Find the standard.
Use this guide and your local code reference to identify which test the AHJ will accept.
PERFORMANCE / WITH CLARITY
Contract Fabric Fire Rating Guide
A practical starting point for hanging textiles, upholstered components and textile wall systems. The accepted test depends on the application, assembly, adopted code and authority having jurisdiction.
Parker’s current catalog is a working concept collection. Performance labels are targets until Parker supplies a current report for the exact textile, color and finish.
AT A GLANCE
Which standard do you need?
The short version: the standard depends on what the fabric does, where it hangs or sits, and what state the project is in. This table is a starting point — always verify with the AHJ.
Swipe to compare all columns →
| Standard | What it tests | Typical application | What to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFPA 701 | Flame propagation of textiles and films | Commonly cited for drapery, curtains and other hanging textiles | Exact textile, color, finish, test method and current report |
| Cal TB 117-2013 | Smolder resistance of upholstered-furniture components | Cover fabrics, filling, barriers and decking materials used in upholstered furniture | Component role, current label/report and complete furniture requirements |
| NFPA 260 | Cigarette-ignition resistance of upholstered-furniture components | Cover fabric and other listed furniture components | Class, component tested and whether an assembly test is also required |
| ASTM E84 | Surface-burning characteristics of building materials | Some textile wall and ceiling covering systems | Exact substrate, adhesive, mounting method and assembly classification |
| Cal TB 133 — historical | Full-scale upholstered-furniture fire performance | Legacy or voluntary specifications; California repealed the requirement in 2019 | Whether the current project still cites it and which complete assembly was tested |
| CPAI-84 | Flame resistance of camping tentage materials | Camping tents; not a general marine or outdoor-hospitality standard | The actual product category and governing authority |
FIRE RATING FAQ
Questions designers ask us most
What is the difference between NFPA 701 and Cal TB 133?
NFPA 701 evaluates flame propagation of textiles and films and is commonly referenced for hanging applications. Cal TB 133 was a full-scale upholstered-furniture test; California repealed its regulatory requirement in 2019. A legacy specification may still cite it, but neither result substitutes for the current requirement for the actual application and assembly.
Do I need Cal TB 133 or Cal TB 117-2013 for hotel seating?
California repealed the TB 133 public-occupancy requirement effective January 22, 2019. TB 117-2013 addresses smolder resistance of upholstered-furniture components and remains part of California furniture requirements. Projects can impose additional criteria, so confirm the current code, owner standard and complete furniture assembly with the authority having jurisdiction.
What fire test does a hospital privacy curtain need?
NFPA 701 is commonly referenced for privacy and cubicle curtains because they are hanging textiles. The adopted code, facility standard and exact curtain construction control the requirement. Confirm the accepted method and current report with the facility and authority having jurisdiction.
What does NFPA 260 (or UFAC Class I) mean for upholstery fabric?
NFPA 260 classifies the cigarette-ignition resistance of upholstered-furniture components under specified conditions. It addresses smoldering ignition, not open-flame spread or the performance of a complete furniture item.
What fire standard applies to outdoor hospitality fabric?
Outdoor and marine requirements depend on whether the textile is seating, shade, drapery, an enclosure or part of a vessel. CPAI-84 is a camping-tentage specification and should not be treated as a default marine standard. Identify the application, vessel or building authority, weather exposure and exact assembly before selecting tests.
Can a single fabric meet both NFPA 701 and Cal TB 133?
A textile can have reports under more than one method, but a fabric-only record cannot establish the result of a full furniture or wall assembly. Match each report to the tested color, finish, substrate and construction, then confirm that it applies to the proposed installation.
What is ASTM E84 Class A, and when is it required for wall panels?
ASTM E84 measures surface-burning characteristics of building materials. For textile wall or ceiling systems, specimen preparation and mounting matter; evaluate the exact covering, substrate, adhesive and mounting method required by the project rather than treating a loose-fabric result as approval of the finished assembly.
How do I know which fire standard my project actually needs?
Start with the occupancy, jurisdiction and exact application: hanging textile, upholstered component, complete furniture item, wall system, outdoor structure or vessel interior. Then confirm the adopted code, owner requirements, accepted test method and current report with the authority having jurisdiction. Parker can help organize the documentation, but the project authority makes the final determination.
NEXT STEP
Not sure which path applies?
Tell us the project type, location, and application. We'll help you identify the likely performance path — and the fabrics that can meet it.
Talk to the Parker team ↗Select the fabric.
Parker listings identify working performance targets. Request the current test report for the exact textile before relying on any listed result.
Confirm the report.
Request the current test report before finalizing the spec. Test results can expire or be superseded.