Let's answer some
frequently asked questions from our customers.
Topic of this month is reaction to fire for upholstered furniture:
- When is a piece of furniture considered upholstered?
- Is an upholstered headboard fixed to the wall an upholstered piece of furniture?
- If a class 1 (or 1.IM) fabric and a class 1.IM polyurethane foam are used in an upholstered piece of furniture, can the upholstered piece of furniture be considered class 1.IM?
- Is there a document comparing UNI 9175 with similar standards in other countries?
1. When is a piece of furniture considered upholstered?
An upholstered piece of furniture is by definition an item consisting of cover, "interposti" (a material that is placed between the cover and the filling materials and that his not more than 40 mm thick), filling materials and frame. Any of these components may be missing except for the filling materials.
In addition, an upholstered piece of furniture must have one of the following uses to be considered such as:
- upholstered furniture intended for seating;
- mattress;
- sommier (upholstered mattress support);
- sofa-bed;
- pillow;
- cushion.
2. Is an upholstered bedhead fixed to the wall an upholstered piece of furniture?
No, it is considered a wall covering and therefore cannot be classified with the test method for upholstered furniture (UNI 9175).
3. If a class 1 (or 1.IM) fabric and a class 1.IM polyurethane foam are used in an upholstered piece of furniture, can the upholstered piece of furniture be considered class 1.IM?
No, the test must be performed on the actual composite.
An upholstered piece of furniture can be considered class 1.IM only if all the composites, i.e. the "cover + "interposto" + filling materials" combinations with which it is manufactured, have been tested and have achieved the class 1.IM. It sometimes happens that materials tested by suppliers/manufacturers even if they have each obtained the best class, when tested together do not guarantee class 1.IM. If in the upholstered furniture there is also an "interposto" (a material placed between the cover and the filling materials and that has a thickness no more than 40 mm), the composite to be tested also includes this material.
4. Is there a document comparing UNI 9175 with similar standards in other countries?
No, there is not. It is always risky to make comparisons because tests may use different ignition sources (e.g. cigarette, gas flame, crib) and may be based on the observation of different parameters (e.g. post-combustion time, slow progressive combustion, mass loss).
If you have
any questions concerning other
upholstered furniture components (armrests, plywood panel, elastic straps, bottoming cloth, backrest nets) or
homologation for the Italian market, you will find answers in the FAQ section of our newsletter in the coming months... follow us!
For info:Daniele Barbiero
+39 0432 747256
[email protected]
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