CAL TB 133 Test

CAL TB 133 is a written standard developed in 1984 outlining flammability test procedures for upholstered furniture in public occupancies. It was issued in 1991 as full scale “composite” test of an actual fully upholstered piece of furniture. An open flame gas burner is impinged on the vertical and horizontal seating surfaces for 80 seconds. If any of the following criteria is exceeded, the seating furniture fails.

• A maximum heat release of 80 kilowatts or greater
• A total heat release rate of 25 mega joules or greater in the first 10 minutes of the test
• Greater than 75% smoke opacity at the four foot level
• Carbon Monoxide concentration of 1000ppm or greater for 5 minutes
• Weight loss due to combustion of 3 lbs. or greater in the first 10 minutes of the test
• Temperature increase of 200 degrees Fahrenheit or greater at the ceiling
• Temperature increase of 50 degrees Fahrenheit or greater at the 4 foot level

How Firewall® Works for CAL TB 133

       Firewall® barriers are “active” barriers. They work by combining the following mechanisms:

• Preventing the ignition source from burning through the barrier to the polyurethane foam
• Heat reflection of the burning composite away from the polyurethane foam preventing auto ignition from severe heat.
• Flame retardant activity to extinguish the outer upholstery fabric.

Combined, these mechanisms reduce the length of time that the CAL TB 133 test lasts. Less smoke is generated because the outer fabric is often quickly extinguished. Less heat is given off and the ceiling and 4 foot pyrometer measurements are lower. Carbon monoxide levels and levels of other combustion gases are reduced. A safer environment in the room of an actual fire will mean more time to react and lives saved.

British Standard 5852-1990  continued as BS 5852-2006

The British Standard 5852-1990 was adopted as a test to regulate the flammability of all upholstered furniture in the UK.  Different ignition sources are used to test the flammability of a mock up seat.  The seat is constructed with upholstery fabric covering polyurethane foam.  The portions of the test for residential upholstered furniture are less stringent than for commercial furniture used in public buildings.  The sources of ignition for residential furniture are a cigarette and a small flame with a 20 second exposure.  The sources ignition for testing seating in public buildings are small wooden "cribs" of various heights.  The cribs burn for 5-10 minutes in the corner of the horizontal and vertical seating surfaces.  If during the test,  the polyurethane foam ignites or the upholstery fabric burns to the outer edge of the mock up,  the test fails.

How FIREWALL Works For BS 5852

Firewall barriers are "active" barriers.  They work to comply with BS 5852 by combining the following mechanisms:

1.  Preventing the ignition source from burning through the barrier and igniting the polyurethane foam.

2.  Heat reflection of the burning composite away from the polyurethane foam preventing auto ignition.

3.  Flame retartant activity to extinguish the outer upholstery fabric before it burns to the perimeter of the test seat.

Combined, these mechanisms prevent breach of the barrier during testing. In most instances, with proper selection of our Firewall barriers, the upholstery fabric is extinguished. This can only be accomplished by the most "active" barriers. Firewall barriers are the most robust barriers available.