Designing for Fire Safety: Complying with NFPA 285 Test Standard for Exterior Walls

When considering the building enclosure, fire safety is an important design factor and needs to be considered hand-in-hand with energy code requirements. The NFPA 285 Standard Fire Test Method for Evaluation of Fire Propagation Characteristics of Exterior Wall Assemblies Containing Combustible Components is a common consideration with modern building assemblies that use combustible materials. This presentation will review common fire standards including NFPA 285 test standard. It will outline the criteria for compliance, as well as identify triggers and contributors under the standard. The presentation will review how the selection of building components such as insulation, air/water resistive barriers and claddings, can affect the fire performance of an assembly, and identify solutions and common paths for compliance.

Learning objectives:

1. Discuss the history, scope and testing procedure outlined in the NFPA 285 test standard
2. Identify passive design solutions to achieve compliance and resources available with compliant designs
3. Discuss the importance of fire and safety design considerations as it relates to the building enclosure
4. Understand the requirements of NFPA 285 compliant assemblies and the implications of building materials selection.

Earn 1.0 AIA LU | HSW

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