Dear Joslyn,
I am designing an electrical cover for a customer. I need a material that won’t catch fire or burn a hole in my customer’s pocket. What do you suggest?
-Mr. Burns
Dear Mr. Burns,
All plastics are assigned a flammability standard by the Underwriters Laboratories (aka UL). These standards are based on how each material burns in different orientations and thicknesses. In the reference guide below, we’ve listed the classifications, material options and a general idea on cost. We hope this helps you find a match!
-Joslyn Manufacturing
Flame applied once to material in a horizontal position, burn rate is < 40mm/min for materials 3-13mm thick or < 75mm/min for materials < 3mm thick, flame is extinguished before the first mark, and it is the lowest UL flame rating.
ABS, HDPE, HIPS, LDPE, PET, TPO
$
Material tested in a vertical position and is able to self-extinguish within 30 seconds. Test indicates if particles not on fire dripped onto cotton batting below.
ABS/PVC Blends
$$
Material tested in a vertical position and is able to self-extinguish within 10 seconds. Test indicates if particles not on fire dripped onto cotton batting below.
Acrylic, Kydex
$$
Material tested in a vertical position. Surface burn (up to 5 times). Material is able to self-extinguish within 60 seconds and does not drip flaming particles. Burn through (holes) permitted.
Acrylic/PVC Blends, PC, PVC
$$$
Material tested in a vertical position, surface burn (up to 5 times), material is able to self-extinguish within 60 seconds and does not drip flaming particles, burn through (holes) not permitted, and is the highest UL flame rating.
ABS/PVC Blends, Kydex T & V103
$$$