Test description
This test measures the level of thermal protection in various areas subjected to compression of the composite (Outer Shell – Moisture barrier – Thermal liner). The test result represents the time in seconds for a temperature rise of 75.2°F (24°C) when a source of heat of 532°F (280°C) and pressure is applied to the exposed area. As always, the composite must have a minimum TPP of 35. In order to simulate the weight of an S.C.B.A., a pressure of 2 p.s.i. is applied on the shoulder composite during CCHR testing. For the knees, a pressure of 8 p.s.i. is applied. This pressure simulates the force created on the knee area by a 180 pound firefighter when in a kneeling position.
Requirements
The time to obtain this temperature rise must be greater than 25 seconds.
Note
All INNOTEX® garments are manufactured with two extra layers of thermal liner in the shoulder and knee areas to offer increased protection against compression burns.

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Test description
This test measures the ability of a composite system (Outer shell - Moisture barrier - Thermal liner) in evacuating heat from the inside layer to the outside layer.
Requirements
The NFPA-1971 2007 edition minimum requirement is a THL of 205 W/m2.
Notes
A higher THL value indicates a composite that has a higher capability to evacuate heat. This reduces the possibility of heat stress caused by the elevation of the body core temperature. The factors that influence a higher THL are: lighter outer shell or thermal liner, performance of the moisture barrier. Usually, composites with Crosstech® moisture barrier obtain higher THL test results then with other moisture barriers. In general, a higher THL will have an inverse effect on the TPP rating. A difference in THL results between two composites of less than 50 W/m2 is not physically perceivable by a firefighter.

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Test description
The firefighter bunker suit is composed of three composite layers : Outer shell – Moisture barrier – Thermal liner. The TPP test measures the elapsed time for heat emitted from a radiant and convective heat source to penetrate a composite system and resulting in a second-degree burn, as it may occur in a flash over situation.
Requirements
The NFPA-1971 2007 edition standard minimum requires a TPP rating of at least 35. This rating represents 17.5 second until a second-degree burn occurs in a flash over situation.
Notes
The higher the TPP rating, the better the thermal protection. The TPP rating has an inverse effect on the THL value. A higher TPP rating is generally obtained with a thicker thermal liner. A difference in TPP rating between two different composite of less than 2 is not physically perceivable by a firefighter.