The first step is to understand the combustibility and the flammability of substances. Combustibles are not necessarily flammables. They are called flammables only when they are easily ignited. Flammables, on the other hand, must be combustibles that are easily ignited. Flammability is determined by the volatility (specific vapor pressure) and structure of the material. For example, wood is combustible, but the flammability of solid wood blocks is lower than that of wood shavings and chips, as they are not as easy to ignite  as the latters. 

Combustion test and tester are used to detect and evaluate whether a substance in a certain form is combustible or not, combustible degree, and flammable grade. Since most textiles are combustible, the test methods and combustion testers listed below are designed to assess degree of combustibility/fire resistance by detecting the burning performance of textile items, while avoiding the use of flammable materials for products, thus improving the fire resistant performance, is the safety that consumers wearing and using textiles are pursuing.

Combustion test evaluates flame resistance of textiles, leather, plastics and other materials, through the observation of the combustion behavior of specimens. According to the way sample placed in the burning chamber, a burning test is devided into vertical method, horizontal method and 45-degree angle method.

Horizontal method: By measuring the burning rate of textile fabrics, leather, plastics and automotive interior materials in the horizontal direction, to evaluate the burning behavior and flame resistance of materials. The ignition position is in the center of the short side. 

YG815B-II Horizontal Flammability Tester

Vertical method: To test the ease of ignition and flame spread properties in vertical direction for textiles, especially draping and overhanging. Position A ignites at the surface near the bottom and Position B ignites at the bottom. ISO6940/6941, CPAI-84

YG815A-III Vertical Flammability Tester

Large 45° method: By measuring the damaged area after ignition and the required flame application times, to evaluate the burning behavior of textiles. Position A ignites at the lower surface near the bottom, and Position B is at the bottom end.

YG815C-II 45° Flammability Tester (large)

Small 45° method: By observing the burning speed and intensity after being ignited, to assess the flammability of combustible clothing textiles. The ignition position is at the upper surface near the bottom. ASTM D1230, 16CFR1610

YG815D-II 45° Flammability Tester

The ignition position A or B is related to the thickness and the flammability of the material. Position A is used for thicker materials and Position B is used for thinner materials.