How many types of fire retardant apply to furniture?
There are three primary types of fire retardant that can be applied to furniture: Intumescent coatings, flame-retardant fabrics and fire barrier materials.
Intumescent coatings produce a charring layer when exposed to heat, which helps protect the underlying material from burning. Flame-retardant fabrics are made of chemical treatments or special weave structures that slow the spread of fire and prevent ignition. Fire barrier materials, such as glass walls, curtains or blankets, are used to physically block the spread of flames.
When selecting a fire retardant for furniture, it is important to consider the type of material being treated and the expected flame-spread characteristics. The furniture must be treated with the most appropriate fire retardant for the material and application in order to provide adequate protection. For example, a flame-retardant fabric would be more suitable for upholstered furniture than an intumescent coating.
It is important to note that even when using fire retardants, all furniture should be kept away from potential sources of ignition, such as open flames or sparks. Fire retardants will not prevent furniture from igniting if exposed to an ignition source. It is also important to keep in mind that fire retardants can wear off over time and need to be reapplied in order to maintain their effectiveness.
Why does our furniture need to comply with fire retardant safety standards?
Furniture is required to comply with fire retardant safety standards in order to reduce the risk of fires. Fire retardants help slow the spread of flames and reduce smoke production, which can help save lives and minimize property damage in the event of a fire. By ensuring that furniture meets fire retardant standards, we can help protect people from the dangers of fire.
In addition, many governments and regulatory agencies have specific requirements for furniture to be used in public spaces such as schools and hospitals. By complying with these standards, we can help ensure that everyone is safe from fire hazards.
Commonly used of fire retardant standards are British Standards (BS), European Standards (EN) and American Standards (ASTM) (CA) in furniture's fire retardancy.
The British Standards (BS) for furniture fire retardancy are set by the British Board of Agreement, which is an independent body that tests and certifies products. The European Standards (EN) are based on the same principles as the BS standards and follow similar guidelines. The American Standards (CA) are set by Underwriters Laboratories (UL), an independent safety science company.
By making sure that furniture meets the applicable fire retardant standards, we can help ensure that everyone is safe from fires and reduce the risk of property damage in the event of a fire. It is important to note that even with fire retardants, it is still important to keep furniture away from potential sources of ignition.
To summarize, there are three primary types of fire retardant that can be applied to furniture: Intumescent coatings, flame-retardant fabrics and fire barrier materials. It is important to select the appropriate type of fire retardant for the material being treated and the expected flame-spread characteristics.
British standard BS-5852 and BS-7176 flame retardant
BS-5852, also known as the "Methods of Test for Assessment of the Ignitability of Upholstered Seating," is a certification that ensures upholstered furniture is fire-resistant. It involves testing the materials used in furniture construction, such as foam, wadding, and upholstery fabrics. This standard applies to all upholstered furniture intended for use in non-domestic settings, including hotels, hospitals, and offices.
On the other hand, BS-7176, also known as "Specification for Resistance to Ignition of Upholstered Furniture for Non-domestic Seating by Testing Composites," is another certification that evaluates the fire resistance of upholstered furniture. However, it places a particular emphasis on seating in non-domestic environments such as prisons, care homes, and schools. It requires that furniture must pass tests that simulate a smoldering cigarette or match being dropped onto the seating.
The main objective of these standards is to prevent upholstered furniture from being a hazard in the event of a fire, reducing the risk of harm to people's lives and property. Businesses and organizations that operate in the UK are required to ensure their upholstered furniture complies with either BS-5852 or BS-7176 standards to be considered safe and legal.
In summary, BS-5852 and BS-7176 are both British standards for flame retardants that ensure upholstered furniture is fire-resistant. These certifications are essential to prevent harm to people and property in non-domestic environments like hotels, hospitals, and offices.
What's different between BS-5852 and BS-7176?
The main difference between BS-5852 and BS-7176 is the type of environment they apply to. BS-5852 applies to all upholstered furniture intended for use in non-domestic settings, such as hotels, hospitals, and offices. On the other hand, BS-7176 focuses on seating in non-domestic environments like prisons, care homes, and schools. Another difference is that BS-7176 requires furniture must pass tests that simulate a smoldering cigarette or match being dropped onto the seating. Both standards are used to ensure upholstered furniture is fire resistant and reduce the risk of harm to people's lives and property.
How about European standard EN-13501?
European Standard EN13501 is a flame retardant classification system used to measure the resistance of building materials like insulation, polymers, and fabrics to fire. The system consists of seven classes from A1 to F spread across three categories; A for non-combustible materials, B for low flammability materials, and C for high flammability materials. The system works by assigning a rating from 1, the highest level of fire resistance, to 7, the lowest.
The EN 13501 European standard tests for a variety of conditions including heat release rate, total smoke production, and flame spread. A1 materials are designed to resist flames for up to 30 minutes under extreme temperatures; B materials for up to 15 minutes; and C materials for 10 minutes or less. The EN 13501 standard is used by many countries in Europe, as well as some areas of Asia and the Middle East.
Materials certified according to this standard are often referred to as ‘EN 13501’ compliant, or simply ‘fire retardant’. This flame retardant classification system is widely used in the construction industry as it provides a benchmark for manufacturers to ensure their products meet minimum fire safety standards.
What’s different from American Standards CA-117 and ASTM E84 flame retardant?
The main difference between American Standards CA-117 and ASTM E84 flame retardant is the time it takes for each to work. CA-117 has a much faster reaction time, allowing it to start working immediately when exposed to a fire or heat source. On the other hand, ASTM E84 can take up three hours before being able to start reducing the spread of flames. This can be particularly beneficial in situations where fires may start slowly, as it will help reduce their intensity before they become larger and more difficult to extinguish. Additionally, ASTM E84 is designed for use on fabrics, carpets, and other materials that may be difficult to treat with traditional fire retardants. As such, it is often used in the construction of upholstery and draperies for increased fire safety.
About American Standards CA-117 flame retardant
American Standards CA-117 flame retardant has several advantages over other fire retardants. Firstly, it has a very fast reaction time compared to others - as soon as it comes into contact with flames or heat, it starts reducing the spread of fire. This makes it an excellent choice for materials that are highly flammable and require immediate protection.
Moreover, CA-117 is designed to work effectively on a variety of materials, including foam, textiles, and other synthetic materials. It can withstand exposure to high temperatures, making it ideal for use in automotive and aviation industries. Additionally, this flame retardant does not contain any harmful chemicals or substances that are hazardous to human health or the environment.
Another advantage of CA-117 is that it is easy to apply, and can be used in both residential and commercial settings. It can be incorporated into a wide range of products, from furniture to children's toys and bedding, to provide ultimate safety against fires.
Overall, American Standards CA-117 flame retardant is a highly effective solution for fire safety, offering fast response times, versatility and ease of application. It has been thoroughly tested and approved by relevant authorities, making it a reliable choice for any application that requires protection against fire hazards.
About American Standards ASTM E84 flame retardant
American Standards ASTM E84 flame retardant is a highly effective solution for fire safety with several advantages. Firstly, it has a long-lasting effect that can last up to three hours, which is beneficial in situations where fires may start slowly. It reduces the spread of flames, controlling their intensity before they become more severe and challenging to extinguish.
Moreover, ASTM E84 is designed for use on various materials, such as fabrics, carpets, and other materials that may be difficult to treat with traditional fire retardants. This flame retardant can penetrate deeply into the materials, providing a more comprehensive protection against fire hazards.
Another advantage of ASTM E84 is that it is environmentally friendly and safe for human health. It does not contain any harmful chemicals or substances, making it an ideal choice for residential and commercial settings. Moreover, it is recognized and approved by relevant authorities, ensuring its reliability and suitability for any application that requires protection against fire hazards.
Additionally, ASTM E84 is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of products, including upholstery and draperies. It can withstand extreme temperatures, making it suitable for use in automotive and aviation industries.
Overall, American Standards ASTM E84 flame retardant is a highly effective and reliable solution for fire safety. Its long-lasting effect, versatility, and environmental-friendly features make it an ideal choice for various applications that require protection against fire hazards.
Weimiao custom-made furniture with flame-retardant
Weimiao custom-made furniture is designed with flame retardant to provide ultimate fire safety. American Standards CA-117 and ASTM E84 are two of the most popular flame retardants used in this type of furniture. CA-117 has a fast reaction time, making it ideal for materials that require immediate protection from fires. It can be applied on a variety of materials, including foam, textiles, and other synthetic materials. Moreover, it does not contain any hazardous chemicals or substances that could harm human health or the environment. On the other hand, ASTM E84 provides long-lasting protection against fire hazards and can penetrate deeply into fabrics and carpets for more comprehensive coverage. This flame retardant is also environmentally friendly and safe for human health as it contains no harmful chemicals or substances. Both types of flame retardants have been tested by relevant authorities and approved for use in residential and commercial settings alike – providing reliable protection against fire hazards when incorporated into Weimiao custom-made furniture products such as upholstery, draperies, sofa, chairs and bedding etc., making them an excellent choice for increased fire safety in homes or businesses across America.
British Standard BS-5852 is a test method for evaluating the ignitability of upholstered furniture, curtains and some other related products. This standard is considered necessary to guarantee a certain level of fire safety in upholstered furniture for residential and commercial purposes. The test method involves exposing test specimens to an ignition source such as a match, and recording the time and extent of flame spread. When used in conjunction with fire retardant treatments such as American Standards CA-117 and ASTM E84, BS-5852 testing provides a high level of assurance to manufacturers and consumers alike that the furniture meets relevant fire safety standards.
British Standard BS-7176 is another important standard that evaluates the ignition resistance of upholstered furniture. This standard is specific to furniture that is intended for use in non-domestic situations such as commercial offices, hotels and conference centers. BS-7176 is more stringent than BS-5852 in terms of required performance levels, as the risk of fire in public buildings and other non-domestic environments is generally considered to be higher than in residential settings. Therefore, upholstered furniture and other items used in these types of settings are subject to more rigorous testing and standards.
European Standard EN-13501 is a classification system that applies to building materials and products, including upholstered furniture. It specifies the requirements and test methods for determining the ignitability of materials when subjected to a small flame. The standard is comprised of several categories, depending on the level of fire resistance required. For example, materials that pass category B or higher are considered to have good fire resistance properties. EN-13501 heavily influenced by British standards BS-5852 and BS-7176 and is widely used across Europe to ensure that various products, including upholstered furniture, meet minimum fire safety standards.
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