EN 1021-1, a European standard, provides a test method for assessing the flammability of material combinations such as covers and paddings used in upholstered seats when exposed to a smoldering cigarette. This test method is only for assessing the flammability of flooring combinations. Full scale testing of furniture with larger ignition sources is required to evaluate combustion behavior.
In terms of product safety, the most important safety risk for upholstered furniture types is fire. Upholstered furniture available to consumers must withstand a lit cigarette for a fixed period of time without igniting the upholstery. In public environments such as cinemas, hotels, restaurants and the like, upholstered furniture must meet at least the requirements of both EN 1021-1 and EN 1021-2 standards.
A test cabinet with calibrated airflow is used for the tests. Cover fabrics and filling materials used together in upholstered furniture are tested together. Cover fabrics can also be tested with a standard polyurethane padding. The covered and padded steel test bench is mounted at a 90-degree angle between the seat and the back. The ignition sources are located in the space between the seat and the back.
During the smoldering cigarette test, the test apparatus is not allowed to smolder one hour after the start of the test. It is also not allowed to smolder the test apparatus up to the ends of the sample.
Two important fire scenarios are addressed with the small open flame test. The small open flame test includes ignition with a candle, match or lighter and ignition with heat from working equipment. Therefore, small open flame ignition is important because it covers more than just the scenarios covered by the cigarette test.
Meanwhile, prior to testing, all exterior coatings that have been chemically treated to reduce their flammability must be subjected to the water soaking and drying procedure described in the standard annex.
Our organization, among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations it provides for businesses in various sectors, also offers services such as determining the flammability of upholstered furniture and performing a cigarette burner test for ignition sources, in accordance with the EN 1021-1 standard, thanks to its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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