16 CFR Part 1630 Standard for Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs (FF 1-70)

The 16 CFR Part 1630 standard includes a test method for determining the surface flammability of carpets and rugs when exposed to a standard minor ignition source under carefully defined draft-proof conditions. This standard applies to all types of carpets and rugs used as floor covering materials, regardless of their production method or whether they are made of natural or synthetic fibers or films, or combinations or substitutes thereof.

In the test method presented here, each of eight conditioned, replicate samples of a given carpet or rug is exposed to a standard ignition source in a draft-proof environment and the proximity of the charred portion to the edge of the hole is measured in the prescribed frame. A specimen is considered to have passed the test if the charred portion does not at any point extend within 2,54 cm of the edge of the hole in the frame. At least seven of the eight samples must meet the test criteria to comply with this standard.

Within the framework of this standard, the term "carpet" means any finished product, made in whole or in part from fabric or related material, intended or reasonably expected to be used as a floor covering in homes, offices, or other gathering places where it is subject to traffic, and which has a dimension greater than 1,83 m and a surface area greater than 2,23 m². However, products fixed to the floor by mechanical means such as nails, tacks, hooks, staples, or adhesives are excluded from the definition of carpet. Products such as carpet squares, which have a dimension less than 1,83 m and a surface area less than 2,23 m² but are intended to be larger when joined together, are included in this definition. In this context, rugs are also considered synonymous with carpet.

Again within the framework of this standard, fire retardant treatment means a process that a carpet or rug is exposed to, which significantly reduces the flammability of that carpet or rug and ensures that it meets the acceptance criteria of this standard.

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services for surface flammability of carpets and rugs within the scope of 16 CFR Section 1630 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.