Back3.1.5.12.(3)

ATTRIBUTION:

Most technical provisions of the BC Fire Code describe how the code’s objectives and functional statements are achieved. However, some provisions, like this one, do not relate directly to a code objective. The following analysis is provided to assist in understanding of the provision.

 

APPLICATION:

Thermal barrier protection of combustible insulation from adjacent space in a building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within wall assemblies, and where the insulation has a flame-spread rating more than 25 but not more than 500 on any exposed surface, or any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction.
This applies to exterior walls of buildings described in Sentence 1.3.3.2.(1) of Division A that are required to be of noncombustible construction, except buildings that:
  • are not sprinklered throughout, and
  • are more than 18 m high, measured between grade and the floor level of the top storey.
As stated in Clause 3.1.5.5.(1)(b), this also applies to thermal barrier protection for interior surfaces of exterior non-loadbearing wall assemblies.
This also applies to buildings to which Part 9 applies [see Sentence 1.3.3.3.(1) of Division A for application of Part 9] that are required to be of noncombustible construction, as stated in Sentence 9.10.6.1.(1).

INTENT:

To expand the application of Sentence 3.1.5.12.(2).

ATTRIBUTION:

Most technical provisions of the BC Fire Code describe how the code’s objectives and functional statements are achieved. However, some provisions, like this one, do not relate directly to a code objective. The following analysis is provided to assist in understanding of the provision.

 

APPLICATION:

Thermal barrier protection of combustible insulation from adjacent space in a building, other than adjacent concealed spaces within wall assemblies, and where the insulation has a flame-spread rating more than 25 but not more than 500 on any exposed surface, or any surface that would be exposed by cutting through the material in any direction.
This applies to exterior walls of buildings described in Sentence 1.3.3.2.(1) of Division A that:
This also applies to buildings to which Part 9 applies [see Sentence 1.3.3.3.(1) of Division A for application of Part 9] that are required to be of noncombustible construction, as stated in Sentence 9.10.6.1.(1).

INTENT:

To exempt certain combustible materials from the application of Sentence 3.1.5.1.(1) if certain conditions are met, on the basis that the materials are deemed to insignificantly contribute to fire growth and spread.