Does TB 117 Apply to Outdoor Furniture?

Most people are aware of the California Technical Bulletin 117 (TB 117) and its importance in fire safety. TB 117 is a set of standards created by the state of California and enforced by the California Bureau of Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation to protect consumers from furniture fires caused by flammable materials. TB 117 requires that all furniture sold in California must pass a series of tests to prove that it meets certain fire resistant requirements.

The question then becomes, does TB 117 apply to outdoor furniture? The answer is yes, but with a few caveats.

TB 117 applies to all types of upholstered furniture, including outdoor furniture, sold in California. This means that any outdoor furniture sold in the state must meet the same flame retardancy requirements as indoor furniture.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, unupholstered outdoor furniture made entirely from metal or plastic is exempt from TB 117’s requirements. This means that metal or plastic outdoor chairs do not need to meet any flame retardancy standards since they are considered inherently safe because they do not contain any flammable materials.

In addition, outdoor furniture cushions and covers may also be exempt from TB 117’s requirements if they are made from fabrics that have been treated with a fire-retardant finish. Such fabrics must pass a series of tests to prove their flame retardancy before they can be used on outdoor cushion covers or other upholstery items.

Finally, it is important to note that even though some outdoor furniture may not need to meet TB 117’s requirements, it is still important for consumers to check for labels indicating proper fire safety standards when purchasing any type of upholstered product – whether it is for indoor or outdoor use. This will help ensure that you are buying products that meet the necessary safety requirements and will help protect you and your family from potential fires caused by flammable materials.

In conclusion, while most outdoor furniture does need to meet the same flame retardancy requirements as indoor furniture according to TB 117, there are some exceptions such as metal or plastic chairs and cushions made with fire-retardant fabrics. It is still important for consumers to check labels on upholstered products when purchasing them – both indoor and outdoor – so they can confirm they meet proper fire safety standards and help keep their families safe from potential fires caused by flammable materials.

Conclusion: Does TB 117 Apply To Outdoor Furniture?

Yes – most types of upholstered outdoor furniture sold in California must meet the same flame retardancy standards according to TB117; however, there are some exceptions such as metal/plastic chairs/cushions made with fire-retardant fabrics which may be exempt from these standards. It is still important for consumers to check labels on all upholstered products before purchase in order to ensure proper fire safety standards.

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Samantha Mckinney