Thermal protective performance · TPP
Tests the outer shell, moisture barrier and thermal barrier together at approximately 84 kW/m².
Average composite TPP ≥ 35 cal/cm².
NFPA 1971
Historical requirements for structural and proximity firefighting ensembles
Requirements & test methods
NFPA 1971:2018 specifies protective-ensemble requirements for structural and proximity firefighting. Its scope has been consolidated into NFPA 1970.
Flame and heat resistance
Tests individual garment layers for vertical-flame response and oven heat resistance.
Garment-layer requirements in the 2018 edition:
| Property | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Average char length | ≤ 100 mm |
| Average afterflame | ≤ 2 s |
| Thermal shrinkage | ≤ 10% in either direction |
| Oven exposure | 260°C for 5 min |
Total heat loss · THL
Measures heat dissipation through the structural-firefighting garment composite.
THL ≥ 205 W/m².
Strength and water penetration
Tests component tear strength and moisture-barrier resistance to water penetration.
Tear strength: outer shell and collar lining ≥ 100 N; moisture and thermal barriers ≥ 22 N. Water penetration resistance ≥ 172 kPa.
Certification
Identifies the garment configuration and NFPA 1971:2018 certification.
NFPA 1970 is the successor standard for new certification.
Where the standard is used
Related protective fabrics
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