ASTM E1353-08a

These test methods are intended to estimate the performance of upholstered furniture under conditions of exposure to a smoldering cigarette. This is accomplished by testing furniture component assemblies. However, interactions between components in production furniture are not necessarily predicted by component assembly testing.

These test methods are not intended to measure the performance of upholstered furniture under conditions of open flame exposure and do not indicate whether the furniture will resist the propagation of flame under severe fire exposure or when tested in a manner that differs substantially from the test standard.

The results obtained with a material component tested in mock-up, in accordance with these test methods, do not necessarily indicate the performance of the same material component in other geometric configurations, such as in full-size furniture.

1.1 This is a fire-test-response standard.

1.2 These test methods are designed for the assessment of the resistance of upholstered furniture component assemblies to combustion after exposure to smoldering cigarettes under specified conditions.

1.3 The tests apply to upholstered furniture components—cover fabrics, interior fabrics, welt cords, decking materials, barrier materials, and filling or padding materials including but not limited to: battings of natural or man-made fibers, foamed or cellular filling materials, resilient pads of natural or man-made fibers, and loose particulate filling materials (such as shredded polyurethane or feathers and down).

1.4 The individual test methods and the materials to which they apply are as follows:

1.4.1 Cover Fabric Test—Applies to outer cover fabrics (see Sections 11 and 12).

1.4.2 Interior Fabric Test—Applies to interior fabrics used in intimate contact with outer fabrics (see Sections 13 and 14).

1.4.3 Welt Cord Test—Applies to welt cord (see Sections 15 and 16).

1.4.4 Filling/Padding Component Test—Applies to resilient materials used under the cover fabric in seats or in inside vertical walls (inside arm and inside backs) (see Sections 17 and 18).

1.4.5 Decking Materials Test—Applies to resilient materials used in the deck under loose cushions (see Sections 19 and 20).

1.4.6 Barrier Materials Test—Applies to materials that are intended to serve as a barrier between cover fabric and conventional polyurethane foam (see Sections 21 and 22).

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.

1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific hazard statements, see Section 7.