DIN EN ISO 5659-2 E 2011-05 PDF

Full title and description

STB DIN EN ISO 5659-2 E 2011-05 — Plastics — Smoke generation — Part 2: Determination of optical density by a single‑chamber test. This designation indicates a national/adopted version of the EN ISO 5659‑2 procedure published with the 2011 national release identifiers.

Abstract

This document specifies a laboratory method for measuring smoke production (optical density) from the exposed surface of specimen materials using a single‑chamber test (closed cabinet) under specified levels of thermal irradiance and with or without a pilot flame. It is intended for specimens with essentially flat surfaces up to 25 mm thick and is applicable primarily to plastics but can be used for other materials (rubber, textiles, painted surfaces, wood, etc.). Results are specific to the material form and thickness tested and are intended mainly for research, development and fire‑safety engineering rather than as absolute predictive values for real fire scenarios.

General information

• Status: Withdrawn / superseded (national adoption record shows withdrawn).
• Publication date: 01 May 2011 (designation: E DIN EN ISO 5659‑2:2011‑05).
• Publisher: National standards adoption under the EN/ISO framework (designation includes DIN/EN/ISO national adoption identifiers). For later consolidated or revised editions consult the ISO and national-body publications.
• ICS / categories: 13.220.40 (Fire-resistance of building materials and elements) and 83.080.01 (Plastics in general).
• Edition / version: National/adopted edition indicated by the 2011 designation (E DIN EN ISO 5659‑2:2011‑05).
• Number of pages: Approximately 52 pages for the 2011 adopted edition (page counts vary between national and ISO publications and later revisions).

Scope

The standard describes a single‑chamber (closed cabinet) optical‑density test method to quantify smoke generation from flat specimen surfaces when exposed to defined radiant heat fluxes (commonly 25 kW/m² and 50 kW/m²) with optional application of a pilot flame. It applies primarily to plastics and plastic products, and may be applied to other materials for comparative evaluation. The method is explicitly intended to provide material‑ and test‑condition specific optical‑density values and not to predict full‑scale fire smoke behaviour in all real‑world scenarios.

Key topics and requirements

• Single‑chamber test apparatus and setup (closed cabinet) for measuring optical smoke density.
• Specimen dimensions and orientation: essentially flat specimens, thickness limitation (typ. ≤ 25 mm) and horizontal placement.
• Controlled radiant heat flux exposure levels (commonly 25 kW/m² and 50 kW/m²) with/without pilot flame.
• Optical detection and calculation of specific optical density (loss of visibility due to smoke).
• Reporting requirements: test conditions, specimen description (material/form/thickness), irradiance level, time‑based optical density results and any deviations from the procedure.
• Intended use notes and limitations: results are specific to the tested form/thickness and do not directly predict full‑scale fire smoke production or toxic effects.

Typical use and users

Used by materials laboratories, fire‑safety engineers, R&D teams, product compliance groups and standards committees to evaluate and compare smoke generation behaviour of plastics and other materials under controlled, repeatable conditions. Typical applications include product development, comparative assessments, fire performance analysis for transport and building sectors, and supporting fire safety engineering studies.

Related standards

ISO 5659 is a multi‑part family. Part 1 provided guidance on optical‑density testing and has been historically linked to Part 2; Part 2 (the single‑chamber optical‑density test) has seen later revisions and replacements (ISO 5659‑2:2012 and ISO 5659‑2:2017) and the series has since been consolidated/revised in more recent ISO publications (see ISO 5659:2026 for the latest consolidated edition). Consult the ISO catalogue or national‑body publications for exact relationships and current active editions.

Keywords

smoke generation, optical density, single‑chamber test, closed cabinet, plastics, EN ISO, DIN, irradiance, pilot flame, fire testing

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is the national/adopted edition titled STB DIN EN ISO 5659‑2 E 2011‑05, representing the EN/ISO Part 2 single‑chamber method for determination of optical smoke density from materials.

Q: What does it cover?

A: The test method for measuring optical smoke density produced by specimens exposed to controlled radiant flux in a closed chamber, including specimen preparation, test conditions (irradiance levels, pilot flame option), measurement and reporting conventions. It gives comparative, test‑condition specific values rather than predictive full‑scale smoke outcomes.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Fire test laboratories, materials scientists, product developers, fire‑safety engineers and standards bodies use it for comparative smoke‑generation testing and for research and development of materials and products.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2011 national/adopted edition is withdrawn/superseded. ISO/EN/DIN records show subsequent revisions of ISO 5659‑2 (2012 and a later 2017 EN/ISO edition) and more recently a consolidated ISO 5659 publication; users should refer to the latest ISO/EN/DIN publication for the current active requirements.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 5659 is a multi‑part series addressing smoke generation and optical‑density measurement; Part 1 historically offered guidance and Part 2 specifies the single‑chamber optical‑density test. The series has been subject to revisions and consolidations over time.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: smoke, optical density, single‑chamber, plastics, irradiance, pilot flame, fire testing, EN ISO, DIN.