I have posted a number of times on the issue of flame retardancy of stage curtains, in part because it is one of my areas of expertise (though I still have a lot to learn) but mostly because I find that it is not only an important topic, but also an area about which there are many misconceptions.
Last June, for example, I posted about the differences between IFR, FR, NFR and other related terms. The primary difference between FR and IFR is the method in which a fabric is made flame retardant. Either it is made flame retardant in the fiber stage (IFR) or it is made flame retardant after weaving (FR).
Occasionally, we have clients who request an IFR fabric because they believe that it is “more” flame retardant than an FR fabric. For example, they will state that, because the drapery will be near pyrotechnics on a rock show stage, they prefer to use an IFR fabric.
The reality, though, is that a brand new IFR fabric is neither more nor less flame retardant than a brand new FR fabric, and vice versa. Both fabric have been tested and certified to meet specific flame retardancy standards, such as NFPA 701 and California’s Title 19.
Now, there is a difference in longevity of flame retardancy between IFR and FR. Typically, an IFR fabric will remain flame retardant for the life of the fabric (regardless of whether it is laundered, dry-cleaned, etc). However, an FR fabric will eventually lose its flame retardancy (usually due to laundering, repeated dry cleaning, or extended exposure to high humidity conditions). Once it is retreated, though, it again is “equal” to the IFR fabric in terms of flame retardancy.
And remember, there are instances in which a drape made from a flame retardant fabric will lose its flame retardant properties. One way is if dust is allowed to accummulate on the surface of the drape. Did you know that dust (as it is composed primarily of organic matter) is flammable? In such a case, it doesn’t matter if the drape is made of IFR fabric or FR fabric – if there is a layer of dust on the surface, the drape might not be flame retardant.
So, when choosing the fabric for stage curtains, there are many factors that are important to consider – budget, longevity, cleaning options, durability, and much more. But choosing IFR over FR because it seems “more flame retardant” should not be one of the factors.
Questions on Fire Retardancy? See our whitepaper, “Five Common Misconceptions About Flame Retardancy”.
Questions on IFR vs FR Fabrics? See our whitepaper, Does “IFR” Mean it’s More Flame Retardant than “FR”?
Great post Lynda – really great points and so interesting. I find that there is always so much confusion about flame retardancy when it comes to FR and IFR.
Heres a question that I am asked frequently by my touring clients – is a cloth that is FR / IFR here in the USA also going to be graded to the same standards in another country? Can we certify for Europe or Australia, for example?
I wish we could certify for Europe or Australia (or Asia, for that matter). Unfortunately, the laws and regulations vary so much from one country to the next that we can only certify for the US (which is complicated enough). In general, touring clients that plan to use our soft goods in other countries obtain burn samples from us in advance, which they then send to the appropriate companies / agencies within the other countries for advance testing and certification.
As I’ve said before, I just wish there were worldwide standards for flame retardancy – it would make things so much easier for touring clients.