Fire-Resistance Class M1 and M2 for Curtains in Public-Access Buildings: A Guide to the Requirements.
In public-access buildings (French ERP classification), curtains must meet the M1 (French fire-safety classification) rating in enclosed stairwells and on stages, and M2 minimum in circulation areas and rooms larger than 50 m², under the arrêté du 25 juin 1980 (the French decree of 25 June 1980, articles AM 11 to AM 14, standard NF P 92-507, the French fire-reaction standard). Rooms smaller than 50 m² carry no legal obligation, but insurers and hotel chains often require M2 or M1.
Kurtens makes made-to-measure M1 curtains for professionals: M1 certification on request with the test report supplied, technical performance you choose (acoustic attenuation up to 22 dB*, thermal insulation up to 7 °C*, blackout up to 100%*). Quote within 24h.
In France, the fire classification of furnishing materials is based on the NF P 92-507 standard, made mandatory by the order of 25 June 1980. This standard defines five levels of reaction to fire, from M0 (non-combustible) to M4 (easily flammable).
- Audit your spaces: identify the areas subject to an M1 or M2 requirement using the table above
- Define your needs: contact Kurtens with the number of windows, the dimensions and the performance you want (acoustic, thermal, blackout)
- Detailed quote within 24h: full pricing with M1 certification, colors and finishes
- Samples on request: validate fabrics and colors before ordering
- Made-to-measure production: manufacturing to your specifications
- Delivery and documentation: curtains delivered with the M1 test report for your safety register. Kurtens can recommend partner installers if needed
| Class | Designation | Meaning | Curtain application |
|---|---|---|---|
| M0 | Non-combustible | Does not burn, does not contribute to fire | Not applicable to textiles |
| M1 | Non-flammable | Does not ignite on contact with a flame | Stairways, stages, high-risk areas |
| M2 | Hardly flammable | Ignites with difficulty, very limited spread | Passageways, rooms > 50 m² |
| M3 | Moderately flammable | Moderate spread | Non-compliant in public-access buildings (ERP) |
| M4 | Easily flammable | Rapid spread | Prohibited in public-access buildings (ERP) |
The French decree of 21 November 2002 introduced the European Euroclasses system (A1 to F), which coexists with the French M classification. For curtains in public-access buildings (ERP, établissements recevant du public), the M classification remains the reference in practice, as safety commissions and insurers use it systematically.
Which M1 or M2 curtains for each area of your public-access establishment?
The regulatory requirement depends on the area, not on the type of establishment. Articles AM 11, AM 12 and AM 13 of the French decree of 25 June 1980 (arrêté du 25 juin 1980) apply to all public-access establishments (French: ERP): hotels, restaurants, care homes, offices, schools, performance venues.
| Area | Legal requirement | Reference | Practical recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enclosed stairwells | M1 (French fire-reaction classification) mandatory | AM 12 a) | Strict requirement, no exemption |
| Escape routes (corridors, lobbies, circulation areas) | M2 minimum | AM 12 b) | Prefer M1 for maximum safety |
| Rooms and halls > 50 m² | M2 minimum | AM 12 b) | Prefer M1 (high footfall) |
| Stages and platforms | M1 mandatory | AM 13 | Strict requirement |
| Textile coverings on fire doors | M2 minimum | AM 11 §2 | Prefer M1 |
| Bedrooms < 50 m² | No legal requirement | Not covered by AM 11-12 | M2 recommended (insurers often require it) |
| Suites and bedrooms ≥ 50 m² | M2 minimum | AM 12 b) | Prefer M1 (at-risk area) |
| Small lounges < 50 m² (outside escape routes) | No legal requirement | Not covered by AM 12 | M2 recommended (anticipate inspections) |
The legal requirement is a minimum. Three players frequently impose stricter requirements than the regulations.
Insurers: professional multi-risk policies often require M1 or M2 curtains, including in spaces not covered by law (hotel rooms, offices). Non-compliance can void your coverage in the event of a claim.
Chains and groups: the internal standards of hotel groups (Accor, Marriott, Hilton) and healthcare networks are often more demanding than the regulations. A group-run care home will typically require M1 everywhere, even in bedrooms.
Inspection bodies: Bureau Veritas, Apave and Socotec strongly recommend M1 or M2 in every space, even those not subject to a legal requirement. Their reports are reviewed by the safety commission during periodic inspections.
Kurtens made-to-measure M1 curtains: compliance with performance on top
Most suppliers of flame-retardant curtains for institutions stop at M1 certification. As a manufacturer of made-to-measure flame-retardant curtains, Kurtens combines regulatory compliance with technical performance to match your specifications.
| Criterion | Standard M1 supplier | Kurtens |
|---|---|---|
| M1 certification | Yes | Yes, on request |
| Acoustic attenuation | Not offered | Up to 22 dB* |
| Thermal insulation | Not offered | Up to 7 °C gain* |
| Blackout | Variable | Up to 100%* |
| Dimensions | Standard or semi-standard sizes | Made to the exact measurements in your specifications |
| Colors | Fixed catalog | Customizable to your project |
| M1 test report | Not always provided | Provided as standard |
| Samples | Rarely | Available on request |
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Frequently asked questions about M1 curtains.
What is the difference between M1 and M2 for curtains?
An M1 curtain is non-flammable: it does not ignite on contact with a flame. An M2 curtain is hardly flammable: it can ignite, but the spread is very limited. In public-access buildings, enclosed stairwells and stages require M1. Circulation areas and rooms over 50 m² require M2 at minimum.
Do hotel room curtains need to be M1?
Rooms under 50 m² have no legal obligation regarding the fire classification of curtains. However, insurers and hotel chains frequently require M2 or M1, even in guest rooms. Check the terms of your insurance policy and your group's standards.
How do you verify that a curtain is genuinely M1 classified?
Ask for the M1 classification report (fire test certificate) issued by the manufacturer or an accredited laboratory. This document must be less than 5 years old. A serious supplier provides it as a matter of course. Kurtens delivers the M1 certificate with every order of certified curtains.
Should you flameproof a fabric or buy a fabric that is inherently M1?
Both approaches exist. Flameproofing by chemical treatment is less durable: it can degrade with washing. A fabric whose fibre is inherently M1 keeps its classification over time. For a public-access building subject to periodic inspections, an inherently M1 fabric offers more reliable compliance over the long term.
