – 1500 501 – 1000 326 – 650 126 – 250
0,75 1501 – 2250 1001 – 1500 651 – 975 251 – 375
1,00 2251 – 3000 1501 – 2000 976 – 1300 376 – 500

1,25 3001 – 3250 2001 – 2150 1301 – 1400 501 – 575

1,50 3251 – 3500 2151 – 2300 1401 – 1500 576 – 650
1,75 3501 – 3750 2301 – 2450 1501 – 1600 651 – 725
2,00 3751 – 4000 2451 – 2600 1601 – 1700 726 – 800

2,25 4001 – 4175 2601 – 2725 1701 – 1800 801 – 850

2,50 4176 – 4350 2726 – 2850 1801 – 1900 851 – 900
2,75 4351 – 4525 2851 – 2975 1901 – 2000 901 – 950
3,00 4526 – 4700 2976 – 3100 2001 – 2100 951 – 1000

3,25 4701 – 5325 3101 – 3375 2101 – 2400 1001 – 1200

3,50 5326 – 5950 3376 – 3650 2401 – 2700 1201 – 1400
3,75 5951 – 6575 3651 – 3925 2701 – 3000 1401 – 1600
4,00 6576 – 7200 3926 – 4200 3001 – 3300 1601 – 1800

4,25 7201 – 7825 4201 – 4475 3301 – 3600 1801 – 2000

4,50 7826 – 8450 4476 – 4750 3601 – 3900 2001 – 2200
SH > 8451 > 4751 > 3901 > 2201
SH = Special hazard, the commodity needs special considerations.

Table C4. Rank values: Nominal discharge density of 7,5 mm/min.

V1 V2 V3 V4
Rank Maximum one-minute Maximum one-minute Effective convective Convective
total heat convective heat heat release rate energy
release rate release rate
(kW) (kW) (kW) (MJ)
0,25 DNA DNA DNA DNA
0,50 DNA DNA DNA DNA
0,75 DNA DNA DNA DNA
1,00 DNA DNA DNA DNA

1,25 DNA DNA DNA DNA

1,50 DNA DNA DNA DNA
1,75 DNA DNA DNA DNA
2,00 0 – 3450 0 – 2200 0 – 1050 0 – 500

2,25 3451 – 3638 2201 – 2338 1051 – 1138 501 – 550

2,50 3639 – 3825 2339 – 2475 1139 – 1225 551 – 600
2,75 3826 – 4012 2476 – 2612 1226 – 1312 601 – 650
3,00 4013 – 4200 2613 – 2750 1313 – 1400 651 – 700

3,25 4201 – 4512 2751 – 2812 1401 – 1588 701 – 812

3,50 4513 – 4825 2813 – 2875 1589 – 1775 813 – 925
3,75 4826 – 5138 2876 – 2938 1776 – 1962 926 – 1038
4,00 5139 – 5450 2939 – 3000 1963 – 2150 1039 – 1150

4,25 3451 – 5762 3001 – 3062 2151 – 2338 1151 – 1262

4,50 5763 – 6075 3063 – 3125 2339 – 2525 1263 – 1375
SH > 6076 > 3126 > 2526 > 1376
SH = Special hazard, the commodity needs special considerations.
DNA = Does not apply.
NORDTEST METHOD NT FIRE 049 13
ANNEX C

Table C5. Commodity classification fire test analysis protocol.

COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION FIRE TEST ANALYSIS

Client: Date:

Description of tested commodity:

Nominal discharge density Test result Rank value

(mm/min)*
Free burn test V1

V2

V3

V4

Mean unit rank**

2,5 mm/min V1

V2

V3

V4

Mean unit rank**

5,0 mm/min V1

V2

V3

V4

Mean unit rank**

7,5 mm/min V1

V2

V3

V4

Mean unit rank**

Mean total rank***

Notes:

*) Three tests are conducted either without the application of water (free burn), and at 2,5 mm/min and 5,0 mm/min or, alternatively, at 2,5 mm/min, 5,0 mm/
min and 7,5 mm/min.
**) Average of the rank values for V1–V4 obtained with one specific water discharge density.
***) The average of the mean unit rank values obtained in the three tests.
NORDTEST METHOD NT FIRE 049 14
ANNEX D

ANNEX D – CLASSIFICATION GRAPHS (Informative)

V1
1 104

9000
Special hazard
8000
HRRtot (kW)

7000
IV
6000

5000 III

4000 II

3000
I
2000
0 2.5 5 7.5
Nominal discharge density (mm/min)

V2
6000
Special hazard
5000
IV
HRRconv (kW)

4000

III
3000
II
2000
I
1000
0 2.5 5 7.5
Nominal discharge density (mm/min)
NORDTEST METHOD NT FIRE 049 15
ANNEX D

V3
5000

4500
Special hazard
Effective HRRconv (kW)

4000

3500
IV
3000
III
2500

2000 II

1500
I
1000
0 2.5 5 7.5
Nominal discharge density (mm/min)

V4
3000

2500
Convective energy (MW)

Special hazard

2000
IV
1500
III
1000
II
500
I
0
0 2.5 5 7.5
Nominal discharge density (mm/min)
NORDTEST METHOD NT FIRE 049 16

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