Fire Reaction Testing for Cabin Interiors

What Is the Fire Reaction Testing for Cabin Interiors?

Fire reaction testing for cabin interiors in the aviation and rail industries is essential for verifying that cabin materials, seat cushions, and other interior components meet stringent fire safety standards. By evaluating how materials slow or prevent the spread of flames and minimise smoke and toxic gas emissions, these tests help safeguard passengers and crews in the event of a fire.

All test results must be thoroughly documented, certified, and approved by the relevant authorities. The fire tests are recognised and accepted by the aviation authorities EASA and FAA as well as NADCAP accredited. In the field of railway industry, Applus+ Laboratories is also ISO 17025 accredited for tests specified in EN 45545-2 standard.

What Fire Reaction Testing Do We Offer?

At Applus+ Laboratories, we offer a comprehensive range of Fire Reaction Testing services to support aircraft and rail projects:

• Vertical Flame Test: Assesses how long a material continues to burn and whether there is flame propagation when subjected to an open flame burner in a vertical test setup.
• Horizontal Flame Test: A burner flame is applied to a horizontal material to determine the burn rate for the material.
• Lateral Flame Spread Measurement: The material surface is exposed to an open flame and to radiative thermal stress in a vertical orientation. The test allows measurement of how far the flames have travelled across the surface and determines the critical heat flux at extinguishment.
• Smoke Production and Toxicity: Verifies the amount of smoke produced and assesses the toxicity of the smoke when materials burn, ensuring minimisation of harmful gases.
• Heat Release and Heat Release Rate: Determination of the rate of heat release by materials and products when exposed to radiative thermal stress.
• Flame Resistance: Exposes seat cushions to real flame conditions to measure burning speed.
• Testing of Wall and Ceiling Materials: Examines wall panelling and ceiling coverings for flame resistance and the ability to prevent the spread of flames.

Our laboratories can perform tests according to the following requirements and standards: CS 25 App. F Par I to VII, FAR 25 App. F Part I to VII and EN 45545-2.

What Are the Advantages of Fire Reaction Testing?

Fire Reaction Testing provides several key benefits for aircraft and rail applications:

• Enhanced Safety: Verifies that materials meet rigorous fire safety standards, protecting passengers and crews.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensures compliance with EASA, FAA, NADCAP, and other global authorities, reducing the risk of delays or refusals in approval.
• Early Issue Detection: Identifies potential risks during development, helping prevent costly redesigns.
• Long-Term Reliability: Validates material performance over time, especially under extreme temperatures or flame exposure.
• Cost Savings: Demonstrates compliance to reduce rework, expedite approvals, and streamline certification.

Why Choose Applus+ Laboratories for Fire Reaction Testing?

With our proven expertise in Fire Reaction Testing for aviation and rail, Applus+ Laboratories offers a world-class service to support your certification and design processes:

• Extensive Accreditations: Recognised by EASA, FAA, and NADCAP, and fully compliant with CS 25, FAR 25, ABD0031, and EN 45545 requirements, as well as R1 to R26.
• In-House Expertise: Our team of fire testing specialists combines technical know-how with many years of practical experience, ensuring rigorous, reliable assessments.
• Comprehensive Testing Services: We cover every aspect of flame, smoke, toxicity, and heat resistance testing, offering an all-in-one solution.
• Collaborative Approach: We work closely with your design and engineering teams to identify potential risks and optimise solutions early, reducing time to market.
• Global Reach: Our laboratory network spans multiple locations, enabling us to support your projects wherever they are based, with consistent, high-quality services.

Choose Applus+ Laboratories for your Fire Reaction Testing for Cabin Interiors and benefit from faster approvals, reliable compliance, and enhanced safety across your aviation and rail programmes.