Fire Tests of Men's Suits on Racks

A series of fire tests were conducted to characterize the potential hazard from ignition of men's suits hanging on racks. The fire test scenario was selected as part of a fire investigation being conducted by the U.S. Department of Treasury's Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. Heat release rate was determined as a function of time from ignition using the oxygen depletion principle. In addition, the total heat flux from the burning business suits and the mass loss were measured. Three tests were conducted with the suits placed in the open under a large calorimeter. The suits were ignited either in the center or at the end of the rack with a propane torch. Peak heat release rates obtained during the tests ranged from approximately 1 MW to 2 MW.