Interpretation ID: nht76-3.17

DATE: 10/08/76

FROM: STEPHEN P. WOOD FOR FRANK BERNDT -- NHTSA

TO: Fachnormenausschuss Kraftfahrzeuge - FAKRA

TITLE: FMVSS INTERPRETATION

TEXT: This is in response to your letter of March 31, 1975, in which you recommended a modification of the testing procedures pursuant to Standard No. 302, Flammability of Interior Materials. Your modification would require the presence of support wires in all tests. After consideration of the recently-complied test data on the use of support wires in the testing procedures, the NHTSA has decided that modification of the standard should be considered along the lines you suggest.

The NHTSA has interpreted Standard No. 302 to permit the use of support wires when any bending of the tested material occurred. At the time of that interpretation, it was believed that support wires would not influence the test results. More recent testing by the agency indicates that the use of support wires does significantly affect burn rates. For this reason, the agency is considering various possibilities in addition to the one you suggest.

Thank you for sending us a copy of your Draft International Standard. We appreciate your concern in this matter.

SINCERELY,