Foamular Extruded Polystyrene Insulation Passes NFPA 285 Fire Test

Foamular passes NFPA 285 Fire Test

Foamular Extruded Polystyrene insulation has successfully passed the NFPA 285 fire test in many variations giving architects options in exterior wall design. The purpose of NFPA 285 is to test to determine that combustible foam plastic insulation, when exposed to fire on the exterior face of the wall, does not spread flame over the surface or through the core of the otherwise non-combustible wall assembly.

The 30 minute test is conducted on a full scale two story wall assembly, built as it would be in the field, on the front side of a three sided test structure. (See Figures 1 and 2 that are excerpts from NFPA 285).

The test wall, has a window in the centre of the lower floor. (Figure 3) The test scenario is that a flashover fire, unrelated to the foam plastic insulation, has occurred in the lower story room emitting a fire plume out of the room of origin through the window. Early in the 30 minute exposure the fire plume wraps around the window head, extending up the exterior surface of the wall. (Figure 4).

To pass, the wall assembly must demonstrate limited fire spread vertically and horizontally away from the window. The extent of fire spread is determined visually, measured in feet, and by temperature that is measured by thermocouples placed throughout the wall assembly. Figure 5 shows a successful Foamular Commerical complete wall system test with the brick veneer stripped away just above the window lintel. Note the very limited fire spread and melting of the foam.

For more information on Foamular insulation.