Scope
ASTM E119 evaluates how long walls, partitions, floors, roofs, beams, columns and similar assemblies contain a fire and keep their structural integrity. The International Building Code (IBC) refers to it for fire resistance ratings, so it is the test most North American projects specify.
Test conditions and criteria
The fire exposure and acceptance criteria are the same as UL 263: the standard time–temperature curve rising to 927 °C at 1 hour and 1093 °C at 4 hours, no passage of flame or hot gases, an unexposed-side temperature rise limit of 139 °C average and 181 °C maximum, load-bearing capacity where applicable, and a hose stream test for walls and partitions.
Our scope
Within our CNAS accreditation: non-load-bearing walls and partitions, load-bearing floors and roofs, and beams. Excluded: load-bearing columns, load-bearing fire walls and fire partitions.
Frequently asked questions
Should I test to ASTM E119 or UL 263?
If you need a UL listing, the certifier will normally ask for UL 263. If a specification or code cites ASTM E119 directly, test to ASTM E119. Because the two are technically aligned, one test can often be reported against both — agree this with your certifier first.
Do you run the hose stream test?
Yes. For walls and partitions the hose stream is applied after the fire exposure (or to a duplicate specimen, as the standard allows).