The NFPA 285 official document scope states
Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2025 8:12 am
This article focuses on rigid-foam CI options that can simplify meeting NFPA 285 requirements.
NFPA 285 overview
At its core, NFPA 285 is intended to evaluate the performance of combustible materials in wall assemblies required to be noncombustible.
Scope
With limited exceptions, International Building Code (IBC) Section 2603.5.5, “Vertical and lateral fire propagation,” requires wall assemblies in Type I, II, III, and IV construction using foam-plastic insulation to pass NFPA 285 testing rcs data requirements. Despite the use of ‘non-loadbearing’ in its title, NFPA 285 applies to both non-loadbearing and loadbearing walls.
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This test provides a method of determining the flammability characteristics of exterior, non-load-bearing wall assemblies/panels. The test method described is intended to evaluate the inclusion of combustible components within wall assembled/panels of buildings that are required to be of non-combustible construction. It is intended to simulate the tested wall assemblies’ fire performance.
NFPA 285 overview
At its core, NFPA 285 is intended to evaluate the performance of combustible materials in wall assemblies required to be noncombustible.
Scope
With limited exceptions, International Building Code (IBC) Section 2603.5.5, “Vertical and lateral fire propagation,” requires wall assemblies in Type I, II, III, and IV construction using foam-plastic insulation to pass NFPA 285 testing rcs data requirements. Despite the use of ‘non-loadbearing’ in its title, NFPA 285 applies to both non-loadbearing and loadbearing walls.
:
This test provides a method of determining the flammability characteristics of exterior, non-load-bearing wall assemblies/panels. The test method described is intended to evaluate the inclusion of combustible components within wall assembled/panels of buildings that are required to be of non-combustible construction. It is intended to simulate the tested wall assemblies’ fire performance.