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NFPA 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components

2023 NFPA 285 Standard - Current Edition
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  • Description

    Access the latest method for assessing the fire spread traits of exterior wall assemblies constructed of combustible materials or components.

    NFPA® 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components, provides a consensus process for determining the flame spread resistant properties of these materials when exposed to interior fires. NFPA 285 covers details of test specimens, including new types of wall systems and materials, testing documentation and instrumentation, and the latest requirements, criteria, and diagrams for thermocouple locations.

    Important changes to the 2023 edition include:

    • Revised document scope to clarify that this is an assembly test method
    • New limits on wall projections
    • Addition of details on sealing the tops and sides of walls
    • New Annex B on the extension of results from assemblies that meet NFPA 285 test requirements
  • Table of Contents (2023 Current Edition)

    NFPA® 285 Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components, 2023 Edition

    Chapter 1 Administration
    1.1 Scope.
    1.2 Purpose.
    1.3 Application.
    Chapter 2 Referenced Publications
    2.1 General.
    2.2 NFPA Publications.
    2.3 Other Publications.
    2.4 References for Extracts in Mandatory Sections.
    Chapter 3 Definitions
    3.1 General.
    3.2 NFPA Official Definitions.
    3.3 General Definitions.
    Chapter 4 Test Facility and Apparatus
    4.1 Noncombustible Material.
    4.2 Limited-Combustible Material.
    4.3 Test Facility.
    4.4 Test Apparatus.
    4.5 Movable Test Frame.
    4.6 Burners.
    Chapter 5 Test Specimens
    5.1 Location of Test Specimens.
    5.2 Specimen Mounting.
    5.3 Size of Test Specimen.
    5.4 Position of Test Specimen.
    5.5 Window Opening.
    5.6 Securing Test Specimen to Test Apparatus.
    5.7 Construction Details of Test Specimen.
    5.8 Curing Period.
    Chapter 6 Instrumentation
    6.1 Temperature Measurements.
    6.2 Gas Flow Meters.
    6.3 Thermocouples.
    Chapter 7 Calibration Procedure
    7.1 Calibration Test Procedure.
    7.2 Frequency of Calibration.
    Chapter 8 Fire Test Procedure
    8.1 Fire Test Procedure.
    Chapter 9 Data Collection and Observation
    9.1 Duration.
    9.2 Data Recording.
    9.3 Ambient Conditions.
    9.4 Visual Observations.
    9.5 Determination of Extent and Depth of Damage.
    Chapter 10 Conditions of Acceptance
    10.1 Test Specimen.
    10.2 Performance Criteria.
    Chapter 11 Report
    11.1 Fire Test Report.
    Annex A Explanatory Material
    Annex B Guide for Extensions of Results from Assemblies that Meet NFPA 285 Test Requirements
    Annex C Informational References
  • Prior Editions

    2019 Edition

    NFPA 285 offers the insight and testing criteria to accurately determine flammability characteristics of exterior wall assemblies to help ensure adequate fire resistance.

    NFPA 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components, provides a method of measuring flame spread resistant properties of external construction materials when exposed to interior fires that reach flashover, break outside windows, and reveal the building facade.

    An essential standard for testing laboratories and manufacturers, NFPA 285 covers details of test specimens including new types of wall systems and materials, testing documentation and instrumentation, and the latest requirements, criteria, and diagrams for thermocouple locations.

    Critical changes and additions to the new 2019 edition include:

    • Expanded scope applying to buildings of any construction type 
    • Revised content to encompass both bearing and non-load-bearing assemblies 
    • Addition of sections in Chapter 5 to include joint and seam locations and window header construction

    Make informed decisions to help improve fire protection with NFPA 285.

    This invaluable resource delivers the most current and reliable approach to regulating and addressing the introduction of combustible materials into exterior walls of all kinds. Order your copy of NFPA 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components, today. (Print, 28 pp., 2019)

    2012 Edition

    Make informed fire protection decisions based on accurate determination of how effectively exterior wall assemblies can resist flame propagation by using testing criteria in the 2012 NFPA 285.

    NFPA 285, Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Non-Load-Bearing Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components provides a method of assessing the flammability characteristics of exterior, non-load bearing wall assemblies and panels which are required to be of non-combustible construction but may contain combustible components. The Standard addresses fire exposures from interior fires that reach flashover, break exterior windows, and expose the building facade.

    Changes in the 2012 edition that testing laboratories and manufacturers need to know about include:

    • Revised figures in Chapter 6 and an increase in the number of thermocouple location details to address new types of wall systems
    • Updated acceptance criteria in Chapter 10 to reflect the thermocouple location revisions

    Additional revisions include updating of references, addition of new definitions, corrections and clarifications of text and figures to provide consistency of terms, clarification of language, and editorial revisions. (Softbound, 28, pp., 2012)

     

    Interested in other editions of NFPA 285? Use the drop down menu above to select the edition year you need.

     

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