NFPA 285 Compliance under IBC

[pstockert]

Anybody have insight into the IBC requirement that exterior walls of buildings over 1 story (Types I to IV) meet the assembly test standard of NFPA 285 (IBC 2003 2603.5.5)?

Most foam manufacturers have little to no testing.

Are code officials ignoring this ?

 

[north star]

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pstockert,

Welcome to The Codes Forum!

From Section 1.1 - SCOPE [ NFPA 285 ]:This standard provides a test

method used to determine the fire propagation characteristics of exterior

non-load bearing wall assemblies and panels used as components of curtain

wall assemblies, constructed using combustibles materials, or that incorporate

combustible components, that are intended to be installed on buildings

required to have exterior walls of non-combustible construction.

IMO, the exterior non-load bearing wall assemblies must pass this standard

or they don't get installed. Typically, the RDP should incorporate "approved"

materials / components in to the wall assemblies planned for installation.

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[RJJ]

agree! with North Star!

No we don't ignore it!

 

[north star]

$ $ $

pstockert,

Have you seen a wayward Building Inspector wandering around Albany anywhere?

His name is John Drobysh! He is a member on this forum. He is currently

MIA!.



$ $ $

 

[RJJ]

North Star: John has been on he just has a new job! Just not as often as before.

 

[pstockert]

Haven't seen this inspector, but he could be here.

Anyway- if you have a 2 or more story building, other than type 5 construction, and you are using extruded polystyrene (foamular or styrofoam) and it is other than brick veneer. It has not been tested.

If you are using polyiso, other than thermax it hasn't been tested either.

 

[north star]

* * *

Request a compliant assembly from the Registered Design Professional.

Then check the U.L. directory to see if there are any matching assemblies

with the one(s) submitted, or bring your concerns to light with the RDP

and see what they say.

RJJ,

Thanks for the input! I already knew about John's "new" job up in Albany.

I was seeking to raise a response from him, ...something similar to poking

him with a sharp stick!

* * *

 

[pstockert]

You won't find NFPA 285 test results in the UL directory. Most design professionals don't understand the requirements either.

 

[north star]

* * *

pstockert,

Are your RDP's submitting wall assemblies with non-approved materials in them?



If I understand you, if the foam products you mention [ or others ] are not approved,

by a nationally recognized / accepted testing standard, then they are not supposed

to be installed. I am thinking that it is the responsibility of the RDP to submit

approved designs, ..."yes ?".

See the report from NFPA [ in the link ].

http://www.nfpa.org/assets/files/PDF/ROP/285-A2005-ROC.pdf



Also, see the link to Intertek, regarding NFPA - 285 testing.

http://www.intertek.com/servicesdetail.aspx?id=4470



Does this help you ?

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[Paul Sweet]

"IBC 2603.9 Special approval.

Foam plastic shall not be required to comply with the requirements of Sections 2603.4 through 2603.7 where specifically approved based on large-scale tests such as, but not limited to, NFPA 286 (with the acceptance criteria of Section 803.2), FM 4880, UL 1040 or UL 1715. Such testing shall be related to the actual end-use configuration and be performed on the finished manufactured foam plastic assembly in the maximum thickness intended for use. Foam plastics that are used as interior finish on the basis of special tests shall also conform to the flame spread requirements of Chapter 8. Assemblies tested shall include seams, joints and other typical details used in the installation of the assembly and shall be tested in the manner intended for use."

I think that most EIFS manufacturers have assemblies that pass these large-scale tests.