The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) conducts NFPA 261 flammability testing to assess furniture’s resistance to ignition from smoldering cigarettes.
NFPA 261 evaluates a mock-up of the final upholstered furniture for flammability. During testing, a technician covers a cigarette with a sample of cotton sheeting to intensify the heat, then places it on the furniture’s surface. This is repeated with additional cigarettes placed at varying locations. The resulting burn lengths indicate the furniture’s flammability. Hotel chains frequently request this test to confirm their furniture meets acceptance criteria.
What’s the Difference Between NFPA 261 and NFPA 260?
NFPA 260 and NFPA 261 differ in sample preparation and scope. NFPA 260 evaluates the flammability of fabrics, barrier materials, padding, filling, and decking used in furniture assembly. NFPA 261, on the other hand, tests a completed mockup to assess how materials and furniture design together affect flammability.
What Causes Furniture to Fail NFPA 261 Testing?
Furniture fails NFPA 261 testing if the burn length exceeds 38 mm from the cigarette’s location.
The furniture’s design and materials contribute to its resistance to smoldering sources. Since NFPA 261 is performed on mockups of the completed furniture piece, which may include the wooden frame, padding, and fabric, this test provides insight into how these factors interact to determine the piece’s flammability.
Verifying Furniture Safety and Performance
Furniture testing is essential for compliance and consumer safety. Working with an accredited lab ensures traceable and accurate results.
In addition to NFPA 261, our facilities perform flammability testing using standards including:
- NFPA 260
- NFPA 266
- ASTM E1537
- California Technical Bulletin 117:2013
- ISO 7176-16
- CA TB 133
About Our Accredited Testing Labs
With over fifty years of experience, Applied Technical Services is a leader in testing, inspection, calibration, and consulting (TICC) services. Our partnership with SGS, a global TICC leader, has expanded our capabilities to serve clients worldwide.
The ATS FoC operates under an ISO 9001:2015-registered quality management system and holds multiple ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditations, demonstrating our commitment to rigorous standards.
Contact Us
To determine your furniture’s resistance to smoldering sources via NFPA 261, contact the ATS FoC by calling +1 (888) 287-5227 or completing our web form.
