EN 13773 Textiles and Textile Products - Combustion Behavior - Curtains and Drapes - Classification Chart

The EN 13773 standard, a European standard, contains a classification scheme for the burning behavior of vertically oriented fabrics intended for curtains, drapes and similar uses.

A heat source of defined energy is applied to the back of a vertical specimen during testing. After the sample is exposed to this heat source, a small flame is applied to a piece of cotton cloth wrapped under the sample. The results are evaluated by determining the flame spread, the time it takes to reach the reference points on the sample.

Classification for curtains and drapes in EN 13773 standard is as follows:

• Class 1: First signal thread not reached
• Class 2: Third signal strand not reached
• Class 3: Third signal strand reached

The test method presented in the EN 1101 standard is for the flammability of the vertically oriented sample. The test method presented in the EN 1102 standard is for flame propagation of the vertically oriented sample with a large ignition source. This test is performed only if there is ignition during the EN 1101 test. The test method presented to the EN 13773 standard is for the flame propagation of the vertically oriented sample with a large ignition source, and this test is only performed in the absence of ignition during the test defined in the EN 1101 standard.

Fires in buildings generally start when smokers ignite materials, or when exposed flames such as candles or other intense heat sources are present. Flames can easily spread through a vertically hanging piece of material, such as a curtain. The fabric from which the curtain is made affects its flammability in different ways. Some fabrics ignite easily, while others do not. In this respect, fabrics that do not have natural resistance to ignition are chemically treated to make them flame-retardant. Such fabrics are defined as "FR," meaning flame retardant. This treatment aims to increase resistance to ignition and also reduce the speed at which flames spread across a surface in the event of ignition.

Among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides classification scheme services for the combustion behavior of curtains and covers within the scope of EN 13773 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.