Steiner Tunnel Fire Testing for Safer Building Materials

Get certified for flame spread and smoke development with ASTM E84 and UL 723 testing.

QAI provides flamespread testing using the Steiner Tunnel methods: ASTM E84, ASTM E2768, CAN/ULC-S102 or UL 723. This test is essential for evaluating how building materials perform when exposed to fire, specifically measuring flame spread and smoke development. Whether you’re aiming for a Class A, B, or C flame spread rating classification for product documentation, or need results for U.S. and Canadian code compliance and project specifications, QAI offers fast, accurate, and accredited testing services. We work with manufacturers, builders, and product developers to certify materials such as insulation, wall panels, and ceiling finishes. Our goal is to help you meet safety standards and bring compliant products to market confidently.

How Steiner Tunnel Fire Testing Works

The Steiner Tunnel Test, also known as ASTM E84, CAN/ULC S102, or UL 723, is a key method used to evaluate how building materials respond to fire. It measures two critical factors:

• Flame spread: how far flame travel is observed along the surface during the test.
• Smoke developed: the amount of smoke generated during the test.

These results determine whether a material qualifies for a Class A, B, or C fire rating, which is essential for meeting building codes and ensuring safety in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

We test to multiple standards, including:

• ASTM E84 – Standard method for surface burning characteristics
• UL 723 – Fire testing for building materials
• ASTM E2768 – Extended duration testing for low flame spread materials

CAN/ULC S102 – Canadian standard for surface burning characteristics

Testing Capabilities and Support

Our lab provides:

• Fast turnaround times
• Detailed, easy-to-understand reports
• Support for code compliance and product certification
• Expert guidance throughout the testing process

Whether you’re launching a new product or updating an existing one, QAI helps you meet fire safety requirements with confidence. We work with manufacturers, builders, and product developers to ensure materials meet standards.

With QAI, you’re not just getting a test—you’re gaining a partner who understands your goals and helps you meet them efficiently. From initial consultation to final certification, we make fire testing simple, reliable, and effective.

Testing Standards

Steiner Tunnel Testing is frequently used against standadrd including, but not limited to:

• ASTM E84 – Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials is a critical fire safety standard used to assess how materials react to fire by measuring flame spread and smoke development.
• UL 723 – Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials is equivalent to ASTM E84, this test is widely used in the U.S. to determine fire ratings for building materials.
• ASTM E2768 – Extended Duration Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials is used for materials with low flame spread to confirm Class A ratings over a longer exposure period.
• CAN/ULC-S102 – Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials and Assemblies is the Canadian standard for evaluating flame spread and smoke development in wall and ceiling materials.
• CAN/ULC-S102.2 – Surface Burning Characteristics of Flooring, Miscellaneous Materials, and Assemblies is the Canadian test for flooring and other non-wall/ceiling materials to determine fire performance.
• UL 1887 – Fire Test of Plastic Sprinkler Pipe for Flame and Smoke Characteristics evaluates the fire safety of plastic piping used in sprinkler systems.
• UL 1256 – Fire Test of Roof Deck Construction assesses the fire resistance of roof deck assemblies without thermal barriers.
• NFPA 101 – Life Safety Code is a comprehensive code that includes fire safety requirements for building materials and assemblies.
• ASTM E136 – Standard Test Method for Behavior of Materials in a Vertical Tube Furnace at 750°C determines whether materials are non-combustible under high heat conditions.
• ASTM D2843 – Standard Test Method for Density of Smoke from the Burning or Decomposition of Plastics measures the amount of smoke generated by burning plastic materials.