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Jerome J. Lazar, RA, CCS, CSI
Senior Member
Username: lazarcitec

Post Number: 1933
Registered: 05-2003
Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2018 - 01:03 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

A client has asked, what is a Class A finish/fabric. His ID has specified a floor to ceiling curtain for lobby wall, the specs from the ID does not mention Class A, what do my colleagues look for to determine whether a material is Class A?
J. Peter Jordan
Senior Member
Username: jpjordan

Post Number: 1057
Registered: 05-2004
Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2018 - 01:56 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Generally "Class A" refers to flame spread rating when tested according to ASTM E84. The building code should state what flame spread is required for which materials. This depends on the occupancy, the specific space (like whether it is an egress space), the surface (wall, ceiling, or floor), and whether or not the building is sprinklered.

What you may find is that a Class A rating is not required by code.

Still, it is disconcerting that ID people know (or care) so little about these types of requirements.
J. Peter Jordan, FCSI, AIA, CCS, LEED AP, SCIP
Guest (Unregistered Guest)
Unregistered guest
Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2018 - 02:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Also note that I'm not sure Class A, B, or C would apply to the situation you describe as I don't believe they are classified as an interior finish material. Instead, refer to interior decorative materials that specifically references curtains and draperies: See 806.3 and 806.4: https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-building-code-2017/chapter/8/interior-finishes#806.3
Guest (Unregistered Guest)
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Posted on Thursday, October 04, 2018 - 02:06 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostPrint Post

Jerome, see Florida Building Code Section 803.1.1: https://up.codes/viewer/florida/fl-building-code-2017/chapter/8/interior-finishes#803.1.1

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