BS 5438 Test Methods for Flammability of Textile Fabrics When Exposed to a Small Igniter Flame Applied to the Face or Bottom Edge of Vertically Oriented Samples

The BS 5438 standard developed by the British Standards Institute (BSI) presents test methods for the flammability of textile fabrics when exposed to a small igniting flame applied to the face or bottom edge of vertically oriented samples.

This standard describes two main test methods:

• Test 2A: Face firing
• Test 2B: Bottom edge ignition

During the test, the igniter flame is applied for 10 seconds or the flame exposure time given in the performance specification.

The flammability test results of textiles are evaluated according to the following features:

• Flame duration
• Status after burning time
• The greatest damage to the sample

Briefly, this standard defines methods for measuring ease of ignition, limited flame spread and flame spread rate. These test methods are intended to determine the flammability of vertically oriented single textile fabrics or multilayer fabrics exposed to a small igniting flame.

This standard describes test methods for flammability of vertically oriented textile fabrics, e.g. curtains and drapes, drapes, by observing and measuring the flammability ease when exposed to a small igniting flame. Test specimens may be of a single or multi-layer fabric representative of the product in use.

The first test method is to evaluate the shortest time that causes a test sample to ignite. An igniting flame is applied to the test sample for two seconds. When the test sample stops igniting, the timing device is stopped and it is observed whether ignition has taken place.

The second test method is for any flame, after applying the igniting flame for 10 seconds, it is observed whether any part of its lower boundary reaches the upper edge or one of the vertical edges of the test specimen, or whether a hole forms.

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it has given for businesses in various sectors, our organization, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, is the reason why textile fabrics are damaged when exposed to a small flammable flame applied to the face or bottom edge of vertically oriented samples within the scope of BS 5438 standard. It also provides testing services for flammability.