Flame Retardancy Standards

  Fabrics used in most public spaces (including hospitals, nursing homes, schools, churches, auditoriums, theatres, and more.) is required to be certified as flame retardant. Different countries have different standards about flame retardancy.

  UK: BS 5867-2: Flammability test for Fabrics for curtains and drapes 

  Test Requirements:

Type A:

  The fabric is tested before and after cleaning.

  A fabric sample is placed vertically on a metal frame. The metal frame has two measurement markers. A flame is applied to the fabric surface for 10 seconds.

Results: The fabric passes this FR standard if:

1).The first marker is not severed by the flame;

2).The flame does not burn through to the edges of the metal frame.

  Type B:

  The fabric is tested before and after cleaning (12 cycles of BS EN ISO 10528 Standard Washing Procedure at 75°C and then line dried).

  A fabric sample is placed vertically on a metal frame. A flame is applied to the fabric surface for 15 seconds.

Results: The fabric passes this FR standard if:

1).The flame does not burn through to the edges of the metal frame;

2).There are no burning droplets.

  Type C (highest standard):

  The fabric is tested before and after cleaning. (50 cycles of BS EN ISO 10528 Standard Washing Procedure at 75°C and then low heat and then tumble dried.)

  A fabric sample is placed vertically on a metal frame. A flame is applied to the fabric surface for 5 seconds, 15 seconds, 20 seconds and 30 seconds.

Results: The fabric passes this FR standard if:

1).The after flame and afterglow do not exceed 2.5 seconds;

2).The flame does not burn through to the edges of the metal frame;

3).There are no burning droplets.

  LONGWAY Flame retardant curtain fabric complies with BS5867-2 Type C requirements.

USA: NFPA 701

NFPA (US National Fire Protection Association) has various standards depending on how the fabric will be used. In the case of draperies, curtains, and similar hanging textiles, the standard that applies is NFPA 701Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films.

NFPA 701 Test Method One(suitable for fabrics less than 700gsm or 21oz/square yard): specimens are exposed to igniting flame for 45 seconds. To pass NFPA 701 Test Method One,

1).The average weight loss of the specimens shall be 40% or less and

2).Fragments of residues of specimens that fall to the test chamber shall not continue to burn for more than 2 seconds.

NFPA 701 Test Method Two(suitable for fabrics over700gsm or 21oz/square yard): a flame is applied below the bottom edge of the specimen for two minutes and then withdrawn. To pass NFPA 701 Test Method Two,

1).Any specimen should not continue flaming for more than 2 seconds after test flame is revmove from contact with the specimen;

2).The char length of any single flat specimen should not exceed 435mm (17.1 in); for folded specimen 1050mm (43.1 in);

3).Any portions or residues of specimens falling to the floorof the test apparatus should not continue burning for more than 2 seconds after reaching the floor.

 Cleaning and Water Leaching Procedures: When a manufacturer claims the fabric retains its flame resistance after cleaning or weathering, the material shall also be tested after it has been subjected to the exposure conditions that are applicable to its intended use, dry cleaning(3 cycles), laundering (5 cycles) or other exposure to water (totally immersed in a vessel containing tap water at room temperature for not less than 72 hours).

  Besides the above UK and USA standards, there are some other standards in different countries.In Europe and Australia, the most accepted standards in the industry are the French, German and British standards. Recently, also the European EN 13773 standard for curtains is becoming more common. 

Germany: DIN 4102

France: NFP 92-503

Australia: A1530.2


Post time: Sep-17-2018

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

For inquiries about our products or pricelist, please leave your email to us and we will be in touch within 24 hours.

Follow Us

on our social media
  • sns01
  • sns02
  • sns03
  • sns04
  • sns05
WhatsApp Online Chat !