NFPA 260

According to statistics, there are tens of thousands of fire accidents caused by flammable furniture materials every year around the world, and heat sources such as cigarettes are one of the important causes. How to evaluate the fire resistance of furniture materials? The NFPA 260 standard formulated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) of the United States is a scientific solution to this problem.

1. What is NFPA 260?

NFPA 260 is the full name of "Standard and Classification System for Testing the Resistance of Soft Furniture Components to Cigarette Ignition", which aims to evaluate the ignition resistance of furniture fillings, fabrics and other materials when they come into contact with lit cigarettes. This standard simulates real scenarios, quantifies the fire resistance of materials, and helps manufacturers optimize designs and reduce fire risks.

2. Test method secrets

1. Sample preparation

Select typical components of furniture (such as fabrics, filling foam, etc.) and make test samples according to standard requirements.

2. Simulate heat source

Place a standard cigarette (specific burning rate) on the surface or gap of the sample to observe whether the material is ignited.

3. Observation and recording

Monitor continuously for 30 minutes, record whether there is open flame, smoldering, carbonization spread, etc., and measure the burning distance.

3. Standard grade classification

1. Class I (high flame retardant grade)

Definition: The material shows strong anti-ignition resistance in the test, which can effectively prevent the lit cigarette from causing open flame or smoldering spread.

Test conditions:

After the cigarette burns, the smoldering or carbonization spread distance on the surface or inside of the material does not exceed 2 inches (5.08 cm).

No open flame occurs during the test, and after the cigarette is completely burned, the smoldering of the material can be extinguished within 30 minutes.

Practical significance:

Materials that reach Class I have higher safety performance and are often used in scenes with strict fire protection requirements (such as furniture in public places and high-end home products).

Regulations in some countries or regions may require that furniture must meet Class I ratings.