Reçu le 24/10/2006

WORLDWIDE
Test Procedure
ENGINEERING GMW14849
Powertrain Integration
STANDARDS
Copie de travail
Non Metallic Fuel Tanks Fire Resistance Export
VERSION ANTERIEURE
Le 03/03/2009 --> pas de remise à jour 3.1.1 This test facility must have fuel dispensing
1 Scope equipment and safety equipment necessary to
handle fuel.
Note: Nothing in the specification supersedes
applicable laws and regulations unless specific 3.1.2 For safety, the test should be performed
exemption has been obtained. outdoors. Wind protection shall be provided so that
wind velocity will not exceed 2.5 km/h at the fire
Note: In the event of conflict between the English
pan level.
and domestic language, the English language shall
take precedence. 3.1.3 The test can be performed in a controlled
indoor facility equipped with adequate ventilation
1.1 Purpose. To evaluate the fire resistance of
for complete burning of the fuel and for exhaust of
non-metallic fuel systems against requirements
the by-products.
found in:
3.1.4 The test site must have appropriate fire
a. ECE R34.01, ANNEX 5, dated January 18,
fighting equipment available, which would be able
1979 and/or
to control any potential fire. This equipment should
b. JAPAN TRIAS 42 include personal protection (respirator, clothing,
Note: See 2.1.3 for information related to EEC etc.).
70/221. 3.2 Equipment.
1.2 Foreword. Fire resistance procedure and 3.2.1 A test fixture which includes a bulkhead
requirements for bulkheads are in procedure L-1C- (reference 1.4.3, i.e. sheet metal which is near the
XG/7613. Time and test resources may be saved fuel tank) is used for mounting the fuel tank in a
by running these two procedures together. simulated vehicle at Unladen Curb Mass. This test
1.3 Applicability. All private passenger vehicles fixture without the fuel tank is also used for
whose engine uses a liquid fuel (Source ECE bulkhead testing in procedure GMN7613 (L-1C-
R34.01) and which have a primary and/or XG).
secondary fuel tank made of non-metallic material. 3.2.2 A fire pan which contains and moves the
This directive applies to vehicles of category M, N, flaming gasoline with minimum spillage. The
and O (Source EEC70/221). GM requirement following are specifications of the fire pan:
includes all vehicles with fuel tanks made of non-
3.2.2.1 The dimensions of the pan shall exceed the
metallic material.
length and width dimensions of the fuel tank shell
projected on a horizontal plane by 35 ± 5 cm Note:
2 References ECE R34.01, Annex 5 and EEC 70/221 actually
Note: Only the latest approved standards are state at least 20 cm but not more than 50 cm. The
applicable unless otherwise specified. dimension of 35 ± 5 cm is a GM convention to
2.1 External Standards/Specifications. reduce test variability. For non typical or two (2)
tank fuel systems see Figures 6 through 9 for pan
ECE R34.01 FMVSS 301
profiles.
EEC 70/221 TRIAS 42
3.2.2.2 A grate may be used to prevent gasoline
2.2 GM Standards/Specifications. slosh as long as the gasoline is allowed to freely
GMN7001 GMN7613 flow in this pan.
GMN7605 L-1C-XG/7613 3.2.2.3 Provisions must be made so that this pan is
free to slide under and away from the fuel tank
3 Resources during the test.
3.1 Facilities. 3.2.2.4 The side walls of the pan shall not project
more than 8 cm above the level of the fuel.

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February 2006 Originating Department: North American Engineering Standards Page 1 of 11

GMW14849 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS

3.2.3 A fire screen is used to provide indirect heat 3.3.2.2 Fuel System Under Test. All vehicle
from flames produced in the fire pan. The following components (near to the flame source) that meets
are specifications of the fire screen: the following criteria are required:
3.2.3.1 The length and width of the fire screen • Components that are part of the fuel system
frame shall be 2 to 4 cm smaller than the inside • Components that protect the fuel system
dimensions of the fire pan so that a gap of 1 to against exposure to flame
2 cm exists between the fire screen frame and the
wall of the fire pan to allow ventilation. • Components that affect the course of the fire or
flame.
3.2.3.2 The fire screen shall be positioned 3 ± 1 cm
above the fire pan fuel level. Note: ECE R34.01, Examples of these components may include (but
Annex 5 specifies 3 ± 1 cm and EEC70/221 (as are not limited to):
amended 2000/8/EC) specifies 2 ± 1 cm. The EEC • Specified fuel tanks
2 ± 1 cm specification is in error and will be • Fuel tank straps
changed in the future to the ECE 3 ± 1 cm • Fuel lines and fittings
specification (source: GM International Regulations
Group). • Fuel venting system
3.2.3.3 The fire screen must have provisions so • Axle
that it is free to slide between the fire pan and the • Suspension components
fuel tank, and then away from the fuel tank during • Exhaust system
the test.
• Underbody/floorpan and other sheet metal
3.2.3.4 The screen shall have no gaps between the
fire screen bricks. • Thermal shields
3.2.3.5 The fire screen bricks shall be supported • Tires and wheels (tires and wheels are
over the fuel pan in such a manner that the holes preferred to be simulated by attaching
in the bricks are not obstructed. More fire brick (welding) a non combustible (metal) formed tire
specifications are shown in Figure A5. profile to the wheel rim.
3.2.4 A timing device to measure to five minutes. Three tests must be completed for each type of
fuel system for ECE R34.01 or EEC70/221 type
3.2.5 Devices to measure the amount of fuel put in
approval.
the fire pan and fuel tanks.
3.4 Test Time. The following is an estimate on the
3.3 Test Vehicle/Test Piece.
amount of time (work-hours) needed to perform
3.3.1 Test Vehicle. Not applicable. this procedure.
3.3.2 Test Materials/Components. Preparation and other downtime, actual test and
3.3.2.1 Fuel. Fuel for test fuel tank. Unleaded analysis of data was considered in capturing a total
premium gasoline or diesel fuel as specified for calendar time.
engine of vehicle under test. See 4.1.1 for fuel Technician Resource: N/A-offsite test
specified by engineer. The specification for the fuel
Engineer Resource: 40 Hr(s)
tank test fuel type (gasoline or diesel) is taken from
EEC 70/221 and ECE R34-01 Annex 5. The Total Calendar Duration: 3 Day(s)
specification for the fuel tank test fuel grade 3.5 Test Required Information. Not applicable.
(premium or regular) is taken from EEC 70/221 as 3.6 Personnel/Skills. Fire fighting and fuel
amended in 2000 (ECE R34.01 is unclear for fuel handling skills are required.
grade).
Fire pan fuel. Regular unleaded gasoline (see 4 Procedure
2.2.2 for additional information). The quantity of
4.1 Preparation.
gasoline shall allow the flame to burn (under free
burning conditions) in the fire pan for at least Note: all fire fighting equipment must be readily
5 minutes. The quantity is typically 15 liters per available during handling and preparation.
square meter of pan area EEC 70/221 requires the 4.1.1 The engineer shall.
pan fuel to be commercial fuel for positive ignition 4.1.1.1 Determine and record the type of fuel to be
engines. GM current practice is to use regular used for the three tanks as follows (reference
unleaded fuel. 2.2.4).
4.1.1.1.2 If tank is designed for installation on
vehicles equipped with either a positive ignition
© Copyright 2006 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved

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GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS
engine or a compression ignition engine, the three
tests must be carried out with tanks filled with
regular-grade gasoline.
4.1.1.1.3 If tank is designed for installation on
vehicles equipped with only a compression ignition
engine, the three tests must be carried out with
tanks filled with diesel fuel.
4.1.1.2 Determine and record the amount of fuel to
be in the fuel tanks for test. This will be 50% of the
total fuel capacity of the fuel tank as defined in
GMW14508. For multiple tank or saddle tank
designs, 50% of the capacity of each tank or side
of saddle shall be used.
4.1.1.3 Determine the distance that the bottom of
the fuel tank shall be above the fuel level in the fire
pan. This distance shall correspond to the design
height of the bottom of the fuel tank above the road
surface at unladen curb weight (reference 1.4.2).
For two fuel tank fuel systems, the fuel in the fuel
pan is measured to the primary tank when the
bottoms of the tanks are at different heights.
4.1.1.4 Obtain information to properly position
bulkhead/fixture in design position as required in
3.2.1.
4.1.2 Test Preparation Non-Metallic Fuel Tank.
4.1.2.1 Install the fuel tank (with all tank straps,
shields, lines and fittings, functional venting
systems, axle, exhaust system, etc. (3.3.2.2) onto
the test fixture.
4.1.2.2 Adjust the fixture to represent the design
intent attitude as specified by engineer, 4.1.1d.
4.1.2.3 Verify the Phase B and Phase C testing
position (Figure A2 and A3) by adjusting the fixture
or the fire pan so that the distance from the bottom
of the fuel tank to the fire pan fuel level (note step
g below) is as specified by engineer in 4.1.1.
4.1.2.4 Close all openings of fuel system,
excluding venting systems.
4.1.2.5 Verify that venting systems are operative.
4.1.2.6 Position the fire brick screen, fuel system
holding fixture and fire pan in the PHASE A
position as shown in Figure A1. As needed,
preheat or cool the fire brick screen to 35 ± 5°C.
The fire bricks may be wetted to achieve this (to
guarantee the same test conditions for each test).
4.1.2.7 Place gasoline (reference 3.3.2.1) in the
fire pan. The gasoline level shall be within 8 cm of
the top of the fire pan.
4.1.2.8 Fill the test fuel tank with specified fuel
amount and type (reference 3.3.2.1 and 4.1.1). For
multiple fuel tank or saddle tank designs, filling the
fuel tank(s) out of the buck may be required.
© Copyright 2006 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved
February 2006
GMW14849
4.1.2.9 Cycle the fire pan, the fire brick screen and
the screen/pan assembly through the movements
required for this test. This check should eliminate
any interference in the test setup and show any
conditions where gasoline spillage might occur.
4.2 Conditions. Wind velocity at the fire pan level
shall not exceed 2.5 km/hr. Reference Paragraph
3.1.2.
4.2.1 Environmental Conditions.
4.2.2 Test Conditions. Deviations from the
requirements of the procedure shall have been
agreed upon. Such requirements shall be specified
on component drawings, test certificates, reports,
etc.
4.3 Instructions.
Note: All fire fighting equipment must be readily
available during fuel handling and testing.
4.3.1 Non-Metallic Fuel Tank Test.
4.3.1.1 Phase A: Preheating. (Figure A1). Ignite
the fuel in the fire pan at a distance of at lease 3 m
from the tank being tested. After 60 seconds of
preheating, move the fire pan under the fuel tank.
4.3.1.2 Phase B: Direct Exposure to Flame.
(Figure A2). Expose the fuel system under test to
the flame from the freely burning fuel for
60 seconds.
4.3.1.3 Phase C: Indirect Exposure to Flame.
(Figure A3). As soon as Phase B is complete,
place the fire brick screen between the fire pan and
fuel system under test for an additional
60 seconds.
4.3.1.4 Phase D: End of Test. (Figure A4). Move
the fire pan and fire brick screen away from the
fuel system under test (to its original Phase A
position). Immediately extinguish any fire on the
fuel system under test and on the fire pan.
4.3.1.5 Post-Test Recording. Record test data
and answer the questions found on the data sheet.
Record on data sheet comments about any parts
of the bulkhead or fuel system under test which
sustained burning, any comments about fuel
spillage from the fuel system under test, etc. Take
pictures as appropriate.
4.3.2 Repeat 4.2.1 for the remaining two fuel
systems to be tested for ECE R34.01 type
approval.
4.3.3 Data Presentation. Present data by use of
the data sheets, include any photographs.
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GMW14849
5 Data
5.1 Calculations. Not applicable.
5.2 Interpretation of Results.
5.2.1 Completely fill the data sheets.
5.2.2 If conclusions can not be made, contact the
design release engineer of the subject test piece
for guidance.
5.3 Test Documentation.
5.3.1 GP11 data sheet for each test piece.
5.3.2 Digital pictures of test fixture and fire pan.
5.3.3 Vehicle option matrix and logic used in
selecting vehicle combination for test.
5.3.4 Digital pictures of test fixture with test pieces
as installed.
5.3.5 Minimum of one (1) video of testing to be
supplied to GM for Record Retention. Preferably
three (3), one(1) to each Record Retention, Tier 1,
and DRE/DE.
6 Safety
This procedure may involve hazardous materials,
operations, and equipment. This method does not
propose to address all the safety problems
associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the
user of the method to establish appropriate safety
and health practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
7 Notes
7.1 Glossary.
© Copyright 2006 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved
Page 4 of 11
GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS
Bulkhead. A separator between the passenger
compartment and the fuel tank.
Fuel Spillage/Leakage. The fall, flow, or run of
fuel from the fuel tank, not including wetness
resulting from capillary action (reference FMVSS
301).
Liquid Fuel. A fuel which is liquid in normal
condition of temperature and pressure (reference
ECE R34.01).
Unladen Curb Mass. The mass of the vehicle with
all standard equipment including all lubricants and
fluids plus A/C (if equipped) and the additional
mass of the optional engine. (Reference procedure
GMN7001TP, Definitions & Terminology, Vehicle &
Component Mass).
Note: For this test, the fuel tank will be filled per
this procedure, rather than per the unladen curb
mass definition.
7.2 Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Symbols. Not
applicable.
8 Coding System
This standard shall be referenced in other
documents, drawings, VTS, CTS, etc. as follows:
Test to GMW14849
9 Release and Revisions
9.1 Release. The standard originated in November
2005, replacing GMN7605. It was first approved by
the Global Chassis Powertrain Team in January
2006. It was first published in February 2006.
February 2006
GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW14849

Appendix A

Figure A1: Phase A Preheating

Figure A2: Phase B Direct Exposure To Flame

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February 2006 Page 5 of 11

GMW14849 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS

Figure A3: Phase C Indirect Exposure To Flame

Figure A4: Phase D End Of Test

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GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW14849

Figure A5: Dimensions and Technical Data on the Fire Brick

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February 2006 Page 7 of 11

GMW14849 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS

Figure A6: Nonstandard Shape – Saddle Tank

Figure A7: Nonstandard Shape – Two Tanks --- One Fill Neck

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GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW14849

Figure A8: Nonstandard Shape – Two Tanks --- Two Fill Necks
Tanks with a minimum 35 cm apart

Figure A9: Nonstandard Shape – Two Tanks --- Two Fill Necks
Tanks with a maximum 35 cm apart

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February 2006 Page 9 of 11

GMW14849 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS

Appendix B

Fuel System Test Description

Test No.
Report No.

Year Model Gasoline Diesel

4.1.1 Total Fuel Capacity liters (gallons)

Number of tests with gasoline Numbers of tests with diesel fuel
Required Height of the Bottom of Fuel Tank above the Fuel Level in the Fire Plan

Description of Fuel System Under Test & Fuel Tank Material

Experimental

Prototype

Pilot

Production

FIRE PAN DETAILS:

Dimensions of Pan -- WIDTH cm

LENGTH cm

HEIGHT cm

Actual Quantity of Fuel

Recorded by Date:
(Signature)

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GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW14849

Fuel Tank Fire Resistance

Test No.
Report No.

4.1.1 FIRE TEST – NON-METALLIC FUEL TANK

Pre-test height of the bottom of the fuel tank above the fuel level in the fire pan cm (in.)

FUEL USED SCREEN

TEMP ACTUAL TIME (SECONDS)
FUEL TANK SERIAL NO. (Circle One) ºC PHASE A PHASE B PHASE C
Gas or Diesel
Gas or Diesel
Gas or Diesel

Was there fuel leakage from the fuel tank after the test?
Fuel Tank # 1? Yes No
Fuel Tank # 2? Yes No
Fuel Tank # 3? Yes No

Did the fuel tank have any test related burn holes in the tank (including holes above the fuel level)
after the test? (This question is to answer requirements of technical specifications or proposed
changes to EEC 70/221)
Fuel Tank # 1? Yes No
Fuel Tank # 2? Yes No
Fuel Tank # 3? Yes No

Was there fuel leakage from the accessories, such as the filler pipe, feed pipe, fuel lines, connections,
etc. after the test? (This question is to answer requirements of technical specifications or proposed
changes to EEC 70/221)
Fuel Tank # 1? Yes No
Fuel Tank # 2? Yes No
Fuel Tank # 3? Yes No

Post-Test Observations:

Recorded by Date:
(Signature)

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February 2006 Page 11 of 11