TCFP Plans Examiner Practice Test

Which of the following characteristics does the Steiner Tunnel test NOT measure?

1. Flame spread testing

2. Smoke developed

3. Fuel contributed

4. Toxicity

The correct answer is: Toxicity

The Steiner Tunnel test, often referred to as the Steiner test, is primarily used to assess fire performance characteristics of building materials, particularly in terms of their potential for flame spread and smoke generation. Specifically, it measures two key criteria: flame spread testing, which evaluates how quickly flames can travel along the surface of a material, and smoke developed, which assesses the amount of smoke produced during combustion. The characteristic of toxicity is not a focus of the Steiner Tunnel test. While the test may indirectly involve aspects related to combustion byproducts, it does not provide specific measurements or evaluations of the toxic properties of the smoke generated. This is significant as toxicity is a separate consideration that requires different testing methodologies specifically designed to evaluate harmful emissions, including chemical composition and biological effects. In summary, the correct answer reflects that toxicity is not a characteristic measured by the Steiner Tunnel test, as its primary focus lies on flame spread and smoke development.