Flammability
Applicable test methods vary by textile construction and intended installation.
Specifier guide
Understanding ACT performance data
The Association for Contract Textiles publishes voluntary performance guidelines to help specifiers evaluate textiles for defined constructions, applications, and environments. Test results are one part of a complete suitability assessment and do not replace project-specific code review.
Performance categories
Five performance categories
Wet and dry crocking
Measures resistance to color transfer through rubbing under dry and wet conditions.
Colorfastness to light
Evaluates resistance to color change during controlled light exposure.
Physical properties
Covers construction-related strength and seam performance requirements.
Abrasion
Laboratory abrasion is a minimum performance indicator, not a prediction of service life.
Specifier workflow
How to specify responsibly
- 01
1. Confirm application
Identify upholstery, drapery, wrapped panel, wallcovering, indoor, or outdoor use.
- 02
2. Review the product
Check the current Posh product specification and its stated test results.
- 03
3. Confirm project codes
Verify local codes, end-use requirements, treatments, and installation conditions with qualified professionals.
Important limitation
ACT guidelines and marks do not guarantee compliance with every applicable law or suitability for every project. Standards can change, and responsibility for product claims and project compliance remains with the supplier, specifier, and relevant professionals.
Resources
Official guidance and product resources
Registered certification marks
What each ACT mark represents
Flammability
Performance when exposed to specified ignition sources.
Abrasion
Minimum abrasion performance for low- and high-traffic upholstery.
Colorfastness to Light
Resistance to color change during controlled light exposure.
Wet & Dry Crocking
Resistance to color transfer through rubbing under dry and wet conditions.
Physical Properties
Construction-specific strength, surface, seam, flex, or coating performance.
Guideline explorer
Find the applicable minimum
Detailed Test Method Parameters
| ACT guideline | Standard test method | Contract performance requirement |
|---|---|---|
| ACT guidelineFlammability | Standard test methodCalifornia TB 117-2013 Section 1 | Contract performance requirementPass |
| ACT guidelineWet & Dry Crocking | Standard test methodAATCC 8 | Contract performance requirementDry grade 4 minimum; wet grade 3 minimum |
| ACT guidelineColorfastness to Light | Standard test methodAATCC 16.2 Option 1 or AATCC 16.3 Option 3 | Contract performance requirementGrade 4 minimum at 40 hoursExposure hours do not correlate directly to service life. |
| ACT guidelinePhysical Properties | Standard test methodASTM D3511 or ASTM D4970 | Contract performance requirementPilling class 3 minimum |
| ACT guidelinePhysical Properties | Standard test methodASTM D5034 | Contract performance requirementBreaking strength 50 lb minimum, warp and weft |
| ACT guidelinePhysical Properties | Standard test methodASTM D4034 | Contract performance requirementSeam slippage 25 lb minimum, warp and weft |
| ACT guidelineAbrasion — Low Traffic · Low traffic | Standard test methodASTM D4157, ACT-approved #10 cotton duck | Contract performance requirement15,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs |
| ACT guidelineAbrasion — Low Traffic · Low traffic | Standard test methodASTM D4966, 12 kPa | Contract performance requirement20,000 Martindale cycles |
| ACT guidelineAbrasion — High Traffic · High traffic | Standard test methodASTM D4157, ACT-approved #10 cotton duck | Contract performance requirement30,000 Wyzenbeek double rubs |
| ACT guidelineAbrasion — High Traffic · High traffic | Standard test methodASTM D4966, 12 kPa | Contract performance requirement40,000 Martindale cyclesAbrasion results exceeding ACT guidelines are not an indicator of product lifespan. |
Additional Posh test data
Tests shown separately from ACT marks
A product may carry other fire-test records without qualifying for an additional ACT mark. Posh displays these as named methods with their evidence and treatment condition.
NFPA 260
Cigarette-ignition resistance testing for components of upholstered furniture.
UFAC Class I
A voluntary cigarette-ignition classification for upholstered-furniture components.
IMO FTP Parts 7 & 8
Marine fire-test records for vertically supported textiles/films and upholstered furniture.
With treatment
A conditional result that applies only after the stated treatment; it is never presented as an untreated product result.
Official documents
ACT source PDFs
Documents open on the ACT website so the authoritative revision remains the source of truth.
Important limitation
ACT guidelines and registered marks assist evaluation but do not guarantee compliance with applicable laws, product safety, or suitability for a particular project. Test standards and minimums may change. Confirm the current product evidence, end use, installation, and governing code with qualified professionals.
Reference release: ACT Voluntary Performance Guidelines — February 2025