Fire point test
The fire point test is the temperature at which the sample will support a flame for a period of at least five seconds. This test is carried out in an open cup flash point apparatus (either COC or Pensky-Martens Open Cup, PMOC) and is usually done on the same sample immediately following a flash point determination. Fire point is not included in any standards but is mentioned for completeness
Autoignition temperature test
Autoignition is defined as the temperature at which a substance will ignite in the absence of an extemal ignition source such as a flame or spark. It is subjective and is highly dependent on the test method used. Probably the best known test method is ASTM E65919) in which a small sample is introduced into a preheated glass flask. The flask is observed in darkness for ten minutes and ignition is deemed to have occurred if a significant temperature rise or a flame is observed. The test conditions take into account the ‘induction period’ observed in many substances before auto ignition occurs.
