Smoke prevention performance testing service

Smoke Prevention Performance Testing Service – Accredited ISO/IEC 17025 Fire Safety Assessment for the Colombian Market

Smoke prevention performance is a critical fire safety parameter that evaluates the ability of materials, components, and building systems to limit the generation, spread, and toxicity of smoke during a fire. This property is essential for ensuring the safe evacuation of occupants, protecting firefighters, and minimizing property damage in the event of a fire. Smoke prevention testing is mandatory for a wide range of products, including building materials, cables, furniture, transportation components, protective clothing, and fire-rated barriers, used in construction, mining, transportation, and manufacturing. In the Colombian market, the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC), the Ministerio de Minas y Energía (MinMinas), the Cuerpo de Bomberos de Colombia (National Fire Department), and the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) enforce stringent fire safety standards, including the NSR-10 (Norma Sismorresistente) fire protection requirements and the Resolución 909 de 2011 for environmental and safety compliance. Our laboratory offers a comprehensive smoke prevention performance testing service, applying standardized methods that measure smoke density, smoke toxicity, flame spread index, and the effectiveness of smoke barriers and ventilation systems. All tests are performed under our ISO/IEC 17025 (CNAS) accreditation, and the resulting reports are fully accepted by Colombian authorities, making them indispensable for regulatory compliance, product certification, and market access in Colombia.

Test Samples and Systems We Regularly Examine

Our laboratory receives a wide variety of materials and systems for smoke prevention performance testing. Typical samples include:

• Building materials and finishes – wall panels, ceiling tiles, floor coverings, insulation materials, paints, and coatings.
• Electrical cables and wiring – power cables, communication cables, and fiber optic cables, tested for smoke emission and flame spread.
• Furniture and upholstery – seating, mattresses, and curtains, which must comply with flammability and smoke emission limits.
• Transportation components – interior materials for buses, trains, and aircraft, including seating, wall panels, and ceiling panels.
• Protective clothing and firefighter gear – materials that must resist ignition and limit smoke generation.
• Fire-rated barriers and smoke curtains – for compartmentation in buildings and tunnels.
• Ventilation and smoke extraction systems – including fans, dampers, and ductwork, tested for smoke leakage and performance under fire conditions.
• Prototype and new material formulations – submitted by manufacturers for validation of smoke prevention properties before series production.
• Components retrieved from field installations – for assessment of smoke performance degradation after aging.

Smoke Density and Optical Density Testing – Measuring the Reduction of Visibility

Smoke density is a critical parameter that determines the time available for safe evacuation from a burning building. Our tests measure the optical density of smoke generated by burning materials, providing a quantitative measure of the obscuration of light, which is essential for compliance with fire safety regulations in Colombia.

• Smoke density test (ASTM E662 / ISO 5659-2 / NTC 4900) – a small specimen (typically 75 mm × 75 mm, up to 25 mm thick) is placed in a closed chamber and exposed to a radiant heat source (25 or 50 kW/m²). The smoke generated is measured by passing a light beam through the chamber. The maximum optical density (Dm) and the specific optical density (Ds) are calculated. The test is performed in both flaming and non-flaming modes. We report the maximum optical density (Dm), the time to reach Dm, and the specific optical density at various times (e.g., Ds at 1.5 min, 4 min, and 10 min). This test is widely used for building materials and transportation components.
• Smoke density for cables (IEC 61034-1 / NTC 4901 – for cables with reduced smoke emission) – a cable specimen is placed in a chamber and subjected to a specified heat source. The light transmittance through the smoke is measured, and the transmittance value is reported. Cables are classified according to the smoke emission limits (e.g., IEC 60332-1-2, EN 50265-2-1). We report the light transmittance (in %) and the smoke emission class.
• Smoke density for plastics and composites (ASTM E662 – method for plastics, NTC 4902) – the same method as ASTM E662, but with specific sample preparation and conditioning for plastics. We report the Dm and Ds values and compare them with the limits of the relevant building codes.
• Smoke density at different heat fluxes (NTC 4903 – heat flux variation) – the test is performed at 25, 50, and 75 kW/m² to evaluate the temperature dependence of smoke generation. We report the Dm as a function of the heat flux.
• Smoke density for fire-resistant coatings and paints (NTC 4904 – for intumescent coatings) – we test the smoke generation of intumescent coatings on steel or wood substrates, and we report the Dm values and the effectiveness of the coating in reducing smoke emission.

Flame Spread and Surface Spread of Flame Testing – Evaluating the Lateral Spread of Fire

The flame spread index (FSI) and the surface spread of flame are key parameters that determine the rate at which a fire can spread across the surface of a material. These tests are essential for the certification of building materials, especially for wall coverings, ceiling panels, and insulation. Our tests follow the requirements of the NSR-10 and international standards for fire safety.

• Flame spread index (ASTM E84 / UL 723 / NTC 4910 – tunnel test) – a specimen (typically 7.3 m long and 0.6 m wide) is mounted on the ceiling of a large-scale tunnel furnace. A gas flame is applied at one end, and the flame front progression is measured over time. The flame spread index (FSI) is calculated based on the distance traveled by the flame relative to a reference material (red oak). Building materials are classified as Class A (FSI 0‑25), Class B (FSI 26‑75), or Class C (FSI 76‑200) according to the NSR-10. We report the FSI value, the smoke developed index (SDI), and the classification.
• Surface spread of flame (BS 476-7 / NTC 4911 – for materials used in buildings) – the specimen is placed in a small-scale test chamber, and a flame is applied at one end. The spread of the flame is measured, and the rate of spread is determined. We report the flame spread rate (in mm/min) and the classification (Class 1, 2, 3, or 4).
• Flame spread for cables (IEC 60332-3 / NTC 4912 – vertical flame propagation) – a vertical cable bundle is exposed to a gas flame, and the flame spread and the duration of the fire are recorded. Cables are classified according to the flame propagation limit. We report the flame spread distance and the cable classification.
• Flame spread for textiles (ASTM D6413 / NTC 4913 – vertical flame test for fabrics) – a fabric specimen is suspended vertically, and a flame is applied at the bottom. The time to ignite, the burn length, and the afterglow time are measured. We report the burn length and the classification.
• Flame spread at different orientations (NTC 4914 – horizontal vs. vertical spread) – we perform flame spread tests in both horizontal and vertical orientations to evaluate the influence of the orientation on the spread rate. We report the FSI for each orientation.

Smoke Toxicity and Gas Composition Analysis – Evaluating the Hazard of Fire Gases

The toxic gases released during a fire are the primary cause of fatalities in fire events. Our tests analyze the composition and concentration of toxic gases (CO, CO₂, HCl, HCN, NOx, SO₂, etc.) generated during the combustion of materials, providing a quantitative assessment of the smoke toxicity. These tests are essential for evaluating materials used in confined spaces, such as tunnels, mines, and buildings.

• Smoke toxicity test (NFPA 269 / ISO 19702 / NTC 4920 – FTC method) – a small specimen is burned in a closed chamber, and the combustion gases are sampled and analyzed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO₂), hydrogen chloride (HCl), hydrogen cyanide (HCN), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), and other toxic compounds are measured. We report the concentrations (in ppm) of each gas and the toxicity index (e.g., the LC50).
• Smoke toxicity test (ASTM D6845 / NTC 4921 – for materials used in buildings) – similar to the NFPA 269, but with a different sample size and heating protocol, and with a focus on the materials commonly used in building construction. We report the gas concentrations and the classification of the material according to the toxicity limits.
• Smoke toxicity for cables (IEC 60754-1 / NTC 4922 – for halogen content and acidity) – the cable is burned, and the gases are bubbled through water, and the acidity (pH) and the conductivity of the solution are measured. The amount of halogen (HCl) is determined. We report the pH, the conductivity, and the halogen content.
• Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of fire gases (NTC 4923 – real-time gas monitoring) – during the burning test, we use a portable FTIR analyzer to monitor the gas concentrations in real time, providing a detailed profile of the gas evolution over time. We report the gas concentration vs. time curves.
• Smoke toxicity for polymeric materials (ASTM E1678 / NTC 4924 – for plastics and composites) – we use a standard combustion chamber and a gas analysis system to evaluate the toxicity of the smoke produced by polymeric materials. We report the toxicity parameters (LC50, CO/CO₂ ratio, and the specific toxic potency).

Fire Resistance and Integrity Testing – Evaluating Smoke Leakage through Barriers

Smoke barriers and fire-rated walls are essential for compartmentation in buildings and tunnels, preventing the spread of smoke and fire. Our fire resistance tests evaluate the integrity and smoke leakage of these barriers under fire conditions, which is required by the NSR-10 and the Ministerio de Vivienda for building certification.

• Fire resistance test for walls and partitions (ASTM E119 / ISO 834 / NTC 4930 – for load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls) – a wall specimen is subjected to a standard fire curve (e.g., ISO 834) in a furnace, and the temperature rise on the unexposed face is measured. The integrity of the wall is monitored for cracks and smoke leakage. The fire resistance rating (in minutes, e.g., 60, 90, 120) is reported. We report the temperature rise, the integrity (pass/fail), and the fire resistance rating.
• Smoke leakage test (ASTM E2174 / NTC 4931 – for smoke barriers and dampers) – the smoke barrier is subjected to a specified pressure differential (e.g., 25 Pa or 50 Pa), and the air leakage rate is measured. The test is performed at ambient temperature and at elevated temperatures. We report the air leakage rate (in m³/h·m²) and the smoke leakage classification.
• Fire resistance of doors and glazing (ASTM E152 / NTC 4932 – for fire doors and smoke doors) – the fire door or glazing is subjected to a fire resistance test (ASTM E119 or ISO 834), and the integrity and smoke leakage are evaluated. We report the fire resistance rating and the smoke leakage rate.
• Fire resistance of ventilation and smoke dampers (NTC 4933 – for HVAC systems) – the damper is installed in a fire-rated wall, and the fire resistance and smoke leakage are tested. We report the fire resistance and the leakage rate.
• Fire resistance of ductwork (NTC 4934 – for smoke extraction systems) – the ductwork is tested for fire resistance and smoke leakage, to verify its ability to maintain the smoke extraction path during a fire. We report the fire resistance and the leakage rate.

Smoke Control and Extraction System Testing – Evaluating the Effectiveness of Smoke Management

Smoke control and extraction systems, including fans, dampers, and control systems, are critical for managing smoke movement and maintaining tenable conditions during a fire. Our on-site and laboratory tests evaluate the performance of these systems, which is required for the certification of high-rise buildings, tunnels, and large industrial facilities in Colombia.

• • Smoke extraction system test (ASTM E203 / NTC 4940 – air flow and smoke movement) – we measure the air flow rate and the smoke extraction capacity of the system using anemometers, flow hoods, and smoke visualization techniques. We report the air flow rate (in m³/s), the smoke extraction rate, and the effectiveness of the system in maintaining the smoke layer height.
  • Smoke control system test (BS 7346 / NTC 4941 – pressurization and depressurization) – we test the building’s smoke control system (e.g., stairwell pressurization, corridor smoke removal) by measuring the pressure differentials and the air velocities at critical points. We report the pressure differentials (in Pa) and the system's response time.
  • Smoke visualization and tracer gas testing (NTC 4942 – using smoke pellets or tracer gases) – we release non-toxic smoke pellets or tracer gases (e.g., SF₆) into the space and observe the movement of the smoke under the operation of the ventilation system. We use gas detectors and video recordings to map the smoke movement. We report the smoke migration pattern and the effectiveness of the smoke control system.
  • Fan and damper operation test (NTC 4943 – verification of mechanical components) – we test the operation of the smoke extraction fans and dampers (opening, closing, and speed control) under normal and emergency conditions. We report the fan speed (in RPM), the damper operation time (in seconds), and the system functionality.
  • Integrated system test (NTC 4944 – fire alarm and smoke control simulation) – we simulate a fire scenario by activating the fire alarm system and the smoke control system, and we monitor the response of all components. We report the system response time and the effectiveness of the integrated system.

Complementary Tests – Material Composition, Aging, and Performance Degradation

To provide a complete assessment of the smoke prevention performance and to identify any material degradation or changes in fire properties over time, we complement the fire tests with material characterization and aging studies. These tests are essential for the certification of long-life building materials and for assessing the impact of environmental exposure.

• Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) – ASTM E1131 / NTC 4950 – we measure the thermal stability and the decomposition temperature of the material, which are related to the smoke generation and the fire resistance. We report the decomposition temperature and the mass loss.
• Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) – ASTM D3418 / NTC 4951 – we measure the glass transition temperature (Tg) and the melting point, which indicate the thermal behavior and the potential for smoke generation. We report the Tg and the melting temperature.
• Thermal aging test (NTC 4952 – 70 °C for 7 days) – we perform accelerated thermal aging at 70 °C for 7 days, and then repeat the smoke density and flame spread tests to evaluate the effect of aging on the material's fire properties. We report the change in smoke density and flame spread after aging.
• Humidity and UV aging test (NTC 4953 – combined environmental aging) – we expose the material to humidity (95 % RH) and UV radiation (500 hours) and then re-test the smoke generation properties. We report the change in performance after environmental exposure.
• Microscopic examination of burned residues (SEM – NTC 4954) – after the fire test, we examine the charred residues and the structure of the material using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to analyze the char morphology and the cracking pattern, which are related to the smoke generation mechanism. We report the SEM images and the structural analysis.

Test Report and Recognition in the Colombian Construction, Transportation, and Industrial Sectors

All procedures described are within the scope of our ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, with equipment calibrated periodically (tunnel furnaces, smoke density chambers, gas analyzers, FTIR, etc.) and traceability to international standards (NIST, PTB). Our test reports are issued in Spanish and include:

• Full identification of the sample (material type, manufacturer, lot number, dimensions, and intended application).
• Detailed description of the test methods applied (ASTM/ISO/IEC/NTC standards, heat flux, exposure time, and test conditions).
• Numerical results: maximum optical density (Dm), specific optical density (Ds), flame spread index (FSI), smoke developed index (SDI), light transmittance (%), CO and CO₂ concentrations (ppm), HCl and HCN concentrations (ppm), fire resistance rating (minutes), smoke leakage rate (m³/h·m²), and gas toxicity parameters (LC50).
• Graphical data: smoke density vs. time curves, gas concentration vs. time curves, and flame spread profiles.
• Comparative tables against the values specified by the client or against the limits of the NTC 4900 (Smoke density), NTC 4910 (Flame spread), NTC 4920 (Smoke toxicity), NTC 4930 (Fire resistance), and the requirements of the NSR-10, the SIC, the MinMinas, and the Cuerpo de Bomberos de Colombia.
• Photographs and micrographs of the material before and after the tests, showing the charring, melting, and smoke residues.
• Recommendations for material selection, design improvement, and fire safety measures to achieve the required smoke prevention performance.
• Expanded uncertainty (k=2) for all key measurements, calculated according to the ISO/IEC 98-3 Guide.

These reports are fully accepted by the Superintendencia de Industria y Comercio (SIC) for product registration and quality certification, by the Ministerio de Minas y Energía (MinMinas) and the Ministerio de Vivienda, Ciudad y Territorio for the verification of fire safety in buildings and industrial facilities, by the Cuerpo de Bomberos de Colombia for the certification of fire-rated materials and systems, and by the Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales (DIAN) for tariff classification and quality verification in the import of fire-rated materials and equipment. Additionally, we offer consulting services for the design of fire-safe buildings, the selection of materials with low smoke generation, and the implementation of smoke control and extraction systems, contributing to the safety, resilience, and regulatory compliance of infrastructure and industrial projects in the diverse and growing Colombian market, from the urban high-rises to the mining and energy facilities across the country.