Carpet Smoke Density

Carpet rule 2.

Carpet smoke density. Two fire tests and smoke tests are required for a carpet to achieve fire classification under european standards. The result is expressed as a maximum specific optical density as determined by the amount and density of the smoke emitted. Density is often misconceived as a carpet s face weight but these two terms are completely different. In order to determine identification characteristics various elements are measured such as total mass pile mass pile density total thickness pile thickness tuft number and backing thickness.

Smoke obscuration is measured in the smoke density chamber. Smoke odors from fire damage cigarette smoke or even burnt food can permeate every inch of your home especially your carpet furniture and rugs. But we now know that is not what we want. Density x pile height 36 face weight e g 2160 x 0 50 36 30 in this example what we know is that the pile density is 2160 and the pile height is 0 5 one half inch.

Carpet face weight multiplied by 36 2. Most jurisdictions require a smoke density rating of 450 or less. We can now use rule 2 to determine the face weight in ounces. Face weight does come into play when you are calculating density however.

The accumulation of smoke generated is measured by the attenuation of a light beam i e the amount of light transmitted through the smoke. So we keep looking and find another figure called density listed at 5 236 oz. Carpet rule 3. The number you want should have a range somewhere between 2 000 and 10 000.

The carpet and rug institute recommends a minimum carpet density of 5 000 ounces per cubic yard for carpets used in commercial environments e g department stores malls etc where heavy foot traffic can be expected. Results are expressed in terms of specific optical density. You will note another number listed as weight density but that is not what we want. Values determined by this test are specific to the specimen or assembly in the form and thickness tested and are not to be considered inherent fundamental properties of the material tested.

How to calculate carpet density. For additional safety many. Equals density measured in ounces per cubic yard. Smoke density is reported in terms of maximum optical density based on an arbitrary scale of zero to 800.

You want a carpet density with a density of 2 900 for good durability and i d be cautious with anything less than 2 500 in moderate traffic rooms. Once smoke odors get trapped into the fibers of carpet and padding extracting the stench can be extremely difficult. Divide by carpet pile height 3. 5 1 this test method provides a means for determining the specific optical density of the smoke generated by specimens of materials and assemblies under the specified exposure conditions.

To measure carpet density the following formula is used. 36 density x face weight pile height. A smoke density value is determined.