testing


upholstery flammability tests

For contract orders pertaining to public use areas, please consult with your local Fire Marshal for appropriate testing standards.

CALIFORNIA BULLETIN 117 SEC E:

Determines the ease of ignition and burning rate when specimen is subjected to a 5/8” open flame for 1 second.

  • Coding System:

    • DNI = Did not ignite when exposed to test ignition source
    • IBE = Ignited but extinguished before burning through stop cord
    • SF = Surface flash only; stop cord not burned; no burning/charring/fusing of the base fabric
    • TSF = Timed surface flash; stop cord burned, but no burning/charring/fusing of the base fabric

  • Rating:

    • Class 1 = Pass

  • Conditions to pass:

    • Without nap: A 5” piece of fabric is consumed in 3.5 or more seconds.
    • With nap: A 5” piece of fabric is consumed in 4 seconds or more.
    • Fabric does not ignite.

NFPA 260 / UFAC:

Measures the ability to resist ignition by a smoldering cigarette when the specimen is tested in combination with polyurethane foam cushioning. Char length and ignition / non-ignition of substrate are assessed.

  • Rating System:

    • Pass/Fail

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drapery flammability tests

For contract orders pertaining to public use areas, please consult with your local Fire Marshal for appropriate testing standards.

NFPA 701 - 1989 LARGE SCALE (FLAT METHOD):

Measures the ignition resistance of a slightly restrained specimen when exposed to a very severe flame.

  • Rating System:

    • Pass/Fail

NFPA 701 - 1996 TEST #1:
NFPA 701 - 1999 TEST #1:

A vertical flame test in which it measures the ability of oven conditioned fabrics to self-extinguish after 45 seconds of exposure to a severe flame. Measures mass loss, expressed as a percent and drip burn. Weights are used on test 1999.

  • Rating System:

    • Pass/Fail

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wallcovering application flammability tests

The ASTM E 84 test is only valid for textile and vinyl wallcoverings installed in sprinklered spaces. Other tests may be required. For contract orders pertaining to public use areas, please consult with your local Fire Marshal for appropriate testing standards.

ASTM E 84 ADHERED (GLASS REINFORCED CONCRETE / GRC):

Rates flame spread and smoke index of "interior finish building materials" as compared to standard red oak flooring. Select substrate to adhere the specimen according to the end use. GRC simulates concrete walls.

  • Rating System:

    • Class A: Flame Spread Index of 25 or less and Smoke Developed value of 450 or less
    • Class B: Flame Spread Index of 26-50 and Smoke Developed value of 450 or less
    • Class C: Flame Spread Index of 76-200 and Smoke Developed value of 450 or less

ASTM E 84 ADHERED (GYPSUM):

Rates flame spread and smoke index of "interior finish building materials" as compared to standard red oak flooring. Select substrate to adhere the specimen according to the end use. Gypsum simulates drywall.

  • Rating System:

    • Class A: Flame Spread Index of 25 or less and Smoke Developed value of 450 or less
    • Class B: Flame Spread Index of 26-50 and Smoke Developed value of 450 or less
    • Class C: Flame Spread Index of 76-200 and Smoke Developed value of 450 or less

ASTM E 84 UN-ADHERED:

Rates flame spread and smoke index of "interior finish building materials" as compared to standard red oak flooring. This method is utilized for materials not ultimately glued to a surface.

  • Rating System:

    • Class A: Flame Spread Index of 25 or less and Smoke Developed value of 450 or less
    • Class B: Flame Spread Index of 26-50 and Smoke Developed value of 450 or less
    • Class C: Flame Spread Index of 76-200 and Smoke Developed value of 450 or less

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flame resistance

All fabrics burn. There is not a treatment that makes a fabric flame proof; rather, it can be treated to be flame resistant. This treatment retards the burning process, providing a longer egress time (which is the amount of time required for an occupant to escape safely from a fire.) Below are some frequent questions asked about flame resistant finishes:

CAN ALL FABRICS BE MADE FLAME RETARDANT?

A qualified yes. Virtually all natural and synthetic fibers can be treated with flame retardant chemicals. Protein fibers such as wool and silk have inherent fire retardant qualities; consequently, they are easily treated to meet the most stringent fire codes. Cellulose fibers such as cotton and linen are easily treated because they readily absorb moisture. Synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester do not absorb moisture but can be treated with special formulas. Non water durable fabrics such as velvet, moiré, chintz, sateen or polished cotton can be affected by a wet finish, but by applying a fire resistant back coating the damage to the surface can be limited and they can meet most fire code requirements for upholstery use. They may not meet the requirements for drapery use and in some cases for upholstery use; ergo, it is advised that a sample be submitted for testing prior to specification and purchase.

UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD FABRIC BE TREATED FOR FIRE RESISTANCE?

In an area of public assembly where 10 or more people will be gathered together at one time. It is important to check with the site's local fire marshal for the code each fabric application must meet. These codes vary per location and application.

DOES FLAME RESISTANCE HAVE ANY EFFECT ON DECORATIVE FABRICS?

It is important to remember that non water durable dyes may bleed or fade when subjected to this wet finishing process. Normally those fabrics intended for commercial applications will be treated against sublimation and are not affected. Check with the firm from which you purchased the fabric.

DOES THE FINISHED PROCESS AFFECT FIBER REACTIVE DYED FABRICS?

Yes. If a fire treated fiber reactive dyed fabric is exposed to the right amount of light, heat and humidity for a period of time the color will change, and in some cases, drastically. Non-saline and fire resistant back coatings can eliminate the problem. It is essential that the post-processor be alerted when a fiber reactive dye has been used so that the fabric can be properly treated. Fiber reactive dyes will only be used in cotton.

DOES THE PROCESS SHRINK THE FABRIC?

Yes, the process will shrink a fabric to the same degree water will shrink it. The degree depends on the fiber content and concentration. The average shrinkage is 3%. Casements shrink much more.

CAN A FLAME TREATMENT BE APPLIED TO A NANO-TEX® ITEM?

Yes, but flame treatment must be applied before Nano-Tex®. If you require flame treatment on an item in our line that is offered only with Nano-Tex®, please contact us. We may be able to accommodate you.

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additional tests

These listings are intended as a reference only. Inclusion in this guide does not indicate test data is available for a Calvin item.

BREAKING STRENGTH (ASTM D3597):

Measures the maximum force applied to a material to force a rupture.



To Pass A.C.T. Standard: Acceptance Criteria (for warp and fill):
Upholstery 50 lbs Minimum
Panels and Upholstered Walls 25 lbs Minimum
Drapery 15 lbs Minimum

BRUSH PILL (ASTM D3511):

Measures the propensity of a fabric to form pills (bunches or balls of tangled fibers that are held to the surface by one or more fibers). Specimens are brushed with a nylon bristle brush for 4 minutes to create fuzzing and then rubbed face-to-face for 2 minutes to create pilling.



  • Rating System:

    • Class 5 = No pilling or fuzzing
    • Class 4 = Slight pilling or fuzzing
    • Class 3 = Moderate pilling or fuzzing
    • Class 2 = Severe pilling or fuzzing
    • Class 1 = Very severe pilling or fuzzing

  • To Pass A.C.T. Standard:

    • Upholstery — Class 3 Minimum

COLORFASTNESS TO WET/DRY CROCKING (AATCC 8 / 116 / CFFA 7):

Determines the amount of color transferred from the surface of a colored textile material to another surface by rubbing.

  • Rating System:

    • Class 5 = No color transfer
    • Class 4 = Slight color transfer
    • Class 3 = Moderate color transfer
    • Class 2 = Considerable color transfer
    • Class 1 = Excessive color transfer

To Pass A.C.T. Standard: Acceptance Criteria (Dry): Acceptance Criteria (Wet):
Upholstery Class 4 Minimum Class 3 Minimum
Direct Glue Wallcoverings Class 3 Minimum Class 3 Minimum
Panels and upholstered walls Class 3 Minimum Class 3 Minimum
Drapery (solid) Class 4 Minimum Class 3 Minimum
Drapery (print) Class 4 Minimum Class 3 Minimum

COLORFASTNESS TO LIGHT (AATCC 16H 20-40-60-80-120 HOURS):

Assesses the specimen's ability to resist fading or color degradation when exposed to light (Xenon-arc light source) for a specified amount of time.

  • Rating System:

    • Class 5 = No fading or color change
    • Class 4 = Slight fading or color change
    • Class 3 = Noticeable fading or color change
    • Class 2 = Considerable fading or color change
    • Class 1 = Excessive fading or color change

  • To Pass A.C.T. Standard:

    • Upholstery, Direct Glue Wallcoverings, Panel and Upholstered Walls – Class 4 Minimum (40) hours
    • Drapery — Class 4 Minimum (60) hours

FUNGAL RESISTANCE (ASTM G21 / CFFA 120):

Determines the susceptibility of textile materials to mildew and rot as well as evaluating the efficacy of fungicides on textile materials. Fungi used for testing are: Aspergillus niger, Penicillium funiculosum, Chaetomium globusum, Aureobasidium pullulans and Trichoderma virens. Specimens subjected to a growth medium are incubated at a set temperature over a specified number of days. Ratings are determined by the percentage of fabric’s surface affected by fungal activity. Both face and back are tested.

  • Rating System:

    • 0 — No fungal activity
    • 1 — Less than 10% of the fabric’s surface is affected by fungal activity
    • 2 — 10-30% of the fabric’s surface is affected by fungal activity
    • 3 — 30-60% of the fabric’s surface is affected
    • 4 — 60-100% of the fabric’s surface is affected

SEAM SLIPPAGE (ASTM 434):

Measures the ability of a sewn seam to resist slippage or breakage when subjected to tension. The number of pounds of pressure required to separate the sewn seam determines the rating.



To Pass A.C.T. Standard: Acceptance Criteria (for warp and fill):
Upholstery, Panels and Upholstered Walls 25 lbs Minimum
Drapery fabric over 6 oz/square yard 25 lbs Minimum
Drapery fabrics under 6oz/square yard 15 lbs Minimum

MARTINDALE ABRASION (ASTM D4966-89):

European abrasion test using a British Wool Standard applied in a figure eight motion to determine point of yarn breakage and/or noticeable wear. The number of cycles the fabric can endure before showing objectionable change in appearance (yarn breakage, pilling, holes) determines the rating. (The Martindale rating does not indicate a fabric’s resistance of or propensity toward other signs of use such as changes in luster or nap, pilling, perceptible loss in breaking strength, visible change in color or appearance, etc.)

To Pass A.C.T. Standard: Acceptance Criteria:
General Contract Upholstery No objectionable appearance change after 20,000 rubs
Heavy Duty Upholstery No objectionable appearance change after 40,000 rubs

MARTINDALE PILLING (ASTM D4970):

Measures the propensity of a fabric to form pills (bunches or balls of tangled fibers which are held to the surface by one or more fibers). Usually three similar samples are tested with 125, 500, 2000 and eventually 5000 rotations.

  • Rating System:

    • Class 5 = No pilling or fuzzing
    • Class 4 = Slight pilling or fuzzing
    • Class 3 = Moderate pilling or fuzzing
    • Class 2 = Severe pilling or fuzzing
    • Class 1 = Very severe pilling or fuzzing

  • To Pass A.C.T. Standard:

    • Upholstery — Class 3 Minimum

WYZENBEEK ABRASION (ASTM D4157):

Abrasion test applying a piece of #10 cotton duck in a unidirectional rubbing action while under pressure to determine the point of yarn breakage and/or noticeable wear. (The Wyzenbeek rating does not indicate a fabric’s resistance of or propensity toward other signs of use such as changes in luster or nap, pilling, perceptible loss in breaking strength, visible change in color or appearance, etc.)



  • Rating System for Regular Surface Effect:

    • Class 5 = None or negligible wear
    • Class 4 = Slight (not appreciable) wear
    • Class 3 = Moderate (not appreciable) wear
    • Class 2 = Appreciable wear (broken yarns-two yarn components are severed, floating yarns, etc.)
    • Class 1 = Severe wear (complete fabric break)

  • Rating System for Special Surface Effect:

    • Class 5 = No appreciable wear/change of special surface effect
    • Class 4 = Slight (not appreciable) wear/change of special surface effect
    • Class 3 = Moderate (not appreciable) wear/change of special surface effect
    • Class 2 = Appreciable wear/change of special surface effect; base yarns exposed
    • Class 1 = Severe wear/change of special surface effect; base yarns exposed & broken

To Pass A.C.T. Standard: Acceptance Criteria:
General Contract Upholstery No appreciable wear after 15,000 double rubs
Heavy Duty Upholstery No appreciable wear after 30,000 double rubs
Unrated Appreciable wear at fewer than 15,000 double rubs

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