IFR™ Foliage (Inherently Fire Retardant) Specification Guide
What is 
IFR™ Foliage
IFR™ Foliage (Inherently Fire Retardant) is created through a process by which fire retardant chemicals are impregnated into the materials during the manufacturing process. These chemicals are blended with the fabric as well as the plastic or PVC parts at the time the materials are injected into the mold.
What is NOT IFR™ Foliage
Foliage treated by spraying or dipping it in topical fire retardant chemicals. This process of fire retarding is not done during the injection of the material into the mold. Rather, this is done as an after-market application. This method often leaves a spotty or discolored film that can degrade the foliage giving it a wilted look. The tacky surface film that is left on the foliage can attract dust and can wash or wear off easily, requiring expensive re-application of the chemical. The level of protection provided by this topical chemical is often very inconsistent and inadequate for meeting fire codes. This is why the process of impregnating chemicals directly into the materials during manufacturing presents a superior result that is often preferred over other methods, such as this topical application.
Fire Test Methods
All foliages should be tested against each of the following standard test methods and should hold a Class "A" rating as determined by the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA).
| Test |
Pre-Conditioning |
Ignition Seconds |
Smoke Density |
Criteria |
IFR™ Foliage Rating |
| After Flame |
Flame Spread |
Flaming Driplets |
California Title 19
Tests: After Flame
State Certified |
Room temperature / Average humidity for at least 10 days |
12 sec. in a chamber |
N/A |
10 sec. Max |
None is allowed |
Driplets must self-extinguish when hitting chamber floor |
Registered
Flame Resistant Product |
US Gov SIN 4722-06
Tests: After Flame
Government Test |
Soaking in water for 2-3 hours |
12 sec. in a chamber |
N/A |
15-18 sec. Max |
N/A |
None allowed |
Pass |
ASTM E84-95 Class A
(similar to UL723)
Tests:
Smoke Density & Flame Spread
Strictly Measurements,
not pass/fail |
Oven dried at 140-150 degrees for 90 minutes |
12 sec. in a chamber |
N/A |
2 sec. Max |
3.5"-6.5" max char length |
Driplets must extinguish when hitting chamber floor |
Pass |
NFPA 701
1989 Small Scale
Tests:
After Flame & Char Length
|
Oven dried at 140-150 degrees for 90 minutes |
12 sec. in a chamber |
N/A |
2 sec. Max |
3.5"-6.5" max char length |
Driplets must extinguish when hitting chamber floor |
Pass |
NFPA 701
1996 & 1999 Small Scale
Tests:
After Flame & Weight Loss |
Oven dried at 105 degrees for 30 minutes |
45 sec. in a chamber |
N/A |
2 sec. Max |
N/A flame spread, but no more than 40% weight loss |
Driplets must extinguish no more than 2 sec. after hitting chamber floor. |
Pass |
NFPA 705
1997 Field Flame Test
Tests:
After Flame & Flame Spread |
None |
Field tested in draft area with wooden match (or equivalent) for 12 sec. |
N/A |
2 sec. Max |
4" max char length |
Driplets must self-extinguish when hitting chamber floor |
Pass |
|
| Benefits of IFRT Foliage When Compared to Other Fire Retardants |
|
| IFR™ Foliage (Inherently Fire Retardant) |
|
Topically Treated Fire Retardant Foliage |
- ● Chemicals impregnated into the materials
during manufacturing
- ● Will not wash or wear off
- ● Consistent fire protection
- ● California Title 19
- ● US Gov SIN 4722-06
- ● ASTM E84-95 Class A
- ● NFPA 701
- ● NFPA 705
- ● Structurally sound; premium grade materials withstand
commercial application.
- ● Smooth surface reduces dust build-up
- ● Visually identical compared to standard foliages
|
|
- ● Treated by spraying or dipping it in topical fire
retardant chemicals
- ● May wash or wear off and requires periodic reapplication
- ● Inconsistent fire protection
-
-
-
-
-
- ● May degrade materials, resulting in a wilted appearance
- ● Tacky surface film attracts dust
- ● Appearance may have a spotty or discolored film
|
See also What Is IFR™:
General Overview
IFR™ Foliage vs. Topically Treated Fire Retardant Foliage
Do I Need Fire Retardant Foliage?
Field Flame Test
Hotel Fire Starts in Artificial Plants
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