Fire Response to Different Materials

Manufacturers have choices when designing products. Part of their responsiblity to the consumer is using the Heirarchy of Controls (HoC) when it comes to safety of their product. Part of this involves chosing which materials to use as interior components or as the housings of consumer products. The video below demonstrates the difference in response to heat and flame in V5 plastic (contains fire inhibitors) and HB plastic (without fire inhibitors), or the non-combustible alternative, metal. The choices of materials by manufacturer's can impact how easily a device may catch fire and affect the amount if heat and smoke released once ignited.