BS 7176 Test

7176 is the UK standard for fire resistance testing of non-domestic upholstered seating furniture, aimed at ensuring product safety in various fire risk environments through graded testing.

I. Differences in Test Ignition Sources and Methods

7176 classifies test ignition sources into two categories: basic and additional ignition sources, with different hazard levels requiring cumulative testing:

ØLow hazard level: Testing according to EN 1021-1 (smoldering cigarette test) and EN 1021-2 (match flame equivalent test).

Smoldering cigarette test: A lit cigarette is placed on the furniture surface to observe whether it ignites the material.

Match flame equivalent test: A butane flame is used to simulate a match igniting the material.

ØMedium hazard level: Based on low hazard tests, add Kindling 5 (5852) ignition source.

ØHigh hazard level: Based on low hazard tests, add Kindling 7 (5852) ignition source. Kindling 7 has a larger wood crib and higher burning intensity.

ØVery high hazard level: Based on Kindling 7, add multiple or custom ignition sources.

II. Differences in Assessment Criteria

Different tests have different evaluation bases.

Smoldering cigarette test: Simulates a cigarette ignition scenario; char length must be ≤50mm (low/medium hazard) or ≤100mm (high/very high hazard).

Match flame equivalent test: The open flame must self-extinguish within 120 seconds.

Kindling 5/Kindling 7 test: For medium hazard, Kindling 5 burn time must be ≤10 minutes; for high hazard, Kindling 7 burn time must be ≤13 minutes.

III. Filling Material Requirements

The 7176 standard specifies that filling materials must additionally pass tests. Depending on the material and form of the filling, 7176 stipulates different test standards:

ØBlock polyurethane foam: Tested using 5852 Ignition Source 5.

ØCrumbled foam: Tested using 5852 Ignition Source 2.

ØLatex foam: Tested using 5852 Ignition Source 2.

ØNon-foam fillings: When tested individually, use 5852 Ignition Source 2.

Combined fillings: Must be tested as a whole using 5852 Ignition Source 2, and each layer of foam material must individually meet the corresponding test requirements.