How well do you really know NFPA 285?
You may know, for example, that NFPA 285 is a fire test standard that measures the flammability characteristics of modern exterior wall assemblies. That’s a good start, but it’s only the beginning. To help you command a more thorough understanding of this critically important test standard, take a moment to review this handy Top 10 fact list:
Fact #1: The fire exposure duration for NFPA 285 is 30 minutes.
Fact #2: Several combustible materials are typically used in non-combustible wall construction including foam plastic continuous insulation, air and water barriers, high-pressure laminates, metal composites, and fiber-reinforced polymer panels.
Fact #3: NFPA 285 is directly referenced in 2015 IBC Section 1403.5 and Section 2603.5.5.
Fact #4: NFPA 285 is an assembly test so all components must be tested together to be compliant, meaning an individual component of an NFPA 285 compliant assembly cannot be labeled as “passing NFPA 285.”
Fact #5: The idea behind the NFPA 285 test goes back to the building codes of the early 1980s.
Fact #6: The NFPA 285 fire test is performed with a full, two-story wall assembly.
Fact #7: A successful NFPA 285 fire test must limit fire spread vertically and horizontally.
Fact #8: Rising energy standards like ASHRE 90.1 are driving the use of continuous insulation and thus the need for more NFPA 285 testing.”
Fact #9: NFPA 285 fire test standards may be applied to exterior wall assemblies in Type I, II, III, and IV construction.
Fact #10: Enter the four-letter code, FWFO, in the UL Category Code of the UL online certifications directory to receive a listing of all UL certified NFPA 285-approved wall assemblies.
Be NFPA 285-smart.
To learn more, Owens Corning encourages you to download this 31-page NFPA 285 design guide. This professional guide presents a wealth of useful NFPA 285 facts, compliant wall assembly descriptions, comparison charts, and diagrams.
