How to get a TB 117-2013 Test Report?

The California TB 117-2013 flammability standard has been upgraded and incorporated into U.S. federal regulations under 16 CFR 1640. This standard applies to the federal requirements for upholstered furniture products in the U.S. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)issued the regulation 16 CFR 1640 for the flammability of upholstered furniture, which officially came into effect on June 25, 2021. All upholstered furniture imported to or sold within the United States (excluding mattresses and bed frames) must meet the California TB 117-2013 flammability test requirements.

Scope of TB 117-2013

- Upholstered furniture / seating furniture

- Indoor-use upholstered furniture

- Movable or fixed upholstered furniture

- Furniture with padded seats, backs, or armrests

- Furniture products intended for children

About 16 CFR 1640

16 CFR 1640is a regulation issued by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), also known as the flammability standard for upholstered furniture. The main purpose of this regulation is to reduce the burning rate and smoke generation of upholstered furniture during a fire, thereby improving consumer safety.

Specifically, 16 CFR 1640stipulates that upholstered furniture (including chairs, sofas, beds, etc.) must meet certain flammability performance requirements, which include but are not limited to:

1. Burning Rate:The burning speed of upholstered furniture when exposed to a fire source must be controlled to limit the spread of flames.

2. Smoke Generation:The amount of smoke produced during burning must be limited to reduce health risks to people.

3. Flame Spread:The surface materials and fillings of the furniture must have certain flame-retardant properties to prevent rapid fire spread across the furniture.

TB 117-2013 Test Method

1. Ignition Simulation:Use a special cigarette (standard smoldering source) as the ignition source, placed on the material surface or in seams.

2. Test Duration:Observe for 30 minutesand record whether sustained burning or flame spread occurs.

3. Evaluation Criteria:

 - Pass:Smoldering does not extend beyond the test area and self-extinguishes within 10 minutes.

 - Fail:Smoldering spreads more than 13 mm, or burning time exceeds 10 minutes.

Key Indicators:Smoldering spread rate, degree of material charring, self-extinguishing capability.

The flammability of furniture mainly depends on soft fillings such as foam, fiber, latex, and fabric. Across different countries and regions, flammability requirements and tests for upholstered furniture generally simulate the furniture’s response to accidental fire sources like cigarettes or matches. Typical test metrics include burning time, mass loss, and burn damage.

Sofa Furniture Flammability Test Procedure

1. Confirm testing cost and duration.

2. Prepare samplesand fill out the application form.

3. Sign the contractand pay the fees.

4. JJR laboratory conducts the testing.

5. Upon completion, a draft reportis issued.

6. The final official reportis sent.