CAN ULC Flame Test S102 3-ply Mylar

Testing was conducted in accordance with the standard methods of CAN/ULC S102, Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Ceiling and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies.

Three-ply mylar construction represents premium wallcovering engineering, combining dimensional stability with sophisticated visual effects. The mylar layer provides metallic finishes and reflective properties that create dramatic architectural statements, while the multi-layer construction adds durability and dimensional stability. However, these complex materials require rigorous fire safety testing to ensure they meet Canadian building code requirements.

The CAN/ULC S102 standard evaluates how quickly flames spread across material surfaces and measures smoke production during combustion. For multi-layer materials like 3-ply mylar, this testing becomes particularly important because different layers may behave differently when exposed to fire. The certification confirms that all layers work together to maintain safe fire performance characteristics.

Architects specifying metallic or reflective wallcoverings in Canadian commercial projects can rely on this certification to satisfy building code requirements. The testing eliminates guesswork about how complex multi-layer materials will perform in fire safety evaluations, providing the documentation needed for smooth project approvals.

Test Specifications

Sample And Assembly Description

Upon receipt of the samples they were placed in a conditioning room where they remained in an atmosphere of 23 ± 3°C (73.4 ± 5°F) and 50 ± 5% relative humidity. The sample material was cut to 17 1/2 in. wide by 8 ft long and adhered to a 6 mm thick inorganic GRC board using FR-Shur Stik wall covering adhesive. The samples are identified by the client as Roysons -20 oz Vinyl Wallcovering — 3 PLY MYLAR. For each trial run, three 8 ft. lengths of sample material were attached to the ceiling with a layer of 6 mm reinforced cement board placed on the floor of the tunnel, the tunnel lid was lowered into place, and the samples were then tested in accordance with CAN/ULC S 102.

Testing and Evaluation Methods

The results of the tests are expressed by indexes, which compare the characteristics of the sample under tests relative to that of select grade red oak flooring and inorganic-cement board.

Flame Spread Classification: This index relates to the rate of progression of a flame along a sample in the 25-foot tunnel. A natural gas flame is applied to the front of the sample at the start of the test and drawn along the sample by a draft kept constant for the duration of the test. An observer notes the progression of the flame front relative to time. The test apparatus is calibrated such that the flame front for red oak flooring passes out the end of the tunnel in five minutes, thirty seconds (plus or minus 15 seconds).

Smoke Developed: A photocell is used to measure the amount of light, which is obscured by the smoke passing down the tunnel duct. When the smoke from a burning sample obscures the light beam, the output from the photocell decreases. This decrease with time is recorded and compared to the results obtained for red oak, which is defined to be 100.

Results & Observations

(A) Flame Spread: The resultant flame spread classifications are as follows: (Classification rounded to nearest 5)

(B) Smoke Developed: The areas beneath the smoke developed curve and related classifications as follows: (Classification rounded to nearest 5)

(C) Observations:

During the tests, the sample surface ignited at approximately 93 to 110 seconds; the flame began to progress along the sample until it reached the maximum flame spread.

Results:

• This test sample meets the Canadian Standard - CAN/ULC S102.
• This test sample meets the A.S.T.M. E-84 Standard.
• This test sample meets the N.F.P.A. LIFE SAFETY CODE 101.

Test performed and certified by: