If you’re reupholstering furniture for a clinic, office, or care facility, two code names come up fast: CAL TB 117 and NFPA 260. They’re the flammability standards your furniture is judged against. Here’s what each one means in plain terms.
CAL TB 117 (TB 117-2013)
California’s Technical Bulletin 117 is the de-facto national standard for upholstered furniture flammability. The current version tests how the cover and components resist smoldering ignition — think a dropped cigarette — rather than open flame. Most commercial and healthcare furniture is expected to meet it.
NFPA 260
An NFPA test method that classifies upholstery cover materials by their resistance to cigarette (smoldering) ignition. It’s often referenced alongside TB 117 in commercial and healthcare specs as proof the cover material behaves safely.
What it means for your project
For a healthcare setting, you generally want a cover vinyl that meets both — and you want it documented. Our healthcare-rated lines meet CAL TB 117 and NFPA 260; confirm the exact rating your facility is inspected against, since requirements vary by occupancy and jurisdiction.
See the rated lines in our healthcare upholstery vinyl guide or browse the healthcare vinyl collection.
Carolyn Fabrics supplies upholstery materials and the manufacturer’s specification and flammability documentation. Confirm each product’s ratings and cleanability against your facility’s code and infection-control requirements, and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning guidance.