There are several standards in Europe that describe test methods for the burning behaviour of upholstered furniture. Although some of their specifications are similar, it is the differences that makes it difficult to compare them.
EN 1021-1 and EN 1021-2:
A standard test rig is constructed from fabric and foam simulating the shape a chair.
- In Part 1 of the test, a cigarette is placed in the angle of the test rig and is lit. It is left to smoulder and after 60 minutes no smouldering or burning of the fabric should be observed.
- In Part 2 of the test, a butane flame of 35 mm in height is used to represent a burning match. It is applied to the fabric at multiple points for 15 seconds. After the flame is removed there should be no burning of the fabric after two minutes.
DIN 66084
This standard provides a classification of the burning behaviour of upholstered compounds.
- Class P-c: if the material passes EN 1021-1 (cigarette)
- Class P-b: if the fabric also passes EN 1021-2 (match)
- Class P-a: if the fabric also passes DIN 54341 (the paper cushion test). This requires a test rig to simulate an upholstered seat. The ignition source (paper) weighs 100g
ÖNORM B 3825
In this test, an upholstered test rig is used to simulate a chair.
- A flame burner is applied to the centre of the rig at the angle between the seat and back. The ignition time, after flame and afterglow time are all recorded during the test leading to a certain class.
NF D 60-013
Seats in rows that are fixed or difficult to move require testing according to AM18 - NF D 60-013.
Two individual fabric samples are tested and the test rig simulates an upholstered seat with foam and fabric over a metal frame. A 115mm diameter gas flame from a burner is applied to the seat for a period of two minutes. The test is timed for a period of 20 minutes and a flame spread of <200mm either side of the initial flame position is required for the fabric to pass. The weight loss of the samples is also recorded.
UNI 9175 (CSE RF 4/83)
This test uses an upholstered test stand to simulate a chair.
A flame is applied at three different positions in the angle of the test rig. This is done at three different times during the test, first at 20 seconds, then at 80 seconds and finally at 140 seconds.
Combustion, flaming and afterglow are observed and the fabric is given a classification from 1 to 3.
- Class 1 is the best result and is achieved when the fabric performs satisfactorily after the full 140 second period.
- Class 2 is awarded if the fabric begins to fail after 80 seconds.
- Class 3 is awarded if the fabric only achieves a positive result after 20 seconds.