MOTIS BS5852 Upholstered Furniture Ignitability Tester
| Brand | MOTIS |
|---|---|
| Origin | Jiangsu, China |
| Model | UK-1/2 |
| Compliance | BS 5852:2006+A1:2015, GB/T 18029–2000, ISO 7176-16 |
| Sample Holder Dimensions | 450 × 450 × 300 mm & 450 × 300 × 150 mm (stainless steel, heat-resistant wire mesh construction) |
| Ignition Sources | Standard cigarette (No. 0), adjustable butane burner (No. 1–3, flame OD 8.0 ± 0.1 mm, ID 6.5 ± 0.1 mm, length 200 ± 5 mm), calibrated timber cribs & composite igniters (No. 4–7, pine wood core + surgical gauze + PVA binder) |
| Timing Device | ±1 s accuracy, ≥60 min range |
| Volumetric Measurement | Graduated glass syringe or equivalent, calibrated to 1.4 ± 0.1 mL |
| Fuel Supply | Commercial butane canister (ISO 8573-1 Class 2 compliant) |
Overview
The MOTIS BS5852 Upholstered Furniture Ignitability Tester is a rigorously engineered physical property testing instrument designed for standardized assessment of ignition resistance in upholstered seating systems—including sofas, armchairs, and wheelchair cushions. It operates on the principle of controlled external ignition source application under defined thermal and geometric boundary conditions, in strict accordance with BS 5852:2006+A1:2015 (“Methods of test for assessment of ignitability of upholstered furniture”), GB/T 18029–2000 (“Wheelchairs — Requirements and test methods for fire resistance of seat and back cushions”), and ISO 7176-16 (“Wheelchairs — Part 16: Requirements and test methods for fire resistance of seat and back cushions”). The system replicates real-world ignition scenarios using validated, metrologically traceable ignition sources—cigarettes, calibrated gas burners, and standardized timber/gauze igniters—to evaluate flame propagation, char depth, afterglow duration, and self-extinguishment behavior. Its architecture prioritizes repeatability, operator safety, and regulatory audit readiness.
Key Features
- Fully compliant dual-sample holder assembly: two stainless-steel frames (450 × 450 × 300 mm and 450 × 300 × 150 mm) with heat-resistant wire mesh support structure, enabling simultaneous or sequential testing of cushion cores and full assemblies.
- BS 5852-certified ignition source suite: includes one standard reference cigarette (No. 0), one adjustable butane burner (No. 1–3) with precision-machined nozzle (OD 8.0 ± 0.1 mm, ID 6.5 ± 0.1 mm, L 200 ± 5 mm), and five pre-conditioned igniters per type (No. 4–7), each manufactured to BS-specified composition (Scots pine core, BP-grade absorbent gauze, PVA adhesive).
- Integrated timing system: high-stability digital chronometer with ±1 second accuracy over 60-minute intervals, synchronized with ignition initiation and extinguishment detection protocols.
- Volumetric calibration capability: supplied graduated glass syringe (or equivalent ISO/IEC 17025-traceable volumetric device) for accurate delivery of 1.4 ± 0.1 mL liquid fuel during timber crib preparation (per BS 5852 Annex B).
- Robust mechanical design: all structural components fabricated from 316 stainless steel; flame-resistant housing with interlocked access doors and integrated ventilation ducting compatible with laboratory fume extraction systems.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The tester accommodates full-scale upholstered seat assemblies, layered cushion composites (polyurethane foam, latex, polyester fiberfill), and modular wheelchair seating systems conforming to ISO 7176-16 dimensional tolerances. All ignition sources are manufactured and verified against BS 5852 Annexes A–D specifications. The system supports full compliance documentation packages—including as-built drawings, material certificates (EN 10204 3.1), and ignition source calibration records—for internal quality audits and third-party certification bodies (e.g., BSI, SGS, UL). It meets essential requirements of UKCA/CE marking frameworks for fire safety testing instrumentation and is routinely deployed in GLP-compliant laboratories performing ASTM E1352, EN 1021-1/2, and BS 5852 validation studies.
Software & Data Management
This benchtop combustion tester operates as a manual, hardware-controlled platform without embedded firmware or proprietary software—ensuring long-term operational stability, avoidance of vendor lock-in, and full compatibility with laboratory information management systems (LIMS). All test parameters (ignition duration, exposure time, observation intervals) are recorded manually in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 (observation and measurement uncertainty). Test reports generated by users may be formatted to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated electronic lab notebooks (ELN) or LIMS platforms supporting audit trails, user authentication, and electronic signatures. Calibration logs for timing devices and volumetric tools must be maintained per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 section 6.4.10.
Applications
- Fire safety qualification of domestic and contract upholstered furniture prior to CE/UKCA marking.
- Regulatory submission testing for wheelchair manufacturers seeking conformity with ISO 7176-16 and national disability equipment standards.
- R&D evaluation of flame-retardant additives, intumescent coatings, and barrier fabrics in polyurethane and natural fiber composites.
- Third-party verification of supplier claims regarding “low-flammability” or “self-extinguishing” cushion formulations.
- Internal quality control in foam manufacturing facilities producing certified seating materials for healthcare, transportation, and public infrastructure sectors.
FAQ
Does this instrument include No. 4–7 igniters, or must they be sourced separately?
No. 4–7 igniters are supplied as consumables (five units per type) with initial system delivery. Replenishment kits are available through MOTIS authorized distributors and comply with BS 5852 Annex D sourcing requirements.
Is the butane burner capable of delivering stable flame heights across all three configurations (No. 1, 2, 3)?
Yes. The burner features micrometer-adjustable air/gas mixing and a fixed-orifice nozzle, enabling repeatable flame height control (±0.5 mm) over extended operation cycles, as verified per BS 5852 Clause 7.2.3.
Can the tester be used for testing non-upholstered materials such as textiles or foams alone?
No. This system is purpose-built for BS 5852-compliant assembly-level testing. Standalone material flammability assessments (e.g., vertical/horizontal flame tests) require dedicated instruments meeting ISO 6941, ASTM D6413, or EN ISO 11925-2 specifications.
What maintenance schedule is recommended for long-term compliance?
Monthly visual inspection of stainless-steel holders and burner nozzles; annual recalibration of timing device and volumetric syringe against NIST-traceable references; biannual verification of igniter dimensions and mass per BS 5852 Annex D.
Is technical support available for method validation per ISO/IEC 17025?
Yes. MOTIS provides application engineering support—including test protocol review, uncertainty budgeting templates, and witness testing assistance—for laboratories pursuing ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. On-site IQ/OQ documentation packages are available upon request.
