Upholstery and Bedspread Applications

Fabric used for upholstery applications usually must meet the NFPA 260A, the MVSS302 or the California Bulletin 117 Standard. Fabric is tested horizontally against these codes.

NFPA 206A (UFAC Class I)
A cigarette test measuring the slow smoldering effect of a cigarette left for 30 minutes on a small sofa mockup. At the end of 30 minutes the cigarette is removed and the char length is measured. A char length of less than 2 inches would meet the NFPA 260A Class I. A char length exceeding 2 inches would meet the NFPA 260A Class II. Fabric that does not self-extinguish and must be extinguished, would fail the test.

California Bulletin 117 (UFAC Class II)
Test fabric at a 45 degree angle. A march or textile testing gas ignition is exposed to the fabric. When removed, the fabric must self-extinguish. The average afterglow may not exceed 20 seconds and the char length may not exceed 7 inches.

Vertical Applications

Fabric used for vertical applications (draperies, upholstered panels) must pass a vertical test (701) of the National Fire Protection Association. The NFPA 701 test is performed in both large and small scale. The NFPA 701 Small Scale test is more stringent than the large scale test. Most finishers have equipment to run the small scale test rather than the large scale test. In the testing procedure, the fabric is hung vertically and exposed to a source of ignition for 12 seconds. When that source of ignition is removed, the fabric must self-extinguish in two seconds. The char length is measured and the fabric passes or fails based on how it withstands the test.

The standards for the Boston Fire Department, FAA 25.853 Aircraft, the State of New York, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts 527 CMR 21.01 and the Board of Standards and Appeals of New York City are all based on the NFPA 701 Small Scale Test. They differ only in the procedure, specimen size and ignition source. Fabric is tested in the vertical plane allowing oxygen to pass along both sides, facilitating ignition and requiring substantial flame resistant properties to pass.