Textile Fire Tests (RE: IBC 803.1.2 Difference between NFPA 286 and ASTM E84 )

[Sketch44]

So this is a fun one...

I'm installing a Vinyl Wall covering (with no sprinkler system) and the code official is rightly telling me that I need to use NFPA 286 or NFPA 265 compliant test.

The manuf. has told me they comply with ASTM E84 Class A

Is there a basis for saying ASTM E84 Class A is equivalent to the performance criteria listed in IBC 803.1.2 (NFPA 286) and 803.1.3 (NFPA 265)

Code Below:

803.1 General.
Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified for fire performance and smoke development in accordance with Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2, except as shown in Sections 803.2 through 803.13. Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.2 shall not be required to be tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1.

*Note: At first I thought I could use 803.1.1 which is ASTM E84 but then reading on 803.7 points me to 803.1.2/803.1.3/803.1.4


803.1.2 Room corner test for interior wall or ceiling fin-ish materials. Interior wall or ceiling finish materials shall be permitted to be tested in accordance with NFPA 286.Interior wall or ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286 shall comply with Section 803.1.2.1.803.1.2.1
Acceptance criteria for NFPA 286.
During the 40 kW exposure, the interior finish shall comply with Item 1. During the 160 kW exposure, the interior finish shall comply with Item 2. During the entire test, the inte-rior finish shall comply with Items 3 and 4.1. During the 40kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.2. During the 160 kW exposure, the interior finish shall comply with the following:2.1. Flame shall not spread to the outer extrem-ity of the sample on any wall or ceiling.2.2. Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur.3. The peak rate of heat release throughout the NFPA286 test shall not exceed 800 kW.4. The total smoke released throughout the NFPA286 test shall not exceed 1,000 m2•

803.1.3 Room corner test for textile wall coverings and expanded vinyl wall coverings. Textile wall coverings and expanded vinyl wall coverings shall meet the criteria of Sec-tion 803.1.3.1 when tested in the manner intended for use in accordance with the Method B protocol of NFPA 265 using the product-mounting system, including adhesive.803.1.3.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 265. During the 40 kW exposure the interior finish shall comply with Item 1. During the 150 kW exposure, the interior finish shall comply with Item 2. During the entire test, the inte-rior finish shall comply with Item 3.1. During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.2. During the 150 kW exposure, the interior finish shall comply with the following:2.1. Flame shall not spread to the outer extremi-ties of the samples on the 8-foot by 12-foot(203 mm by 305 mm) walls.2.2. Flashover, as described in NFPA 265, shall not occur.3. The total smoke released throughout the NFPA265 test shall not exceed 1,000 m2•

 

[cda]

I am guessing no

Since the 84 is a horizontal test

 

[cda]

Guess you do not meet this


803.2 Thickness exemption.
Materials having a thickness less than 0.036 inch (0.9 mm) applied directly to the surface of walls or ceilings shall not be required to be tested.

 

[RLGA]

ASTM E84 may be tested in a horizontal position, but it is not just for materials applied in a horizontal condition. Section 803.7 is for expanded vinyl wall coverings. Not all vinyl wall coverings fall into this category (and I think that this type is rarely produced). See Chapter 2 for a definition of expanded vinyl wall coverings. In my experience, I have never seen expanded vinyl wall covering used in a commercial project.