Flammability Testing
Reduce the incidence of product related fires
The flammability of materials and finished products used in commercial, industrial and residential settings represent an important consideration in overall efforts to minimise the risk of injuries and deaths attributable to fires. Regardless of their specific composition, materials can serve as a source of fire ignition when placed in close contact with heat, or as fuel for an emerging fire. Some materials are more resistant to ignition sources than others, or burn less rapidly or self-extinguish more quickly. Therefore, manufacturers should evaluate different types of materials to reduce the likelihood of fires associated with the use of their products.
Flammability testing is the principle way to determine how easily a material or finished product will ignite or burn when placed or used in close proximity to fire or heat. Flammability testing actually covers a number of different testing protocols and methods intended to measure a material’s specific vulnerability, including its susceptibility to an ignition source, its propensity to combust, and the rate at which it will burn when ignited. These and other characteristics are evaluated to determine whether a specific material or finished product may safely be used as intended without contributing to a risk of fire.
The U.S., the European Union (EU) and other countries have introduced regulations establishing minimum flammability requirements for many types of materials and finished products. Although the specifics of these regulations differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, the intent is the same, that is, to reduce unnecessary deaths and injuries associated with fires. Compliance with these requirements is generally demonstrated through reports of flammability testing conducted by independent third-parties. Jurisdictions also usually require specific warning labels regarding a product’s intended use. Failure to comply with these requirements can prevent market access, or lead to enforcement actions by regulatory authorities.
TÜV SÜD’s state-of-the-art, ISO 17025 accredited flammability testing laboratories can evaluate products and materials according U.S. and EU flammability requirements. We are equipped to test a wide range of fabrics and textiles, consumer and industrial garments and other wearing apparel, as well as furniture products, furnishings and toys. Our testing services can help ensure compliance with applicable regulations, avoid unnecessary delays in bringing new products to market, and preclude costly enforcement actions.
TÜV SÜD’s flammability testing services include testing for a number of fire-related properties, including the following:
- Ignition susceptibility
- Burn rate
- Flame spread
- Combustibility
- “Flash over” point
TÜV SÜD’s global reach also enables us to support supply chain oversight efforts worldwide, and to help ensure that sourced products and materials meet flammability regulations as well as your other requirements and specifications.
TÜV SÜD is a trusted partner to companies ranging from global manufacturers to regional and local research and development firms. Our team of specialists works with you through the entire product development cycle to add value and help you to deliver safe and reliable products. TÜV SÜD technical professionals are actively involved in international advisory boards and standards development activities, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of current and changing requirements.
Represented in over 800 locations worldwide, TÜV SÜD has an unsurpassed track record of meeting and exceeding the requirements and expectations of our client companies. The TÜV SÜD brand and our distinctive blue octagon mark are instantly recognised around the globe as symbols of quality and safety, and will increase customer confidence in your brand.
Flammability testing is the principle way to determine how easily a material or finished product will ignite or burn when placed or used in close proximity to fire or heat. Flammability testing actually covers a number of different testing protocols and methods intended to measure a material’s specific vulnerability, including its susceptibility to an ignition source, its propensity to combust, and the rate at which it will burn when ignited. These and other characteristics are evaluated to determine whether a specific material or finished product may safely be used as intended without contributing to a risk of fire.
The U.S., the European Union (EU) and other countries have introduced regulations establishing minimum flammability requirements for many types of materials and finished products. Although the specifics of these regulations differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, the intent is the same, that is, to reduce unnecessary deaths and injuries associated with fires. Compliance with these requirements is generally demonstrated through reports of flammability testing conducted by independent third-parties. Jurisdictions also usually require specific warning labels regarding a product’s intended use. Failure to comply with these requirements can prevent market access, or lead to enforcement actions by regulatory authorities.
TÜV SÜD’s state-of-the-art, ISO 17025 accredited flammability testing laboratories can evaluate products and materials according U.S. and EU flammability requirements. We are equipped to test a wide range of fabrics and textiles, consumer and industrial garments and other wearing apparel, as well as furniture products, furnishings and toys. Our testing services can help ensure compliance with applicable regulations, avoid unnecessary delays in bringing new products to market, and preclude costly enforcement actions.
TÜV SÜD’s flammability testing services include testing for a number of fire-related properties, including the following:
- Ignition susceptibility
- Burn rate
- Flame spread
- Combustibility
- “Flash over” point
TÜV SÜD’s global reach also enables us to support supply chain oversight efforts worldwide, and to help ensure that sourced products and materials meet flammability regulations as well as your other requirements and specifications.
TÜV SÜD is a trusted partner to companies ranging from global manufacturers to regional and local research and development firms. Our team of specialists works with you through the entire product development cycle to add value and help you to deliver safe and reliable products. TÜV SÜD technical professionals are actively involved in international advisory boards and standards development activities, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of current and changing requirements.
Represented in over 800 locations worldwide, TÜV SÜD has an unsurpassed track record of meeting and exceeding the requirements and expectations of our client companies. The TÜV SÜD brand and our distinctive blue octagon mark are instantly recognised around the globe as symbols of quality and safety, and will increase customer confidence in your brand.
Your benefits at a glance
- Save time and money - by identifying compliance considerations at the earliest possible stages of the product development process.
- Minimise risks - by avoiding supply chain problems that can result in product recalls and reputational harm.
- Gain a competitive edge - by delivering products of consistent quality and safety, without compromising time to market.
- Benefit from complete solutions - by utilising our full range of testing, certification and auditing services
- Achieve global support - by leveraging TÜV SÜD’s worldwide expertise in regulations and requirements, regardless of where your products are manufactured or sold.