CRIB 5 & CAL 117: Understanding Fire Standards for Commercial Furniture

The Technical Side of Commercial Seating

When sourcing furniture for public spaces, student accommodation, or hotels, "Standard Domestic" foam and fabric are not enough. You need "Contract Grade" fire compliance.

What is CRIB 5?

BS 5852: Source 5 (known as CRIB 5) is the UK's rigorous testing standard for upholstery. It involves a wooden "crib" being set on fire on the material to ensure it is self-extinguishing.

What is CAL 117?

TB 117-2013 is the California standard used widely across North America. It focuses on the smolder resistance of materials used in upholstered furniture.

Our Compliance Support:

• FR Interliner: We can add fire-retardant layers between fabric and foam.
• Certified Foam: Sourcing high-density HR foam that meets BS/TB standards.
• Documentation: We provide testing certificates from accredited laboratories for your project compliance folder.

View our Material Technical Sheets →