Is Flame Retardant the Same as Flame Resistant?

Is Flame Retardant the Same as Flame Resistant?

“Flame retardant” and “flame resistant” are not the same thing when it comes to protective clothing. Although similar sounding terms, they refer to different processes by which fabrics resist flame. 

Flame retardant fabrics’ ability to slow or halt the spread of fire is achieved through a chemical finish applied onto the fabric. The treatment acts as a barrier between fire and the fabric itself. Flame resistant fabrics are self-extinguishing, and their resistant properties are within the fabric itself. 

What Is Flame Retardant Fabric Used For?

Because flame retardant fabrics are created by adding a chemical finish on top of fabric that is not flame resistant, that finish can be washed off when the fabric is cleaned. That means those fabrics may need a re-application of the treatment after washing. Flame retardant fabrics are not suitable for protective garments, but are frequently used in home furniture, carpets, and curtains.

Key Considerations: Flame retardant finishes are not deeply bonded to the fabric fibers, so they can wash off over time, making flame retardant fabrics less suitable for protective clothing that requires frequent laundering.

What Is Flame Resistant Fabric Used For?

Flame resistant fabrics are inherently designed to resist ignition and self-extinguish when exposed to fire. They are either treated with FR chemicals that deeply bond to the fibers, or they are made from fibers that are inherently flame resistant.

Two Types of Flame Resistant Fabrics

1. FR-Treated Fabrics: Fabrics treated with flame retardant chemicals that bond deeply with the fibers, making the fabric permanently flame resistant. They maintain their protective qualities even after multiple washes.
   
   
2. Inherent Flame Resistant Fabrics: Fabrics made from inherently flame resistant fibers. The protective properties are intrinsic to the fibers at a molecular level, ensuring permanent flame resistance for the life of the fabric.

What Is Treated FR Fabric Used For?

FR-treated fabrics offer great protection against molten metal, heat, and arc flash. These fabrics are typically cheaper in cost than fabrics that are inherently flame resistant. They are a good choice in applications in which garments must be replaced with relative frequency.

What Is Inherent FR Fabric Used For?

Inherent FR fabrics offer great heat and arc flash protection, as well as colorfastness and enhanced comfort levels, thanks to lighter possible fabric weights. They offer limited protection from molten metal splash and are typically more expensive than treated FR fabrics. They are a good choice in applications in which garments are in service for long periods of time with less frequent need for replacement. 

Key Considerations: Both types of flame resistant fabrics offer permanent protection that withstands frequent laundering, making them suitable for use in protective garments. Treated FR fabrics are better suited for molten splash protection and applications requiring frequent garment replacement. Inherent FR fabrics offer greater comfort and are well suited for applications where garments are in use for longer periods of time.

Choosing Flame Resistant Fabrics

Although flame retardant and flame resistant are similar sounding terms, only flame resistant fabrics are used in FR garments. Choosing the right FR fabric for your workplace requires multiple considerations, from the risks your workers face to budget needs and overall wearer needs. Get help with your FR garment selection from the FR fabric experts at TenCate Protective Fabrics:

Get Help Making the Right Selection

Speak to a TenCate Protective Fabrics expert about the products available on the market that make sense for your safety and budgetary needs: