EN ISO 14116: Limited Flame Spread Protection

In the field of industrial protective clothing, EN ISO 14116 is an often underestimated but crucial standard. Designed specifically for “low-risk environments,” it addresses scenarios involving accidental contact with small igniting flames. For logistics, maintenance personnel, and the “Base Layer” in multi-layer protection systems, correctly understanding EN ISO 14116 not only ensures compliance but also significantly optimizes procurement costs.

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the standard’s core—the critical differences between Index 1, 2, and 3—and offers targeted advice on fabric selection.

What is EN ISO 14116?

EN ISO 14116 specifies the performance requirements for materials with “Limited Flame Spread” properties. The core purpose of this standard is to protect workers by ensuring that their clothing does not ignite and continue to burn after contact with a heat source (such as sparks or a small flame similar to a lighter).

Products applicable to this standard are typically defined as “Basic Flame Retardant Protection,” adhering to three fundamental safety baselines:

• Limit Burning: The fabric must self-extinguish rapidly after the ignition source is removed.
• Prevent Afterglow: The burning area must not expand indefinitely (smoldering).
• No Molten Debris: It is strictly forbidden to produce molten droplets, preventing secondary deep burns.

Critical Distinction: EN ISO 14116 does NOT test for heat insulation (such as convective or radiant heat). If your environment involves Flash Fire, Arc Flash, or high heat radiation, you must select EN ISO 11612.

Core Decoding: Differences Between Index 1, 2, and 3

EN ISO 14116 classifies fabrics into three index levels (Index) based on their performance in the ISO 15025 test. Buyers must strictly distinguish between these levels based on whether the garment is worn “next-to-skin” or as an “outer layer.”

Index 1: Lowest Threshold & Fatal Taboo

Index 1 is the lowest level of the standard. It allows the fabric to form holes during testing, and therefore, it must absolutely NOT be worn directly against the skin.

• Test Performance: The flame does not spread to the edges, and there is no molten debris. However, Hole formation is allowed.
• Typical Applications: FR Rainwear, High-visibility vests, Disposable protective clothing.
• Safety Rule: Garments marked Index 1 MUST be worn over Index 2 or Index 3 protective clothing. If worn alone, the flame can burn through the fabric and directly injure the skin.

Index 2: Intermediate Protection against Perforation

Index 2 represents a medium level of protection. Its core upgrade lies in the structural integrity of the fabric—no hole formation is allowed.

• Test Performance: Meets all Index 1 requirements, and no hole formation is allowed.
• Typical Applications: Can be worn next to the skin. Commonly used for light workwear in general workshops, FR underwear, or blended socks.

Index 3: Highest Level & Correlation with EN 11612

Index 3 is the highest level of this standard, requiring extremely short afterflame time. Its flame-retardant level is equivalent to Code A1 in EN ISO 11612.

• Test Performance: Meets all Index 2 requirements, and the Afterflame time must be ≤ 2 seconds.
• Typical Applications: Primary protective clothing for frontline industrial workers and high-performance FR base layers. Most permanent FR fabrics (such as Aramid, Modacrylic blends) fall into this category.

Comparative Analysis: EN ISO 14116 vs. EN ISO 11612

Many companies confuse these two standards, leading to wasted budget or safety hazards. Here are the essential differences:

Dimension	EN ISO 14116 (Limited Flame Spread)	EN ISO 11612 (Heat & Flame)
Risk Definition	Low Risk (Accidental contact with sparks)	Med/High Risk (Flash fire, strong heat radiation)
Core Function	Prevents clothing ignition	Prevents clothing ignition + Insulates against heat transfer
Typical Roles	Logistics, Maintenance, Auxiliary roles, Food processing	Oil & Gas, Welding, Power stations, Firefighting
Cost Strategy	Economic Solution	High-Performance Solution

Industry Solutions & Material Recommendations

For different Index levels, we provide a full range of material solutions, covering everything from outer weather protection to inner comfort layers:

1. Outer Layer Protection (Index 1)

• FR Rainwear Fabric (FR PU/PVC): Designed for harsh weather. Although only Index 1, the waterproof coating effectively prevents the rainwear from igniting. Must be used with an anti-static base fabric.
• Application: Rain jackets for petrochemical sites, Traffic control reflective vests.

2. Economic Workwear Solutions (Index 2)

• FR Treated Cotton: Offers good skin-friendliness and sweat absorption at an economical cost.
• Application: Daily workwear for low-risk areas (e.g., warehousing, assembly lines).

3. High Performance & Base Layer Solutions (Index 3)

• Modacrylic Blends: Permanent flame retardancy and lightweight texture. Ideal as a Base Layer or light shirt in a “Multi-layer Protection System.”
• Viscose FR: Excellent hand feel and breathability, often used to improve next-to-skin comfort.
• Application: FR underwear or T-shirts that must be worn under EN 11612 jackets, or lightweight summer workwear.

Key Technical Indicator: Washing Notation

When purchasing, be sure to check the code on the label, for example: Index 3/5H/60. This directly determines the lifespan of the garment:

• Index 3: Flame retardant index level.
• 5H: Indicates the fabric retains performance after 5 Domestic washes (H = Domestic). Industrial laundry is usually marked as “I”.
• 60: Indicates a washing temperature of 60°C.

Expert Tip: If the label does not show a washing code, the garment may be disposable or “unwashed,” meaning it could lose flame retardancy after washing.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions