SGS India Adds New Fire Test Method

PRLog (Press Release) - Jul 28, 2010 -
NFPA 701-TM 1 applies to single layer fabrics and to multilayer curtain and drapery assemblies in which the layers are fastened together by sewing or other means.

How testing is performed

When durability to cleaning or weathering (http://www.softlines.sgs.com/home-textiles.htm)  is claimed, the textile or material is tested for flame propagation, after being subjected to the applicable cleaning or exposure procedures. A specified gas flame is applied to the centre of the lower edge of the specimen for 45 seconds. The specimen is allowed to burn until the flame self-extinguishes and no further specimen damage occurs. The percentage mass loss is recorded and used as a measure of the total flame propagation and specimen damage.

Flame Propagation Performance Criteria

Fragments or residues of the specimens that fall to the floor of the test chamber must not continue to burn for more than an average of 2 seconds per specimen for the sample of 10 specimens. The average weight loss of the 10 specimens in a sample shall be 40% or less. No Individual specimen’s percentage loss should deviate more than 3 standard deviations from the mean for the 10 specimens.

Textiles to which the test applies include, but are not limited to: window curtains, stage or theater curtains, vertical folding shades, roll type window shades, hospital privacy curtains, fabric vertical shades or blinds, horizontal folding shades, window draperies, swags, etc.