ASTM D4151-23

Standard Test Method for Flammability of Blankets

SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 This test method for the determination of the flammability of blankets is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of commercial shipments of blankets since this test method has been used extensively in the trade for acceptance testing.  
5.2 This test method is intended to evaluate fabrics used in electric blankets without the resistance heating wires.  
5.3 Fabrics are potentially combustible. Some fabrics when used for blankets are potentially dangerous to the user depending on the ease of ignition, rapidity, and intensity of burning. This test method addresses some of these characteristics.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides a means to identify blanket fabrics which ignite easily and propagate flame across the surface.  
1.2 This test method specifies the procedures described in the “Voluntary Blanket Flammability Standard” which has been used by the blanket industry in the United States since 1972.  
1.3 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.
Note 1: This test method is not identical to 16 CFR Part 1610, Flammability of Clothing Textiles. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations require that fabrics introduced into commerce meet the requirements of 16 CFR Part 1610.  
1.4 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.  
1.5 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.  
1.6 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-Jul-2023
• ICS: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products
• ICS: 97.160 - Home textiles. Linen
• Technical Committee: D13 - Textiles
• Drafting Committee: D13.52 - Flammability

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 D4391-18 - Standard Terminology Relating to The Burning Behavior of Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-May-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 D1230-10(2016)e1 - Standard Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
• Effective Date: 01-Apr-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4391-16 - Standard Terminology Relating to The Burning Behavior of Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-Feb-2016
• Refers: ASTM D4391-16e1 - Standard Terminology Relating to The Burning Behavior of Textiles
• Effective Date: 15-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 E176-15a - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-2015
• Refers: ASTM E176-15ae1 - Standard Terminology of Fire Standards
• Effective Date: 01-Aug-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 D4151-23: Standard Test Method for Flammability of Blankets provides a comprehensive procedure for evaluating the flammability of fabrics used in blankets. Published by ASTM International, this standard is widely recognized and utilized within the textile industry, particularly for acceptance testing of commercial shipments. The primary goal is to identify blanket materials that ignite easily and support rapid flame spread, which is crucial for consumer safety and product regulatory compliance.

ASTM D4151-23 outlines controlled laboratory testing to determine whether blanket fabrics pose a potential fire hazard, thus helping manufacturers, importers, and regulators make informed decisions about textile safety.

Key Topics

• Test Objective: To determine the ignition propensity and flame propagation behavior of various blanket fabrics under controlled conditions.
• Scope: Applicable to all blanket fabrics, including those intended for electric blankets (without heating wires). It is not designed for quilts or other bedding items.
• Testing Procedure:
  • Preparation of specimens typically cut from finished blankets or fabric swatches.
  • Exposure to a standardized methane flame using specified apparatus.
  • Assessment based on visible burning, charring, or discoloration of a paper monitor placed adjacent to the test sample.
• Classifications:
  • Class I: Fabrics that do not ignite or cause monitor discoloration are suitable for blanket manufacturing.
  • Class II: Fabrics causing ignition or monitor damage are considered unsuitable.
• Safety Considerations: Fire testing is inherently hazardous. The method requires proper safety measures to protect personnel and facilities.
• Limitations: Results indicate flame resistance under lab conditions but do not fully assess fire hazard in real-world settings.

Applications

• Quality Control and Acceptance Testing: Widely used by manufacturers and importers to verify that blanket shipments conform to agreed safety standards before market entry.
• Electric Blanket Fabric Evaluation: Particularly applicable for flame resistance testing of fabrics intended for use in electric blankets, excluding the resistance wires.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports compliance efforts related to consumer product safety regulations in various jurisdictions.
• Product Development: Assists designers and R&D teams in selecting or developing fabrics that meet recognized fire safety requirements.
• Risk Assessment Input: Provides essential data for broader product risk and hazard analysis, although not a complete fire risk assessment on its own.

Related Standards

• ASTM D123: Terminology Relating to Textiles - defines key textile terms used in D4151 testing.
• ASTM D1230: Standard Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles - similar methodology for apparel.
• ASTM D4391: Terminology relating to the burning behavior of textiles.
• ASTM E176: Terminology of Fire Standards - relevant fire testing nomenclature.
• AATCC M11: Glossary of AATCC Standard Terminology - additional textile definitions.
• 16 CFR Part 1610: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's Flammability of Clothing Textiles - a separate regulation; compliance with ASTM D4151 does not guarantee compliance with 16 CFR standards.
• ISO 13943: Fire safety - Vocabulary.

Practical Value

By implementing ASTM D4151-23, organizations in the textile and bedding industry can:

• Minimize fire hazards associated with combustible fabrics in blankets.
• Strengthen consumer confidence by demonstrating commitment to blanket safety.
• Facilitate safer product design and material selection.
• Meet procurement and regulatory requirements for textile safety.
• Streamline acceptance testing for commercial blanket shipments.

Adhering to the ASTM D4151-23 standard demonstrates a proactive approach to fire safety and product quality in the competitive global blanket market.

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: D4151 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Flammability of Blankets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4151; 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.
1. Scope* 2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
1.1 This test method provides a means to identify blanket
D123 Terminology Relating to Textiles
fabrics which ignite easily and propagate flame across the
D1230 Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
surface.
D4391 Terminology Relating to The Burning Behavior of
1.2 This test method specifies the procedures described in
Textiles
the “Voluntary Blanket Flammability Standard” which has
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
been used by the blanket industry in the United States since 3
2.2 AATCC Standard:
1972.
M11 Glossary of AATCC Standard Terminology
2.3 Federal Specification:
1.3 This standard is used to measure and describe the
NNN-P-40b
response of materials, products, or assemblies to heat and
2.4 ISO Standard:
flame under controlled conditions, but does not by itself
ISO 13943 Fire safety
incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk
assessment of the materials, products or assemblies under
3. Terminology
actual fire conditions.
3.1 The following terms are relevant to this standard:
NOTE 1—This test method is not identical to 16 CFR Part 1610,
Flammability of Clothing Textiles. Consumer Product Safety Commission blanket, flammability, ignition.
regulations require that fabrics introduced into commerce meet the
3.1.1 For terms related to burning behavior of textiles, see
requirements of 16 CFR Part 1610.
Terminology D4391.
3.1.2 For definitions related to textiles, see Terminology
1.4 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safe-
D123 and AATCC M11. In case of conflict, the terminology in
guards for personnel and property shall be employed in
D123 will prevail.
conducting these tests.
3.2 For terminology related to fire issues other than burning
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
behavior of textiles, see Terminology E176 and ISO 13943. In
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
case of conflict, the terminology in E176 will prevail.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
4. Summary of Test Method
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
4.1 Specimens cut from the blanket fabric are prepared by
1.6 This international standard was developed in accor-
brushing if they have a raised fiber surface and by drying. The
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
the ASTM website.
Available from American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists
(AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2215, http://
www.aatcc.org.
1 4
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700
and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.52 on Flammability. Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094,
Current edition approved Aug. 1, 2023. Published September 2023. Originally Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as D4151-18. DOI: Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
10.1520/D4151-23. Switzerland, https://www.iso.org.
*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
D4151 − 23
dried specimen is held in a special apparatus, a standardized 6.1.1.2 Electronic Counter (digital clock reading to 0.01 s),
flame is applied to the surface for a specified time under started by a switch that is activated by the burner mechanism
controlled conditions, and burning, charring, or discoloration when the burner is in the position to impinge flame on the
of a paper monitor is noted. Two classes of flammability are specimen and is stopped when the burner retracts from the
described. specimen.
4.1.1 A burn of sufficient intensity to discolor a paper 6.1.1.3 An electronic or mechanical timer, or equivalent,
monitor in specified contact with the surface of the test shall be used to record the burn time, and electro-mechanical
specimen indicates ignition of the blanket surface (see 11.4.1). devices (that is, servomotors, solenoids, micro-switches, and
electronic controls and circuits, in addition to miscellaneous
5. Significance and Use
custom-made cams and rods, shock absorbing linkages, and
various other electronic or mechanical components) shall be
5.1 This test method for the determination of the flamma-
bility of blankets is considered satisfactory for acceptance used to control and apply the flame impingement.
testing of commercial shipments of blankets since this test
NOTE 2—A flammability tester made for use in Test Method D1230 has
method has been used extensively in the trade for acceptance
to be modified when used with Test Method D4151 by changing the
burner, specimen holder, and timing mechanism.
testing.
6.2 Specimen Holder and Base, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
5.2 This test method is intended to evaluate fabrics used in
6.2.1 The base shall be mounted on the floor of the cabinet
electric blankets without the resistance heating wires.
approximately center on both axes. The position of the base
5.3 Fabrics are potentially combustible. Some fabrics when
shall be adjustable along both the length and width axes of the
used for blankets are potentially dangerous to the user depend-
flammability test cabinet.
ing on the ease of ignition, rapidity, and intensity of burning.
6.3 Burner, as shown in Fig. 7.
This test method addresses some of these characteristics.
6.3.1 The burner is a No. 18 hypodermic needle. The needle
6. Apparatus and Materials is cut off below the ferrule approximately 1.5 mm ( ⁄16 in.)
long. One end of an 3-mm ( ⁄8-in.) OD copper tube approxi-
6.1 Flammability Tester, as shown in Figs. 1-4 and described
mately 200 mm (8 in.) long is soldered or cemented with epoxy
in A1.1.1, A1.1.2, and A1.1.9 of Test Method D1230.
adhesive into the ferrule of the hypodermic needle. The other
6.1.1 The test cabinet shall be equipped with a system to
end is soldered to the gas feeding tube which is part of the
control the time of flame impingement on the specimen to 1 s
mechanism used to impinge the flame on the specimen (see
6 0.05 s. A system found to be suitable is:
Figs. 1-7).
6.1.1.1 Adjustable electronic timer controlling a burner
solenoid to activate the burner mechanism. 6.4 Methane, technical grade (at least 97 % pure).
FIG. 1 Flammability Tester
D4151 − 23
FIG. 2 Flammability Tester (Cabinet Details)
FIG. 3 Flammability Tester (Additional Cabinet Details)
D4151 − 23
FIG. 4 Flammability Tester Arrangement
FIG. 5 Specimen Holder Assembly
D4151 − 23
FIG. 6 Specimen Holder Details
FIG. 7 Burner Details
D4151 − 23
6.4.1 The gas line to the burner shall be equipped with a 7.2 Lot Sample—Unless otherwise agreed upon, as when
needle valve to control the flame length. specified in an applicable material specification, randomly take
6.4.2 Gas is supplied to the burner at a pressure of 17.2 kPa as the lot sample the number of rolls, pieces, or end-use items
6 3.4 kPa (2.5 psig 6 0.5 psig) at the needle valve inlet. specified in Table 1.
6.5 Brushing Device, as shown in Fig. 8 and described in
A1.2 of Test Method D1230, except that the brush rests on the
carriage vertically with a pressure of 75 g 6 10 g instead of
TABLE 1 Selection of Lot Samples of Blanket Fabric
150 g as described in A1.2.1 of Test Method D1230.
Rolls, Pieces,
Number of Units in Lot
Number
End-Use Items
6.6 Laboratory Drying Oven, forced-draft.
Specimens
Rolls or Pieces End-Use Items
in Sample
6.7 Desiccator(s) of sufficient size to hold five mounted
1 to 10 1 to 400 1 10
11 to 20 401 to 800 2 20
specimens at one time.
21 to 30 801 to 1200 3 30
6.8 Silica Gel Desi
...

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: D4151 − 18 D4151 − 23
Standard Test Method for
Flammability of Blankets
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D4151; 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.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This test method provides a means to identify blanket fabrics which ignite easily and propagate flame across the surface.
1.2 This test method specifies the procedures described in the “Voluntary Blanket Flammability Standard” which has been used
by the blanket industry in the United States since 1972.
1.3 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.
NOTE 1—This test method is not identical to 16 CFR Part 1610, Flammability of Clothing Textiles. Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations
require that fabrics introduced into commerce meet the requirements of 16 CFR Part 1610.
1.4 Fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these
tests.
1.5 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.
1.6 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
D1230 Test Method for Flammability of Apparel Textiles
D4391 Terminology Relating to The Burning Behavior of Textiles
E176 Terminology of Fire Standards
2.2 AATCC Standard:
M11 Glossary of AATCC Standard Terminology
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D13.52 on Flammability.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2018Aug. 1, 2023. Published February 2018September 2023. Originally approved in 1982. Last previous edition approved in 20102018
as D4151-10. DOI: 10.1520/D4151-18.-18. DOI: 10.1520/D4151-23.
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 American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC), P.O. Box 12215, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2215, http://www.aatcc.org.
*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
D4151 − 23
2.3 Federal Specification:
NNN-P-40b
2.4 ISO Standard:
ISO 13943 Fire safety
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions:
3.1.1 blanket, n—for bedding, an unquilted fabric covering designed primarily to provide thermal insulation.
3.1.1.1 Discussion—
Blankets may be made by any textile process from various types of fibers and may or may not have a raised fiber surface.
Construction may be woven, knitted, flocked, or nonwoven.
3.1.1.2 Discussion—
Electric blankets include resistance heating wires and can provide heat as well as thermal insulation.
3.1.2 flammability, n—those characteristics of a material that pertain to its relative ease of ignition and relative ability to sustain
combustion.
NOTE 2—In this test, evidence of ignition is shown by discoloration, charring, or burning of the paper monitor.
3.1.3 ignition, n—initiation of combustion.
3.1 For definitions of other textile terms used in this test method, refer to Terminology The following terms are relevant to this
standard: blanket, flammability, ignition.D123.
3.1.1 For terms related to burning behavior of textiles, see Terminology D4391.
3.1.2 For definitions related to textiles, see Terminology D123 and AATCC M11. In case of conflict, the terminology in D123 will
prevail.
3.2 For terminology related to fire issues other than burning behavior of textiles, see Terminology E176 and ISO 13943. In case
of conflict, the terminology in E176 will prevail.
4. Summary of Test Method
4.1 Specimens cut from the blanket fabric are prepared by brushing if they have a raised fiber surface and by drying. The dried
specimen is held in a special apparatus, a standardized flame is applied to the surface for a specified time under controlled
conditions, and burning, charring, or discoloration of a paper monitor is noted. Two classes of flammability are described.
4.1.1 A burn of sufficient intensity to discolor a paper monitor in specified contact with the surface of the test specimen indicates
ignition of the blanket surface (see 11.4.1).
5. Significance and Use
5.1 This test method for the determination of the flammability of blankets is considered satisfactory for acceptance testing of
commercial shipments of blankets since this test method has been used extensively in the trade for acceptance testing.
5.2 This test method is intended to evaluate fabrics used in electric blankets without the resistance heating wires.
5.3 Fabrics are potentially combustible. Some fabrics when used for blankets are potentially dangerous to the user depending on
the ease of ignition, rapidity, and intensity of burning. This test method addresses some of these characteristics.
Available from Standardization Documents Order Desk, Bldg. 4 Section D, 700 Robbins Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111-5094, Attn: NPODS.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva, Switzerland,
https://www.iso.org.
D4151 − 23
FIG. 1 Flammability Tester
6. Apparatus and Materials
6.1 Flammability Tester, as shown in Figs. 1-4 and described in A1.1.1, A1.1.2, and A1.1.9 of Test Method D1230.
FIG. 2 Flammability Tester (Cabinet Details)
D4151 − 23
FIG. 3 Flammability Tester (Additional Cabinet Details)
FIG. 4 Flammability Tester Arrangement
D4151 − 23
6.1.1 The test cabinet shall be equipped with a system to control the time of flame impingmentimpingement on the specimen to
1 6 0.05 s. 1 s 6 0.05 s. A system found to be suitable is:
6.1.1.1 Adjustable electronic timer controlling a burner solenoid to activate the burner mechanism.
6.1.1.2 Electronic Counter (digital clock reading to 0.01 s), started by a switch that is activated by the burner mechanism when
the burner is in the position to impinge flame on the specimen and is stopped when the burner retracts from the specimen.
NOTE 3—A flammability tester made for use in Test Method D1230 has to be modified when used with Test Method D4151 by changing the burner,
specimen holder, and timing mechanism.
6.1.1.3 An electronic or mechanical timer, or equivalent, shall be used to record the burn time, and electro-mechanical devices
(that is, servomotors, solenoids, micro-switches, and electronic controls and circuits, in addition to miscellaneous custom-made
cams and rods, shock absorbing linkages, and various other electronic or mechanical components) shall be used to control and
apply the flame impingement.
NOTE 2—A flammability tester made for use in Test Method D1230 has to be modified when used with Test Method D4151 by changing the burner,
specimen holder, and timing mechanism.
6.2 Specimen Holder and Base, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
6.2.1 The base shall be mounted on the floor of the cabinet approximately center on both axes. The position of the base shall be
adjustable along both the length and width axes of the flammability test cabinet.
6.3 Burner, as shown in Fig. 7.
FIG. 5 Specimen Holder Assembly
D4151 − 23
FIG. 6 Specimen Holder Details
FIG. 7 Burner Details
D4151 − 23
6.3.1 The burner is a No. 18 hypodermic needle. The needle is cut off below the ferrule approximately 1.5 mm ( ⁄16 in.) long. One
end of an 3-mm ( ⁄8-in.) OD copper tube approximately 200 mm (8 in.) long is soldered or cemented with epoxy adhesive into the
ferrule of the hypodermic needle. The other end is soldered to the gas feeding tube which is part of the mechanism used to impinge
the flame on the specimen (see Figs. 1-7).
6.4 Methane, technical grade (at least 97 % pure).
6.4.1 The gas line to the burner shall be equipped with a needle valve to control the flame length.
6.4.2 Gas is supplied to the burner at a pressure of 17.2 kPa 6 3.4 kPa (2.5 psig 6 0.5 psig) at the needle valve inlet.
6.5 Brushing Device, as shown in Fig. 8 and described in A1.2 of Test Method D1230, except that the brush rests on the carriage
vertically with a pressure of 7575 g 6 10 g instead of 150 g as described in A1.2.1 of Test Method D1230.
FIG. 8 Brushing D
...