We can weave fabrics with permanent fire-resistant yarns, or post-finish various fabrics with fireproof, such as fireproof polyester satin fabrics, Voile fabrics, Blackout Fabric, and so on. Our flame retardant fabrics achieve standard of EN13773 1-Class, or BS5867, or NFPA 701.
NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films.
NFPA 701 is a fire retardancy standard required for textiles used in most public spaces such as schools,
churches, auditoriums, theaters, and commercial buildings. It is specifically designed for textiles that will
be hanging freely (e.g. roller shades). This test standard requires ten individual samples of a specified
size to be exposed to a flame for 45 seconds. The performance criteria for this test is based on the
percentage weight loss after exposure and residual flame. In order to pass this test, total weight loss
cannot exceed 40% and the residual flame cannot exceed an average of 2 seconds.
There are two test methods required by this FR standard (Test Method 1, small scale & Test Method 2
large scale). Both test methods require similar performance criteria. However, Test Method 2 is only
required for textiles that weigh more than 21 oz/yd2. Because Mermet does not currently have any
product that is heavier than that specified weight, only Test Method 1 is required.
For window shade applications, the IBC specifies the flammability standard NFPA 701. This section is
referred to as IBC 806.1 “Decorative Materials and Trim”. Additionally, NFPA 101 assigns FR standards
based on application in Chapter 10 of its code. Section 10.3.1 “Draperies, Curtains, and other Loosely
Hanging Furnishings and Decorations” assigns NFPA 701 as the required test standard. You may see
specific references to these codes as a fire classification. However, meeting NFPA 701 automatically
infers compliance with these building codes.
BS5867 Part 2: British Standard Specification for Fabrics for Curtains, Drapes and Window Blinds.