BS 5852 (upholstered furniture)
Laboratory
EST
FLAMMABILITY OF UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE
WITH
THE METHODS ACCORDING TO BS
5852
Principle
of the test. The
flammability test of upholstered furniture consists in the
interaction of small ignition sources on samples corresponding to the
actual upholstered system and observation of the effects of this
reaction to fire. On the metal frame, the arrangement of upholstery
materials, i.e. the covering, separating and filling materials, etc.,
shall be subjected to smouldering and burning flame ignition sources:
Types
used ignition sources depends on the required level of risk:
For
low hazard
– resistant
to ignition with source
- smoldering
cigarette
- match
flame equivalent
For
medium hazard
– resistant
to ignition with source
- smoldering
cigarette
- match
flame equivalent and
- wooden
crib source no. 5 of BS 5852
For
high hazard
– resistant
to ignition with source
- smoldering
cigarette
- match
flame equivalent and
- wooden
crib source no. 7 of BS 5852
Stand
for testing the ignitability of upholstered furniture according to
BS 5852
Observe the progress of combustion, and record any evidence of progressive smouldering or flaming in the interior and/or cover. At the end of each trial, a upholstered furniture is examined to determine possible internal progressive oxygen.
Test specimen.
Cover. The flammability tests of the upholstered set should be performed on covering material samples with dimensions of 1100+10x650+10mm.
Where a separating cloth is used, it must be cut identically and with the same orientation as the cover fabric to fit the test rack under cover.
Upholstery Filling. For each test, two test systems with the following dimensions are needed:
a) one piece 450+/-4mm x 300+/-5 mm x 75+/-2 mm thick,
b) one Piece 450+/-5mm x 450+/-5 mm x 75+/-2 mm thick.
Some cushioning assemblies may consist of several layers that may be typically felt, wadding or different foams. In these cases the test pieces shall reproduce the upper 75 mm of the cushioning assembly. Where the filling is less than 75mm thick, the test piece shall be built up to the required thickness by adding to the underside a further layer of the bottom material. Loose fill (e.g. foam pieces, feathers) can be evaluated by this method. To test the resistance to the smoldering of a cigarette, just prepare one set. The test for flame resistance requires the preparation of at least two samples.
Evaluation of results. If, within 1h of the application, the ignition sources no progressive smouldering ignition or flaming ignition of any element of the upholstered system is observed, the result of the test of this system shall be considered positive.
Applying research methods: UK requirements (requirements of the norm BS 7176).