The designation Bfl-s1, often found in carpet technical documents, describes a floor covering’s reaction-to-fire classification. To interpret it correctly, you need to understand the standard behind it, what the classification means and which product it applies to.
EN 13501-1 and reaction-to-fire classification
EN 13501-1 is the European standard for classifying construction products according to their reaction-to-fire performance. Floor coverings have a separate series of classes, identified by the suffix “fl”, from “floor”, ranging from A1fl to Ffl. Classification is determined through assessment using the relevant test methods.
Reading the Bfl-s1 designation
The first part, Bfl, identifies the product’s floor-covering class, based on its measured behaviour during fire testing, including flame spread and ignitability. The s1 suffix relates to smoke production during the test. Floor coverings have two smoke subclasses, s1 and s2; s1 indicates the lower smoke production of the two.
What Bfl-s1 does not mean
Bfl-s1 does not mean that a product is non-combustible. A carpet in this class can burn; the classification describes its behaviour under specified test conditions. It also applies to the product, not to the overall fire safety of a building or room.
Why the scope of testing matters
A reaction-to-fire classification applies to the tested product construction. Yarn type, pile weight, backing and installation method can affect performance. When reviewing a classification report, check the products and installation conditions it covers. Compare the issuing organisation, report date and product description with the carpet being offered.
Testing of our carpets
Kalida mosque and hotel carpets have a Bfl-s1 reaction-to-fire classification under EN 13501-1. Our hotel carpets were tested by CENTEXBEL in Belgium. On request, we provide the relevant report and explain which product, quality option and installation conditions the classification covers.
Requirements for your project
The required classification can vary by country, building use and the characteristics of the space. Establish the applicable requirements with the project team and the relevant regulations, then select the product accordingly.
Reading the classification in context
Bfl-s1 describes a floor covering’s reaction-to-fire performance under EN 13501-1: Bfl relates to its behaviour in fire testing, while s1 describes smoke production. It does not mean non-combustible and applies to the tested construction. Always read the designation alongside the scope of the supporting report.