FIRE RESISTANT

These tests are for example performed when testing cover fabrics of upholstered furniture for domestic market according to ‘The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988’.

Cover fabrics which have been treated with a fire-retardant chemical shall be subjected to a water-soaking procedure before testing.The smouldering cigarette source is an untipped cigarette with certain characteristics, such as a smouldering rate of 12 ± 3 min/50 mm. Two cigarettes are tested and a ‘pass’ is obtained if no flaming or progressive smouldering is observed.

The burning match is simulated by a butane flame with a flame height of about 35 mm. Two tests are performed. The flame is applied for 20 s. To obtain a pass, afterflame time should be < 120 s and there should be no flaming or progressive smouldering.

The crib 5 test can be required when upholstered furniture is used in the non-domestic market.

Cover fabrics which have been treated with a fire-retardant chemical shall be subjected to a water-soaking procedure before testing.

Two tests are performed. To obtain a pass, afterflame time should be ≤ 10 min and no flaming or progressive smouldering should be observed.

This test consists of several subtests leading to a certain classification; typically M1 to M4. Four specimens are tested for each test.

In the NF P 92-503 test, the specimen is placed above a radiator under a 30° angle. A small flame is applied to the specimen for 5 s; there are maximum 10 flame applications for each specimen at a specific timing during the test duration (5 min). The most important criteria in this test are the afterflame time, the occurrence of burning droplets/debris and the damaged length of the specimen.

In the NF P 92-504 test, the specimen is placed vertically. A small flame is applied 10 times during 5 s. Afterflame times > 2 s and burning droplets are the most important criteria in this test. In the NF P 92-505 test, the specimen is placed horizontally on a grid beneath a radiator. Burning droplets that ignite the cotton wool below the specimen lead to an M4-classification.