October 1, 2009
Change Summary:
Section 26 changes:
Shuffled content of paragraphs that dealt with detail such as chambers, apparatus, flame
intensity so that pertinent information relating to specific categories was presented in
each of the three respective procedures.
Removed the entire category C Flammability procedure as this was not acceptable to the
FAA.
Replaced this entire section with slightly modified sections of Fire Test Handbook (see
below), specifically procedures that applied to the type of components being tested to
DO160 procedures. The Fire test handbook is an accepted method for conducting
flammability tests by the FAA to show compliance to the Federal Aviation Regulation
(FAR)25.853 and FAR 25.855 (Transport Category Airplanes) as well as Normal, Utility,
Acrobatic and Commuter category airplanes (FAR 23.853 and 23.855). Basically, the
procedures in this handbook are more complete than what is presented in FAR part 25,
Appendix F and written for repeatability amongst laboratories performing these tests.
Added verbiage in the Category C definition to include configuration/components that
may be exempt from flammability testing. The FAR mentioned a small parts exemption
but did not clearly define. A definition of this, with electronic enclosures in mind, was
also included in this section.
Fire Test Handbook Changes:
The policy of the RTCA/DO160 document is to not make reference to any other standard
or agency. The applicable methods from the Handbook were not copied verbatim for this
reason, see example below:
1.3.1 Test Cabinet
Tests will be conducted in a draft-free cabinet fabricated in accordance with figures 1-1 to 1-3 or other
equivalent enclosures acceptable to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). It is suggested that the
cabinet be located inside an exhaust hood to facilitate clearing the cabinet of smoke after each test.
Stainless steel or other corrosion-resistant metal 0.04 inch (1 mm) thick will be used for the bottom
surface of the chamber.
Other changes:
Vertical bunsen burner test, chapter 1:
- The scope removed (addressed earlier in RTCA document)
- any reference to 60 second test removed (determined during working group
meetings that 60 second test not applicable to hardware being tested to DO160
- removed reference to FAA
- to stay consistent with RTCA document, all figures moved to end of document
-
Acceptable burner fuel is methane only (removed “or other burner fuel acceptable to the
FAA
-
Specimen size, further direction is needed to offer guidance if parts to be tested
are smaller than specified and can not be cut from larger sheet material
Horizontal bunsen burner test:
-
Removed scope
Cabinet description, removed reference to FAA
to stay consistent with RTCA document, all figures moved to end of document
Acceptable burner fuel is methane only (removed “or other burner fuel acceptable to the
FAA
-
Need to define burn rate applicable to electronic equipment: 2.5 or 4.0 inches per
minute?
60 degree bunsen burner test
Removed Scope
Note description of cabinet and there is no mention of FAA in this section, should we
use description in handbook: “ Other cabinets may be used if they are draft free and
-
have enough air to allow complete combustion. It is suggested that the cabinet be located inside an
exhaust hood to facilitate removal of smoke and fumes after each test.” For other sections in RTCA
document?
-
-
In “specimen length” added “Ideally, the specimens will be cut to a length of 30
inches. In the event that 30 inches of product is not available, actual item length
may be used and additional non-flammable cable can be attached to item to
complete tension using pulley
to stay consistent with RTCA document, all figures moved to end of document
Acceptable burner fuel is methane only (removed “or other burner fuel acceptable to the
FAA
The appendix portion of the Handbook will be placed as a “user’s guide” at the end of the
section 26. This section was modified to address only the specific methods outlined in
section 26.