Regulatory Information

International standards / Regulations for furniture flammability testing are listed below:

BS 7176 Specification for resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture for non-domestic seating by testing composites

BS 5852-1 Fire tests for furniture. Methods of test for the ignitability by smokers' materials of upholstered composites for seating

BS 5852-2 Fire tests for furniture. Methods of test for the ignitability of upholstered composites for seating by flaming sources

EN 1021-1 Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture - Part 1: Smouldering cigarette

EN 1021-2 Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture - Part 2: Match-flame equivalent

EN 13790-1 Furniture - Assessment of the surface ignition of upholstered seating

EN 13790-2 Furniture - Assessment of the resistance to cigarette ignition of upholstered seating

Flammability Testing of Furniture

Furniture flammability is a critical safety concern, especially in residential and commercial settings. Fires involving upholstered furniture can spread rapidly, posing significant risks to life and property. To mitigate these risks, stringent flammability standards have been developed and implemented worldwide. In the UK and Europe, the most prominent standards are BS 7176, BS 5852-1, and BS 5852-2. The followings provide an overview of these standards, their testing methodologies, and similar EU standards, offering a guide to understanding and navigating the complexities of furniture flammability testing.

BS 7176: Specification for Resistance to Ignition of Upholstered Furniture

BS 7176 is a British Standard that specifies the performance requirements for the resistance to ignition of upholstered furniture. It is a comprehensive standard that covers a wide range of furniture types and end-use applications.

1.1 Scope of BS 7176

BS 7176 applies to all upholstered furniture, including:

• Domestic furniture: Sofas, chairs, beds, and other furniture used in residential settings.

• Contract furniture: Furniture used in commercial settings, such as offices, hotels, hospitals, and schools.

• Outdoor furniture: Furniture designed for outdoor use.

The standard covers a range of ignition sources, including:

• Smoldering cigarette: Simulates ignition by a carelessly discarded cigarette.

• Match flame equivalent: Simulates ignition by a small flame source, such as a match.

• Butane flame: Simulates ignition by a larger flame source, such as a lighter.

1.2 Performance Levels

BS 7176 defines several performance levels based on the end-use application of the furniture:

• Low Hazard: For furniture used in situations where there is a low risk of ignition, such as private dwellings.

• Medium Hazard: For furniture used in situations where there is a moderate risk of ignition, such as offices and hotels.

• High Hazard: For furniture used in situations where there is a high risk of ignition, such as hospitals, prisons, and public waiting areas.

• Very High Hazard: For furniture used in situations where there is a very high risk of ignition, such as offshore installations and military facilities.

Each performance level specifies the minimum ignition resistance requirements for the furniture.

1.3 Testing Methods

BS 7176 references several testing methods to assess the ignition resistance of upholstered furniture. These methods are described in detail in BS EN 1021-1 and BS EN 1021-2.

• BS EN 1021-1: Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture - Part 1: Smouldering cigarette: This test method assesses the resistance of the furniture to ignition by a smoldering cigarette. A smoldering cigarette is placed on the test specimen, and the ignition characteristics are observed.

• BS EN 1021-2: Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture - Part 2: Match-flame equivalent: This test method assesses the resistance of the furniture to ignition by a small flame source. A small flame is applied to the test specimen, and the ignition characteristics are observed.

1.4 Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for BS 7176 are based on the following observations:

• Progressive smoldering: Whether the test specimen continues to smolder after the ignition source is removed.

• Flaming: Whether the test specimen ignites and produces flames.

• Spread of ignition: The extent to which the ignition spreads across the test specimen.

• Duration of smoldering or flaming: The length of time that the test specimen continues to smolder or flame.

Based on these observations, the test specimen is classified as either passing or failing the test.

1.5 Labelling Requirements

BS 7176 requires that furniture that meets the requirements of the standard be labelled with the following information:

• The standard number (BS 7176).

• The performance level achieved.

• The name of the manufacturer or supplier.

This labelling allows consumers to make informed choices about the flammability characteristics of the furniture they purchase.

BS 5852: Methods of Test for Assessment of the Ignitability of Upholstered Seating

BS 5852 is another important British Standard that specifies methods of test for assessing the ignitability of upholstered seating. It is often used in conjunction with BS 7176 to provide a comprehensive assessment of furniture flammability.

2.1 Scope of BS 5852

BS 5852 applies to upholstered seating, including:

• Chairs.

• Sofas.

• Ottomans.

• Other similar items.

The standard covers a range of ignition sources, including:

• Smoldering cigarette (BS 5852-1).

• Butane flame (BS 5852-2).

2.2 BS 5852-1: Smouldering Cigarette Test

BS 5852-1 specifies a test method for assessing the resistance of upholstered seating to ignition by a smoldering cigarette.

2.2.1 Test Procedure

A smoldering cigarette is placed on the test specimen in a specific location (e.g., the seat cushion or the backrest). The test specimen is then observed for a period of one hour, or until ignition occurs.

2.2.2 Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for BS 5852-1 are based on the following observations:

• Progressive smoldering: Whether the test specimen continues to smolder after the cigarette has extinguished.

• Flaming: Whether the test specimen ignites and produces flames.

• Spread of ignition: The extent to which the ignition spreads across the test specimen.

If the test specimen does not exhibit progressive smoldering, flaming, or significant spread of ignition, it is classified as passing the test.

2.3 BS 5852-2: Flame Ignition Source Test

BS 5852-2 specifies a test method for assessing the resistance of upholstered seating to ignition by a small flame source. Different ignition sources are used, designated as Ignition Source 5 (crib 5), Ignition Source 6 (crib 6), and Ignition Source 7 (crib 7).

2.3.1 Test Procedure

A wooden crib (a structure made of wooden sticks) is placed on the test specimen in a specific location. The crib is then ignited, and the test specimen is observed for a period of 10 minutes, or until ignition occurs.

2.3.2 Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for BS 5852-2 are based on the following observations:

• Flaming: Whether the test specimen ignites and produces flames.

• Spread of ignition: The extent to which the ignition spreads across the test specimen.

• Duration of flaming: The length of time that the test specimen continues to flame.

• Smoke production: The amount of smoke produced during combustion.

If the test specimen does not exhibit excessive flaming, spread of ignition, smoke production, or duration of flaming, it is classified as passing the test.

2.4 Differences between BS 5852-1 and BS 5852-2

The main differences between BS 5852-1 and BS 5852-2 are the ignition source and the assessment criteria. BS 5852-1 uses a smoldering cigarette as the ignition source, while BS 5852-2 uses a flame ignition source. BS 5852-1 focuses on smoldering ignition, while BS 5852-2 focuses on flaming ignition.

European Test Standards

While BS 7176 and BS 5852 are widely used in the UK, similar flammability standards exist in other EU countries. These standards are often based on the EN (European Norm) standards developed by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN).

3.1 EN 1021-1 and EN 1021-2

As mentioned earlier, EN 1021-1 and EN 1021-2 are European standards that specify test methods for assessing the ignitability of upholstered furniture. These standards are referenced in BS 7176 and are widely used throughout Europe.

• EN 1021-1: Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture - Part 1: Smouldering cigarette

• EN 1021-2: Assessment of the ignitability of upholstered furniture - Part 2: Match-flame equivalent

3.2 EN 13790-1 and EN 13790-2

EN 13790-1 and EN 13790-2 are European standards that specify test methods for assessing the burning behaviour of upholstered furniture.

• EN 13790-1: Furniture - Assessment of the surface ignition of upholstered seating

• EN 13790-2: Furniture - Assessment of the resistance to cigarette ignition of upholstered seating