ISO 8191-2:1988

Overview

ISO 8191-2:1988 specifies a laboratory test method to assess the ignitability of upholstered furniture materials when exposed to a small flame equivalent to a burning match (the “match-flame equivalent”). The standard targets combinations of cover, interliner and filling materials used in upholstered seating, measuring the ignition behaviour of the composite assembly on a stylized test rig - not the performance of a finished furniture item. Annexes are informative only and do not form part of the standard.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Ignition source: a gas-flame burner designed to approximate a match flame. Burner tube details: stainless steel tube (approx. 8.0 mm OD, 6.5 mm ID, 200 mm length); calibrated gas flow of 45 ± 2 ml/min (propane or butane).
• Test rig geometry: hinged frames to represent seat/back junction; mesh platform and specified frame dimensions and clearances to reproduce typical upholstery construction.
• Specimen dimensions:
  • Cover size: 800 × 650 mm with specified cut-outs and orientation;
  • Two filling assemblies: 450 × 300 × 75 mm and 450 × 150 × 75 mm (thickness = 75 mm simulated upper layer).
• Conditioning and testing atmospheres: specimens conditioned 16 h in standardized atmospheres (options include 20 °C/65 % RH, preferred 23 °C/50 % RH); test temperature 10–30 °C and 15–80 % RH.
• Ignition criteria and definitions:
  • Progressive smouldering (self-propagating exothermic oxidation without flaming) and flaming ignition (gaseous combustion with light) are defined and classified;
  • Smouldering or flaming that ceases within 120 s after burner removal is disregarded;
  • Tests observed up to 1 hour; progressive smouldering/flaming within this period is recorded as ignition.
• Safety & apparatus: tests should be done in a non-combustible fume cupboard or enclosure (>20 m³ or controlled airflow 0.02–0.2 m/s), with extinguishing means available. Timing accuracy of 1 s for at least 1 hour is required.
• Reporting: results include whether ignition occurred, damage extents (length, width, depth), conditioning details, and special burning features.

Applications and users

ISO 8191-2 is used by:

• Furniture and upholstery manufacturers for material selection and internal quality checks
• Independent test laboratories performing ignitability testing
• Material suppliers assessing covers, interliners and fillings
• Fire safety engineers and regulatory authorities evaluating compliance and risk Practical uses include screening materials for low ignitability, comparing material combinations, and documenting test evidence for design and safety decisions.

Related standards

• ISO 8191 (series) - other parts cover larger ignition sources and test methods
• ISO 139 - referenced for standard atmospheres for conditioning and testing

Keywords: ISO 8191-2, upholstered furniture ignitability, match-flame equivalent, upholstery fire test, ignition test method, smouldering, flaming ignition.