The test fabric is placed on a simulated chair. A flame is applied to it. The ignition time, afterflame time, and afterglow time are recorded.
The test material is classified 'schwer brennbar', 'normal brennbar' or 'leicht brennbar', according to the observed characteristics: no ignition -> schwer brennbar; after flame time maximal 10 seconds; after glow time maximal 60 seconds; no flaming of the upholstery; flame spread time < 3,6 mm/second -> normal brennbar; upholstery burns, but self-extinguishes; other cases -> leicht brennbar.
Test Method: a standard test rig is constructed from fabric and foam to form a simulated chair with the back at a right angle to the base. This enables the ignition source to be kept in permanent contact with both back and seat throughout the test. Watersoak prior to testing is compulsary.
In Part 1 of the test a lighted cigarette is placed in the angle of the test rig and left to smoulder along its entire length. After 60 minutes no smouldering or flaming of the fabric should be observed.
Here a butane flame 35 mm in height is used to represent a burning match and is applied for 15 seconds, again in the angle between the test rig base and back. After the flame is removed, no burning of the fabric should occur after 2 minutes have elapsed.
The fabric is exposed to a constant, approximately 5 cm high flame, at first one, then two, then three up to 20 seconds. The afterflame on the fabric may never last longer than 5 seconds and the flames may not exceed a specified height. Dripping according to the old Austria norm is automatically tested at the same time. Smoldering is only required for Austria and is tested separately.
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