Replaces NFPA 255

NFPA 286 Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth, measures flame spread in a room configuration, including fire spread along walls, ceilings, and combinations of both. This method is more indicative of real world fire hazards, and is preferred over NFPA 255[4], but is more expensive. Also, test results for heat, smoke, and combustion product release from NFPA 286 are suitable for use as input into fire models for performance-based design, whereas results from NFPA 255 are not.

Use

US building codes specify maximum FSI of 25 per NFPA 255 for exposed interior surfaces.

The Life Safety Code groups flame spread ratings into five classes:

Class      rating

A             0-25

B             26-75

C             76-200

D             201-500

E              over 500