VIT 320 – NFPA 701-1 Flammability Tester

Testing Method

Test Range

• Test Method 1: Suitable for materials like table skirts, curtains, tablecloths, decorative curtains, and other hanging fabrics. It is ideal for single-layer and multi-layer fabrics with a density less than 700g/m².
• Test Method 2: Suitable for fabrics with a density greater than 700g/m², including multi-layer fabrics, films, plastic curtains, shade cloths, tents, and similar building materials.

Test Requirements

• Test Method 1:
  1. After removing the ignition source, the combustion time should not exceed 2 seconds.
  2. The average mass loss of the sample during combustion should not exceed 40%.
• Test Method 2:
  1. The combustion time of any single sample after removing the ignition source should not exceed 2 seconds.
  2. If the sample drops to the bottom of the test box during the burn test, its burning time should also not exceed 2 seconds.
  3. The standard for the scorching length of a folded specimen depends on the type of material being tested.

General Requirements for Testing

1. The test sample, consisting of one or more layers of fabric, is suspended vertically from the bar near the rear of the open test cabinet.
2. A specific flame is applied to the center of the bottom edge of the sample for 45 seconds, then removed.
3. The sample should burn until the flame extinguishes on its own, ensuring no further damage occurs.
4. After testing, remove the sample from the bar, adjust the room environment, and weigh it again.

Test Step

1. Instrument Adjustment and Sample Preparation: Adjust the air ventilation of the burner and set air velocity and methane velocity according to test specifications. Cut 10 samples to the standard size, and if testing multi-layer fabric, stitch them together.
2. Sample Fixing: Attach the short edge of the sample to the rod, ensuring the fabric hangs naturally perpendicular to the rod. The fabric surface should face the rear of the test box, as it would in normal use.
3. Burner Placement and Preparation: The burner should be positioned so that the distance between the flame and the sample surface is 25 ± 2 mm. Ensure the burner’s central axis is horizontally perpendicular to the bottom center of the sample. Open the exhaust fan.
4. Testing: Test within 2 minutes after the sample is removed from the forced ventilation box. Expose the sample to the combustion flame for 45 ± 1 seconds, then cut off the airflow using the burner control valve. Keep the exhaust fan running during the test.
5. Record Test Results: Note the combustion time after airflow is stopped, the burning time if the material falls to the bottom of the test box, and any observations such as burning intensity or odor. Brush off ash and charred parts using a wire brush, then weigh the sample again and calculate the result based on the standard formula.