(ii) Class B fires. Fires in flammable liquids, greases, etc., where a blanketing effect is essential. (Amendment 25-0)
(iii) Class C fires. Fires in electrical equipment, where the use of a nonconducting extinguishing agent is of first importance. (Amendment 25-0)
(7) Paragraph (a)(7). A fire extinguisher containing at least five (5) lbs of Halon 1211 may be used in lieu of a water extinguisher to combat Class A fires. Alternatively, two (2) fire extinguishers containing at least 2.5 lbs of Halon 1211 each, installed in close proximity to each other, may be substituted for one water fire extinguisher. In locations where one Halon and one water extinguisher are installed and replacement of the water extinguisher is desired, the above guidance will apply, however, the existing Halon extinguisher is not part of the substitution; i.e., three (3) 2.5 pound Halon extinguishers are equivalent to one (1) 2.5 pound Halon and one (1) water extinguisher. The resulting configuration from the replacement of a water fire extinguisher with Halon fire extinguishers must not result in unhealthy, toxic gas concentration. (Amendment 25-0) 605-620. [RESERVED]
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503 SECTION 25.853 COMPARTMENT INTERIORS
621. REGULATION IN EFFECT AT ADOPTION OF PART 25.
a. Regulation.
For each compartment to be used by the crew or passengers
(a) The materials must be at least flash-resistant
(b) The wall and ceiling linings, and the covering of upholstery, floors, and furnishings must be at least flame resistant;
(c) Each compartment where smoking is to be allowed must have self-contained, removable ash trays, and each other compartment must be placarded against smoking;
(d) Each receptacle for towels, paper, or waste must be at least fire resistant and must have means for containing possible fires;
(e) There must be at least one hand fire extinguisher for use by the flight crewmembers; and
(f) There must be at least the following number of hand fire extinguishers conveniently located in passenger compartments:
Passenger capacity:
Minimum number of hand fire extinguishers 7 through 30 1 31 through 60 2 61 or more 3
b. Guidance.
(l) Certification by a material manufacturer/supplier, commonly called “certs,” that a material complies with the flammability requirements of § 25.853 does not satisfy FAA rules.
All flammability tests to demonstrate compliance should be witnessed by the FAA or its representatives. Refer to § 25.1359(d) for guidance relative to wiring. (Amendment 25-0)
(2) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Definitions and procedures for conducting tests were contained in Flight Standards Service Release (FSSR) No. 453. This FSSR was canceled by AC 00-20, “Cancellation of Flight Standards Service Releases,” effective 9/7/66, but the FSSR was never replaced by an AC. The following was derived from FSSR 453, and still should be used for those airplanes whose certification bases included it: (Amendment 25-0)
504 Fire Prevention Test Procedure for Aircraft Materials Fireproof Materials
1. The following test is considered acceptable for demonstrating compliance with §§ 27.861 and 29.861 (CAR §§ 6.384 and 7.384), with respect to those portions which refer to fireproof materials. All structure, controls, rotor mechanism, and other parts essential to a controlled landing should be capable of resisting flame penetration and remain capable of carrying the loads and satisfactorily performing the function for which they are designed when subject to a test flame of 2000 ±50 °F. flame for l5 minutes.
a. Sheet materials should be tested by subjecting the test flame to a test specimen of approximately l0-inches square. The test flame should be applied at the center of the specimen and be of sufficient size to maintain the required temperature over an area approximately five-inches square.
b. Lines, fittings, controls, and other essential components should be enveloped in the test flame on the side that would be exposed in case of a fire when mounted in a manner simulating their actual installation. In the case of fluid fittings, lines or conduits should be connected to both sides of the fittings to simulate actual conditions of heat conduction that would be present during an actual fire in the aircraft. The test should be conducted with the operating fluid in the lines unless the design and function of the system is such as to preclude the presence of the fluid in the lines during an actual fire in the aircraft.
Fire-Resistant Materials
2. The following test is considered acceptable for demonstrating compliance with §§ 25.853, 25.857and (CAR §§ 4b.381, 4b.383, 6.382, 7.38l, and
7.382).
a. If the material is rigid, an eight-inch specimen should be tested. If the material is flexible, the material should be placed in a frame exposing an area of eightinches by eight-inches. If a backing will be used in the airplane, the test specimen should be provided with the same backing.
b. The test specimen should be supported at an angle of 45 degrees to a horizontal surface. The surface that will be exposed, when installed in the aircraft, should face down for the test. The specimen should be exposed to either a Bunsen or a Tirrill burner adjusted for no air intake, giving a yellow-tipped l-l/2-inch flame when resting on a horizontal surface. Suitable precautions should be taken to avoid drafts. The period of flame application should be 30 seconds with one-third of the flame in contact with the material at the center of the specimen.
c. To be acceptable, no penetration of the material should result during application of the test flame or subsequent to its removal, and if the material ignites,
505 the flame should extinguish itself within l5 seconds with no smoldering or glowing visible l0 seconds thereafter.
Flame Resistant Material
3. The following test is considered acceptable for demonstrating compliance with §§ 23.853, 25.853, 25.855and (CAR §§ 3.388(a), 4b.38l, 4b.382,
6.38l, 6.382, and 7.38l).
a. Test specimens. Three specimens, approximately four-inches wide and l4-inches long, should be tested. Each specimen should be clamped in a metal frame so that the two long edges and one end are held securely. The frame should be such that the exposed area of the specimen is at least two-inches wide and l3-inches long, with the free end at least l/2-inch from the end of frame for ignition purposes. In the case of fabrics, the direction of the weave corresponding to the most critical burn rate should be parallel to the l4-inch dimension. A minimum of l0-inches of the specimen should be used for timing purposes and approximately l-l/2-inches should burn before the burning front reaches the timing zone. The specimen should be long enough so that the timing is stopped at least one-inch before the burning front reaches the end of the exposed specimen.
b. Test procedure. The specimens should be supported horizontally and tested in draft-free conditions. The surface that will be exposed when installed in the aircraft, should face down for the test. The specimens should be ignited by a Bunsen or Tirrill burner. To be acceptable, the average burn rate of the three specimens must not exceed four-inches per minute. Alternatively, if the specimens do not support combustion after the ignition flame is applied for l5 seconds, or if the flame extinguishes itself and subsequent burning without a flame does not extend into the undamaged areas, the material is also acceptable. (Federal Specification CCC-T-191b, Method 5906, may also be used for testing materials of this type, but the material should not exceed the above four-inches per minute burn rate.)
Flash-Resistant Materials
4. The following test is considered acceptable for demonstrating compliance with §§ 23.853, 25.853 and CAR §§ 3.388(a), 4b.38l, 6.38l, and 7.38l.
a. Test specimens. Three specimens, approximately 4-inches wide by l4-inches long, should be tested. Each specimen should be clamped in a metal frame so that the two long edges and one end are held securely. The frame should be such that the exposed area of the specimen is at least two-inches wide and l3-inches long, with the free end at least l/2-inch from the end of the frame for ignition purposes. In the case of fabrics, the direction of the weave corresponding to the most critical burn rate should be parallel to the l4-inch dimension. A minimum of l0-inches of the specimen should be used for timing purposes, and approximately l-l/2-inches should
506 burn before the burning front reaches the timing zone. The timing should be stopped at least one-inch before the burning front reaches the end of the exposed specimen.
b. Test procedure. Each of the three specimens should be supported horizontally and tested in draft-free conditions. The surface that will be exposed, when installed in the aircraft, should face down for the test. The specimens may be ignited by a match or similar means. If the specimens do not support combustion after the ignition flame is applied for l5 seconds, or if the average burn rate of the three specimens does not exceed 20-inches per minute, the material is acceptable. (Federal Specification CCC-T-l9lb, Method 5906, may also be used for testing materials of this type but the material should not exceed the above 20-inches per minute burn rate.)
(3) Paragraph (a) and (b). The use of fire/flame retardants is acceptable. The type data should specify the retardant and process for treatment. Treatment should be applied prior to conditioning. The effects of aging and environmental conditions should be considered in the use of retardants. If aging, dry cleaning, washing, etc., adversely affect retardant properties, appropriate documents such as the maintenance manual should address this issue. (Amendment 25-0)
(4) Paragraph (b). Oxygen lines for certification basis through Amendment 25-3l and oxygen masks should meet flame resistant criteria. Systems are to be tested in their normal state (which includes lines filled with oxygen, if that is the case; Refer to paragraph 625b(8) of this AC). Oxygen distribution systems, normally pressurized, are aluminum for low pressure (500 pounds per-inch (psi) or less) and stainless steel for high pressure (above 500 psi). Aluminum is classed as "fire resistant" and stainless steel as "fireproof" in 14 CFR, part 1, § l.l. These materials are normally not tested to § 25.853 due to their definition, although the authority of that regulation does allow it. (Amendment 25-0)
5) Paragraph (c). Self-contained is defined as a receptacle within a receptacle, one of which has a lid. Both receptacles are considered trash containers and should meet fire-resistant criteria as defined in 14 CFR, part 1, § l.l and in the preceding guidance in paragraph 621b(2) of this AC. The fixed receptacle should be sealed to prevent penetration of fire or residue into the surrounding area. Ashtrays installed in movable or removable armrests which will spill their contents when the armrest is moved or raised, as in the case of hinged armrests, are not considered self-contained. (Amendment 25-0)
(6) Paragraph (c). (Amendment 25-0)
(i) In order to avoid confusion in compartments where it is intended that smoking is not to be permitted, and No Smoking placards are installed, the lighted No Smoking signs should either be disabled or, preferably, hardwired ON. (Amendment 25-0)
(ii) Hardwired ON lighted No Smoking signs have been considered to be equivalent, and even preferred, alternatives to required No Smoking placards in compartments where smoking is not to be permitted. (Amendment 25-0)
(iii) In divided compartments where smoking is permitted in one compartment but not in an adjacent one, especially where the no-smoking compartment is aft of the smoking compartment, care needs to be exercised in the placement and design of placarding and/or No Smoking lighted signs to assure no confusion exists. The smoking compartment should be controlled by lighted No Smoking signs controlled by the crew. Passengers in the no-smoking compartment should not be able to Refer to the lighted No Smoking signs in the smoking compartment when switched off. All lighted No Smoking signs visible to passengers in the nosmoking compartment should be hard-wired ON. No Smoking placards may also be installed in the no-smoking compartment, but they are considered insufficient, by themselves, to override the confusing effect of switchable No Smoking signs visible to them. (Amendment 25-0)
(iv) In compartments where smoking is not allowed, it may be necessary to hardwire ON any lighted NO SMOKING signs to avoid confusing occupants. Note: this may affect an operator’s ability to comply with § 121.317(a). The FAA issued a policy memorandum ANM-03-115-05, dated July 7, 2003, titled “Policy Statement and Equivalent Safety Finding on No Smoking Placards and Signs” that addresses this subject. (Amendment 25-0)
(7) Paragraph (d). Waste receptacles may be mounted in the airplane structure or may be portable units such as food or waste carts. Fire containment testing is not required for special purpose disposal receptacles (for such items as used air sickness bags and sanitary napkins), which are in addition to the normal waste disposal receptacles found in lavatories. The reasons for not requiring the testing is that these receptacles are typically very small, less than half a cubic foot in volume, and that they contain specific waste which are of a relatively nonflammable nature. Appendix 8 contains methodology for substantiating compliance with fire containment criteria. (Amendment 25-0)
8) Paragraph (e) and (f). Refer to AC 20-42C, “Hand Fire Extinguishers for Use in Aircraft,” dated 3/7/84, for guidance on acceptable fire extinguishers. (Amendment 25-0)
(9) Note: The FAA Memorandum 00-115-16, dated September 12, 2000, titled, “Use of the Aircraft Fire Test Handbook” provides guidance for the use of the Report # DOT/FAA/CT-99/15 titled, “Aircraft Fire Test Handbook” that may be used to show compliance with, or demonstrate an equivalent level of safety to, the applicable regulations. The test methods described in the handbook are intended to be adopted in total, if they are used. That is, use of a portion of a test method from the handbook, and another portion of the test method from Appendix F, is not automatically acceptable. (Amendment 25-0)
622. AMENDMENT 25-15, Effective October 24, 1967.
a. Regulation.
[Materials (including finishes, if applied) used in each compartment occupied by the crew or passengers, must meet the following test criteria, as applicable:
(a) When tested in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this part or the applicable portions of methods 5902 and 5906, dated May 15, 1951, or Federal Specification CCC-T-191b (which is available from the General Services Administration, Business Service Center, Region 3, Seventh and D Streets S.W., Washington, D.C. 20407), or other approved equivalent method, the interior wall panels, interior ceiling panels, draperies, structural flooring, baggage racks, partitions, thermal insulation, and coated fabric insulation covering must be selfextinguishing after flame removal. All materials used in these applications must be tested vertically. If the material is tested vertically as a fabricated unit, a section of that fabricated unit must also be tested horizontally. The average char length may not exceed 8-inches when the material is tested vertically, and may not exceed 4- inches when the material is tested horizontally. Layered materials may not be separated for the purpose of this test.
(b) When tested horizontally under the applicable portions of Appendix F of this part, or the applicable portions of method 5906, dated May 15, 1951 of Federal Specification CCC-T-191b, or other approved equivalent method, interior materials not specified in paragraph (a) of this section must be at least flame resistant.
Layered materials may not be separated for the purpose of this test.]
(c) Each compartment where smoking is to be allowed must have self-contained, removable, ash trays, and each other compartment must be placarded against smoking;
(d) Each receptacle for towels, paper, or waste must be at least fire resistant and must have means for containing possible fires;
(e) There must be at least one hand fire extinguisher for use by the flight crewmembers; and
(f) There must be at least the following number of hand fire extinguishers conveniently located in passenger compartments:
Passenger capacity:
Minimum number of hand fire extinguishers 7 through 30 1 31 through 60 2 61 or more 3
b. Guidance.
(l) Certification by a material manufacturer/supplier, commonly called “certs,” that a material complies with the flammability requirements of § 25.853 does not satisfy FAA rules.
All flammability tests to demonstrate compliance should be witnessed by the FAA or its representatives. Refer to § 25.1359(d) for guidance relative to wiring. (Amendment 25-0)
(2) Paragraph (a). A "fabricated unit" specimen is one in which the actual panel edge is exposed to the test flame. The panel edge may be a metal extrusion and, therefore, the panel materials would be protected from the test flame. In this case, additional "section" specimens must be cut from the panel so that the specimen does not include the edge protection, and, tested horizontally. The "section" horizontal test need not be conducted if (1) the panel edge is equally or more flammable than a section edge and the "fabricated unit" specimens pass the vertical test with the panel edge exposed to the test flame, or (2) the panel edge is less flammable than a "section" specimen edge but the "section" specimens pass the vertical test. (Amendment 25-15)
(3) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Appendix F, effective October 24, 1967, is applicable to § 25.853, Amendment 25-15 through Amendment 25-3l; and § 121.312. Refer to Appendix F beginning at paragraph 1151. (Amendment 25-15)
(4) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Layered materials are entities formed by combining two or more separate materials by bonding, mechanically fastening or other means such that the resulting unit cannot be easily disassembled. Disassembly by removal of screws, staples, glue joints, etc., would not be considered easy. (Amendment 25-15)
(5) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Velcro type material should be tested with the Velcro material attached to its backing material but not hook to pile. (Amendment 25-15)
(6) Paragraphs (a) and (b). If a material is demonstrated to comply with paragraph (a), it is also considered to comply with paragraph (b). The reverse is not true. (Amendment 25-15)
(7) Paragraph (a) and (b). The use of fire/flame retardants is acceptable. The type data should specify the retardant and process for treatment. Treatment should be applied prior to conditioning. The effects of aging and environmental conditions should be considered in the use
510 of retardants. If aging, dry cleaning, washing, etc., adversely affect retardant properties, appropriate documents such as the maintenance manual should address this issue. (Amendment 25-0)
(8) Paragraph (b). Oxygen lines for certification basis through Amendment 25-3l and oxygen masks should meet flame resistant criteria. Systems are to be tested in their normal state (which includes lines filled with oxygen, if that is the case; Refer to paragraph 625b(3) of this AC). Oxygen distribution systems, normally pressurized, are aluminum for low pressure (500 pounds per-inch (psi) or less) and stainless steel for high pressure (above 500 psi). Aluminum is classed as "fire resistant" and stainless steel as "fireproof" in 14 CFR, part 1, § l.l. These materials are normally not tested to § 25.853 due to their definition, although the authority of that regulation does allow it. (Amendment 25-0)
(9) Paragraph (c). Self-contained is defined as a receptacle within a receptacle, one of which has a lid. Both receptacles are considered trash containers and should meet fire-resistant criteria as defined in 14 CFR, part 1, § l.l and in the preceding guidance in paragraph 621b(2) of this AC. The fixed receptacle should be sealed to prevent penetration of fire or residue into the surrounding area. Ashtrays installed in movable or removable armrests which will spill their contents when the armrest is moved or raised, as in the case of hinged armrests, are not considered self-contained. (Amendment 25-0)
(10) Paragraph (c). (Amendment 25-0)
(i) In order to avoid confusion in compartments where it is intended that smoking is not to be permitted, and No Smoking placards are installed, the lighted No Smoking signs should either be disabled or, preferably, hardwired ON. (Amendment 25-0)
(ii) Hardwired ON lighted No Smoking signs have been considered to be equivalent, and even preferred, alternatives to required No Smoking placards in compartments where smoking is not to be permitted. (Amendment 25-0)
(iii) In divided compartments where smoking is permitted in one compartment but not in an adjacent one, especially where the no-smoking compartment is aft of the smoking compartment, care needs to be exercised in the placement and design of placarding and/or No Smoking lighted signs to assure no confusion exists. The smoking compartment should be controlled by lighted No Smoking signs controlled by the crew. Passengers in the no-smoking compartment should not be able to Refer to the lighted No Smoking signs in the smoking compartment when switched off. All lighted No Smoking signs visible to passengers in the nosmoking compartment should be hardwired ON. No Smoking placards may also be installed in the no-smoking compartment, but they are considered insufficient, by themselves, to override the confusing effect of switchable No Smoking signs visible to them. (Amendment 25-0)
(iv) In compartments where smoking is not allowed, it may be necessary to hardwire ON any lighted NO SMOKING signs to avoid confusing occupants. Note: this may affect an operator’s ability to comply with § 121.317(a). The FAA issued a policy memorandum
511 ANM-03-115-05, dated July 7, 2003, titled “Policy Statement and Equivalent Safety Finding on No Smoking Placards and Signs” that addresses this subject. (Amendment 25-0)
(11) Paragraph (d). Waste receptacles may be mounted in the airplane structure or may be portable units such as food or waste carts. Fire containment testing is not required for special purpose disposal receptacles (for such items as used air sickness bags and sanitary napkins), which are in addition to the normal waste disposal receptacles found in lavatories. The reasons for not requiring the testing is that these receptacles are typically very small, less than half a cubic foot in volume, and that they contain specific waste which are of a relatively nonflammable nature. Appendix 8 contains methodology for substantiating compliance with fire containment criteria. (Amendment 25-0)
(12) Paragraph (e) and (f). Refer to AC 20-42C, “Hand Fire Extinguishers for Use in Aircraft,” dated 3/7/84, for guidance on acceptable fire extinguishers. (Amendment 25-0)
(13) Note: The FAA Memorandum 00-115-16, dated September 12, 2000, titled, “Use of the Aircraft Fire Test Handbook” provides guidance for the use of the Report # DOT/FAA/CT-99/15 titled, “Aircraft Fire Test Handbook” that may be used to show compliance with, or demonstrate an equivalent level of safety to, the applicable regulations. The test methods described in the handbook are intended to be adopted in total, if they are used. That is, use of a portion of a test method from the handbook, and another portion of the test method from Appendix F, is not automatically acceptable. (Amendment 25-0)
623. AMENDMENT 25-17, Effective June 20, 1968.
a. Regulation.
[Materials (including finishes, if applied) used in each compartment occupied by the crew or passengers (other than materials such as wire insulation, conduit, plastic material in "black boxes", rub strips, pulleys, and small nonmetallic materials that are located behind interior walls or above interior ceilings) must meet the following test criteria, as applicable:
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, interior wall panels, interior ceiling panels, draperies, structural flooring, baggage racks, partitions (including wind screens), thermal insulation, light cover transparencies in panel form, and coated fabric insulation covering must be self-extinguishing after flame removal when tested in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this part or the applicable portions of Methods 5902 and 5906, dated May 15, 1951, or Federal Specification CCC-T-191b (which is available from the General Services Administration, Business Service Center, Region 3, Seventh and D Streets SW., Washington, D.C. 20407), or other approved equivalent method. All materials used in these applications must be tested vertically. If the material is tested vertically as a fabricated unit, a section of that fabricated unit must also be tested horizontally. The average char length may not exceed 8-inches when the material is tested vertically,
512 and may not exceed 4-inches when the material is tested horizontally. Layered materials may not be separated for the purpose of this test.
(b) Thermoplastic window frames, clip-in trim strips, light reflectors, speaker cones, decompression grills, window transparencies, light cover transparencies not in panel form, ducting, edge-lighted instrument panels made from MIL-P-5425c finish sheet A or from L-P-380a, Type II, Class 3 methacrylate molding plastic, and any other interior materials not specified in paragraph (a) of this section must be at least flame resistant when tested horizontally under the applicable portions of Appendix F of this part, or the applicable portions of Method 5906, dated May 15, 1951 of Federal Specification CCC-T-191b, or other approved equivalent method. Layered materials may not be separated for the purpose of this test.]
(c) Each compartment where smoking is to be allowed must have self-contained, removable, ash trays, and each other compartment must be placarded against smoking;
(d) Each receptacle for towels, paper, or waste must be at least fire resistant and must have means for containing possible fires;
(e) There must be at least one hand fire extinguisher for use by the flight crewmembers; and
(f) There must be at least the following number of hand fire extinguishers conveniently located in passenger compartments:
Passenger capacity:
Minimum number of hand fire extinguishers 7 through 30 1 31 through 60 2 61 or more 3
b. Guidance.
(l) Lead-in paragraph. Material in "black boxes" which are completely self-contained by self-extinguishing material need not be tested. If parts are not completely self-contained or ventilation is provided, then appropriate flammability tests should be conducted. Refer to AC 25-10, “Guidance for Installation of Miscellaneous, Nonrequired Electrical Equipment,” dated 3/6/87. (Amendment 25-17)
(2) Certification by a material manufacturer/supplier, commonly called “certs,” that a material complies with the flammability requirements of § 25.853 does not satisfy FAA rules.
All flammability tests to demonstrate compliance should be witnessed by the FAA or its representatives. Refer to § 25.1359(d) for guidance relative to wiring. (Amendment 25-0)