NFPA 701 for Hotel Curtains and Drapery Fabrics

NFPA 701 is a US flame-propagation test for textiles and films. It is widely requested for hotel curtains and drapery fabrics in the United States and in projects built to US brand standards.

Test Method 1 and Test Method 2

NFPA 701 includes more than one test method. Which method applies depends on the weight and construction of the fabric, and there are specific rules for items such as coated blackout linings. Do not describe all NFPA 701 testing as "small scale" without checking the method actually required.

What to ask for

• The exact article code and colour range.
• The edition of the standard (NFPA 701:2023 is the current reference) and the method used.
• A test report for that article, and for the lining or assembly if the specification covers it.
• The cleaning durability stated in the report, if relevant to your project.

Do not mix standards

NFPA 701 does not replace EN 13773, BS 5867-2, DIN 4102-1 B1 or M1. If a project needs more than one, request evidence for each.

Blackout curtains

Blackout fabrics are typically coated, and their NFPA 701 route depends on the construction. Blackout is not automatically flame retardant. Atlas Contract has discussed specific blackout references for NFPA 701 projects, and we request the current report before making any compliance statement for a given article.

Send us the article reference, project location and the standard your specification names. We will tell you what documentation is available.