CAL 133

Working at ROI, we use the term CAL 133 quite often.  Most of the furniture we sell, especially to educational institutions, must be be CAL 133 approved due to safety protocols.  But what is it exactly?

CAL 133 is short for California Technical Bulletin 133: a written flammability standard for furniture used in public occupancies.  It specifies test procedures and acceptable levels of fire performance (smoke, heat, etc.).  For furniture to be compliant, it must be made with a combination of materials that are less combustible.

Developed in California in 1984, CAL 133 was created to combat the rise of fire fatality in the United States.  Housefires were becoming more frequent as flashover points were reached at a much faster rate.  A flashover occurs when the fire reaches a temperature that causes combustion.  This posed a problem to firefighters who were unable to reach the fire before flashover occured.

The time it takes for a fire to reach it's flashover point can be reduced by altering the materials used to manufacture furniture.  Companies such as DuPont, Burngard, & Ventex create fire resistant barriers which are placed between the fabric and cushion of chairs & sofas.  Special coatings may also be applied to create fire resistance in various materials.  To fulfill CAL 133 compliancy, furniture that's made with resistant materials is tested by being burned in an approved facility.  The proper procedure for the test is outlined in CAL 133 Guideline.

Furniture that is CAL 133 compliant is only required in public areas located in states where the firecode is enforced.  Public occupancies are rooms that provide seating for 10 or more people. This includes, but not limited to: hospitals, educational facilities, and jails.

Long Island School Destroyed by Fire 

Note that aside from CAL 133 there's also CAL 117: "Requirements, Test Procedure and Apparatus for Testing the Flame Retardance of Resilient Filing Materials Used in Upholstered Furniture."  The difference between the two is that CAL 133 is used for testing a complete piece, whereas CAL 117 only applies to the upholstered component.  These two are not interchangeable.  CAL 133 compliant furniture is appropriate for facilities that require CAL 117, however if CAL 133 is required, CAL 117 may not be used.

When a furniture has met CAL 133 compliancy, it must be labeled with a sticker for proof.  Furniture manufacturers also list this information on the specs sheet.

Since it's implementation, CAL 133 has come a long way.  It is now required in 7 of states. (click here for list and info)  Seeking CAL 133 furniture may limit your choices, but it ensures fire safety.  Many manufacturers are now offering a wider collection of CAL-133 approved furniture.

For any questions call us or email us:
T: 800.876.1913 E: info@roiind.com