Some basic information about the flammability test for upholstered furniture and seating.

Upholstered chairs and seating groups are widely used furniture items in both residential and public spaces. Flammability resistance in these types of furniture is critically important for user safety. Flammability tests are conducted to evaluate how these products respond in the event of a fire and are carried out according to specific standards.

What is a Flammability Test?

A flammability test is an experimental procedure that measures the ignition and burning behavior of fabrics, foams, and other filling materials used in upholstered furniture. These tests determine whether the products contribute to the spread of fire, their tendency to ignite, and their ability to self-extinguish.

Importance of the Test for Upholstered Chairs and Seating

Furniture-related fires pose a significant risk as potential ignition sources. Since the materials used in upholstered furniture are often flammable, passing flammability tests is mandatory for products used in both private and public settings.

Applied Standards

EN 1021-1 and EN 1021-2

These European standards test the resistance of upholstered furniture to low-level ignition sources such as cigarettes and matches:

  • EN 1021-1: Smoldering cigarette test

  • EN 1021-2: Match flame equivalent test These are fundamental requirements for furniture marketed in the European Union.

BS 5852 Standard

Originating from the United Kingdom, this standard includes more comprehensive fire resistance tests and is often mandatory for furniture used in public areas:

  • Two main ignition sources are tested: "source 0" (cigarette), "source 1" (match flame), and higher levels like Crib 5

  • Upholstery fabric and foam combinations are tested separately and together

  • BS 5852 imposes stricter criteria than EN 1021

  • Required in hotels, hospitals, schools, and public transportation

How is the Test Performed?

  1. Sample Preparation: Fabric, foam, and support materials are selected for testing.

  2. Use of Equipment: Ignition sources such as cigarette simulators, match flames, or Crib 5 structures are applied for defined durations.

  3. Observation: Parameters like ignition time, smoke emission, and flame spread are evaluated.

Evaluation of Test Results

  • If the material does not ignite or self-extinguishes within the defined time, it passes the test

  • If the burning behavior exceeds threshold values, the product fails the test

Which Products Are Subject to This Test?

  • Residential and office chairs

  • Cinema and theater seats

  • Bus, train, and aircraft seating systems

  • Upholstered headboards and public seating areas

Certification and Legal Requirements

  • EN 1021 is mandatory in Europe, while BS 5852 is legally required in the UK

  • Products that pass the test may qualify for CE marking

  • Products used in public spaces must be certified

Industry Applications and Examples

  • Hotel seating must comply with BS 5852 Crib 5 standard

  • Furniture sold in the EU must pass EN 1021-1 and 1021-2 tests

  • Public transportation seating is subject to multi-layered flammability testing

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

1. When is the flammability test mandatory for upholstered chairs?
It is mandatory for all upholstered furniture used in public spaces.

2. What is the difference between EN 1021-1 and EN 1021-2 tests?
EN 1021-1 simulates cigarette ignition, while EN 1021-2 simulates match flame ignition.

3. What happens to products that fail the test?
They cannot be placed on the market and must be redesigned and retested.

4. Is this test applicable to all types of fabrics?
Yes, it applies to all upholstery fabrics, foams, and support materials.

5. Is certification issued after the test?
Yes, a certificate is issued by an accredited laboratory upon successful completion.