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ASTM E-84 Fire Standard

The ASTM E-84 Fire Standard

Any material tested to this standard will either fail the test or fall into one of three categories: Class A, Class B or Class C. The two metrics used in all these categories are how far the flame spread (FSI – Flame Spread Index) and how much smoke was developed (SDI – Smoke Developed Index) during the test.

  • FSI – Measured on a scale from 0 to 200, rounded to the nearest multiple of 5
    • Class A (1): FSI from 0 to 25
    • Class B (2): FSI from 26 to 75
    • Class C (3): FSI from 76 to 200
    • Fail: FSI > 200

 

  • SDI – Measured on a scale from 0 to 450, values under 200 are rounded to the nearest multiple of 5, values over 200 are rounded to the nearest multiple of 50.
    • Pass: Classes A, B & C if the SDI is 450 or less.
    • Fail: Classes A, B & C if the SDI is above 450.

NFPA 220 Fire Standard

While fire ratings are specific to certain materials in a building, the NFPA 220 fire standard assess a building's components and give it a collective rating based on how long it can maintain its structural integrity during a fire. There are the five types according to this standard:

Type 1: Multistory buildings over 75 feet tall that are designed to resist high temperatures and prioritize evacuation from a fire through stairwells

Type 2: Newer commercial structures made of non-combustible materials, such as schools or malls

Type 3: Brick-and-joist structures, like homes, that are composed of combustible materials

Type 4: Buildings where most of the structural composition is combustible, but certain elements are non or limited combustible

Type 5: Buildings with a combustible frame and other structural elements

Depending on a building's designated type, certain elements can help boost the non-combustibility of the structure. Applying a fire-resistant coating to flammable surfaces is a more affordable option that can help achieve excellent resistance without replacing structural elements.

For a more costly solution that offers many additional benefits, elements of a building can be replaced with better materials such as:

 

Flame-treated natural products

Fire-resistant glass for windows

Stucco, brick, or concrete

Components made with gypsum

Despite the established standards summarized above, fire safety legislation in the United States is primarily governed at the state and local levels. Each state has its own set of laws and regulations, enforced by fire departments, fire marshals, building code officials, and other regulatory agencies. These laws are designed to prevent fires, protect lives, and minimize property damage.

We always suggest contacting the local fire marshal to verify what class of material can be used for your installation.