Fire-resistant furniture for hotels: CTE regulations, testing and checklist for safe specification

Frajumar complies with various fireproofing regulations for our contract furniture, both nationally and internationally. We have therefore developed this guide to facilitate understanding, as this is a very broad and ambiguous subject.
Contract design in hotels requires that all textiles, upholstery, fillings and coatings comply with the CTE (DB-SI) in terms of reaction to fire. The key is not only to purchase “FR” products, but also to correctly specify in the project, report and specifications: which standard applies, how it is tested, how it is certified and how the classification is maintained throughout its useful life.

What the CTE (DB-SI) requires for furniture and textiles in hotels

The Technical Building Code, DB-SI (Fire Safety) establishes fire reaction requirements for construction elements, decorative elements and furniture in public buildings: hotels, auditoriums, cinemas, theatres, pavilions and similar venues. In hotel equipment, this particularly affects:

Curtains and drapes: CLASS 1 – UNE-EN 13773

Suspended textiles (curtains, net curtains, drapes) must achieve CLASS 1 in accordance with UNE-EN 13773:2003. It is advisable to request an up-to-date test report, identifying the final fabric to be installed (composition, weight, finishes).

Upholstery in common areas: UNE-EN 1021-1/2 (cigarette and match)

For armchairs, sofas and upholstered chairs included in the project, they must pass the UNE-EN 1021-1 (cigarette) and UNE-EN 1021-2 (match) tests. It is advisable to request that the test be carried out on the actual construction of the seat (outer fabric + foam + interlining, if any), avoiding partial results based solely on the decorative fabric.

Carpets and rugs: C1 Floor (floor) and B-s2,d0 (wall/ceiling)

  • Floor: C1 Floor classification for heavy-duty carpet.

  • Wall/ceiling: minimum B-s2,d0 when carpets or fabrics are used as vertical cladding or on ceilings, especially in corridors and escape routes.

Wood in stages and cladding: B-s2,d0 / C-s2,d0

In stages, walls and exposed wooden elements, finishes must guarantee B-s2,d0 or C-s2,d0 depending on exposure and sectorisation. If varnishes or wood stains are used, the complete system must be tested.

Euroclasses and practical equivalents (M1, 1IM, DIN 4102 B1)

Not all suppliers provide EN 13501-1 (Euroclasses); often M1 (France), 1IM (Italy) or DIN 4102 B1 (Germany) appear. As a professional practice, it is recommended that:

  • Prioritise reports in accordance with the applicable regulation in Spain.

  • Accept equivalences only if documented and recent correlation is provided.

  • For critical elements (public areas), require testing in accordance with the required standard in the specifications.

How to read B-s2,d0 and C-s2,d0

  • B/C: contribution to fire (B = low; C = limited).

  • s1/s2/s3: amount of smoke (s1 low, s2 medium, s3 high).

  • d0/d1/d2: dripping of inflamed particles (d0 without dripping).

Guidance table (not a substitute for the official report)

System Wall/Ceiling Soil Upholstery Observation
Euroclase B-s2,d0 / C-s2,d0 C1 Floor UNE-EN 1021-1/2 Standard EU framework
French (M) M1 (approx. B/C) – – Request correlation
Italy (IM) – – 1IM (mattress shop) Useful for rest
DIN 4102 B1 (approx. B/C) – – Frequently found in catalogues DE

 

Tests, certificates and how to request them from the supplier

What to rehearse (and how)

To avoid discrepancies between the sample and the finished work, the specifications must indicate:

  • Type of textile (suspended, upholstered, carpet) and actual substrate.

  • Presence of interlining, adhesives and fastening systems.

  • Ageing/conditioning prior to testing where applicable.

  • Acceptance criteria: for example, no destruction up to the limits, no carbonisation >, and control of duration of flammability and smoke emission (≥ 60 min where applicable according to protocol).

Fire reaction certificate: minimum data

  • Standard and test method (e.g. UNE-EN 13773, UNE-EN 1021-1/2).

  • Class obtained (e.g., CLASS 1, B-s2,d0).

  • Identification of the material: brand, model, batch, composition.

  • Laboratory and date; validity according to laboratory standards or policies.

  • Correspondence with the product to be supplied (sealed samples, traceability).

 

On-site fireproofing treatments: when to apply them and how to maintain them

When the design requires preserving a fabric or finish without an FR label, an in situ fire retardant treatment may be chosen. A common example is the liquid application Litor IS 80, tested to achieve CLASSE 1 on certain textiles. The methodology must include application to the final fabric, testing/validation and delivery of the original fire reaction certificate.

Maintenance: dry vs. wet

Fireproofing should not evaporate or “expire,” but inadequate maintenance can alter its classification:

  • Dry cleaning (recommended): perchloroethylene or hydrocarbon.

  • Wet cleaning (soap/water, submerged washing): may alter fire behaviour.

  • Injection-extraction, steam cleaner or foam systems: acceptable if the supplier certifies them for the treated fabric.

Specification recommendation: include a supplier-approved cleaning protocol and a regular inspection programme to maintain the classification.

Special areas

For maritime environments or mega yachts, it is advisable to request certificates from the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), in addition to complying with applicable local regulations.

Product selection by type (practical criteria)

FR curtains (CLASS 1) and window textiles

  • Require UNE-EN 13773 CLASS 1.

  • Confirm opacity, drape and compatibility with mechanisms (construction, hems, tapes).

  • Check the working width and shrinkage after prescribed maintenance.

FR chairs and armchairs for communal areas

  • Tests UNE-EN 1021-1/2 on the final construction.

  • Control of foams (e.g., CMHR with flammability certificates).

  • Check the stability of the classification in relation to interlining and adhesives.

Fireproof mattresses and bases for bedrooms

  • In international projects, 1IM or specific standards (e.g., BS 7177 for mattresses) may appear; validate compatibility with project requirements in Spain.

  • Specify densities, layers, and fabrics with their corresponding reports.

 

Downloadable checklist for reports and specifications (CTE + testing + maintenance)

Before bidding

  • Define applicable standard by type (13773 / 1021-1/2 / EN 13501-1 / C1 Floor).

  • Require testing of final system (fabric + interlining + foam/adhesive).

  • Include acceptance criteria (flames, smoke, dripping, charring).

During the purchase

  • Request original certificate with class, batch and traceability.

  • Validate equivalencies (M1, 1IM, DIN B1) with documentation.

  • Register sealed production samples.

Under construction and delivery

  • Verify labelling and product-certificate correspondence.

  • Receive approved maintenance manual (dry vs. wet).

  • Schedule reviews and re-tests if the contract provides for them.

Request fireproof certificates and finishes (CTA)

Technical support is available for reviewing specifications, selecting finishes and managing certificates (curtains, upholstery, carpets, woodwork and mattresses).
📩 Send request: specify type, location (floor/wall/ceiling), required standard and completion date.

FAQs

Is it sufficient for the fabric to be labelled ‘fireproof’?
No. There must be a test report with the exact standard, the class obtained and the identification of the product to be installed.

Do the equivalents (M1, 1IM, DIN B1) replace the Euroclasses?
They are guidelines. For projects in Spain, it is best to have testing in accordance with the required standard in the specifications or to justify the equivalence with official documentation.

Is the fireproofing permanent?
The treatment should not evaporate, but inadequate maintenance (dampness) may alter the classification. The supplier’s protocol must be followed.

Who should keep the certificates?
The project management and property owners, with a copy in the construction file and maintenance plan.

How to specify fire-resistant furniture for hotels without risks

A robust specification for fire-resistant hotel furniture combines: the correct standard, real-system testing, traceable certification, and compatible maintenance. With these four pillars, the project complies with building regulations, reduces risks, and facilitates long-term hotel operation.

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