FMVSS 302: Flammability of Interior Materials

Overview and Purpose

FMVSS 302, or Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 302, is a regulation issued by the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). This standard specifies the burn resistance requirements for materials used in the occupant compartments of motor vehicles. The purpose of FMVSS 302 is to reduce the deaths and injuries to occupants caused by vehicle fires, especially those originating from the interior materials of vehicles.

How the Test is Conducted

1. Sample Preparation: Interior material samples, such as textiles, foam, plastics, and other materials used within the vehicle’s occupant compartment, are prepared according to the standard’s specifications. These samples are usually conditioned at a specific temperature and humidity before testing.
2. Flammability Testing: The prepared samples are exposed to a small flame for a specified period, typically 15 seconds, in a controlled environment. The test measures the rate at which the flame spreads across the material.
3. Assessment Criteria: To pass the FMVSS 302 test, the material must not burn at a rate exceeding 102 mm/minute. The criteria ensure that materials used inside vehicles will not contribute significantly to the spread of fire.

Purpose of the Test

• Safety Enhancement: FMVSS 302 aims to enhance the safety of vehicle occupants by ensuring that interior materials are resistant to ignition and slow to burn, thereby providing occupants more time to escape in the event of a fire.
• Regulatory Compliance: Compliance with FMVSS 302 is mandatory for all vehicles sold in the United States. Vehicle manufacturers must ensure that all materials used in the occupant compartments meet this standard.
• Material Selection and Development: This standard guides manufacturers in selecting or developing materials that improve the fire safety of vehicle interiors.