Safety & Regulations

Testing Protocol & Documentation

How to conduct proper burn tests and document compliance

Standard Burn Test Setup

Follow these conditions for reproducible, ASTM-compliant burn testing:

  • Room temperature: 68–77°F (20–25°C).
  • No drafts — turn off fans, close doors and windows.
  • Burn on a stable, level, non-combustible surface (tile, glass, or metal).
  • Trim wick to ¼ inch (6mm) before the first light.
  • Observe and record flame height, melt pool diameter, and wick condition every hour.
  • Extinguish after 4 hours (or your labeled burn time), let cool completely, trim wick, and repeat.

What to Record Per Burn Session

  • Date, time, ambient temperature, and humidity.
  • Wax type and lot number.
  • Fragrance oil name, supplier, and load percentage.
  • Wick type, series, and size.
  • Container type, diameter, and height.
  • Flame height measured at peak.
  • Melt pool diameter and depth at 1hr, 2hr, and 4hr marks.
  • Presence of soot, smoke, or mushrooming.
  • External jar temperature (top, middle, and bottom).
  • Any anomalies: flaring, dripping, or leaning flame.
  • Pass or Fail verdict per ASTM F2417.

Minimum Number of Tests Before Sale

  • At least 3 burn tests on the same formula in the same container.
  • Tests should be conducted on candles from different batches to verify consistency.
  • If any test fails, reformulate and restart the full test series from the beginning.
  • Retain all test records for a minimum of 2 years after the product is discontinued.

Content last reviewed: April 2026

Disclaimer: This reference guide is provided for educational purposes only and summarizes publicly available information from ASTM International, the National Candle Association, and related bodies. It does not constitute legal advice. Always consult the full official standards documents and a qualified regulatory professional before manufacturing candles for commercial sale.