What is Crib 5 contract fabric?
A Crib 5 contract fabric is one of 2 options –
- A textile that is inherently resistant to fire. The structure of the fibers used to create the yarns are non-flammable and the resulting Inherent Fabric will not burn, melt or drop when exposed to a heat source such as a fire or flame.
- A textile that through chemical treatment or manufactured fireproof fibers, which has been commercially produced for the contract furniture industry in order to comply with the FFFSR (Furniture and Furnishings Fire Safety Regulations act 1988).
What is Crib 1 domestic fabric?
Crib 1 domestic fabric is a textile which has undergone fire retarding treatment up to cigarette and match protection and are best suited to the domestic furniture industry.
However, Crib 1 fabrics may still be able to be used in the contract furniture industry, but the fabric must undergo a Crib 5 fire-retardant treatment in order to comply with the FFFSR.
The fabrics can be treated by 2 methods-
Coating – A fire retardant back-coating is applied to the fabric.
Dipping – The fabric is dipped in a fire-retardant chemical – this technique is more often used for fabrics made from natural fibres (or that have a high percentage of natural fibres).
Using Crib 1 domestic fabrics for contact furniture
When using Crib 1 fabrics in the contract furniture industry you must take note of a few things as they are designed for domestic use.
- Not all fabrics can be treated to crib 5 it depends on the composition of the yarn. So please check before specifying a fabric.
- Having a fabric treated to crib 5 will not only add to the cost of your fabric but will also increase the products lead time, typically by 1-2 weeks. (During the COVID-19 pandemic we have seen this increase to 3-4 weeks in some cases).
- Martindale rubs on crib 1 domestic fabrics could be too low for commercial use.
What is Martindale rub?
The Martindale abrasion rub test is a measurement of the durability of fabric according to the number of times discs can oscillate sandpaper or wool across the fabric before it starts to show distress. The rub test score is internationally recognised and measures the durability of upholstery fabric for general domestic or contract use. Fabric is categorised by a numerical score to show how durable it is.
10,000 or less- A fabric with this score is suitable as a decorative fabric. Use for cushions or accents. Not suitable for general domestic or furniture upholstery.
10,000 – 15,000 – A fabric with this score is suitable for light domestic use such as for occasional furniture. It will be dry clean only and is often for fabrics made from delicate yarns.
15,000 – 25,000 – A fabric with this score is suitable for general domestic use. It is suitable for everyday use on main house furniture. It is not suitable for items of furniture that put a high level of stress on the fabric such as a recliner.
25,000 – 30,000 – A fabric with this score is suitable for heavy domestic use. It is a heavy-duty fabric that would be suitable for high levels of everyday use.
30,000 or more – A score of 30,000 or more means that a fabric is commercial grade, it can be used on heavy duty furniture and would be suitable for any commercial environment.
Click here for the BCFA (British contract furniture association) fire regulation documents by Fira.
