ASTM E659-78(2000) PDF

1.1 This test method covers the determination of hot- and cool-flame autoignition temperatures of a liquid chemical in air at atmospheric pressure in a uniformly heated vessel.

Note 1--Within certain limitations, this test method can also be used to determine the autoignition temperature of solid chemicals which readily melt and vaporize at temperatures below the test temperature.

1.2 This standard should be used to measure and describe the properties of materials, products, or assemblies in response to heat and flame under controlled laboratory conditions and should not be used to describe or appraise the fire hazard or fire risk of materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions. However, results of this test may be used as elements of a fire risk assessment which takes into account all of the factors which are pertinent to an assessment of the fire hazard of a particular end use .