Automotive Fire Testing

Element’s automotive fire testing services help you verify material safety, flammability, and smoke behavior to meet global regulations and OEM requirements. With 30+ years of expertise and accredited labs in the UK and USA, we offer end-to-end testing with fast, reliable results. Our confidential, customer-first approach ensures your proprietary data is protected, while our expert guidance simplifies complex compliance challenges—giving you confidence in product performance, occupant safety, and market readiness.

Fire testing engineer observing reaction to fire testing

What is Automotive Fire Testing at Element?

Automotive fire testing evaluates how materials and components used in vehicles react to ignition sources, flame spread, and smoke production. At Element, we deliver comprehensive automotive fire testing via our Group company Warringtonfire in the UK and specialist labs like Warren 11 Mile in Detroit, ensuring your materials meet stringent international fire safety standards and manufacturer-specific requirements.

Two Element testing experts in laboratory safety equipment ready for testing

What Can Element Offer for Automotive Fire Testing?

Key tests offered

Element delivers comprehensive automotive fire testing services, covering flammability, burn resistance, smoke generation, and fuel penetration. Key tests include ECE R118 Annexes 6-10, FMVSS 302, ISO 3795, ASTM D635, and OEM-specific protocols to verify compliance with global automotive safety regulations.

Materials we test

Element tests a wide range of vehicle interior and system materials essential for occupant safety and regulatory compliance. This includes trims, upholstery, cables, insulation, seating components, and plastic parts, ensuring each material meets required fire safety standards for automotive applications.

Methods and solutions offered

Element uses internationally recognized methods tailored to automotive applications. We offer reaction-to-fire analysis, smoke testing, flame spread measurement, fuel penetration resistance, and dripping behavior assessment. Bespoke testing protocols are available to meet individual OEM specifications, providing detailed compliance data and hands-on expert guidance throughout the testing process.

Cutting-edge equipment we use

Our ISO 17025 accredited labs are equipped with advanced fire testing facilities, including reaction-to-fire chambers, smoke density analyzers, and glow wire apparatus. Regular calibration and stringent quality control ensure precise, repeatable results for your automotive materials.

Which labs offer this service

Automotive fire testing is provided by our Group company, Warringtonfire, from our independent UK laboratory, as well as through our Warren 11 Mile specialist facility in Detroit, USA. These locations ensure global accessibility and local expertise for your testing needs.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

International Standards:

ECE R118 (Annex 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

ISO 3795

FMVSS 302
ASTM D635

Regional & OEM-Specific:

BS AU 169a (UK)

GB 8410 (China)

VSTD (Taiwan)

Nissan M0094

SAE J369

HES D6003

VDE 0471 Glow Wire

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Regulatory Compliance Complexity

Navigating global fire safety standards is daunting. Element’s experts guide you through ECE R118, FMVSS 302, and OEM specs, ensuring full compliance.

Proving Material Fire Resistance

We deliver accurate, standard-compliant testing, including flame spread, burn rate, fuel penetration, and dripping behavior assessments. Our comprehensive reports and expert insights help you meet evolving industry regulations and ensure occupant evacuation safety in critical scenarios.

Meeting OEM-Specific Specs

Our facilities perform bespoke testing tailored to individual manufacturer requirements, helping you achieve precise compliance for each client.

Protecting Your IP

Your confidentiality is paramount. We conduct all tests in secure, restricted environments to safeguard your proprietary materials and designs.

Why Choose Element

Global testing Coverage

Automotive fire testing delivered in both Europe (Warringtonfire) and the USA (Warren 11 Mile) for global project support.

Industry-Leading Expertise

30+ years of experience in reaction-to-fire and fire resistance testing for automotive applications.

Comprehensive Service Range

Full suite of fire, flammability, and smoke testing to cover all automotive interior safety needs.

Comprehensive Service Range

UKAS and ISO 17025 accredited laboratories ensuring your results meet the highest industry standards.

30+ years
supporting automotive fire testing

Decades of expertise in reaction-to-fire and resistance testing.

10+
key fire safety standards covered

ECE R118, FMVSS 302, ISO 3795, ASTM D635, and more.

2
specialist automotive fire testing labs

Warringtonfire (UK) and Warren 11 Mile (Detroit, USA).

ISO 17025 and UKAS
accredited testing

Trusted certifications ensuring reliable, accurate test results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What materials are critical for automotive fire testing?

Materials used in vehicle interiors—such as upholstery, cables, insulation, and plastic components—must be tested for flame resistance, burn rate, smoke production, and fuel penetration to ensure occupant safety and regulatory compliance.