EN 1021-2, 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 small flame as an ignition source. This test method is only for measuring the flammability of a material combination used in upholstered seats. This standard does not evaluate the flammability of a particular finished furniture item containing these materials.
In terms of product safety, the most important safety risk for upholstered furniture types is fire. Upholstered furniture available to consumers must withstand an equivalent match flame as the ignition source for a fixed period of time without igniting the flooring. 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 during these 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.
The test assembly is exposed to a gas flame equivalent to the flame of a match for 15 seconds and the flame is not allowed to continue for more than 120 seconds after the burner tube is removed.
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.
Today, approximately 5 thousand people die in a fire every year in the European Union countries. Studies show that the number of deaths will decrease by 25 percent with the use of fire resistant furniture. These figures sufficiently express why there is a need for fire resistant furniture.
Our organization, among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations it provides for businesses in various sectors, also offers services for determining the flammability of upholstered furniture and testing the equivalent match flame as a source of ignition, within the scope of the EN 1021-2 standard, thanks to its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.
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