The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies’ (ATS FoC’s) flammability laboratory conducts NFPA 265 testing for textile and expanded vinyl wall coverings used as exposed interior surfaces and full-height wall or partition systems. NFPA 265 evaluates how these materials contribute to fire growth under specified room fire conditions. The test provides a full-scale assessment of fire behavior, including flame spread, heat release, smoke obscuration, and potential flashover.
When Should Manufacturers Request NFPA 265 Testing?
Manufacturers should request NFPA 265 testing when building codes, project specifications, architects, authorities having jurisdiction, or other regulatory standards require it for textile or expanded vinyl wall coverings. This test is especially relevant for products intended as interior wall finishes in commercial, institutional, public, or other occupied buildings. Manufacturers may also seek testing during product development, material changes, qualification programs, or market expansion to obtain documented fire performance data.
NFPA 265 testing may support manufacturers that are:
- Qualifying new wall covering products
- Evaluating changes in materials or construction
- Supporting code or project requirements
- Expanding products into new markets
What Does Our NFPA 265 Testing Include?
Our laboratory uses specialized fire testing equipment, technical expertise, and established quality systems to support NFPA 265 evaluations. We test textile and expanded vinyl wall coverings in their intended mounting configurations. Our programs include controlled fire exposure and instrumentation to assess key fire performance characteristics. Our technical team helps manufacturers identify appropriate testing requirements based on product construction, installation conditions, and relevant codes. The laboratory holds ISO/IEC 17025 and AASHTO R18 accreditations, supporting competent testing, controlled procedures, calibrated equipment, and reliable reporting.
Our related fire and flammability testing capabilities include:
- ASTM E84 surface burning characteristics testing
- ASTM E648 critical radiant flux testing
- ASTM D2859 flammability testing
- NFPA 701 flame propagation testing
These complementary services help manufacturers address additional fire performance requirements for textiles, interior finishes, carpets, and related products.
What Information Does NFPA 265 Testing Provide?
NFPA 265 testing provides detailed data on a wall covering’s contribution to room fire growth. Testing documentation may address:
- Flame spread and fire growth
- Heat release rate and total heat release
- Smoke obscuration
- Gas temperature and heat flux
- Flashover behavior
These results help manufacturers, designers, code officials, and other stakeholders evaluate whether a wall covering meets specified fire performance requirements. Testing also provides documented technical data that manufacturers can use during product qualification and regulatory or project reviews.
Contact Our Flammability Laboratory
Our NFPA 265 testing services deliver the technical data manufacturers need for product qualification and fire safety evaluations. Contact our flammability laboratory at +1 (888) 287-5227 or submit an inquiry through our online request form to discuss your product, testing requirements, and project objectives.
