A guide by Equus Fabrics – Canada’s source for fire-retardant drapery, stage, and hospitality textiles
In commercial interiors, theatres, hotels, and event spaces, fire-retardant fabrics aren’t optional—they’re the law.
Textiles can act as fuel in a fire, so regulations were created to ensure that drapery, stage cloths, and decorative fabrics resist ignition and slow flame spread.
In North America, two main tests govern these safety requirements: NFPA 701 in the United States and CAN/ULC-S109-14 in Canada.
Understanding how they differ—and what they certify—helps designers, contractors, and specifiers choose the right material for every venue.
NFPA 701 (National Fire Protection Association) is the U.S. test method for flame propagation of textiles and films.
It determines how a fabric reacts when exposed to a small open flame.
Key points:
It measures how much a fabric burns, chars, or drips.
To pass, the sample must self-extinguish quickly and leave minimal char length.
There are two test methods:
Test 1 for lighter materials (like sheers, decorative drapes, and flags)
Test 2 for heavier materials (like velvets, backdrops, or upholstery)
Fabrics that pass are labeled FR (Flame-Retardant) or IFR (Inherently Flame-Retardant).
For American theatres, schools, and event centers, NFPA 701 certification is often mandatory.
CAN/ULC-S109-14 is the Canadian equivalent—developed by Underwriters Laboratories of Canada (ULC) and recognized under the National Building Code of Canada.
It uses a similar approach but slightly different testing apparatus and criteria.
Key points:
It measures flame spread, after-flame time, and residual glow.
It includes tests for both vertical and horizontal orientation, simulating real hanging conditions.
Passing fabrics must self-extinguish within defined limits and show limited damage.
Only laboratories accredited by ULC can issue certificates under this standard.
Any venue in Canada—especially hotels, theatres, film studios, and public buildings—requires fabrics to meet or exceed CAN/ULC-S109 for compliance and insurance approval.
| Aspect | NFPA 701 (U.S.) | CAN/ULC-S109-14 (Canada) |
|---|---|---|
| Governing Body | National Fire Protection Association | Underwriters Laboratories of Canada |
| Test Focus | Flame propagation and self-extinguish time | Flame spread, after-flame time, residual glow |
| Orientation | Vertical only | Vertical + Horizontal |
| Common Use | U.S. theatres, schools, and event halls | Canadian venues, hospitality, and public buildings |
| Labeling | FR / IFR certification | ULC-approved FR certification |
| Typical Fabrics | Duvetyne, Commando Cloth, IFR Velour, Poly Sheer | Same fabrics, tested under Canadian lab conditions |
Equus Fabrics supplies flame-retardant textiles tested to both NFPA 701 and CAN/ULC-S109-14, ensuring total compliance for Canadian installations.
✅ Dual-certified fabrics such as:
IFR Velour (for stage masking & drapery)
Blackout Sheers and Voiles (for hospitality & window treatments)
✅ Documentation on request: Certificates of Flame Resistance accompany every roll for architects, inspectors, and fire marshals.
✅ Durable protection: Our FR treatments withstand multiple cleanings without compromising performance.
Theatres & performing arts centers
Hotels & resorts
Event venues & convention halls
Film & television production sets
Schools, hospitals, and public buildings
Fire inspectors in these facilities will check that all decorative fabrics meet CAN/ULC-S109-14 (or NFPA 701 for U.S. projects).
Having compliant materials in place means fewer delays and no re-installation costs later.
| Code | Purpose | Used In |
|---|---|---|
| NFPA 701 | Flame test for textiles & films | U.S. / International |
| CAN/ULC-S109-14 | Canadian flame test for fabrics | Canada |
| IFR / FR Marking | Identifies flame-retardant performance | Label on fabric roll |
| Test Frequency | Each batch or style is certified | Factory testing & lab verification |
Specifying the right certification protects:
Your project’s safety compliance
Your liability as a designer or contractor
Your client’s insurance coverage
Your reputation for professional installation
Fire-rated fabrics aren’t just a box to check—they’re a core safety component in every commercial design.
Whether you’re dressing a stage, outfitting a hotel ballroom, or creating blackout drapery for film production, NFPA 701 and CAN/ULC-S109-14 are the benchmarks that keep your project compliant and safe.
Equus Fabrics ensures every FR fabric we sell meets these standards—so you can design with confidence, knowing your drapery, velvet, or duvetyne performs as beautifully as it protects.
