EN 1103:2005

Overview

EN 1103:2005 is a European Standard developed by CEN that defines a detailed procedure for determining the burning behaviour of textiles used in apparel, excluding protective clothing. This standard focuses on testing fabrics both before and after cleansing, utilizing the surface ignition test outlined in EN ISO 6941. The primary objective is to assess fabric ignitability and flame spread under controlled conditions, providing manufacturers, retailers, and regulators with critical information about fire safety characteristics in textile apparel.

Key Topics

• Scope and Purpose: Applies exclusively to textiles for everyday apparel, excluding any protective or flame-retardant specialties. It addresses burning behaviour before and after washing or dry cleaning to simulate real-life use.
• Sample Preparation: Six test specimens are cut from fabric (three in the length and three in the width direction). Specimens must be conditioned under standardized temperature and humidity before testing to ensure consistency.
• Cleansing Procedures: Specimens are washed or dry-cleaned according to defined ISO laundering procedures based on care labels. This ensures testing reflects realistic post-care fabric conditions.
• Test Methodology: Based on EN ISO 6941 surface ignition test with modifications-propane gas flame applied for 10 seconds, specific marker threads monitored for flame spread, and pile fabrics shaken to remove loose fibers prior to testing.
• Measurement and Reporting: Burning characteristics recorded include time to sever marker threads, occurrence of surface flash, after-flame times, and ignition of filter paper placed beneath specimens. All data must be included in the official test report with clear specimen identification and testing conditions.
• Limitations: KNitted fabrics may pose repeatability challenges due to fabric sagging during testing, which can affect accurate flame distance control. Such instances require notation and potential modifications in mounting methods.

Applications

• Textile and Apparel Industry: EN 1103:2005 provides manufacturers with a standard approach to evaluate and document the fire safety performance of woven and knitted fabrics intended for clothing, supporting safer material selection and product design.
• Quality Assurance: Ensures apparel fabrics comply with fire behaviour expectations before market release, helping brands meet consumer safety requirements and regulatory expectations.
• Research & Development: Facilitates development of new textile products with enhanced flame resistance by enabling comparative analysis of burning behaviour pre- and post-cleaning treatments.
• Regulatory Compliance: Supports harmonized testing protocols across Europe, enabling consistent national implementation and enforcement of fabric burning behaviour standards to reduce fire hazards in everyday apparel.

Related Standards

• EN ISO 6941:2003 - The foundational flame spread test method for vertically oriented textile specimens used as the basis for EN 1103 burning behaviour assessment.
• EN ISO 6330:2000 - Domestic washing and drying procedures critical for specimen pre-conditioning in accordance with EN 1103 requirements.
• EN ISO 3175 (Parts 2, 3, 4) - Professional dry-cleaning and wet-cleaning procedures providing cleansing protocols for flame testing fabrics labeled for dry-clean only care.

By adhering to EN 1103:2005, textile producers and apparel manufacturers ensure a standardized, reliable method for evaluating fabric ignition and flame spread-a vital component in fashion safety compliance and consumer protection.