NFPA 701 Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films

1.1* Scope.

1.1.1 Test Method 1.

1.1.1.1 Test Method 1 shall apply to fabrics or other materials used in curtains, draperies, or other window treatments. Vinylcoated
fabric blackout linings shall be tested according to Test Method 2.

1.1.1.2 Test Method 1 shall apply to single-layer fabrics and to multilayer curtain and drapery assemblies in which the layers are
fastened together by sewing or other means. Vinyl-coated fabric blackout linings shall be tested according to Test Method 2.

1.1.1.3 Test Method 1 shall apply to the following textile items:
(1) Table skirts
(2) Table linens
(3) Display booth separators
(4) Textile wall hangings

1.1.1.4 Test Method 1 shall not apply to specimens having an areal density greater than 700 g/m2 (21 oz/yd2).

1.1.1.5 For the purposes of Test Method 1, the terms curtains,draperies, or other types of window treatments, where used,
shall include, but not be limited to, the following items:
(1) Window curtains
(2) Stage or theater curtains
(3) Vertical folding shades
(4) Roll-type window shades
(5) Hospital privacy curtains
(6) Window draperies
(7) Fabric vertical shades or blinds
(8) Horizontal folding shades
(9) Swags
(10) Fabric horizontal shades or blinds

1.1.2 Test Method 2.

1.1.2.1 Test Method 2 (flat specimen configuration) shall be used for fabrics, including multilayered fabrics, films, and
plastic blinds, with or without reinforcement or backing, with areal densities greater than 700 g/m2 (21 oz/yd2).

1.1.2.2 Test Method 2 shall be used for testing vinyl-coated fabric blackout linings and lined draperies using a vinylcoated
fabric blackout lining.

1.1.2.3 Test Method 2 shall be used for testing plastic films, with or without reinforcement or backing, when used for decorative
or other purposes inside a building or as temporary or permanent enclosures for buildings under construction.

1.1.2.4 Test Method 2 shall apply to fabrics used in the assembly of awnings, tents, tarps, and similar architectural fabric
structures and banners.

1.1.3 Test Methods 1 and 2.

1.1.3.1 When durability to cleaning or weathering is claimed, the textile or material shall be tested for flame propagation as
produced and after being subjected to the applicable cleaning or exposure procedures, in accordance with Chapter 16.

1.1.3.2 For materials that are to be applied to surfaces of buildings or backing materials that are to be used in buildings
as interior finishes, the test textiles and films shall be tested and classified in accordance with NFPA255, Standard Method of
Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, or NFPA 265, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire
Growth Contribution of Textile Coverings on Full Height Panels and Walls, whichever is required by the authority having jurisdiction.

1.2* Purpose.

1.2.1 The purpose of Test Methods 1 and 2 shall be to assess the propagation of flame beyond the area exposed to the ignition
source.

1.2.2 Test Methods 1 and 2 shall not be deemed to indicate whether the material tested resists the propagation of flame
under more severe fire exposure conditions or when the material is used in a manner that differs from the test conditions.