ASTM E119

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A hospital is one example of a building where the fire test response standard ASTM E119 is used to verify predetermined test exposure under an applied load

Fire is one of the most devastating threats any building can face, and one of the most tightly regulated. Across commercial, healthcare, education, and government sectors, building codes require fire-rated assemblies to protect people and slow the spread of heat and flame.

At its core, ASTM E119 evaluates how long a building assembly can maintain performance during a fire—specifically: Can a load-bearing assembly resist structural failure? Can the barrier prevent flame passage? And does it limit dangerous heat transfer to the unexposed side?

The Total Security Solutions team works with architects, builders, and owners to design and deliver custom ballistic systems that when requested can also comply with fire-resistance requirements like ASTM E119.

ASTM E119: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials

ASTM E119: Standard Test Methods for Fire Tests of Building Construction and Materials outlines a controlled method to assess how long a building element can withstand exposure to high heat while still providing fire-resistance performance. Specifically, the test evaluates an assembly’s ability to maintain load-bearing capacity (if applicable), resist fire penetration, and limit temperature transmission to non-fire-exposed areas.

The outcomes of these fire tests are categorized by time-based ratings, such as 1-hour or 2-hour fire resistance. Often referenced in building codes, these fire ratings help determine if an assembly is appropriate for fire-rated egress paths, mechanical rooms, elevator shafts, stairwells, and more.

Testing Procedures for Evaluating Fire Resistance

Testing under ASTM E119 is rigorous and highly controlled. The procedure begins with a full-scale assembly constructed to match real-world use. This assembly is placed in front of a large furnace where it's exposed to a time-temperature curve that mimics the thermal conditions of a structural fire.

During the test, the furnace gradually increases in temperature, reaching over 1,700°F (927°C) within the first hour. Performance is measured continuously throughout exposure, rather than at a single “critical point.” Depending on the assembly type, it may then be subjected to a secondary hose stream test, simulating the thermal shock and pressure of firefighting efforts. This hose stream test is required for most wall and partition assemblies but is not applied to all elements, such as floor or roof assemblies without openings.

Three primary performance metrics are measured during this process:

Load-bearing integrity: For structural units, the test evaluates whether the assembly can support a specified load while under thermal stress.
Structural integrity: Observers monitor for any cracks, openings, or structural failure that could allow fire to pass through.
Thermal transmission: Thermocouples placed on the non-fire side of the assembly track temperature rise. Excessive temperature gain can fail the test, even if the wall remains intact.

This layered testing simulates real conditions and verifies assemblies perform in the intense heat and chaos of an actual fire event.

ASTM E119 vs. UL 263: Two Standard Test Methods

ASTM E119 and UL 263 are nearly identical in technical testing method. Both use a time-temperature curve and furnace exposure to evaluate fire resistance of building assemblies. The main difference lies not in how the fire test is run, but in how the results are applied and recognized in practice.

ASTM E119, developed by ASTM International, is a consensus standard that multiple accredited labs use. It evaluates full assemblies—such as walls, floors, ceilings, or columns—under fire conditions. Results can be cited more flexibly in project documentation without being tied to a proprietary product listing.

UL 263, by contrast, is a UL-owned standard that also tests assemblies under fire conditions, but results are published as UL listings with exact construction details. These listings often include both assemblies and individual components—such as fire-rated doors, frames, glazing, or wall panels—and are widely referenced by code officials because of the clarity of UL’s directory and prescriptive listings.

At Total Security Solutions, we have the ability to work with both standards, but our ballistic products are not tested to either standard by default. If your spec calls for ASTM E119, we can engineer a full fire-rated assembly. If UL 263-listed components are needed to satisfy a product submittal or code review, we can source and integrate the right solution.

It’s important to note that ballistic and fire-resistance ratings are separate. Passing one test does not imply compliance with the other. Dual-rated assemblies require explicit design and testing to both standards.

We're here to help you make sense of the language, understand the intent, and deliver a system that’s tested, compliant, and aligned with your broader security goals.

Talk to a TSS Expert

Ballistic Protection & Fire Resistance in Building Construction

Modern buildings must be equipped to handle more than one type of threat. While fire remains a universal life-safety concern, many sectors are also preparing for intentional threats like armed intrusion, vandalism, and forced entry.

That's why more and more building owners, architects, and security consultants are integrating fire and ballistic resistance into the same assemblies. This layered approach strengthens the overall security infrastructure and improves life-safety outcomes in high-risk situations.

Here’s why the convergence matters:

Ballistic threats and fire events can happen simultaneously or sequentially. In the event of an active shooter or arson attack, spaces may need to withstand both bullets and heat. Because of this, dual-performance systems require careful design to ensure material compatibility—some ballistic materials can lose performance when exposed to fire-test temperatures.
Certain areas serve dual functions. Vestibules, corridors, lobbies, and safe rooms often need to resist intrusion and maintain fire separation for safe evacuation.
Code compliance and performance must work together. Materials that meet ballistic standards don’t automatically pass fire testing—and vice versa. Dual-performance must be planned.

When done correctly, combining ballistic and fire-rated features:

Enhances threat response readiness without over-complicating design
Reduces the number of vulnerable transition points within a facility
Creates systems that perform reliably under layered or compounding risks

Can TSS Design For the ASTM E119 Fire Test Standard?

While we specialize in bullet-resistant glass, doors, and wall systems, we can also engineer custom solutions that meet ASTM E119 fire-resistance standards when required.

Whether you're planning:

A ballistic storefront that doubles as a fire barrier
A secure patient or records room with fire and forced-entry requirements
A safe vestibule with dual ratings for ballistic impact and heat containment

...our team can help you deliver protection that meets the moment. Contact us to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean when a test is conducted under standard fire controlled conditions?

A fire test conducted under standard fire controlled conditions refers to a test environment that follows a specific, repeatable time-temperature curve—such as the one outlined in ASTM E119. This ensures the test specimen, from door to beam assemblies, endure exposure that reflects the heat rise of a typical building fire.

What is the purpose of the hose stream test in ASTM E119?

The hose stream test evaluates the structural integrity of the system under thermal shock and mechanical stress. These conditions are similar to what building materials face when firefighters apply water to a blaze. A successful test confirms an assembly’s resilience during fire exposure and emergency response.

Why is limiting thermal transmission during fire exposure important?

Excessive heat on the non-fire side of a wall or door can ignite materials, harm occupants, or compromise safe evacuation routes. Thermocouples track the temperature rise, and assemblies that allow excessive heat to transfer—even without flame breach—can fail the test. Choosing systems that effectively contain both flame and heat supports better life safety outcomes during a fire emergency.

What is the difference between fire resistance and fire retardance in building materials?

Fire resistance, as measured by ASTM E119, refers to an assembly’s ability to withstand fire exposure for a defined period without failure. Fire retardance, by contrast, typically describes how individual materials slow combustion or resist ignition. Both play a role in fire-safe design, but only fire-resistant assemblies can be assigned a fire endurance rating and used where code-mandated fire separations are required.

Can a door meet both ballistic and fire endurance requirements?

Yes, but it requires custom engineering. Materials that meet one standard don’t necessarily pass the other. At TSS, we design integrated systems that achieve dual compliance, providing bullet resistance and fire endurance without compromising aesthetics or usability.

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