ASTM Voluntary Lighter Safety Standards*

The following are some lighter safety standards recommended by ASTM International, these tests are most closely related to accidental fires and injuries. Many low-quality (and often less expensive lighters) failed at least one of these tests, compared to BIC which meets or exceeds all voluntary standards.

Flame Extinguishing Time After a user removes their finger from the lighter, there should not be any exposed flame within 2 seconds, and any flame that might continue below the hood or windscreen should fully extinguish within another 2 seconds. *All BIC lighters extinguish in less than half a second. Flame Extinguishing Time Learn More Flame Height Flame height should not exceed 2-inches for non-adjustable lighters or 4.75-inches for adjustable lighters (adjustable lighters are lighters which enable the user to change or “adjust” the flame height). *BIC lighters have a consistent flame that are well within safety standards. Flame Height Learn More Spitting & Sputtering The condition where non-evaporated or liquid fuel escapes from the lighter (or alternative wording: through the valve of the lighter) producing a shower of burning liquid droplets that separate from the main flame. *BIC’s fixed flame lighter design does not create spitting or sputtering. Spitting & Sputtering Learn More Flaring There should be no greater than 2-inches of variation in flame height from the steady state flame condition. In other words, the flame should not flare up unexpectedly to a greater height. *BIC’s fixed flame lighter design does not create flaring. Flaring Learn More Drop Test Every lighter should be able to withstand three separate 5-foot drops without fuel reservoir fragmentation, sustained self-ignition or gas escape (leakage) exceeding 15 milligrams per minute. *BIC lighters are routinely drop tested from a height of 10 feet or more and withstand the requirements. Drop Test Learn More Volumetric Displacement Liquid portion of fuel should not exceed 85% of the fuel reservoir capacity, to allow for some expansion within the body of the lighter in hotter weather conditions (as one example). *BIC’s automated manufacturing process ensures the fuel doesn’t exceed 85% of the fuel reservoir capacity. Volumetric Displacement Learn More Resistance to Continuous Burn If a lighter is lit for two minutes or more, the highest flame height should be two inches if held vertically, without any issues of components continuing to burn, or the valve rupturing / coming apart. *All BIC lighters meet these requirements. Resistance to Continuous Burn Learn More Resistance to High Temperature Every lighter should be able to withstand 149-degrees Fahrenheit for 4 hours without gas escape (leakage) exceeding 15 milligrams per minute. *BIC lighters are routinely tested and withstand 167°F for 8 hours. Resistance to High Temperature Learn More

*Do NOT attempt to test a lighter at home!