ASTM E1474-22

Standard Test Method for Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture and Mattress Components or Composites Using a Bench Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method is used to determine the time to sustained flaming and heat release of materials and composites exposed to a prescribed initial test heat flux in the cone calorimeter apparatus.  
5.2 Quantitative heat release measurements provide information that can be used for upholstery and mattress product designs and product development.  
5.3 Heat release measurements provide useful information for product development by yielding a quantitative measure of specific changes in fire performance caused by component and composite modifications. Heat release data from this test method will not be predictive of product behavior if the product does not spread flame over its surface under the fire exposure conditions of interest.  
5.4 Test Limitations—The test data are invalid if either of the following conditions occur: (1) explosive spalling; or (2) the specimen swells sufficiently prior to ignition to touch the spark plug, or the specimen swells up to the plane of the heater base during combustion.
SCOPE
1.1 This fire-test-response test method can be used to determine the ignitability and heat release from the composites of contract, institutional, or high-risk occupancy upholstered furniture or mattresses using a bench scale oxygen consumption calorimeter.  
1.2 This test method provides for measurement of the time to sustained flaming, heat release rate, peak and total heat release, and effective heat of combustion at a constant initial test heat flux of 35 kW/m2. This test method is also suitable to obtain heat release data at different heat fluxes. The specimen is oriented horizontally, and a spark ignition source is used.  
1.3 The times to sustained flaming, heat release, and effective heat of combustion are determined using the apparatus and procedures described in Test Method E1354.  
1.4 The tests are performed on bench-scale specimens combining the furniture or mattress outer layer components. Frame elements are not included.  
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.  
1.6 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.  
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.  
1.8 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.  
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 31-Mar-2022
• ICS: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• ICS: 97.140 - Furniture
• Technical Committee: E05 - Fire Standards
• Drafting Committee: E05.21 - Smoke and Combustion Products

Relations

• Refers: ASTM E176-24 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Jan-2024
• Refers: ASTM E176-18a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 15-Dec-2018
• Refers: ASTM E176-18 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2018
• Refers: ASTM D123-17 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2017
• Refers: ASTM E1354-16a - Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
• Effective Date: 01-May-2016
• Refers: ASTM E1354-16 - Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM D123-15b - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15a - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Sep-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15ae1 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E1354-15a - Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E1354-15 - Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
• Effective Date: 15-May-2015
• Refers: ASTM D123-15 - Standard Terminology Relating to Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Feb-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-14c - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Oct-2014

Overview

ASTM E1474-22 is the definitive standard test method for determining the heat release rate of upholstered furniture and mattress components or composites using a bench scale oxygen consumption calorimeter. Developed by ASTM International, this method is crucial for assessing the fire performance and ignitability of materials, particularly those intended for contract, institutional, or high-risk occupancy environments. Through quantitative measurement of heat release under controlled heat flux conditions, this standard provides essential data to support product development, safety evaluation, and regulatory compliance.

Key Topics

• Heat Release Rate Measurement: Utilizes a cone calorimeter to measure the rate at which thermal energy is emitted from materials or composite specimens during combustion.
• Ignitability: Determines the time to sustained flaming-an indicator of how readily a material ignites under specific heat flux.
• Peak and Total Heat Release: Measures both the highest rate and cumulative energy released, informing comparative fire performance among materials.
• Effective Heat of Combustion: Quantifies the energy released per unit mass, based on oxygen consumption during combustion.
• Test Specimen Preparation: Detailed protocols ensure consistency across fabric, padding, interliners, and multi-layer composites to yield reliable and reproducible results.
• Applicability Limits: The method excludes frame elements and is not predictive if the material does not support flame spread under the test conditions.

Applications

ASTM E1474-22 is widely used across several sectors where fire safety is paramount:

• Product Development and Design: Manufacturers of upholstered furniture and mattresses use this standard to evaluate the impact of materials changes or design modifications on fire behavior.
• Regulatory Compliance: Essential for demonstrating adherence to flammability requirements in high-risk environments such as hospitals, hotels, and public venues.
• Quality Assurance: Provides a consistent benchmark for internal testing and verification during material selection and product assembly.
• Comparative Analysis: Enables direct comparison of fire performance between different composites, fabrics, paddings, and interliner configurations to inform design choices.

Related Standards

• ASTM E1354: Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter. This method serves as the procedural baseline for conducting the fire response measurements in E1474-22.
• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles, referenced for material definitions.
• ASTM E176: Terminology of Fire Standards.
• ASTM E603: Guide for Room Fire Experiments, providing context for larger-scale fire testing.
• CA TB 133: California Technical Bulletin 133 for flammability testing of seating furniture in public occupancies.
• ISO 5725-2: Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of Measurement Methods-Basic methods for determining repeatability and reproducibility.

Practical Value

Utilizing ASTM E1474-22 supports safer product design by quantifying fire performance of furniture and mattress composites at the material level, enabling data-driven decisions and compliance with evolving fire safety regulations. The precise, repeatable test method ensures that results are reliable for use in comparative studies, product improvement, and regulatory submissions.

Key benefits include:

• Enhanced fire safety for high-occupancy furnishings.
• Informed material selection and design optimization.
• Support for industry best practices and compliance efforts.

Conclusion

By employing ASTM E1474-22, stakeholders ensure that upholstered furniture and mattresses meet established fire safety criteria, safeguarding public health and property. The standard’s rigorous methodology and compatibility with related testing standards make it integral to product stewardship in the furniture and mattress supply chain.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1474 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture
and Mattress Components or Composites Using a Bench
Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1474; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision.Anumber in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
Thistestmethodprovidesameansformeasuringtheignitiontimeandheatreleaseofthecomposite
upholstered components of upholstered furniture and mattresses using an oxygen consumption
calorimeter.
1. Scope* 1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.1 This fire-test-response test method can be used to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
determinetheignitabilityandheatreleasefromthecomposites
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
of contract, institutional, or high-risk occupancy upholstered
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
furniture or mattresses using a bench scale oxygen consump-
For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.
tion calorimeter.
1.8 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
1.2 This test method provides for measurement of the time
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
to sustained flaming, heat release rate, peak and total heat
conducting these tests.
release, and effective heat of combustion at a constant initial
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
test heat flux of 35kW⁄m .This test method is also suitable to
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
obtain heat release data at different heat fluxes. The specimen
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
is oriented horizontally, and a spark ignition source is used.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.3 The times to sustained flaming, heat release, and effec-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
tiveheatofcombustionaredeterminedusingtheapparatusand
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
procedures described in Test Method E1354.
1.4 The tests are performed on bench-scale specimens
2. Referenced Documents
combining the furniture or mattress outer layer components.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
Frame elements are not included.
D123Terminology Relating to Textiles
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the
D5865Test Method for Gross Calorific Value of Coal and
standard. The values given in parentheses are for information
Coke
only.
E176Terminology of Fire Standards
1.6 This standard is used to measure and describe the E603Guide for Room Fire Experiments
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and E906Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile
incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk Method
E1354Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release
assessment of the materials, products, or assemblies under
actual fire conditions. Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Con-
sumption Calorimeter
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire
Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.21 on Smoke and
Combustion Products. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved April 1, 2022. Published April 2022. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 2021 as E1474-21. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E1474-22. the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1474 − 22
2.2 Other Documents: 3.1.7 initial test heat flux, n—the heat flux set on the test
CA TB 133,Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Fur- apparatus at the initiation of the test (see also heat flux).
niture for Use in Public Occupancies 3.1.7.1 Discussion—The initial test heat flux is the heat flux
ISO 5725Part 2, Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of value commonly used when describing or setting test condi-
Measurement Methods and Results—Basic Method for tions.
the Determination of Repeatability and Reproducibility of
3.1.8 oxygen consumption principle, n—the expression of
a Standard Measurement Method
the relationship between the mass of oxygen consumed during
combustion and the heat released.
3. Terminology
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.1 Definitions:
3.2.1 mattress, n—amattressisaticking(outermostlayerof
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to this test method
fabric or related material) filled with a resilient material, used
refer to Terminology D123 and E176.
alone or in combination with other products, intended or
3.1.2 effective heat of combustion, n—the amount of heat
promoted for sleeping upon.
generated per unit mass lost by a material, product, or
3.2.2 net heat of combustion, n—the oxygen bomb (seeTest
assembly, when exposed to specific fire test conditions. (see
MethodD5865)valuefortheheatofcombustion,correctedfor
gross heat of combustion.)
the gaseous state of product water.
3.1.2.1 Discussion—The effective heat of combustion de-
3.2.2.1 Discussion—The net heat of combustion differs
pends on the test method and is determined by dividing the
from the gross heat of combustion in that the former assesses
measured heat release by the mass loss during a specified
the heat per unit mass generated from a combustion process
periodoftimeunderthespecifiedtestconditions.Typically,the
that ends with water in the gaseous state while the latter ends
specified fire test conditions are provided by the specifications
with water in the liquid state.
of the fire test standard that cites effective heat of combustion
as a quantity to be measured. For certain fire test conditions,
3.2.3 orientation, n—theplaneonwhichtheexposedfaceof
involvingveryhighheatandhighoxygenconcentrationsunder
the specimen is located during testing, which is horizontal
high pressure, the effective heat of combustion will approxi-
facing up for this test.
mate the gross heat of combustion. More often, the fire test
3.2.4 sustained flaming, n—the existence of flame on or
conditions will represent or approximate certain real fire
over the surface of the specimen for a period of4sor more.
exposureconditions,andtheeffectiveheatofcombustionisthe
3.2.5 upholstered, adj—covered with material (as fabric or
appropriate measure. Typical units are kJ/g or MJ/kg.
padding) to provide a soft surface.
3.1.3 gross heat of combustion, n—themaximumamountof
3.2.6 upholstery material, n—thepadding,stuffing,orfilling
heat per unit mass that theoretically can be released by the
material used in a furniture item, which may be either loose or
combustion of a material, product, or assembly; it can be
attached,enclosedbyanupholsterycovermaterialandsupport
determined experimentally only under conditions of high
system, if present.
pressure and in pure oxygen (contrast effective heat of com-
3.2.6.1 Discussion—This includes, but is not limited to,
bustion).
material such as foams, cotton batting, polyester fiberfill,
3.1.4 heat flux, n—heat transfer to a surface per unit area,
bonded cellulose, or down.
per unit time (see also initial test heat flux).
3.1.4.1 Discussion—The heat flux from an energy source,
4. Summary of Test Method
such as a radiant heater, can be measured at the initiation of a
4.1 Thistestmethodisbasedontheobservationthatthenet
test (such as Test Method E1354 or Test Method E906) and
heat released in combustion is generally directly related to the
thenreportedastheinitialtestheatflux,withtheunderstanding 5
amount of oxygen required for combustion (1). Approxi-
that the burning of the test specimen can generate additional
mately 13.1×10 kJ of heat is released per 1kg of oxygen
heat flux to the specimen surface. The heat flux can also be
consumed. Specimens in the test are burned in ambient air
measured at any time during a fire test, for example as
conditionswhilebeingsubjectedtoaprescribedinitialtestheat
described in Guide E603, on any surface, and with measure- 2
flux of 35kW⁄m .
ment devices responding to radiative and convective fluxes.
2 2 2
4.2 The heat release is determined by measurement of the
Typical units are kW/m , W/cm , or BTU/(s ft ).
oxygen consumption, as determined by the oxygen concentra-
3.1.5 heat release rate, n—the thermal energy released per
tion and flow rate in the combustion product stream, as
unit time by an item during combustion under specified
described in Test Method E1354.
conditions.
4.3 This test method determines heat release rate per unit
3.1.6 ignitability, n—the propensity for ignition, as mea-
area initially exposed (in units of kW/m ) and not just heat
sured by the time to sustained flaming, in seconds, at a
release rate (in units of kW). Thus, the heat release rate
specified heating flux.
reportedinthistestmethodistheheatreleaserateperunitarea
(see Sections 9, 10, and X1.5 and Table 7 and Table 8).
Available from State of California, Dept. of Home Furnishings and Thermal
Insulation, North Highlands, CA 95660-5595.
4 5
Available fromAmerican National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., Theboldfacenumbersinparenthesesrefertothelistofreferencesattheendof
4th Floor, New York, NY 10036. this test method.
E1474 − 22
4.4 The primary measurements are oxygen concentration rounded, but the corners shall be slightly rounded. It is
and exhaust gas flow rate. Additional measurements include preferable to lacquer the blocks with an acrylic lacquer to
the mass loss rate of the specimen, the time to sustained ensure a hard, smooth, stable surface. Make up a minimum of
flaming, and the effective heat of combustion. Ignitability is 12 blocks to allow a reasonable number of specimens to be
determined by measuring the time from initial exposure to the prepared at the same time.
time of sustained flaming of the specimen. 7.1.3 Adhesive—Severaladhesiveshavebeenfoundsuitable
for securing the fabrics. The adhesive shall be low in flamma-
5. Significance and Use bilityandshallhavesuitableholdingpowertopermitinserting
theresilientpadding,stayinplaceuntilthetestingisperformed
5.1 This test method is used to determine the time to
(that is, through the required conditioning) and during the
sustained flaming and heat release of materials and composites
flammabilitytestprocedure.Forthelatter,thegluedportionsof
exposed to a prescribed initial test heat flux in the cone
the fabric shall neither flame excessively nor retard burning.
calorimeter apparatus.
Adhesives that are based on polychloroprene, acrylic, or water
5.2 Quantitative heat release measurements provide infor-
have been found suitable.
mation that can be used for upholstery and mattress product
7.1.3.1 Adhesive Selection—Adhesives based on polychlo-
designs and product development.
ropreneinmethylenechloridesolventhavebeenfoundsuitable
for all composites tested. Adhesives based on acrylic in water
5.3 Heat release measurements provide useful information
solvent (white glue, readily available in hardware and craft
for product development by yielding a quantitative measure of
stores) have been proven adequate for many, but not all,
specific changes in fire performance caused by component and
fabrics and interliners tested by a United States testing labo-
composite modifications. Heat release data from this test
ratory. Other adhesives are also suitable, provided they meet
method will not be predictive of product behavior if the
the stated requirements.
product does not spread flame over its surface under the fire
7.1.3.2 Adhesive Application—The method of adhesive ap-
exposure conditions of interest.
plication depends on the particular adhesive selected. Water-
5.4 Test Limitations—The test data are invalid if either of
soluble adhesives are applied directly from the bottle and
the following conditions occur: (1) explosive spalling; or (2)
therefore do not require a brush. Likewise, any spillage is
the specimen swells sufficiently prior to ignition to touch the
readilycleanablewithwater.Thistypeofadhesivedoesnotset
sparkplug,orthespecimenswellsuptotheplaneoftheheater
as quickly as the solvent-based adhesives, which permits
base during combustion.
shifting the fabric as necessary to create a neat, tight package.
However, the glued specimen shall be left overnight to ensure
6. Safety Precautions
a good seal. On the other hand, polychloroprene-based adhe-
6.1 The test procedures involve high temperatures and
sives are applied with a brush made of hog bristles or other
combustion processes. Therefore, the potential for hazards
stiff, course material. The brush shall be flat and square cut,
such as burns, ignition of extraneous objects or clothing, and
with a width of 7mm to 8mm.Asolvent compatible with the
inhalation of combustion products exists. The operator must
adhesive shall be used for cleanup and storage of the brush.
use protective gloves for insertion and removal of the test
The solvent-based glues set up very quickly and do not permit
specimens. Do not touch either the cone heater or the associ-
any adjustment around the wood block.
ated fixtures while hot, except with the use of protective
7.1.3.3 Adhesive Checking—To test the efficiency of an
gloves.
adhesive, apply a small amount on two small pieces of the
fabric or interliner to be used. Allow the adhesive to dry (at
7. Test Specimen Preparation—Method A (2)
leastovernight),andthenattempttotearthefabricpiecesfrom
7.1 Equipment and Supplies for Specimen Preparation:
one another. To be acceptable, the glued pieces shall not be
7.1.1 Cutting Equipment—Cut foams with a band saw; a
able to be separated without tearing the fabric.
foam-cutting blade shall be used. This blade has no teeth;
7.1.4 Tape—Masking tape or other tape with adhesive is
instead,ithasawavyscalloptotheedge.Ensurethattheblade
used to assist in assembling the test composites. Any type of
is well sharpened. Make certain that no silicones or other oils
tape which will adequately adhere to all fabrics and be easy to
are applied to lubricate the blade; lubrication shall be solely
remove after completion of assembly is suitable for this
withgraphiteormolybdenumcompounds.Thebandsawblade
purpose. Some interliners or fabrics will be damaged by direct
must make a straight and true cut of the foam. Set the blade
application of masking tape to their surface, since removal
guide no higher than 12mm above the stock to be cut.
results in tearing or marring the surface. For items susceptible
7.1.2 Forming Blocks—The specimen preparation rests cru-
to such damage, prepare strips of paper slightly wider than the
cially upon the proper use of forming blocks.These blocks are
widthofthemaskingtapeandlongenoughtoreachalltheway
made in dimensions of 98mm by 98mm by 50mm. Each of
around the forming block. Then secure the paper strips with
these dimensions shall be controlled to 60.5mm. Use, as the
tape.
material for the forming blocks, a dense wood, such as maple,
which is minimally subject to dimensional changes when the
ParabondA-1535obtainedfromPara-ChemSouthern,Inc.,Simpsonville,SCis
humidityischanged.Donotusepine.Useonlyfullykiln-dried
an example of a suitable adhesive of this type.
timber for making the forming blocks. Ensure that all surfaces
DAP Weldwood, Hobby’n Craft Glue is an example of a suitable adhesive of
arecutstraightandtrueandaresmooth.Theedgesshallnotbe this type.
E1474 − 22
7.1.5 Aluminum Foil—Usealuminumfoilthatis0.03mmto specimens using closer than 10cm to 12 cm to the selvedge
8 10
0.04mm thick. No other foil thickness shall be used; it is (that is, the finished edge).
especially important not to substitute a thicker foil. 7.2.4.3 To assist in verifying that uniform specimens have
been cut, check each set of fabric specimens that has been cut
7.2 Basic Preparation of Specimens:
to the 200mm by 200 mm size for mass. Determine the mass
7.2.1 Thebasicinstructionsherepertaintospecimenswhich
once three replicate pieces have been cut. None of the pieces
comprise only a single layer of fabric over a single layer of
shallhaveamassofmorethan105%ofthemeanofthethree,
resilient padding. The same instructions apply to specimens
noramassoflessthan95%.Ifsuchadifferenceoccurs,check
where an interliner is laminated onto the back of the fabric; in
to see if any of the pieces have been cut oversized; trim them
the latter case, the fabric/interliner combination is simply
if this is found to be the case. If the cause of variation was not
treated as a fabric alone. For specimens which use multiple
due to oversized pieces, then additional fabric pieces shall be
padding layers, separate interliner layers and other more
cut and the mass determined.
specialized constructions. Supplemental instructions are given
7.2.4.4 If fabrics cannot be prepared to within the 5%
in 7.3.
deviation limit, note the fabric masses and mass range of the
7.2.2 Cutting of Resilient Padding Blocks—Thethicknessof
specimen. Continue cutting the fabric for each specimen by
the resilient padding block will normally be 50mm when a
cuttingittotheshapeindicatedinFig.1.Allgivendimensions
single layer of resilient padding is the only padding material
shall be controlled in accordance with the tolerances given in
usedinthecomposite.Withatypicalfabricthickness,thiswill
the figure (60.5mm). Only essential dimensions are given in
resultinatotalspecimenthicknessofapproximately50.9mm,
the figure. The 95mm and 102 mm dimensions shall be
which is acceptable. Each resilient padding block shall be cut
checked both before and after cutting. When a fabric having
square, with 90° corners and face dimensions of 102.5mm 6
thick yarns is cut, stop cutting outside the 102 mm dimension
0.5mm by 102.5mm 6 0.5 mm. This size ensures that the
whenayarnisreached.Donotcutthroughtheyarnifthiswill
resilient padding will be compressed during composite
make the dimension smaller than 102 mm.
assembly, leading to tight, well-formed specimens.
7.2.5 Preparing the Fabric Shell:
7.2.2.1 Some resilient paddings have a tendency for high
7.2.5.1 Assemble the finished shell upside-down upon a
friction against the sawing table and the guide. To make a
forming block. Place the fabric, top side down, on the table.
smoothcutbyallowingtheresilientpaddingtoslideeasier,put
Place the block on top, making sure that it is well centered.
a piece of paper between the resilient padding and the
Bend up the two short sides.Tape each of these sides on to the
table/guide. Push the assembly of resilient padding and paper
top of the forming block in the center of the top edge. Bend up
forward and allow the blade to cut through both the resilient
the long sides and also tape them to the top of the block. Make
padding and the paper.
sure that the fabric does not slip sideways on the block by
7.2.3 Forming Resilient Padding Blocks—The cone calo-
checking all four corners of the top face. The fabric shall be
rimeter test results will not be repeatable if the density of the
snug but not stretched.
resilient padding tested is not very closely controlled. For this
7.2.5.2 For sensitive interliners, when paper strips are used,
purpose, each batch of resilient padding specimens prepared
put two strips, forming a cross, under the fabric before placing
shall be checked for mass. It is assumed here that three
the forming block on top of it. When the fabric is bent up,
replicate tests will be performed for each specimen type.
allow the strips to follow. Secure the paper strip with masking
Therefore,oncethreeblocksofresilientpaddinghavebeencut,
tape to hold it on. Turn the block to stand on one of its short
the mass shall be determined. No block shall have a mass of
side faces. Using the suitable adhesive, glue down the 10mm
more than 105% of the mean of the three masses, nor a mass
gluing area marked with stripes in Fig. 1 on each corner flap
oflessthan95%.Ifsuchadifferenceoccurs,additionalblocks
(the area that corresponds to the long side) onto its mating
shall be cut and the mass determined. The preparation of
short-side surface. Apply adhesive both to the underneath
composites cannot start until three blocks of resilient padding
surfaceoftheflapandtothesurfaceagainstwhichitwillmate.
which conform to the above 5% deviation limit have been
Use of a 7mm to 8mm wide brush (for solvent based
obtained. The blocks accepted shall be marked so as to be
adhesives) will ensure that the glued area is approximately
traceable. The mass of each block of resilient padding shall be
10mm wide. Press down immediately after applying the
noted along with the identification marks of the blocks. The
adhesive or after waiting to dry, as appropriate, according to
mass of resilient padding shall be reported in the test report
the instructions of the adhesive manufacturer.
along with other information about this test run.
7.2.5.3 The gray area shown in Fig. 1 is used for gripping
7.2.4 Fabric Cutting:
and stretching the fabric around the corners of the forming
7.2.4.1 First, cut a square of 200mm by 200 mm.
block.Afterapplyingadhesivetothefirsttwocorners,turnthe
7.2.4.2 For cone calorimeter results to be repeatable, fabric
block to rest on the side just glued and apply adhesive to the
for the different replicates shall show uniformity. When fabric
other two corners. If necessary, tape over the gripping handles
material is obtained directly from a bolt of cloth, do not cut
andaroundthecornersinordertosecurethefabricintheshape
8 10
Commercially available heavy duty foil has the appropriate thickness. This is because sometimes there are weaving or coating variations that occur
Do not cut fabrics on the bias. If the fabric weave is such that the yarns in the closer to the selvedge.
two directions do not lie at 90° to each other, do not cut the sample along yarns in Make the paper strips wider than the tape, but shorter, so the tape can adhere
both directions since a skew specimen would result. to the wood block or to itself.
E1474 − 22
FIG. 1 Fabric Cutting Shape
oftheformingblock(seeabove),orwraptheblockwithpaper Hold the block firmly in place and pull each side of the foil up
strips prior to sealing with masking tape. tocreatethebottomfolds.Formthecornersbyholdingthefoil
7.2.5.4 Allow the specimen to dry face down for 24 h (do firmly in contact with the corner of the specimen. Stretch the
not stack specimens during drying). Be certain to clean up the corner of the foil and make a 45° fold at each corner. Finally,
brush or other utensils used to apply the adhesive. Wipe the pull the corners flat against the two sides of the specimen and
solvent and any excess adhesive off the brush with a piece of pat all sides down flat against the specimen. Fig. 2 illustrates
clothbeforegluingthenextspecimen.After24hhaveelapsed, the folds to be made. Make sure that the bottom edges and the
remove all the pieces of masking tape and trim off the four corners are crisp, straight, and smooth. Remove the forming
flaps down to the indicated offset mark so that only the 10mm block and its encasing fabric shell from the foil cup.
glued-down portion is left. Trim any fabric protruding below 7.2.6.2 Set aside one forming block specifically for shaping
the bottom edge of the forming block. the aluminum foil containers. Either prepare another block
7.2.6 Preparing the Aluminum Foil—Cut an over-sized withdimensions102mmby102mm(ratherthan98mmby98
piece of aluminum foil. If the foil has a shiny and a dull side, mm),orglueortapecardboardtothesidesofablocktocreate
place the shiny side face up. The actual specimen is slightly one that is 102mm by 102 mm. Then use this new block for
larger than the forming block, depending on the thicknesses of shaping the aluminum foil as described in 7.2.6.1.
the fabric and interliner (if present). Shape the aluminum foil 7.2.7 Assembling the Shell of Resilient Padding and Fabric:
for the final specimen according to either 7.2.6.1 or 7.2.6.2. 7.2.7.1 Remove the forming block from the fabric shell. If
7.2.6.1 Useafabric-coveredformingblockencasedwiththe bits of adhesive make the fabric stick to the block, use a
fabric shell top side up. Place the block on the aluminum foil. chemist’s spatula or a similar dull, knife-like device to loosen
E1474 − 22
FIG. 3 Assembled Specimen
mass)atanambienttemperatureof23°C 63°Candarelative
humidity of 50% 65%.
7.2.10 Final Preparation—Remove the specimen from the
conditioningchamber.Checkthatthespecimeniswrinkle-free,
smooth,andvisuallycompletelyuniformandsymmetrical.Fix
or reject the specimen if defects are found. Determine the
specimen mass with and without the aluminum foil. Pat the
aluminum foil sides again down flush against the specimen.
FIG. 2 Folding of Foil
Placethespecimenonthesampleholder.Gentlypushdownon
the top of the specimen, pushing against the ceramic fibre
blanket.Thisensuresthatthebottomconformssmoothlytothe
the corners. It is easiest to release the fabric by grabbing along
same bottom conditions as will be seen during the testing.The
the top edge of the fabric between the thumb and the index
specimen is now ready to be tested.
finger. Remove any adhesive which has remained stuck to the
forming block. Make certain that the blocks of resilient 7.3 Preparation of Specimens with Multiple Layers and
padding are identified and tracked according to their masses, Specialized Constructions:
which have already been recorded. 7.3.1 The following instructions give additional details for
7.2.7.2 Compress the four corners of the selected resilient preparation of those constructions that involve more than a
paddingblockslightlywiththefingersandinserttheblockinto single fabric layer and a single resilient padding layer. The
thefabricshell.Makesurethattheresilientpaddingisinserted instructions also provide for some materials which need
straight. Check each of the resilient padding block corners to specialized preparation techniques.
see that they line up exactly at the corners of the fabric shell. 7.3.2 Specimens That Use a Separate Interliner Layer:
Check the top face to see that the block of resilient padding is 7.3.2.1 Specimens that use a separate interliner layer are
inserted fully into the shell and that there are no gaps. Also prepared according to the instructions above, but with the
checkthatthebottomoftheresilientpaddingisneatlylinedup following special provisions. For these composites, the form-
withthebottomedgeofthefabric.Ifthespecimenconstruction ing block is covered twice, first with the interliner and then
involves additional padding layers or different padding layers, with the fabric, using the following steps. Some interliners are
follow similar steps to ensure that a straight, taut assembly is mechanically quite fragile. Avoid tearing them when the
made. masking tape is stripped off. Test the tape to be used first to
7.2.7.3 Carefully inspect the specimen. There shall be no make sure that it can be smoothly pulled off of the interliner
buckles,warping,twisting,pulling,etc.Thefabricshallbetaut without damage.
andthereshallnotbeanyairspacesbetweenthefabricandthe 7.3.2.2 Selectanalternatetapeorusepaperstripsifneeded.
padding. If any such problems are discovered and cannot be Cut the interliner using the same method as described for
corrected,discardthespecimen.Stapleeachofthefoursidesas cutting fabrics (7.2.4). Glue up the interliner around the
shown in Fig. 3. Inspect the top face of the specimen. None of formingblockusingthesameinstructionsasforfabrics(7.2.5).
thefourtabsaretooverhangatthetopofthespecimen.Ifthere Leave the specimen to dry for 24h. After 24h have elapsed,
isexcessmaterialthere,trimitwithscissors.Becertainthatno remove all the pieces of masking tape. If there is any interliner
holes are made in the specimen while doing the trimming. protruding below the bottom edge of the forming block, trim
7.2.8 Assembling the Specimen and the Foil—Put the as- such excess off with scissors. The forming block is now
sembled specimen in the foil cup. Pat the aluminum foil sides covered with a layer of interliner.
down flush against the specimen. Cut the top of the foil to be 7.3.2.3 Once this is done, follow the instructions above for
flush with the top of the specimen. Open up the corners of the cutting and preparing the fabric. To minimize thickness varia-
aluminum foil slightly and pull the foil top about 20mm away tionsalongthecompletedassembly,whenplacingthefabricon
from the specimen. This will allow good access of air in the top of the interliner, turn its orientation by 90°. As a result of
conditioning chamber. this procedure the two sides where the fabric flaps are glued
7.2.9 Conditioning—Place the specimen in the conditioning will not line up with the corresponding flaps on the interliner.
chamber for 24h. Condition to moisture equilibrium (constant Thus, two of the sides of the finished specimen will contain
E1474 − 22
doubled-up areas of fabric flaps and the two remaining sides excessive movement. This requires the use of four tie wires.
will contain doubled-up areas of interliner flaps. After this Stainless steel or copper wires of approximately 1mm diam-
procedure continue on to 7.2.6. eter and 350mm long are used for this.
7.3.6.2 The sample is prepared in the standard manner and
7.3.3 Specimens That Use a Polyester Fibre Topper Layer
placed in the sample holder. A tie wire is then looped around
on Top of the Foam:
thesampleandtheholdersuchthatitisparallelto,and20mm
7.3.3.1 If a polyester fibre batting layer is present over the
away from, one of the four edges of the sample holder as
top of the foam, the padding assembly is prepared in accor-
shown in Fig. 4. The wire is to run along the outside of the
dance with 7.3.3.2 or 7.3.3.3.
square locating frame that is welded to the underside of the
7.3.3.2 If the uncompressed polyester fibre layer is 20 mm
sample holder. The ends of the wires are twisted together such
thickorless,itshallbecompressedtoonehalfofthatthickness
that the wire is pulled firmly against the sample holder and the
inthefinalassembly.Thefoamblockthicknessisthentobethe
sample without distorting the latter. Excess wire is trimmed
difference between 50mm and one half of the uncompressed
from the twisted section before testing. Fit the other remaining
thickness of the polyester fibre layer.
tie wires parallel to the other three sample holder edges.
7.3.3.3 If the uncompressed polyester fibre layer is greater
7.3.7 Specimens That Use Loose Filling Materials:
than 20mm, the polyester fibre layer shall be cut back to give
7.3.7.1 Loose filling materials shall include feathers, down,
a 20mm depth, and the preparation continued as above. The
shredded foam, and any other fillings which are poured into
polyestertopperlayershallbeplacedontopofthefoamblock.
place rather than cut to size. Cone calorimeter samples for
This composite block shall be used wherever the general
these shall be prepared by the manufacturer rather than by the
instructionsrefertoactionstobetakenontheblockofresilient
testing laboratory. The manufacturer shall prepare a square
padding.
pillow filled with
...

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1474 − 21 E1474 − 22 An American National Standard
Standard Test Method for
Determining the Heat Release Rate of Upholstered Furniture
and Mattress Components or Composites Using a Bench
Scale Oxygen Consumption Calorimeter
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1474; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
INTRODUCTION
This test method provides a means for measuring the ignition time and heat release of the composite
upholstered components of upholstered furniture and mattresses using an oxygen consumption
calorimeter.
1. Scope*
1.1 This fire-test-response test method can be used to determine the ignitability and heat release from the composites of contract,
institutional, or high-risk occupancy upholstered furniture or mattresses using a bench scale oxygen consumption calorimeter.
1.2 This test method provides for measurement of the time to sustained flaming, heat release rate, peak and total heat release, and
effective heat of combustion at a constant initial test heat flux of 35 kW ⁄m . This test method is also suitable to obtain heat release
data at different heat fluxes. The specimen is oriented horizontally, and a spark ignition source is used.
1.3 The times to sustained flaming, heat release, and effective heat of combustion are determined using the apparatus and
procedures described in Test Method E1354.
1.4 The tests are performed on bench-scale specimens combining the furniture or mattress outer layer components. Frame
elements are not included.
1.5 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are for information only.
1.6 This standard is used to measure and describe the response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and flame under
controlled conditions, but does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment of the materials,
products, or assemblies under actual fire conditions.
1.7 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific precautionary statements, see Section 6.
1.8 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E05.21 on Smoke and Combustion
Products.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2021April 1, 2022. Published January 2022April 2022. Originally approved in 1992. Last previous edition approved in 20202021 as
E1474 - 20a.E1474 - 21. DOI: 10.1520/E1474-21.10.1520/E1474-22.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1474 − 22
1.9 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
D5865 Test Method for Gross Calorific Value of Coal and Coke
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
E603 Guide for Room Fire Experiments
E906 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Thermopile Method
E1354 Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using an Oxygen Consumption
Calorimeter
2.2 Other Documents:
CA TB 133, Flammability Test Procedure for Seating Furniture for Use in Public Occupancies
ISO 5725 Part 2, Accuracy (Trueness and Precision) of Measurement Methods and Results—Basic Method for the
Determination of Repeatability and Reproducibility of a Standard Measurement Method
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 For definitions of terms relating to this test method refer to Terminology D123 and E176.
3.1.2 effective heat of combustion, n—the amount of heat generated per unit mass lost by a material, product, or assembly, when
exposed to specific fire test conditions. (see gross heat of combustion.)
3.1.2.1 Discussion—
The effective heat of combustion depends on the test method and is determined by dividing the measured heat release by the mass
loss during a specified period of time under the specified test conditions. Typically, the specified fire test conditions are provided
by the specifications of the fire test standard that cites effective heat of combustion as a quantity to be measured. For certain fire
test conditions, involving very high heat and high oxygen concentrations under high pressure, the effective heat of combustion will
approximate the gross heat of combustion. More often, the fire test conditions will represent or approximate certain real fire
exposure conditions, and the effective heat of combustion is the appropriate measure. Typical units are kJ/g or MJ/kg.
3.1.3 gross heat of combustion, n—the maximum amount of heat per unit mass that theoretically can be released by the combustion
of a material, product, or assembly; it can be determined experimentally only under conditions of high pressure and in pure oxygen
(contrast effective heat of combustion).
3.1.4 heat flux, n—heat transfer to a surface per unit area, per unit time (see also initial test heat flux).
3.1.4.1 Discussion—
The heat flux from an energy source, such as a radiant heater, can be measured at the initiation of a test (such as Test Method E1354
or Test Method E906) and then reported as the incident initial test heat flux, with the understanding that the burning of the test
specimen can generate additional heat flux to the specimen surface. The heat flux can also be measured at any time during a fire
test, for example as described in Guide E603, on any surface, and with measurement devices responding to radiative and
2 2 2 2
convective fluxes. Typical units are kW/m , kJ/(s m ), W/cm , or BTU/(s ft ).
3.1.5 heat release rate, n—the thermal energy released per unit time by an item during combustion under specified conditions.
3.1.6 ignitability, n—the propensity for ignition, as measured by the time to sustained flaming, in seconds, at a specified heating
flux.
3.1.7 initial test heat flux, n—the heat flux set on the test apparatus at the initiation of the test (see also heat flux).
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
Available from State of California, Dept. of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, North Highlands, CA 95660-5595.
Available from American National Standards Institute (ANSI), 25 W. 43rd St., 4th Floor, New York, NY 10036.
E1474 − 22
3.1.7.1 Discussion—
The initial test heat flux is the heat flux value commonly used when describing or setting test conditions.
3.1.8 oxygen consumption principle, n—the expression of the relationship between the mass of oxygen consumed during
combustion and the heat released.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
3.2.1 ignitability, n—the propensity for ignition, as measured by the time to sustained flaming at a specified heating flux.
3.2.1 mattress, n—a mattress is a ticking (outermost layer of fabric or related material) filled with a resilient material, used alone
or in combination with other products, intended or promoted for sleeping upon.
3.2.2 net heat of combustion, n—the oxygen bomb (see Test Method D5865) value for the heat of combustion, corrected for the
gaseous state of product water.
3.2.2.1 Discussion—
The net heat of combustion differs from the gross heat of combustion in that the former assesses the heat per unit mass generated
from a combustion process that ends with water in the gaseous state while the latter ends with water in the liquid state.
3.2.3 orientation, n—the plane on which the exposed face of the specimen is located during testing, which is horizontal facing up
for this test.
3.2.4 sustained flaming, n—the existence of flame on or over the surface of the specimen for a period of 4 s or more.
3.2.5 upholstered, adj—covered with material (as fabric or padding) to provide a soft surface.
3.2.6 upholstery material, n—the padding, stuffing, or filling material used in a furniture item, which may be either loose or
attached, enclosed by an upholstery cover material and support system, if present.
3.2.6.1 Discussion—
This includes, but is not limited to, material such as foams, cotton batting, polyester fiberfill, bonded cellulose, or down.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 This test method is based on the observation that the net heat released in combustion is generally directly related to the amount
5 3
of oxygen required for combustion (1). Approximately 13.1 × 10 kJ of heat is released per 1 kg of oxygen consumed. Specimens
in the test are burned in ambient air conditions while being subjected to a prescribed initial test heat flux of 35 kW ⁄m .
4.2 The heat release is determined by measurement of the oxygen consumption, as determined by the oxygen concentration and
flow rate in the combustion product stream, as described in Test Method E1354.
4.3 This test method determines heat release rate per unit area initially exposed (in units of kW/m ) and not just heat release rate
(in units of kW). Thus, the heat release rate reported in this test method is the heat release rate per unit area (see Sections 9, 10,
and X1.5 and Table 7 and Table 8).
4.4 The primary measurements are oxygen concentration and exhaust gas flow rate. Additional measurements include the mass
loss rate of the specimen, the time to sustained flaming, and the effective heat of combustion. Ignitability is determined by
measuring the time from initial exposure to the time of sustained flaming of the specimen.
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method is used to determine the time to sustained flaming and heat release of materials and composites exposed to
a prescribed initial test heat flux in the cone calorimeter apparatus.
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to the list of references at the end of this test method.
E1474 − 22
5.2 Quantitative heat release measurements provide information that can be used for upholstery and mattress product designs and
product development.
5.3 Heat release measurements provide useful information for product development by yielding a quantitative measure of specific
changes in fire performance caused by component and composite modifications. Heat release data from this test method will not
be predictive of product behavior if the product does not spread flame over its surface under the fire exposure conditions of interest.
5.4 Test Limitations—The test data are invalid if either of the following conditions occur: (1) explosive spalling; or (2) the
specimen swells sufficiently prior to ignition to touch the spark plug, or the specimen swells up to the plane of the heater base
during combustion.
6. Safety Precautions
6.1 The test procedures involve high temperatures and combustion processes. Therefore, the potential for hazards such as burns,
ignition of extraneous objects or clothing, and inhalation of combustion products exists. The operator must use protective gloves
for insertion and removal of the test specimens. Do not touch either the cone heater or the associated fixtures while hot, except
with the use of protective gloves.
7. Test Specimen Preparation—Method A (2)
7.1 Equipment and Supplies for Specimen Preparation:
7.1.1 Cutting Equipment—Cut foams with a band saw; a foam-cutting blade shall be used. This blade has no teeth; instead, it has
a wavy scallop to the edge. Ensure that the blade is well sharpened. Make certain that no silicones or other oils are applied to
lubricate the blade; lubrication shall be solely with graphite or molybdenum compounds. The band saw blade must make a straight
and true cut of the foam. Set the blade guide no higher than 12 mm above the stock to be cut.
7.1.2 Forming Blocks—The specimen preparation rests crucially upon the proper use of forming blocks. These blocks are made
in dimensions of 98 mm by 98 mm by 50 mm. Each of these dimensions shall be controlled to 60.5 mm. Use, as the material for
the forming blocks, a dense wood, such as maple, which is minimally subject to dimensional changes when the humidity is
changed. Do not use pine. Use only fully kiln-dried timber for making the forming blocks. Ensure that all surfaces are cut straight
and true and are smooth. The edges shall not be rounded, but the corners shall be slightly rounded. It is preferable to lacquer the
blocks with an acrylic lacquer to ensure a hard, smooth, stable surface. Make up a minimum of 12 blocks to allow a reasonable
number of specimens to be prepared at the same time.
7.1.3 Adhesive—Several adhesives have been found suitable for securing the fabrics. The adhesive shall be low in flammability
and shall have suitable holding power to permit inserting the resilient padding, stay in place until the testing is performed (that
is, through the required conditioning) and during the flammability test procedure. For the latter, the glued portions of the fabric
shall neither flame excessively nor retard burning. Adhesives that are based on polychloroprene, acrylic, or water have been found
suitable.
7.1.3.1 Adhesive Selection—Adhesives based on polychloroprene in methylene chloride solvent have been found suitable for all
6 7
composites tested. Adhesives based on acrylic in water solvent (white glue, readily available in hardware and craft stores) have
been proven adequate for many, but not all, fabrics and interliners tested by a United States testing laboratory. Other adhesives are
also suitable, provided they meet the stated requirements.
7.1.3.2 Adhesive Application—The method of adhesive application depends on the particular adhesive selected. Water-soluble
adhesives are applied directly from the bottle and therefore do not require a brush. Likewise, any spillage is readily cleanable with
water. This type of adhesive does not set as quickly as the solvent-based adhesives, which permits shifting the fabric as necessary
to create a neat, tight package. However, the glued specimen shall be left overnight to ensure a good seal. On the other hand,
polychloroprene-based adhesives are applied with a brush made of hog bristles or other stiff, course material. The brush shall be
flat and square cut, with a width of 7 mm to 8 mm. A solvent compatible with the adhesive shall be used for cleanup and storage
of the brush. The solvent-based glues set up very quickly and do not permit any adjustment around the wood block.
Parabond A-1535 obtained from Para-Chem Southern, Inc., Simpsonville, SC is an example of a suitable adhesive of this type.
DAP Weldwood, Hobby’n Craft Glue is an example of a suitable adhesive of this type.
E1474 − 22
7.1.3.3 Adhesive Checking—To test the efficiency of an adhesive, apply a small amount on two small pieces of the fabric or
interliner to be used. Allow the adhesive to dry (at least overnight), and then attempt to tear the fabric pieces from one another.
To be acceptable, the glued pieces shall not be able to be separated without tearing the fabric.
7.1.4 Tape—Masking tape or other tape with adhesive is used to assist in assembling the test composites. Any type of tape which
will adequately adhere to all fabrics and be easy to remove after completion of assembly is suitable for this purpose. Some
interliners or fabrics will be damaged by direct application of masking tape to their surface, since removal results in tearing or
marring the surface. For items susceptible to such damage, prepare strips of paper slightly wider than the width of the masking
tape and long enough to reach all the way around the forming block. Then secure the paper strips with tape.
7.1.5 Aluminum Foil—Use aluminum foil that is 0.03 mm to 0.04 mm thick. No other foil thickness shall be used; it is especially
important not to substitute a thicker foil.
7.2 Basic Preparation of Specimens:
7.2.1 The basic instructions here pertain to specimens which comprise only a single layer of fabric over a single layer of resilient
padding. The same instructions apply to specimens where an interliner is laminated onto the back of the fabric; in the latter case,
the fabric/interliner combination is simply treated as a fabric alone. For specimens which use multiple padding layers, separate
interliner layers and other more specialized constructions. Supplemental instructions are given in 7.3.
7.2.2 Cutting of Resilient Padding Blocks—The thickness of the resilient padding block will normally be 50 mm when a single
layer of resilient padding is the only padding material used in the composite. With a typical fabric thickness, this will result in a
total specimen thickness of approximately 50.9 mm, which is acceptable. Each resilient padding block shall be cut square, with
90° corners and face dimensions of 102.5 mm 6 0.5 mm by 102.5 mm 6 0.5 mm. This size ensures that the resilient padding will
be compressed during composite assembly, leading to tight, well-formed specimens.
7.2.2.1 Some resilient paddings have a tendency for high friction against the sawing table and the guide. To make a smooth cut
by allowing the resilient padding to slide easier, put a piece of paper between the resilient padding and the table/guide. Push the
assembly of resilient padding and paper forward and allow the blade to cut through both the resilient padding and the paper.
7.2.3 Forming Resilient Padding Blocks—The cone calorimeter test results will not be repeatable if the density of the resilient
padding tested is not very closely controlled. For this purpose, each batch of resilient padding specimens prepared shall be checked
for mass. It is assumed here that three replicate tests will be performed for each specimen type. Therefore, once three blocks of
resilient padding have been cut, the mass shall be determined. No block shall have a mass of more than 105 % of the mean of the
three masses, nor a mass of less than 95 %. If such a difference occurs, additional blocks shall be cut and the mass determined.
The preparation of composites cannot start until three blocks of resilient padding which conform to the above 5 % deviation limit
have been obtained. The blocks accepted shall be marked so as to be traceable. The mass of each block of resilient padding shall
be noted along with the identification marks of the blocks. The mass of resilient padding shall be reported in the test report along
with other information about this test run.
7.2.4 Fabric Cutting:
7.2.4.1 First, cut a square of 200 mm by 200 mm.
7.2.4.2 For cone calorimeter results to be repeatable, fabric for the different replicates shall show uniformity. When fabric material
is obtained directly from a bolt of cloth, do not cut specimens using closer than 10 cm to 12 cm to the selvedge (that is, the finished
edge).
7.2.4.3 To assist in verifying that uniform specimens have been cut, check each set of fabric specimens that has been cut to the
200 mm by 200 mm size for mass. Determine the mass once three replicate pieces have been cut. None of the pieces shall have
a mass of more than 105 % of the mean of the three, nor a mass of less than 95 %. If such a difference occurs, check to see if any
of the pieces have been cut oversized; trim them if this is found to be the case. If the cause of variation was not due to oversized
pieces, then additional fabric pieces shall be cut and the mass determined.
Commercially available heavy duty foil has the appropriate thickness.
Do not cut fabrics on the bias. If the fabric weave is such that the yarns in the two directions do not lie at 90° to each other, do not cut the sample along yarns in both
directions since a skew specimen would result.
This is because sometimes there are weaving or coating variations that occur closer to the selvedge.
E1474 − 22
FIG. 1 Fabric Cutting Shape
7.2.4.4 If fabrics cannot be prepared to within the 5 % deviation limit, note the fabric masses and mass range of the specimen.
Continue cutting the fabric for each specimen by cutting it to the shape indicated in Fig. 1. All given dimensions shall be controlled
in accordance with the tolerances given in the figure (60.5 mm). Only essential dimensions are given in the figure. The 95 mm
and 102 mm dimensions shall be checked both before and after cutting. When a fabric having thick yarns is cut, stop cutting outside
the 102 mm dimension when a yarn is reached. Do not cut through the yarn if this will make the dimension smaller than 102 mm.
7.2.5 Preparing the Fabric Shell:
7.2.5.1 Assemble the finished shell upside-down upon a forming block. Place the fabric, top side down, on the table. Place the
block on top, making sure that it is well centered. Bend up the two short sides. Tape each of these sides on to the top of the forming
block in the center of the top edge. Bend up the long sides and also tape them to the top of the block. Make sure that the fabric
does not slip sideways on the block by checking all four corners of the top face. The fabric shall be snug but not stretched.
7.2.5.2 For sensitive interliners, when paper strips are used, put two strips, forming a cross, under the fabric before placing the
forming block on top of it. When the fabric is bent up, allow the strips to follow. Secure the paper strip with masking tape to
hold it on. Turn the block to stand on one of its short side faces. Using the suitable adhesive, glue down the 10 mm gluing area
Make the paper strips wider than the tape, but shorter, so the tape can adhere to the wood block or to itself.
E1474 − 22
FIG. 2 Folding of Foil
marked with stripes in Fig. 1 on each corner flap (the area that corresponds to the long side) onto its mating short-side surface.
Apply adhesive both to the underneath surface of the flap and to the surface against which it will mate. Use of a 7 mm to 8 mm
wide brush (for solvent based adhesives) will ensure that the glued area is approximately 10 mm wide. Press down immediately
after applying the adhesive or after waiting to dry, as appropriate, according to the instructions of the adhesive manufacturer.
7.2.5.3 The gray area shown in Fig. 1 is used for gripping and stretching the fabric around the corners of the forming block. After
applying adhesive to the first two corners, turn the block to rest on the side just glued and apply adhesive to the other two corners.
If necessary, tape over the gripping handles and around the corners in order to secure the fabric in the shape of the forming block
(see above), or wrap the block with paper strips prior to sealing with masking tape.
7.2.5.4 Allow the specimen to dry face down for 24 h (do not stack specimens during drying). Be certain to clean up the brush
or other utensils used to apply the adhesive. Wipe the solvent and any excess adhesive off the brush with a piece of cloth before
gluing the next specimen. After 24 h have elapsed, remove all the pieces of masking tape and trim off the four flaps down to the
indicated offset mark so that only the 10 mm glued-down portion is left. Trim any fabric protruding below the bottom edge of the
forming block.
7.2.6 Preparing the Aluminum Foil—Cut an over-sized piece of aluminum foil. If the foil has a shiny and a dull side, place the
shiny side face up. The actual specimen is slightly larger than the forming block, depending on the thicknesses of the fabric and
interliner (if present). Shape the aluminum foil for the final specimen according to either 7.2.6.1 or 7.2.6.2.
7.2.6.1 Use a fabric-covered forming block encased with the fabric shell top side up. Place the block on the aluminum foil. Hold
the block firmly in place and pull each side of the foil up to create the bottom folds. Form the corners by holding the foil firmly
in contact with the corner of the specimen. Stretch the corner of the foil and make a 45° fold at each corner. Finally, pull the corners
flat against the two sides of the specimen and pat all sides down flat against the specimen. Fig. 2 illustrates the folds to be made.
Make sure that the bottom edges and the corners are crisp, straight, and smooth. Remove the forming block and its encasing fabric
shell from the foil cup.
7.2.6.2 Set aside one forming block specifically for shaping the aluminum foil containers. Either prepare another block with
dimensions 102 mm by 102 mm (rather than 98 mm by 98 mm), or glue or tape cardboard to the sides of a block to create one
that is 102 mm by 102 mm. Then use this new block for shaping the aluminum foil as described in 7.2.6.1.
7.2.7 Assembling the Shell of Resilient Padding and Fabric:
7.2.7.1 Remove the forming block from the fabric shell. If bits of adhesive make the fabric stick to the block, use a chemist’s
spatula or a similar dull, knife-like device to loosen the corners. It is easiest to release the fabric by grabbing along the top edge
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FIG. 3 Assembled Specimen
of the fabric between the thumb and the index finger. Remove any adhesive which has remained stuck to the forming block. Make
certain that the blocks of resilient padding are identified and tracked according to their masses, which have already been recorded.
7.2.7.2 Compress the four corners of the selected resilient padding block slightly with the fingers and insert the block into the
fabric shell. Make sure that the resilient padding is inserted straight. Check each of the resilient padding block corners to see that
they line up exactly at the corners of the fabric shell. Check the top face to see that the block of resilient padding is inserted fully
into the shell and that there are no gaps. Also check that the bottom of the resilient padding is neatly lined up with the bottom edge
of the fabric. If the specimen construction involves additional padding layers or different padding layers, follow similar steps to
ensure that a straight, taut assembly is made.
7.2.7.3 Carefully inspect the specimen. There shall be no buckles, warping, twisting, pulling, etc. The fabric shall be taut and there
shall not be any air spaces between the fabric and the padding. If any such problems are discovered and cannot be corrected,
discard the specimen. Staple each of the four sides as shown in Fig. 3. Inspect the top face of the specimen. None of the four tabs
are to overhang at the top of the specimen. If there is excess material there, trim it with scissors. Be certain that no holes are made
in the specimen while doing the trimming.
7.2.8 Assembling the Specimen and the Foil—Put the assembled specimen in the foil cup. Pat the aluminum foil sides down flush
against the specimen. Cut the top of the foil to be flush with the top of the specimen. Open up the corners of the aluminum foil
slightly and pull the foil top about 20 mm away from the specimen. This will allow good access of air in the conditioning chamber.
7.2.9 Conditioning—Place the specimen in the conditioning chamber for 24 h. Condition to moisture equilibrium (constant mass)
at an ambient temperature of 23 °C 6 3 °C and a relative humidity of 50 % 6 5 %.
7.2.10 Final Preparation—Remove the specimen from the conditioning chamber. Check that the specimen is wrinkle-free,
smooth, and visually completely uniform and symmetrical. Fix or reject the specimen if defects are found. Determine the specimen
mass with and without the aluminum foil. Pat the aluminum foil sides again down flush against the specimen. Place the specimen
on the sample holder. Gently push down on the top of the specimen, pushing against the ceramic fibre blanket. This ensures that
the bottom conforms smoothly to the same bottom conditions as will be seen during the testing. The specimen is now ready to be
tested.
7.3 Preparation of Specimens with Multiple Layers and Specialized Constructions:
7.3.1 The following instructions give additional details for preparation of those constructions that involve more than a single fabric
layer and a single resilient padding layer. The instructions also provide for some materials which need specialized preparation
techniques.
7.3.2 Specimens That Use a Separate Interliner Layer:
7.3.2.1 Specimens that use a separate interliner layer are prepared according to the instructions above, but with the following
special provisions. For these composites, the forming block is covered twice, first with the interliner and then with the fabric, using
the following steps. Some interliners are mechanically quite fragile. Avoid tearing them when the masking tape is stripped off. Test
the tape to be used first to make sure that it can be smoothly pulled off of the interliner without damage.
7.3.2.2 Select an alternate tape or use paper strips if needed. Cut the interliner using the same method as described for cutting
fabrics (7.2.4). Glue up the interliner around the forming block using the same instructions as for fabrics (7.2.5). Leave the
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specimen to dry for 24 h. After 24 h have elapsed, remove all the pieces of masking tape. If there is any interliner protruding below
the bottom edge of the forming block, trim such excess off with scissors. The forming block is now covered with a layer of
interliner.
7.3.2.3 Once this is done, follow the instructions above for cutting and preparing the fabric. To minimize thickness variations
along the completed assembly, when placing the fabric on top of the interliner, turn its orientation by 90°. As a result of this
procedure the two sides where the fabric flaps are glued will not line up with the corresponding flaps on the interliner. Thus, two
of the sides of the finished specimen will contain doubled-up areas of fabric flaps and the two remaining sides will contain
doubled-up areas of interliner flaps. After this procedure continue on to 7.2.6.
7.3.3 Specimens That Use a Polyester Fibre Topper Layer on Top of the Foam:
7.3.3.1 If a polyester fibre batting layer is present over the top of the foam, the padding assembly is prepared in accordance with
7.3.3.2 or 7.3.3.3.
7.3.3.2 If the uncompressed polyester fibre layer is 20 mm thick or less, it shall be compressed to one half of that thickness in
the final assembly. The foam block thickness is then to be the difference between 50 mm and one half of the uncompressed
thickness of the polyester fibre layer.
7.3.3.3 If the uncompressed polyester fibre layer is greater than 20 mm, the polyester fibre layer shall be cut back to give a 20 mm
depth, and the preparation continued as above. The polyester topper layer shall be placed on top of the foam block. This composite
block shall be used wherever the general instructions refer to actions to be taken on the block of resilient padding.
7.3.3.4 During final assembly of the padding inside the fabric, the polyester plus foam composite block shall be compressed so
as to have a total depth of 50 mm when the assembly is finished.
7.3.4 Specimens That Use More Than One Padding Layer (Except Polyester Fibre)—Use any padding layers thinner than 8 mm
in their natural thickness. The thickness of each remaining layer (those ≥ 8 mm in thickness) shall be proportioned so that its
relative thickness in the remaining specimen depth (50 mm minus the thin layers) is in the same proportion as is found for those
layers in the full-scale furniture article. Once the appropriate layers are prepared according to this instruction, they are used in
exactly the same way as is the single foam block which forms the basis of the general instructions above.
7.3.5 Specimens from Furniture Items of Unusually Thin Construction:
7.3.5.1 For some furniture items, the total thickness of the entire padding layer is less than 50 mm. Examples include thinly padded
chairs and innerspring mattresses. For such items, the padding layer is still tested in a 50 mm depth.
7.3.5.2 To do this requires that two or more layers of padding be stacked together to achieve the required 50 mm depth. When
testing cone calorimeter samples that represent known full-scale constructions, the test report shall clearly identify what the
maximum thickness of padding found in the f
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