Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour — Determination of ease of ignition of vertically oriented specimens

ISO 6940:2004 specifies a method for the measurement of ease of ignition of vertically oriented textile fabrics and industrial products in the form of single or multi-component fabrics (coated, quilted, multilayered, sandwich constructions, and similar combinations), when subjected to a small, defined flame. This method assesses the properties of textile fabrics in response to flame contact under controlled conditions.

Étoffes — Comportement au feu — Détermination de la facilité d'allumage d'éprouvettes orientées verticalement

L'ISO 6940:2004 spécifie une méthode permettant de mesurer la facilité d'allumage des étoffes et produits industriels orientés verticalement par rapport à une flamme définie de petite taille; il peut s'agir d'étoffes simples ou complexes (textiles enduits, ouatés, multicouches, en sandwich et autres structures similaires). Cette méthode permet d'évaluer les propriétés des étoffes en réaction à un contact avec la flamme dans des conditions contrôlées

General Information

Status
Not Published
Technical Committee
ISO/TC 38 - Textiles
Drafting Committee
ISO/TC 38 - Textiles
Current Stage
5020 - FDIS ballot initiated: 2 months. Proof sent to secretariat
Start Date
30-Jan-2026
Completion Date
30-Jan-2026

Relations

Effective Date
12-Feb-2026
Effective Date
21-Sep-2024

Overview

ISO/FDIS 6940 is an international standard titled "Textile fabrics - Burning behaviour - Determination of ease of ignition of vertically oriented specimens", developed by ISO Technical Committee ISO/TC 38. This standard specifies a rigorous method for assessing how easily vertically oriented textile fabrics ignite when exposed to a small, defined flame. It applies to single or multi-component textile structures including coated, quilted, multilayered, and sandwich constructions.

The method evaluates the burning behaviour of textile fabrics under controlled conditions by applying a defined flame to the fabric’s surface or bottom edge and measuring the ignition response. This helps manufacturers, testing laboratories, and regulatory agencies ensure product safety and compliance related to fire risks in textiles.

Key Topics

  • Scope and Application: The standard measures the ease of ignition of vertical textile specimens relevant for fabrics used in apparel, furnishings, and industrial products. It covers varied textile constructions but is limited to small flame exposure and controlled lab atmospheres.

  • Test Principles: A precisely calibrated gas burner applies flame to the fabric, and specimens are mounted vertically using a standardized holder. The time until ignition occurs (mean ignition time) is recorded to quantify ease of ignition.

  • Apparatus Requirements:

    • Mounting frame and gas burner detailed in normed figures.
    • Test specimen holder using pins to hold a 200 mm × 80 mm sample.
    • Timing devices with accuracy of 0.2 seconds for flame application and afterflame measurement.
  • Testing Conditions and Procedures:

    • Specimens conditioned at 20 °C and 65% relative humidity.
    • Testing atmosphere controlled to avoid external influences.
    • Procedures include surface ignition and bottom edge ignition methods.
    • Sampling requires at least 10 to 12 specimens per test orientation to ensure statistical validity.
  • Health and Safety: Recommendations for adequate ventilation and operator safety due to smoke and toxic fumes generated during testing.

  • Data Analysis: The mean ignition time is calculated as a weighted mean of ignition occurrences, helping evaluate material inflammability performance objectively.

Applications

ISO 6940 serves a critical role in industries where fire safety of textile products is essential, including:

  • Textile Manufacturing: Helps fabric manufacturers assess and improve flame retardancy characteristics of fabrics before market release.
  • Quality Control: Enables testing labs to verify compliance with client and regulatory fire safety requirements.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Supports adherence to fire safety regulations and standards for textiles used in clothing, upholstery, curtains, and technical textiles.
  • Product Development: Guides R&D teams in developing safer textiles by quantifying ease of ignition under controlled flame exposure.
  • Safety Certifications: Essential for certifying textiles in safety-critical environments such as public transportation, healthcare, and hospitality sectors.

Related Standards

ISO/FDIS 6940 complements a body of textile burning behaviour standards, including:

  • ISO 4880 – Burning behaviour of textiles and textile products - Vocabulary, which provides consistent terminology.
  • Other textile burning test methods measuring related parameters like flame spread time and afterflame time.
  • Standards addressing the burning behaviour of horizontally oriented specimens or larger flame sources.
  • National and regional fire safety codes that reference ISO methods for textile testing.

By following ISO/FDIS 6940, organizations can reliably evaluate the fire safety performance of vertically oriented textile specimens, contributing to safer products and environments. The standard is essential for those seeking accurate, repeatable testing of ignition properties under defined flame exposure conditions.

Draft

ISO/FDIS 6940 - Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour — Determination of ease of ignition of vertically oriented specimens Released:16. 01. 2026

English language
14 pages
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Draft

REDLINE ISO/FDIS 6940 - Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour — Determination of ease of ignition of vertically oriented specimens Released:16. 01. 2026

English language
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Draft

ISO/FDIS 6940 - Étoffes — Comportement au feu — Détermination de la facilité d'allumage d'éprouvettes orientées verticalement Released:6. 02. 2026

French language
16 pages
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Frequently Asked Questions

ISO/FDIS 6940 is a draft published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Its full title is "Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour — Determination of ease of ignition of vertically oriented specimens". This standard covers: ISO 6940:2004 specifies a method for the measurement of ease of ignition of vertically oriented textile fabrics and industrial products in the form of single or multi-component fabrics (coated, quilted, multilayered, sandwich constructions, and similar combinations), when subjected to a small, defined flame. This method assesses the properties of textile fabrics in response to flame contact under controlled conditions.

ISO 6940:2004 specifies a method for the measurement of ease of ignition of vertically oriented textile fabrics and industrial products in the form of single or multi-component fabrics (coated, quilted, multilayered, sandwich constructions, and similar combinations), when subjected to a small, defined flame. This method assesses the properties of textile fabrics in response to flame contact under controlled conditions.

ISO/FDIS 6940 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 13.220.40 - Ignitability and burning behaviour of materials and products; 59.080.30 - Textile fabrics. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.

ISO/FDIS 6940 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to FprEN ISO 6940, ISO 6940:2004. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.

ISO/FDIS 6940 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.

Standards Content (Sample)


FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 38
Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour
Secretariat: SAC
— Determination of ease of ignition
Voting begins on:
of vertically oriented specimens
2026-01-30
Étoffes textiles — Comportement au feu — Détermination de la
Voting terminates on:
facilité d'allumage d'éprouvettes orientées verticalement
2026-03-27
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
Reference number
FINAL DRAFT
International
Standard
ISO/TC 38
Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour
Secretariat: SAC
— Determination of ease of ignition
Voting begins on:
of vertically oriented specimens
Étoffes textiles — Comportement au feu — Détermination de la
Voting terminates on:
facilité d'allumage d'éprouvettes orientées verticalement
RECIPIENTS OF THIS DRAFT ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT,
WITH THEIR COMMENTS, NOTIFICATION OF ANY
RELEVANT PATENT RIGHTS OF WHICH THEY ARE AWARE
AND TO PROVIDE SUPPOR TING DOCUMENTATION.
© ISO 2026
IN ADDITION TO THEIR EVALUATION AS
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication may
BEING ACCEPTABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL, TECHNO­
ISO/CEN PARALLEL PROCESSING
LOGICAL, COMMERCIAL AND USER PURPOSES, DRAFT
be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, or posting on
INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS MAY ON OCCASION HAVE
the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO at the address below
TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT OF THEIR POTENTIAL
or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
TO BECOME STAN DARDS TO WHICH REFERENCE MAY BE
MADE IN NATIONAL REGULATIONS.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: +41 22 749 01 11
Email: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland Reference number
ii
Contents Page
Foreword .iv
Introduction .v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Apparatus . 2
5.6 Timing devices .2
6 Cautionary measure . 4
6.1 Construction of testing equipment . .4
6.2 Location of test apparatus.4
6.3 Health and safety of test operators .4
7 Sampling . 5
7.1 Number of test specimens .5
7.2 Test specimen holder pin location marks .5
7.3 Test specimen size .5
8 Conditioning and testing atmosphere. 5
8.1 Conditioning.5
8.2 Testing atmosphere .5
9 Setting up the apparatus . 6
9.1 Procedure A (Surface ignition).6
9.1.1 Mounting of the test specimen .6
9.1.2 Operating position of the burner .6
9.1.3 Flame adjustment — Horizontal reach .6
9.1.4 Flame position .6
9.2 Procedure B (Bottom edge ignition) .6
9.2.1 Mounting of the test specimen .6
9.2.2 Operating position of the burner .6
9.2.3 Flame adjustment — vertical flame height .7
9.2.4 Flame position .7
10 Test procedure . 8
10.1 Surface ignition .8
10.2 Bottom edge ignition.9
11 Calculation of the mean ignition time . 9
12 Precision . 10
13 Test report . 10
Annex A (normative) Description and construction of the burner .11
Annex B (informative) Calculation of mean ignition time — Work example .12
Annex C (informative) Experimental techniques .13
Bibliography . 14

iii
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee
has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations,
governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely
with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types
of ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent
rights in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO had not received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that
this may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 38, Textiles, in collaboration with the European
Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 248, Textiles and textile products, in
accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 6940:2004), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— Figure 1 b) has been corrected with the proper angular dimension line and the shape of the tip of the gas
jet;
— Figure 3 a) and b) have been revised to show the test specimen clear;
— this revision aims to clarify without any structural changes.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
This method is one of two closely related methods of test for the inflammability of textile fabrics. It
[1]
determines the ease of ignition as defined in ISO 4880 . The other method measures flame spread time
[2]
ISO 6941 .
The method specified in this document assesses the properties of textile fabrics in response to flame contact
under controlled conditions. There is a possibility that results do not apply in situations where there is
restricted air supply or exposure to large sources of intense heat.
The influence of seams on the behaviour of textile fabrics can be determined by this method, the seam being
positioned within the test specimen to be subjected to the test flame. Whenever practicable, trimmings are
tested as part of the textile fabric assembly on which they are, or will be, used.

v
FINAL DRAFT International Standard ISO/FDIS 6940:2026(en)
Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour — Determination of ease
of ignition of vertically oriented specimens
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the measurement of ease of ignition of vertically oriented textile
fabrics and industrial products in the form of single or multi-component textile fabrics (coated, quilted,
multilayered, sandwich constructions, and similar combinations), when subjected to a small, defined flame.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 4880, Burning behaviour of textiles and textile products — Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 4880 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
flame application time
time for which the ignition (3.3) flame is applied to the test specimen
3.2
afterflame time
length of time for which a material continues to flame under specified test conditions, after the ignition (3.3)
source has been removed
Note 1 to entry: Afterflame time is measured to the nearest second and afterflame times of less than 1,0 s is recorded
as zero.
3.3
ignition
initiation of combustion
3.4
sustained combustion
flaming of the test specimen which gives an afterflame time (3.2) of 5 s or more or which reaches the top or
vertical edges in less than 5 s
4 Principle
A defined flame from a specified burner is applied to the surface or bottom edge of textile test specimens
which are vertically oriented.

The mean ignition time is determined as the weighted mean of the measured flame application times to
obtain ignition of the test specimens.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Mounting frame, constructed to a design capable of holding the gas burner (5.2, see Figure 1) and the
test specimen holder (5.3, see Figure 2) in the specified relative orientation (see Figure 3).
5.2 Gas burner, as described in Annex A, capable of being moved from a standby position, where the tip of
the burner is at least 75 mm from the test specimen, to either the horizontal or inclined operating position
(see Figure 3).
5.3 Test specimen holder, consisting of a rectangular metal frame having a test specimen support pin at
each corner of a rectangle of length 190 mm by width 70 mm (see Figure 2). The pins for supporting the test
specimen have a maximum diameter of 2 mm and a length of at least 26 mm.
NOTE Longer pins can be needed for mounting thick or multilayer test specimens.
For the purpose of locating the test specimen in a plane at least 20 mm away from the frame (see 9.1.1 and
9.2.1), a spacer stub of 2 mm diameter and a length of at least 20 mm shall be positioned adjacent to each of
the four pins.
5.4 Template, flat and rigid, made of a suitable material and a size corresponding to the size of the test
specimen (200 mm × 80 mm).
Holes approximately 4 mm in diameter are drilled in each corner of the template and positioned so that
the distances between the centres of the holes correspond to the distances between the pins on the test
specimen holder (see Figure 2). The holes should be located equidistant about the vertical centreline of the
template.
5.5 Gas, commercial grade propane or butane or butane/propane mixtures.
NOTE Commercial grade propane is generally used.
5.6 Timing devices
5.6.1 A timing device to control and measure the flame application time, which can be set at 1 s and
adjusted at 1 s intervals to an accuracy of 0,2 s or better.
5.6.2 Three timing devices reading to 0,2 s or better are required to measure the afterflame time. This
device is started, preferably automatically, at the instant of test flame termination or removal, and is stopped
manually.
Dimensions in millimetres
Key
1 gas jet
2 burner tube
3 flame stabilizer
4 choke tube
5 notch
6 gas mixing zone
7 diffusion zone
8 air chamber
9 gas outlet
a Fitted during assembly.
b Deburring.
[3]
NOTE Tolerance according to ISO 2768-1-m (see ISO 2768-1 ) if not otherwise indicated.
Figure 1 — Gas burner
Key
1 test specimen
2 spacer stub
3 mounting pin
[3]
NOTE Tolerance according to ISO 2768-1-m (see ISO 2768-1 ) if not otherwise indicated.
Figure
...


ISO/DISFDIS 6940
ISO/TC 38
Secretariat: JISCSAC
Date: 2025-12-082026-01-16
Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour — Determination of ease of
ignition of vertically oriented specimens
DISÉtoffes textiles — Comportement au feu — Détermination de la facilité d'allumage d'éprouvettes orientées
verticalement
FDIS stage
ThiThiThis drs drs drafafaft is t is t is submitted tsubmitted tsubmitted tooo a a a p p parallel arallel arallel vovovote in ISOte in ISOte in ISO, CE, CE, CEN.N.N.
Voting begins on: 2025-05-19
Voting terminates on: 2025-08-11

ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
All rights reserved. Unless otherwise specified, or required in the context of its implementation, no part of this publication
may be reproduced or utilized otherwise in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
or posting on the internet or an intranet, without prior written permission. Permission can be requested from either ISO
at the address below or ISO’s member body in the country of the requester.
ISO copyright office
CP 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Geneva
Phone: + 41 22 749 01 11
E-mail: copyright@iso.org
Website: www.iso.org
Published in Switzerland
ii
ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
Contents
Foreword . iv
Introduction . v
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Principle . 1
5 Apparatus . 2
5.6 Timing devices . 2
6 Cautionary measure . 6
6.1 Construction of testing equipment . 6
6.2 Location of test apparatus . 6
6.3 Health and safety of test operators . 6
7 Sampling . 7
7.1 Number of test specimens . 7
7.2 Test specimen holder pin location marks . 7
7.3 Test specimen size . 7
8 Conditioning and testing atmosphere . 7
8.1 Conditioning . 7
8.2 Testing atmosphere . 7
9 Setting up the apparatus . 8
9.1 Procedure A (Surface ignition) . 8
9.2 Procedure B (Bottom edge ignition) . 8
10 Test procedure . 12
10.1 Surface ignition . 12
10.2 Bottom edge ignition . 12
11 Calculation of the mean ignition time . 13
12 Precision . 13
13 Test report . 13
Annex A (normative) Description and construction of the burner . 15
Annex B (informative) Calculation of mean ignition time — Work example . 16
Annex C (informative) Experimental techniques . 18
Bibliography . 19

iii
ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out through
ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical committee has been
established has the right to be represented on that committee. International organizations, governmental and
non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work. ISO collaborates closely with the
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are described
in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the different types of
ISO document should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the editorial rules of the
ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
ISO draws attention to the possibility that the implementation of this document may involve the use of (a)
patent(s). ISO takes no position concerning the evidence, validity or applicability of any claimed patent rights
in respect thereof. As of the date of publication of this document, ISO [had/had not] received notice of (a)
patent(s) which may be required to implement this document. However, implementers are cautioned that this
may not represent the latest information, which may be obtained from the patent database available at
www.iso.org/patents. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and expressions
related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the World Trade
Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 38, Textiles, in collaboration with the European
Committee for Standardization (CEN) Technical Committee CEN/TC 248, Textiles and textile products, in
accordance with the Agreement on technical cooperation between ISO and CEN (Vienna Agreement).
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 6940:2004), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
0— this revisin aims to clarifies without any structural changes;
— — Figure 1 b) ofhas been corrected with the second edition is incorrect for theproper angular dimension
line and the shape of the tip of the gas jet, and is revised to follow the Ammendment of the first edition;
— — Figure 3 a) and b) have been revised to show the test specimen clear.;
— this revision aims to clarify without any structural changes.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.
iv
ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
Introduction
This method is one of two closely related methods of test for the inflammability of textile fabrics. It determines
the ease of ignition, as defined in 0; the. The other method measures flame spread time 0(see).
v
Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour — Determination of ease of
ignition of vertically oriented specimens
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the measurement of ease of ignition of vertically oriented textile fabrics
and industrial products in the form of single or multi-component textile fabrics (coated, quilted, multilayered,
sandwich constructions, and similar combinations), when subjected to a small, defined flame.
The method specified in this document assesses the properties of textile fabrics in response to flame contact
under controlled conditions. There is a possibility that results do not apply thein situations where there is
restricted air supply or exposure to large sources of intense heat.
The influence of seams on the behaviour of textile fabrics can be determined by this method, the seam being
positioned within the test specimen to be subjected to the test flame. Whenever practicable, trimmings are
tested as part of the textile fabric assembly on which they are, or will be, used.
vi
ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour — Determination of ease of
ignition of vertically oriented specimens
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the measurement of ease of ignition of vertically oriented textile fabrics
and industrial products in the form of single or multi-component textile fabrics (coated, quilted, multilayered,
sandwich constructions, and similar combinations), when subjected to a small, defined flame.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes
requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references,
the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 4880, Burning behaviour of textiles and textile products — Vocabulary
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in ISO 4880 and the following apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at http://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at http://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
flame application time
time for which the ignition (3.3) flame is applied to the test specimen
3.2
afterflame time
length of time for which a material continues to flame under specified test conditions, after the ignition (3.3)
source has been removedNote removed
Note 1 to entry: Afterflame time is measured to the nearest second and afterflame times of less than 1,0 s is recorded as
zero.
3.3
ignition
initiation of combustion
3.4
sustained combustion
flaming of the test specimen which gives an after-flameafterflame time (3.2) of 5 s or more or which reaches
the top or vertical edges in less than 5 s
4 Principle
A defined flame from a specified burner is applied to the surface or bottom edge of textile test specimens which
are vertically oriented.
ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
The mean ignition time is determined as the weighted mean of the measured flame application times to obtain
ignition of the test specimens.
5 Apparatus
5.1 Mounting frame, constructed to a design capable of holding the gas burner (5.2(5.2,, see 0Figure 1))
and the test specimen holder (5.3(5.3,, see 0Figure 2)) in the specified relative orientation (see 0Figure 3).).
5.2 Gas burner, as described in Annex AAnnex A,, capable of being moved from a standby position, where
the tip of the burner is at least 75 mm from the test specimen, to either the horizontal or inclined operating
position (see 0Figure 3).).
5.3 testTest specimen holder, consisting of a rectangular metal frame having a test specimen support
pin at each corner of a rectangle of length 190 mm by width 70 mm (see 0Figure 2).). The pins for supporting
the test specimen have a maximum diameter of 2 mm and a length of at least 26 mm.
NOTE Longer pins can be needed for mounting thick or multilayer test specimens.
For the purpose of locating the test specimen in a plane at least 20 mm away from the frame (see 9.1.19.1.1
and 9.2.19.2.1),), a spacer stub of 2 mm diameter and a length of at least 20 mm shall be positioned adjacent
to each of the four pins.
5.4 Template, flat and rigid, made of a suitable material and a size corresponding to the size of the test
specimen (200 mm × 80 mm).
Holes approximately 4 mm in diameter are drilled in each corner of the template and positioned so that the
distances between the centres of the holes correspond to the distances between the pins on the test specimen
holder (see 0Figure 2).). The holes should be located equidistant about the vertical centreline of the template.
5.5 Gas, commercial grade propane or butane or butane/propane mixtures.
NOTE Commercial grade propane is generally used.
5.6 Timing devices
5.6.1 A timing device to control and measure the flame application time, which can be set at 1 s and adjusted
at 1 s intervals to an accuracy of 0,2 s or better.
5.6.2 Three timing devices reading to 0,2 s or better are required to measure the afterflame time. This device
is started, preferably automatically, at the instant of test flame termination or removal, and is stopped
manually.
ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
Dimensions in millimetres
ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
Key
1 gas jet
2 burner tube
3 flame stabilizer
4 choke tube
5 notch
6 gas mixing zone
7 diffusion zone
8 air chamber
9 gas outlet
a Fitted during assembly.
b Deburring.
NOTE Tolerance according to ISO 2768-1-m (see 0 m) if not otherwise indicated.
Figure 1 — Gas burner
ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
Key
1 test specimen
2 spacer stub
3 mounting pin
NOTE Tolerance according to ISO 2768-1-m (see 0) if not otherwise indicated.
Figure 2 — Test specimen holder
6 Cautionary measuresmeasure
6.1 Construction of testing equipment
Some products of combustion are corrosive. The equipment shall be constructed of material that will not be
adversely affected by the fumes.
6.2 Location of test apparatus
The volume of air surrounding the test location shall not have any influence on testing. Where an open-fronted
cabinet is used for the test, provision shall be made to allow the test specimen to be mounted at least 300 mm
from any wall.
6.3 Health and safety of test operators
Burning of materials can produce smoke and toxic gases that can affect the health of operators. Between tests,
the atmosphere of the testing location, which shall be of adequate dimensions to avoid endangering the health
of operators, shall be cleared of smoke and fumes by an extractor fan or other means of ventilation (see
6.26.2).).
ISO/DISFDIS 6940:20252026(en)
NOTE Smoke and fume emission can be subjected to national regulations concerning atmospheric pollution
control.
7 Sampling
7.1 Number of test specimens
Mark out a set of twelve test specimens, using the template (5.4(5.4),), to allow for at least five instances of
ignition and five instances of non-ignition to occur.
testTest specimens should normally be tested with the length direction vertical and the outer face towards
the igniting flame. If the test material is non-homogeneous and preliminary testing indicates dissimilar
inflammability characteristics, length and width test specimens should be tested separately. For surface
ignition, where the two surfaces of the sample are visually dissimilar and preliminary testing indicates
dissimilar inflammability characteristics, each surface shall be tested and the results reported separately.
An iterative procedure is used and the exact number of test specimens cannot be stated. A minimum of 10 test
specimens is needed for each orientation. An extra test specimen is required for the setting-up procedure (see
9.19.1 and 9.29.2).).
7.2 Test specimen h
...


PROJET FINAL
Norme
internationale
ISO/TC 38
Étoffes — Comportement au feu
Secrétariat: SAC
— Détermination de la facilité
Début de vote:
d'allumage d'éprouvettes orientées
2026-01-30
verticalement
Vote clos le:
2026-03-27
Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour — Determination of ease of
ignition of vertically oriented specimens
LES DESTINATAIRES DU PRÉSENT PROJET SONT
INVITÉS À PRÉSENTER, AVEC LEURS OBSERVATIONS,
NOTIFICATION DES DROITS DE PROPRIÉTÉ DONT ILS
AURAIENT ÉVENTUELLEMENT CONNAISSANCE ET À
FOURNIR UNE DOCUMENTATION EXPLICATIVE.
OUTRE LE FAIT D’ÊTRE EXAMINÉS POUR
ÉTABLIR S’ILS SONT ACCEPTABLES À DES FINS
INDUSTRIELLES, TECHNOLOGIQUES ET COM-MERCIALES,
AINSI QUE DU POINT DE VUE DES UTILISATEURS, LES
PROJETS DE NORMES
TRAITEMENT PARALLÈLE ISO/CEN
INTERNATIONALES DOIVENT PARFOIS ÊTRE CONSIDÉRÉS
DU POINT DE VUE DE LEUR POSSI BILITÉ DE DEVENIR DES
NORMES POUVANT
SERVIR DE RÉFÉRENCE DANS LA RÉGLEMENTATION
NATIONALE.
Numéro de référence
PROJET FINAL
Norme
internationale
ISO/TC 38
Étoffes — Comportement au feu
Secrétariat: SAC
— Détermination de la facilité
Début de vote:
d'allumage d'éprouvettes orientées
2026-01-30
verticalement
Vote clos le:
2026-03-27
Textile fabrics — Burning behaviour — Determination of ease of
ignition of vertically oriented specimens
LES DESTINATAIRES DU PRÉSENT PROJET SONT
INVITÉS À PRÉSENTER, AVEC LEURS OBSERVATIONS,
NOTIFICATION DES DROITS DE PROPRIÉTÉ DONT ILS
AURAIENT ÉVENTUELLEMENT CONNAISSANCE ET À
FOURNIR UNE DOCUMENTATION EXPLICATIVE.
DOCUMENT PROTÉGÉ PAR COPYRIGHT
OUTRE LE FAIT D’ÊTRE EXAMINÉS POUR
ÉTABLIR S’ILS SONT ACCEPTABLES À DES FINS
© ISO 2026 INDUSTRIELLES, TECHNOLOGIQUES ET COM-MERCIALES,
AINSI QUE DU POINT DE VUE DES UTILISATEURS, LES
Tous droits réservés. Sauf prescription différente ou nécessité dans le contexte de sa mise en œuvre, aucune partie de cette
PROJETS DE NORMES
TRAITEMENT PARALLÈLE ISO/CEN
INTERNATIONALES DOIVENT PARFOIS ÊTRE CONSIDÉRÉS
publication ne peut être reproduite ni utilisée sous quelque forme que ce soit et par aucun procédé, électronique ou mécanique,
DU POINT DE VUE DE LEUR POSSI BILITÉ DE DEVENIR DES
y compris la photocopie, ou la diffusion sur l’internet ou sur un intranet, sans autorisation écrite préalable. Une autorisation peut
NORMES POUVANT
être demandée à l’ISO à l’adresse ci-après ou au comité membre de l’ISO dans le pays du demandeur.
SERVIR DE RÉFÉRENCE DANS LA RÉGLEMENTATION
NATIONALE.
ISO copyright office
Case postale 401 • Ch. de Blandonnet 8
CH-1214 Vernier, Genève
Tél.: +41 22 749 01 11
E-mail: copyright@iso.org
Web: www.iso.org
Publié en Suisse Numéro de référence
ii
Sommaire Page
Avant-propos .iv
Introduction .v
1 Domaine d’application . 1
2 Références normatives . 1
3 Termes et définitions . 1
4 Principe. 2
5 Appareillage . 2
6 Mesure de précaution . 4
6.1 Construction de l’appareillage .4
6.2 Emplacement de l'appareillage.4
6.3 Santé et sécurité des personnes chargées des essais .4
7 Échantillonnage . 5
7.1 Nombre d’éprouvettes .5
7.2 Marquage de l’emplacement des picots sur le porte-éprouvette .5
7.3 Dimensions des éprouvettes .5
8 Atmosphère de conditionnement et d'essai . 5
8.1 Atmosphère de conditionnement et d'essai .5
8.2 Atmosphère d'essai .5
9 Mise en place de l'appareillage . 6
9.1 Méthode A (Allumage par la surface) .6
9.1.1 Montage de l'éprouvette .6
9.1.2 Position de fonctionnement du brûleur .6
9.1.3 Réglage de la flamme — Portée horizontale .6
9.1.4 Placement de la flamme .6
9.2 Méthode B (Allumage par la tranche) .6
9.2.1 Montage de l'éprouvette .6
9.2.2 Position de fonctionnement du brûleur .6
9.2.3 Réglage de la flamme — Portée verticale .7
9.2.4 Placement de la flamme .7
10 Mode opératoire d'essai . 8
10.1 Allumage par la surface .8
10.2 Allumage par la tranche .8
11 Calcul du temps d'allumage moyen . 9
12 Fidélité . 9
13 Rapport d'essai . 10
Annexe A (normative) Description et construction du brûleur .11
Annexe B (informative) Calcul du temps moyen d'allumage — Exemple de calcul .12
Annexe C (informative) Techniques expérimentales .13
Bibliographie . 14

iii
Avant-propos
L’ISO (Organisation internationale de normalisation) est une fédération mondiale d’organismes nationaux
de normalisation (comités membres de l’ISO). L’élaboration des Normes internationales est en général
confiée aux comités techniques de l’ISO. Chaque comité membre intéressé par une étude a le droit de faire
partie du comité technique créé à cet effet. Les organisations internationales, gouvernementales et non
gouvernementales, en liaison avec l’ISO participent également aux travaux. L’ISO collabore étroitement avec
la Commission électrotechnique internationale (IEC) en ce qui concerne la normalisation électrotechnique.
Les procédures utilisées pour élaborer le présent document et celles destinées à sa mise à jour sont
décrites dans les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 1. Il convient, en particulier, de prendre note des différents
critères d’approbation requis pour les différents types de documents ISO. Le présent document
a été rédigé conformément aux règles de rédaction données dans les Directives ISO/IEC, Partie 2
(voir www.iso.org/directives).
L’attention est appelée sur le fait que certains des éléments du présent document peuvent faire l’objet de
droits de propriété intellectuelle ou de droits analogues. L’ISO ne saurait être tenue pour responsable de ne
pas avoir identifié de tels droits de brevet et averti de leur existence. Les détails concernant les références
aux droits de propriété intellectuelle ou autres droits analogues identifiés lors de l’élaboration du document
sont indiqués dans l’Introduction et/ou dans la liste des déclarations de brevets reçues par l’ISO (voir
www.iso.org/brevets).
Les appellations commerciales éventuellement mentionnées dans le présent document sont données pour
information, par souci de commodité, à l’intention des utilisateurs et ne sauraient constituer un engagement.
Pour une explication de la signification des termes et expressions spécifiques de l’ISO liés à l’évaluation
de la conformité, ou pour toute information au sujet de l’adhésion de l’ISO aux principes de l’Organisation
mondiale du commerce (OMC) concernant les obstacles techniques au commerce (OTC), voir le lien suivant:
www.iso.org/iso/avant-propos.html.
Le présent document a été élaboré par le comité technique ISO/TC 38, Textiles, en collaboration avec le
comité technique CEN/TC 248, Textiles et produits textiles, du Comité européen de normalisation (CEN)
conformément à l’Accord de coopération technique entre l’ISO et le CEN (Accord de Vienne).
Cette troisième édition annule et remplace la deuxième édition (ISO 6940: 2004), qui a fait l’objet d’une
révision technique.
Les principaux changements sont les suivants:
— la Figure 1b) a été corrigée avec la ligne de cote angulaire adéquate et la forme de l'extrémité de la buse
du jet de gaz;
— Les Figures 3 a) et b) ont été révisées pour montrer précisément l’éprouvette;
— cette révision vise à clarifier sans aucune modification structurelle.
Il convient que l’utilisateur adresse tout retour d’information ou toute question concernant le présent
document à l’organisme national de normalisation de son pays. Une liste exhaustive desdits organismes se
trouve à l’adresse www.iso.org/members.html.

iv
Introduction
La méthode décrite dans le présent document est l’une des deux méthodes très proches utilisées pour les
essais d’inflammabilité des étoffes. Elle permet de déterminer la «facilité d’allumage» dont le terme est
[1] [2]
défini dans l’ISO 4880. L’autre méthode mesurant la «durée de propagation de flamme» ISO 6941 .
La méthode spécifiée dans le présent document évalue les propriétés des étoffes en réaction à un contact
avec une flamme dans des conditions maîtrisées. Il se peut que les résultats ne soient pas transposables aux
situations avec apport d’air réduit ou d’exposition à des sources importantes de chaleur intense.
L’influence des coutures sur le comportement des étoffes peut être déterminée à l’aide de cette méthode,
en incluant la couture dans l’éprouvette de façon à la soumettre à la flamme d’essai. Il convient autant que
possible de soumettre les passementeries à l’essai comme éléments de l’assemblage d’étoffe avec lequel elles
sont ou seront utilisées.
v
PROJET FINAL Norme internationale ISO/FDIS 6940:2026(fr)
Étoffes — Comportement au feu — Détermination de la
facilité d'allumage d'éprouvettes orientées verticalement
1 Domaine d’application
Le présent document spécifie une méthode permettant de mesurer la facilité d’allumage des étoffes et
produits industriels orientés verticalement par rapport à une flamme définie de petite taille; il peut s’agir
d’étoffes simples ou complexes (textiles enduits, ouatés, multicouches, en sandwich et autres structures
similaires).
2 Références normatives
Les documents suivants sont cités dans le texte de sorte qu’ils constituent, pour tout ou partie de leur
contenu, des exigences du présent document. Pour les références datées, seule l’édition citée s’applique. Pour
les références non datées, la dernière édition du document de référence s'applique (y compris les éventuels
amendements).
ISO 4880, Comportement au feu des textiles et des produits textiles — Vocabulaire
3 Termes et définitions
Pour les besoins du présent document, les définitions suivantes s’appliquent.
L’ISO et l’IEC tiennent à jour des bases de données terminologiques destinées à être utilisées en normalisation,
consultables aux adresses suivantes:
— ISO Online browsing platform: disponible à l’adresse https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: disponible à l’adresse https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
durée d’application de flamme
durée pendant laquelle la flamme d’allumage (3.3) est appliquée à l’éprouvette
3.2
durée de persistance de flamme
durée pendant laquelle un matériau continue à flamber dans des conditions d’essai spécifiées, après retrait
de la source d’allumage (3.3)
Note 1 à l'article: La durée de persistance de flamme est mesurée à la seconde près et les durées inférieures à 1,0 s sont
enregistrées comme égales à zéro.
3.3
allumage
démarrage d’une combustion
3.4
combustion soutenue
réaction de l’éprouvette se consumant avec une durée de persistance de flamme (3.2) supérieure ou égale à
5 s ou avec des flammes atteignant le bord supérieur ou les bords verticaux en moins de 5 s

4 Principe
Une flamme d’allumage définie provenant d’un brûleur spécifié est mise en contact avec la surface ou le bord
inférieur d’éprouvettes textiles en position verticale.
Le temps moyen d’allumage est déterminé à partir de la moyenne pondérée des durées mesurées entre le
moment d’application de flamme et l’allumage des éprouvettes.
5 Appareillage
5.1 Support, conçu et construit pour maintenir le brûleur à gaz (5.2, voir Figure 1) et le porte-éprouvette
(5.3, voir Figure 2) dans l’orientation relative spécifiée (voir Figure 3).
5.2 Brûleur à gaz, conforme à la description de l’Annexe A, pouvant être déplacé de sa position d’attente,
dans laquelle son extrémité se trouve à au moins 75 mm de l’éprouvette, à sa position de fonctionnement
horizontale ou inclinée, (voir Figure 3).
5.3 Porte-éprouvette, constitué d'un cadre rectangulaire en métal, de 190 mm de longueur et de 70 mm
de largeur, dont chaque coin est muni d'un picot de maintien de l'éprouvette, voir Figure 2. Les picots de
maintien de l'éprouvette ont un diamètre maximal de 2 mm et une longueur minimale de 26 mm.
NOTE Il peut être nécessaire d’utiliser des picots plus longs pour fixer des éprouvettes plus épaisses ou à
multicouches.
Pour que l'éprouvette se trouve dans un plan situé à au moins 20 mm du cadre (voir 9.1.1 et 9.2.1), placer une
entretoise de 2 mm de diamètre et d'au moins 20 mm de longueur à côté de chacun des quatre picots.
5.4 Gabarit, plat, en matériau rigide approprié et de dimensions correspondant à celles de l’éprouvette
(200 mm × 80 mm).
Des trous d'environ 4 mm de diamètre sont réalisés dans chaque coin du gabarit à des emplacements tels que
les distances entre le centre des trous correspondent aux écartements entre les picots du porte-éprouvette
(voir Figure 2). Il convient que les trous soient situés à égale distance de part et d'autre de l'axe médian
vertical du gabarit.
5.5 Gaz, propane ou butane commercial ou mélanges de butane et propane.
NOTE Du gaz propane commercial est généralement utilisé.
5.6 Dispositifs de chronométrage
5.6.1 Un dispositif de chronométrage permettant de maîtriser et de mesurer la durée d'application de
flamme et qui peut être réglé sur 1 s avec des intervalles de 1 s et une précision égale ou inférieure à 0,2 s.
5.6.2 Trois dispositifs de chronométrage d'une précision égale ou inférieure à 0,2 s pour mesurer la durée
de persistance de flamme. Ces dispositifs se déclenchent, de préférence automatiquement, à la fin de la durée
d'application de flamme ou à son retrait, et sont arrêtés manuellement.

Dimensions en millimètres
Légende
1 buse de jet de gaz
2 tube du brûleur
3 stabilisateur de flamme
4 conduit d’étranglement
5 encoche
6 zone de mélange du gaz
7 zone de diffusion
8 chambre à air
9 sortie
a
Emboîtés à l’assemblage.
b
Ébavurage.
[3]
NOTE Tolérance selon l’ISO 2768-1-m (voir ISO 2768-1 ) sauf indication contraire.
Figure 1 — Brûleur à gaz
Dimensions en millimètres
Légende
1 éprouvette
2 entretoise
3 picot
[3]
NOTE Tolérance selon l’ISO 2768-1-m (voir l'ISO 2768-1 ) sauf indication contraire.
Figure 2 — Porte-éprouvette
6 Mesure de précaution
6.1 Construction de l’appareillage
Certains produits de combustion sont corrosifs. L'appareillage doit être construit en matériau résistant aux
fumées.
6.2 Emplacement de l'appareillage
Le volume d'air dans l'enceinte d'essai ne doit pas avoir de conséquence sur l'essai. En cas d'utilisation d'une
enceinte à ouverture frontale, il faut faire en sorte que l'éprouvette puisse être montée à au moins 300 mm
de chacune des parois.
6.3 Santé et sécurité des personnes chargées des essais
Les matériaux en combustion peuvent produire de la fumée et des gaz toxiques susceptibles de nuire à la
santé des personnes chargées des essais. Entre les essais, les fumées de l'atmosphère du local d'essai, qui

doit avoir les dimensions appropriées afin d'éviter de compromettre la santé des personnes chargées des
essais, doivent être évacuées à l'aide d'un ventilateur ou d'un autre dispositif de ventilation (voir 6.2).
NOTE Les dégagem
...

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