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IMO A652

TESTING OF UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE ACCORDING TO IMO RES. A.652(16), NT FIRE 039 AND NT FIRE 040

This resolution describes a method for assessment of ignitability of material combinations in upholstered furniture. Ignition sources applied are a smouldering cigarette and a small flame.
The test procedure is also described in NORDTEST methods NT FIRE 039 (cigarette) and NT FIRE 040 (small flame).


TEST PRINCIPLE

The test is performed on a test rig. During testing with smouldering cigarette, the cigarette is allowed to smoulder completely. Development of fire in the test object is observed. Two parallel tests with smouldering cigarette are performed.

A small flame (match-flame equivalent) is used as a flaming ignition source. The test object is exposed to the flame for 20 seconds, and fire development after removal of the flame is observed. Two parallel tests with small flame as ignition source are performed.


TESTING

Testing can be performed when an order in writing is received, and the material is conditioned according to the method. Normally, it will last 3-4 weeks from we have received the test material until the test report is finished.


TEST MATERIAL

- Upholstery filling:2 pieces with dimensions 450 mm x 300 mm x 75 mm
 2 pieces with dimensions 450 mm x 150 mm x 75 mm
- Cover material:2 pieces with dimensions 800 mm x 650 mm

If nothing else is specified, cover material will be tested on an upholstery filling of untreated polyeter with density approximately 22 kg/m3.


TEST REPORT

The test report contains information about

  • the product
  • the product name
  • manufacturer and place of production
  • Development of smouldering fire or flames in any of the tested objects.


IGNITABILITY CRITERIA

The tested object shall not show any signs of development of smouldering fire or flames during one hour after the smouldering cigarette has been placed in position.

The tested object shall show no signs of development of smouldering fire or flames more than 120 seconds after the ignition flame has been removed from the object.

If both of these criteria are fulfilled, the tested material combination satisfies the criteria to ignitability of upholstered furniture according to IMO Res. A.652(16).