NFPA 266
The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (ATS FoC) offers NFPA 266 testing services to assess the fire characteristics of upholstered furniture when exposed to a flaming ignition source. NFPA 266 outlines procedures for evaluating furniture fire behavior using full-scale calorimeter testing. The laboratory provides specialized fire testing capabilities to help manufacturers, engineers, and safety professionals evaluate upholstered furniture performance, investigate fire hazards, and meet compliance requirements. Testing quantifies key fire response characteristics, such as heat release, smoke production, carbon monoxide generation, and weight loss.
Which Products Require NFPA 266 Testing?
NFPA 266 testing is applicable to upholstered furniture and full-scale furniture mockups exposed to a standardized flaming ignition source. Organizations typically request this testing to evaluate furniture fire behavior for public occupancy applications, product development, or fire safety investigations.
Products that may require evaluation include:
- Upholstered seating: Chairs, sofas, couches, and other upholstered furniture.
- Institutional furniture: Seating intended for healthcare facilities, correctional institutions, and other public occupancy environments.
- Furniture mockups: Representative assemblies that reproduce the construction and materials of finished upholstered products.
Project specifications, building codes, and regulatory requirements determine whether NFPA 266 or an alternative fire testing method is required. Our technical team is available to help identify the appropriate testing requirements for each product.
About Our NFPA 266 Testing Services
Our NFPA testing capabilities align with industry standards for furniture, carpet, and textile fire testing, including specialized flammability evaluations and related safety assessments. We provide technically focused testing services to address product performance and project requirements. Our NFPA 266 testing services include:
- Full-scale upholstered furniture and mockup testing
- Flaming ignition source exposure
- Heat release and total heat release measurements
- Smoke density evaluation
- Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide measurements
- Weight loss assessment
Our laboratory prioritizes accurate testing, reliable data, and responsive support. We collaborate with manufacturers, product developers, and engineering teams to define testing objectives and deliver results that support informed product and safety decisions.
What Is the Difference Between NFPA 266 and Other Furniture Fire Testing Standards?
NFPA 266 evaluates the fire characteristics of upholstered furniture exposed to a flaming ignition source. Unlike standards that focus on cigarette ignition resistance or individual material properties, NFPA 266 assesses the fire response of a complete furniture item or representative mockup. Related standards address distinct testing objectives:
- NFPA 260: Cigarette ignition resistance of upholstered furniture components.
- NFPA 261: Smoldering cigarette ignition resistance of mockup furniture assemblies.
- ASTM E1537: Fire testing of upholstered furniture, including heat release characteristics.
The appropriate testing method depends on the product, its intended application, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Contact Us
For more information about our flammability testing services, please submit a web request form or call +1 (888) 287-5227.
