While often used interchangeably, flash point and fire point are distinct measurements that provide different safety information about a material's flammability.
Flash Point
The flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapor to form an ignitable mixture with air near the liquid's surface. At this temperature, the vapor may burn briefly, but the fire won't be sustained.
Fire Point
The fire point is the temperature at which the vapor continues to burn after being ignited. It's typically 5-10°C higher than the flash point. At this temperature, the fire will continue to burn for at least 5 seconds after ignition.
Safety Consideration:
The fire point is always higher than the flash point. While flash point indicates the potential for ignition, fire point indicates the potential for sustained combustion, which is typically more hazardous.
Key Differences
- Flash point is always lower than fire point
- Flash point indicates fire hazard during storage and handling
- Fire point indicates the temperature at which sustained burning occurs
Practical Implications
Understanding both values is crucial for proper safety protocols, storage conditions, and transportation requirements of flammable liquids.
