Fire test of upholstered beds and mattresses according to EN 597

Purpose

The standards are used to assess the ignitability of mattresses and upholstered bed bases, when subjected to a smouldering cigarette and a match flame equivalent as ignition source.

These test methods only evaluate the ignitability of mattresses. To evaluate the burning behaviour, the mattress needs to be tested in full scale with larger ignition sources.

For mattresses and upholstered bed bases, the Product Safety Act applies and one of the safety risks is fire. According to the Swedish Consumer Agency, mattresses sold to an individual consumer on the Swedish market must be able to withstand a glowing cigarette for a fixed time period without igniting the upholstery. The Agency then refers to the requirements according to EN 597-1. In public environments, such as hotels or similar, mattresses should at least meet the requirements of both EN 597-1 and EN 597-2.

Method

The tests are performed in a test cabinet with a calibrated air flow. The test specimen is located on top of a steel rig. Depending on the finish of the mattress, ignition sources are located of the flat surface, at tape edges, at quilted locations, tufts etc.

During the cigarette test the mattress is not allowed to smoulder after one hour from the beginning of the test. Flaming ignition of the material is not allowed.

The test assembly is subjected to a gas flame equivalent to a match flame for 15 seconds. No flaming is allowed to continue for more than 120 seconds after removal of the burner tube.

Deliveries

A test report, in Swedish or English, is deliverd with the test results after testing.