The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) conducts ASTM E1537 furniture flammability testing to help clients verify their products’ resistance to prolonged exposure to open flame, improving customer safety and fire mitigation measures.
ASTM E1537 testing evaluates how furniture intended for public spaces responds to fire. A technician places a burner on the upholstered furniture, turns it on for 80 seconds, and measures the resulting heat release.
What is the Difference Between ASTM E1537 and Other Flammability Standards?
Whereas standards such as NFPA 260 and NFPA 261 assess upholstered furniture’s resistance to smoldering ignition sources, ASTM E1537 evaluates performance under exposure to an open, large, and prolonged flame. This approach simulates conditions similar to those produced by an ongoing fire or an arson-like ignition. Furthermore, ASTM E1537 examines the entire finished furniture assembly rather than individual components.
Who Benefits from ASTM E1537 Testing?
Because the ignition source specified in this method replicates those that cause fires in public spaces, ASTM E1537 testing is commonly conducted on furniture intended for public occupancies, including:
- Hospitals
- Correctional Facilities
- Nursing Homes
- Public Auditoriums
- Hotels and Motels
Promoting Confidence Through Quality Furniture Testing
Assessing furniture flammability is essential for limiting fire damage, reducing fire spread, and ensuring customer safety. Partnering with an accredited testing laboratory ensures that results are accurate and traceable.
With over fifty years of experience, the ATS FoC is equipped to deliver quality testing, inspection, calibration, and consulting (TICC) services. Since partnering with SGS in 2026, we’ve expanded our capabilities to serve clients worldwide.
In addition to flammability testing, our facilities offer additional furniture testing services, including:
- Chemical Testing
- Electrical Safety Testing
- Finish Testing
- Textiles and Foam Component Testing
- Mechanical Testing
- Performance Testing
Our Commitment to Quality
Whether you’re looking for flammability or chemical testing, the ATS FoC has a proven track record of delivering excellent service. Our facilities maintain several ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditations across our testing, inspection, and calibration services. We also operate in accordance with our ISO 9001:2015-registered quality management system.
Contact Us
Furniture flammability testing helps ensure your product meets relevant acceptance standards. Contact the ATS FoC for ASTM E1537 testing by completing our contact form or calling +1 (888) 287-5227.

