NFPA 701

Abstract

<strong>Test Method&#160;1.</strong> <br>Test Method 1 shall apply to materials with an areal density less than or equal to 700 g/m² (21 oz/yd2), including the following: <br>(1) Fabrics or other materials used in curtains, draperies, or other window treatments <br>(2) Single-layer fabrics <br>(3) Multilayer curtain and drapery assemblies in which the layers are fastened together by sewing or other means <br>(4) Where required, fabrics with an areal density less than or equal to 700 g/m² (21 oz/yd²) and used in other construction applications&#160; <br>Test Method 1 shall not apply to the following, which shall be tested according to Test Method 2: <br>(1) Vinyl-coated fabric blackout linings or lined draperies using a vinyl-coated fabric blackout lining <br>(2) Plastic films <br>(3) Decorative materials other than fabrics <br>(4) Other materials where Test Method 2 is required by 1.1.2&#160; <br>Test Method 2. 1.1.2.1 Test Method 2 (flat specimen configuration) shall apply to the following: <br>(1) Decorative materials other than fabrics meeting the requirements of 1.1.1.1 <br>(2) 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) <br>(3) Vinyl-coated fabric blackout linings and lined draperies using a vinyl-coated fabric blackout lining <br>(4) Plastic films <br>(5) Fabrics, with or without reinforcement or backing, used for decorative or other purposes inside a building or as temporary or permanent enclosures for buildings under construction <br>(6) Fabrics used in the assembly of awnings, tents, tarps, membrane structures or banners <br><strong>Test Method 2</strong> shall not apply to the following: <br>(1) Materials covered by Test Method 1 (See 1.1.1.) <br>(2) Wall coverings, ceiling coverings, floor coverings, and other interior finish&#160; <br>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.&#160; <br>Test Method 2 shall apply to fabrics used in the assembly of awnings, tents, tarps, and similar architectural fabric structures and banners.&#160; <br><strong>Test Methods 1 and 2</strong>&#160; <br>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.&#160; <br>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 ASTM E84, <em>Standard Test Method for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials</em>, ANSI/UL 723, <em>Standard Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials</em>, NFPA 265, or NFPA 286, whichever is required by the authority having jurisdiction. <br><strong>Purpose</strong>.&#160; <br>The purpose of Test Methods 1 and 2 shall be to assess the propagation of flame beyond the area exposed to the ignition source. <br>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.