(3) 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)
(4) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Sections 25.853 and 25.855 apply to occupied, baggage, and cargo compartments. However, insulation and ducts that are used for occupied, baggage, and cargo compartments are considered part of those compartments, even though items may be located in an adjacent electronics or equipment bay. Therefore, the insulation should meet § 25.853(a) and the ducts should meet § 25.853(b). (Amendment 25-17)
(5) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Appendix F, effective October 24, 1967, applies. Refer to Appendix F beginning at paragraph 1151. (Amendment 25-17)
(6) 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)
(7) 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)
(8) 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)
(9) 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)
(10) 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)
(11) 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
514 materials are normally not tested to § 25.853 due to their definition, although the authority of that regulation does allow it. (Amendment 25-0)
(12) 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)
(13) 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 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)
(14) 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)
(15) 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)
(16) 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)
624. AMENDMENT 25-23, Effective May 8, 1970.
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, 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
516 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 conveniently located in the pilot compartment.]
(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)
(3) 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)
(4) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Sections 25.853 and 25.855 apply to occupied, baggage, and cargo compartments. However, insulation and ducts that are used for occupied, baggage, and cargo compartments are considered part of those compartments, even though items may be located in an adjacent electronics or equipment bay. Therefore, the insulation should meet § 25.853(a) and the ducts should meet § 25.853(b). (Amendment 25-17)
(5) Paragraphs (a) and (b). Appendix F, effective October 24, 1967, applies. Refer to Appendix F beginning at paragraph 1151. (Amendment 25-17)
(6) 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)
(7) 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)
(8) 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)
(9) 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)
(10) 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)
(11) 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)
(12) 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
518 contents when the armrest is moved or raised, as in the case of hinged armrests, are not considered self-contained. (Amendment 25-0)
(13) 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 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)
(14) 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)
(15) 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)
(16) 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
519 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)
625. AMENDMENT 25-32, Effective May 1, 1972.
a. Regulation.
[Materials (including finishes or decorative surfaces applied to the materials) used in each compartment occupied by the crew or passengers must meet the following test criteria as applicable: ] [(a) Interior ceiling panels, interior wall panels, partitions, galley structure, large cabinet walls, structural flooring, and materials used in the construction of stowage compartments (other than underseat stowage compartments and compartments for stowing small items such as magazines and maps) must be self-extinguishing when tested vertically in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this part, or other approved equivalent methods. The average burn length may not exceed six-inches and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15 seconds. Drippings from the test specimen may not continue to flame for more than an average of three seconds after falling.] [(b) Floor covering, textiles (including draperies and upholstery), seat cushions, padding, decorative and non-decorative coated fabrics, leather, trays and galley furnishings, electrical conduit, thermal and acoustical insulation and insulation covering, air ducting, joint and edge covering, cargo compartment liners, insulation blankets, cargo covers, and transparencies, molded and thermoformed parts, air ducting joints, and trim strips (decorative and chafing), that are constructed of materials not covered in paragraph (b-2) of this section, must be self extinguishing when tested vertically in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part, or other approved equivalent methods. The average burn length may not exceed 8-inches and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15 seconds. Drippings from the test specimen may not continue to flame for more than an average of 5 seconds after falling.] [(b-1) Motion picture film must be safety film meeting the Standard Specifications for Safety Photographic Film PH1.25 (available from the United States of America Standards Institute, 10 East 40 Street, New York, N.Y. 10018), or an FAA-approved equivalent. If the film travels through ducts, the ducts must meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.] [(b-2) Acrylic windows and signs, parts constructed in whole or in part of elastomeric materials, edge lighted instrument assemblies consisting of two or more instruments in a common housing, seat belts, shoulder harnesses, and cargo and baggage tiedown equipment, including containers, bins, pallets, etc., used in
520 passenger or crew compartments, may not have an average burn rate greater than
2.5-inches per minute when tested horizontally in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part, or other approved equivalent methods.] [(b-3) Except for electrical wire and cable insulation, and for small parts (such as knobs, handles, rollers, fasteners, clips, grommets, rub strips, pulleys, and small electrical parts) that the Administrator finds would not contribute significantly to the propagation of a fire, materials in items not specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (b-1), or (b-2) of this section may not have a burn rate greater than 4.0-inches per minute when tested horizontally in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part or other approved equivalent methods.]
(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 conveniently located in the pilot compartment.
(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) 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)
(3) Paragraph (a). Carpets which extend up and become part of a vertical panel should also meet § 25.853(a). (Amendment 25-32)
(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) 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)
(7) Paragraph (b). Carpets may be tested without serging. (Amendment 25-32)
(8) Paragraph (b). Oxygen lines are considered ducted systems and should be tested in their normal state: pressurized to the maximum operating pressure with a gas considered safe for testing. Refer to paragraph 621.b.(4) above. (Amendment 25-32)
(9) Paragraph (b). As required by Appendix F, foam shall be tested in 1/2-inch thickness. If the cushion consists of two or more foams glued together, the foam specimens should be two 1/4-inch (three 1/6-inch, etc.) pieces glued together. Three specimens should be made for each combination of foams that are glued together in the production cushion. Any other production cushion components that are glued together, should be tested together. If such specimens do not pass, it is acceptable to test each production cushion component separately, including a sheet of glue. Additionally, the Bunsen burner is then applied to three separate corners of the production cushion with all its components. The cushion is satisfactory if all tests meet the test criteria. The three corner tests need not be conducted, if the cushion passes the tests of part II of Appendix F at Amendment 25-59. (Amendment 25-32)
(10) Paragraph (b-3). Blankets, pillows, headrest covers, and carry-on items that are not part of the aircraft type design are not required to meet the flammability standards. (Amendment 25-32)
(11) Paragraph (b-3). Relative to lavatory smoke detectors, the following is quoted from the preamble to Amendment 121-185, effective April 29, 1985: "Unless some circumstance or design feature unforeseen at this time requires otherwise, materials used in the construction of relatively small commercially available smoke detectors would not contribute significantly to the propagation of a fire and would be covered by the small parts exclusion of § 25.853(b-3)."
(Amendment 25-32)
(12) Paragraphs (a) through (b-3). Appendix F, effective May 1, 1972, applies. Refer to Appendix F beginning at paragraph 1151. (Amendment 25-32)
(13) Paragraphs (a) through (b-3). Refer to AC 25-10, “Guidance for Installation of Miscellaneous, Nonrequired Electrical Equipment,” dated 3/6/87. (Amendment 25-32)
(14) Paragraphs (b), (b-2), and (b-3). If material is demonstrated to comply with paragraph (b), it is also considered to comply with paragraphs (b-2) and (b-3). The reverse is not true. (Amendment 25-32)
(15) 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)
(16) 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 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)
(17) Paragraph (d). To meet the "fire resistant" requirements, the receptacle construction should meet the 45-degree burn test described in § 25.855(a-1). (Amendment 25-32)
(18) Paragraphs (a) through (b-3) and (d) of Appendix F. For measuring the flame temperature of 1550° F, the center of the flame is 3/4-inch above the top edge of the burner.
(Amendment 25-32)
(19) 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)
(20) 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)
(21) 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)
626. AMENDMENT 25-51, Effective March 6, 1980.
a. Regulation.
Materials (including finishes or decorative surfaces applied to the materials) used in each compartment occupied by the crew or passengers must meet the following test criteria as applicable:
(a) Interior ceiling panels, interior wall panels, partitions, galley structure, large cabinet walls, structural flooring, and materials used in the construction of stowage compartments (other than underseat stowage compartments and compartments for stowing small items such as magazines and maps) must be self-extinguishing when tested vertically in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part, or other approved equivalent methods. The average burn length may not exceed six-inches and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15 seconds. Drippings from the test specimen may not continue to flame for more than an average of three seconds after falling.
(b) Floor covering, textiles (including draperies and upholstery), seat cushions, padding, decorative and non-decorative coated fabrics, leather, trays and galley furnishings, electrical conduit, thermal and acoustical insulation and insulation covering, air ducting, joint and edge covering, cargo compartment liners, insulation blankets, cargo covers, and transparencies, molded and thermoformed parts, air ducting joints, and trim strips (decorative and chafing), that are constructed of materials not covered in paragraph (b-2) of this section, must be self extinguishing when tested vertically in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part, or other approved equivalent methods. The average burn length may not exceed 8-inches and the average flame time after removal of the flame source may not exceed 15 seconds. Drippings from the test specimen may not continue to flame for more than an average of 11 seconds after falling.
(b-1) Motion picture film must be safety film meeting the Standard Specifications for Safety Photographic Film PH1.25 (available from the American National Standards Institute, 1430 Broadway, New York, N.Y. 10018), or an FAA approved equivalent. If the film travels through ducts, the ducts must meet the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
(b-2) Acrylic windows and signs, parts constructed in whole or in part of elastomeric materials, edge lighted instrument assemblies consisting of two or more instruments in a common housing, seat belts, shoulder harnesses, and cargo and baggage tiedown equipment, including containers, bins, pallets, etc., used in passenger or crew compartments, may not have an average burn rate greater than 2.5-inches per minute when tested horizontally in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part, or other approved equivalent methods.
(b-3) Except for electrical wire and cable insulation, and for small parts (such as knobs, handles, rollers, fasteners, clips, grommets, rub strips, pulleys, and small electrical parts) that the Administrator finds would not contribute significantly to the propagation of a fire, materials in items not specified in paragraphs (a), (b), (b-1), or (b-2) of this section may not have a burn rate greater than 4.0-inches per minute when tester horizontally in accordance with the applicable portions of Appendix F of this Part or other approved equivalent methods.
[(c) If smoking is to be prohibited, there must be a placard so stating, and if smoking is to be allowed-
(1) There must be an adequate number of self-contained, removable ashtrays; and
(2) Where the crew compartment is separated from the passenger compartment, there must be at least one sign meeting the "No Smoking" sign requirements of § 25.791 notifying all passengers when smoking is prohibited.
(d) Each disposal receptacle for towels, paper, or waste must be fully enclosed and constructed of at least fire restrain materials, and must contain fires likely to occur in