Rug flammability, explained

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Two standards

The CPSC says the Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs (16 CFR Part 1630) and the Standard for the Surface Flammability of Small Carpets and Rugs (16 CFR Part 1631) "provide a test to determine the surface flammability of carpets and rugs when exposed to a small ignition source."

Which one applies

The CPSC says small carpets and rugs are those with no dimension greater than 6 ft. and an area not greater than 24 sq. ft. Part 1630 covers carpets and rugs with one dimension greater than 6 ft. and a surface area greater than 24 sq. ft.

The pill test

Both standards test eight specimens, using a methenamine tablet as the standard igniting source, under draft-protected conditions. A specimen passes if the charred portion does not extend to within 1.0 inch of the edge of the hole in the flattening frame at any point. At least seven of the eight specimens must meet that criterion.

When a small rug does not pass

Part 1631 says a small carpet or rug that does not meet its acceptance criterion shall, before it enters commerce, be permanently labeled: "FLAMMABLE (FAILS U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE STANDARD FF 2-70): SHOULD NOT BE USED NEAR SOURCES OF IGNITION."

Fire-retardant treatment

Both standards say that if a carpet or rug has had a fire-retardant treatment, or is made of fibers that have, it shall be labeled with the letter "T". The T marks a treatment, not a fire rating, and it does not mean the rug will not burn. We do not point readers to flame-retardant rugs.

Exclusions

Part 1630 says: "One of a kind, carpet or rug, such as an antique, an Oriental, or a hide, may be excluded from testing under this Standard pursuant to conditions established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission." Part 1631 has the same exclusion for small carpets and rugs. Exclusion from testing is not a pass.

What the test covers

Part 1630 describes its test as one for surface flammability when exposed to a standard small source of ignition under carefully prescribed draft-protected conditions. Both standards say they apply to all types of carpets and rugs used as floor covering materials, whatever their fiber or method of fabrication. Meeting the standard does not make a rug fireproof or flame resistant, and we do not describe any rug or fiber that way.

Sources: CPSC, Flammable Fabrics Act (FFA) business guidance; eCFR, 16 CFR Part 1630, Standard for the Surface Flammability of Carpets and Rugs (FF 1-70); eCFR, 16 CFR Part 1631, Standard for the Surface Flammability of Small Carpets and Rugs (FF 2-70).

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