Section 3203 — California Fire Code (Title 24, Part 9)

3203.1 Classification of commodities. Commodities shall be¶

classified as Class I, II, III, IV or high hazard in accordance with Sections 3203.2 through 3203.10.3. Materials listed within each commodity classification are assumed to be unmodified for improved combustibility characteristics. Use of flame-retarding modifiers or the physical form of the material could change the classification.

Exceptions & meaning →

3203.2 Class I commodities.¶

Class I commodities are noncombustible products in ordinary corrugated cartons with or without single-thickness dividers, or in ordinary paper wrappings with or without wood pallets. The amount of Group A plastics shall be limited in accordance with Section 3203.9.

Exceptions & meaning →

3203.3 Class II commodities. Class II commodities are¶

Class I products in slatted wooden crates, solid wooden boxes, multiple-thickness paperboard cartons or equivalent combustible packaging material with or without wood pallets. The amount of Group A plastics shall be limited in accordance with Section 3203.9.

Exceptions & meaning →

3203.4 Class III commodities. Class III commodities are¶

products of wood, paper, natural fiber cloth, or Group C plastics or products thereof, with or without wood pallets. The amount of Group A plastics shall be limited in accordance with Section 3203.9.

Exceptions & meaning →

3203.5 Class IV commodities. Class IV commodities are¶

Class I, II or III products containing Group A plastics in ordinary corrugated cartons; Class I, II and III products with

Group A plastic packaging; Group B plastics; and free-flowing Group A plastics with or without wood pallets. The total amount of nonfree-flowing Group A plastics shall be limited in accordance with Section 3203.9.

Exceptions & meaning →

3203.6 High-hazard commodities.¶

High-hazard commodities are products presenting special fire hazards beyond those of Class I, II, III or IV. Group A plastics not otherwise classified are included in this class.

Exceptions & meaning →

3203.7 Classification of plastics. Plastics shall be designated¶

as Group A, B or C in accordance with Sections 3203.7.1 through 3203.7.3.

3203.7.1 Group A plastics. Group A plastics are plastic materials having a heat of combustion that is much higher than that of ordinary combustibles, and a burning rate higher than that of Group B plastics.

3203.7.2 Group B plastics. Group B plastics are plastic materials having a heat of combustion and a burning rate higher than that of ordinary combustibles, but not as high as those of Group A plastics.

3203.7.3 Group C plastics. Group C plastics are plastic materials having a heat of combustion and a burning rate similar to those of ordinary combustibles.

Exceptions & meaning →

3203.8 Examples of commodity classification. Table¶

3203.8 shall be used to determine the commodity classification for various products and materials. Products not found in the list shall be classified based on the classification descriptions in Sections 3203.2 through 3203.6 and the products they most nearly represent in Table 3203.8. Table 3203.8 considers the product and the packaging if listed with the item. Products with additional packaging consisting of Group A plastics shall be classified in accordance with Section 3203.9.

The commodity classifications are based on products with, or without, wood pallets. Where plastic pallets are used, the commodity classification shall be modified in accordance with Section 3203.10.

Exceptions & meaning →

3203.9 Limited quantities of Group A plastics in mixed¶

commodities. Figures 3203.9(1) and 3203.9(2) shall be used to determine the commodity classification based on the quantity of Group A plastics in the following situations:

The product is not listed in Table 3203.8 and contains Group A plastics.
The commodity contains Group A plastics and is not classified as high-hazard in Table 3203.8.
The product listing in Table 3203.8 does not specifically include packaging, and the packaging material includes Group A plastics.

3203.9.1 Classifying mixed commodities with limited Group A plastics. The percentage of Group A plastics determined in accordance with Section 3203.9.2 shall be used in Figures 3203.9(1) and 3203.9(2). Results from Figure 3203.9(1) must be compared to results from Figure 3203.9(2) and the commodity will be classified with the highest commodity classification.

Figures 3203.9(1) and 3203.9(2) shall not be used to reduce the commodity classification shown in Table 3203.8.

438 2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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	TABLE 3203.8 EXAMPLES OF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION
PRODUCT CATEGORY	PRODUCT	CLASSIFICATION
Aerosols	Level 1	Class III (See Chapter 51)
Aerosols	Level 2	Class IV (See Chapter 51)
Aerosols	Level 3	High-hazard (See Chapter 51)
Batteries	Dry cells (excludes lithium, lithium-ion and other similar exotic metals or combustible electrolyte); without blister packing (if blister packed, refer to the commodity classification definitions)	Class I
Batteries	Dry cells (nonlithium or similar exotic metals); in blister packing; cartoned	Class II
Batteries	Vehicle; any size (for example, automobile or truck); empty plastic casing	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Batteries	Vehicle; large (in other words, truck or larger); dry or wet cells (excludes lithium-ion and other cells containing combustible electrolytes)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Batteries	Vehicle; small (for example, automobile); wet cells (excludes lithium-ion and other cells containing combustible electrolytes)	Class I
Biomass	Circular baled corn stover	Class IV
Biomass	Rectangular baled corn stover	Class III
Biomass	Rectangular baled switchgrass	High-hazard
Empty containers	Noncombustible	Class I
Empty containers	PET	Class IV
Empty containers	Rigid plastic (not including PET)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Empty containers	Wood; solid sided (such as crates, boxes)	Class II
Film rolls, including photographic	Polypropylene, polyester, polyethylene; rolled on any reel type	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Film rolls, including photographic	35 mm metal film cartridges in polyethylene cans; cartoned	Class III
Film rolls, including photographic	Motion picture or bulk rolls in polycarbonate, polyethylene or in metal cans; polyethylene bagged; cartoned	Class II
Film rolls, including photographic	Rolls in polycarbonate plastic cassettes; cartoned	Class IV
Film rolls, including photographic	Photographic paper; sheets; bagged in polyethylene; cartoned	Class III
Flammable and combustible liquids	Glycol in combustible containers (50 percent or greater)	High-hazard
Flammable and combustible liquids	Lacquers, which dry by solvent evaporation, in metal cans or cartons	High-hazard
Flammable and combustible liquids	Lighters; butane; blister-packed; cartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Flammable and combustible liquids	Over 20- and up to 50-percent alcohol (such as alcoholic beverages, hair spray); up to 1-gallon glass bottles or jars; in racks; cartoned	Class III
Flammable and combustible liquids	Over 20- and up to 50-percent alcohol (such as alcoholic beverages, hair spray); up to 1-gallon glass bottles or jars; palletized; cartoned	Class IV
Flammable and combustible liquids	Over 20- and up to 50-percent alcohol (such as alcoholic beverages, hair spray); up to 1-gallon plastic bottles or jars; cartoned	Class IV
Flammable and combustible liquids	Up to 20-percent alcohol (such as alcoholic beverages, flavoring extracts); greater than 5-gallon plastic containers with wall thickness greater than 0.25 inch	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Flammable and combustible liquids	Up to 20-percent alcohol (such as alcoholic beverages, flavoring extracts); metal, glass or ceramic containers	Class I

(continued)

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	TABLE 3203.8—continued EXAMPLES OF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION
PRODUCT CATEGORY	PRODUCT	CLASSIFICATION
Flammable and combustible liquids	Up to 20-percent alcohol (such as alcoholic beverages, flavoring extracts); plastic containers greater than 5 gallons and wall thickness up to1/4 inch	Class II
Flammable and combustible liquids	Up to 20-percent alcohol (such as alcoholic beverages, flavoring extracts); up to 5-gallon plastic bottles or jars	Class I
Flammable and combustible liquids	Up to 20-percent alcohol (such as alcoholic beverages, flavoring extracts); wood containers	Class II
Flammable and combustible liquids	Lubricating or hydraulic fluid in plastic containers	High-hazard
Flammable and combustible liquids	Nail polish; up to 2-ounce glass bottles or jars; cartoned	Class IV
Flammable and combustible liquids	Nail polish; up to 2-ounce plastic bottles or jars; cartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Flammable solids	Except solid combustible metals	High-hazard
Food products, frozen	In nonwaxed or nonplastic packaging	Class I
Food products, frozen	In plastic trays	Class III
Food products, frozen	In waxed or plastic-coated paper packaging	Class II
Food products, nonfrozen	Butter (stick or whipped spread) or margarine (up to 50-percent oil)	Class III
Food products, nonfrozen	Butter; whipped spread	Class III
Food products, nonfrozen	Dry foods (such as baked goods, candy, cereals, cheese, chocolate, cocoa, coffee, grains, granular sugar, nuts); bagged or cartoned	Class III
Food products, nonfrozen	Foods (such as coffee, fish products, fruit, meat products, nuts, poultry); metal cans	Class I
Food products, nonfrozen	Fruits and vegetables (noncombustible semiliquid); crushed; plastic contain- ers up to 5 gallons	Class I
Food products, nonfrozen	Fruits and vegetables; fresh; wood spacers, nonplastic trays or containers	Class I
Food products, nonfrozen	Margarine; over 50- and up to 80-percent oil	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Food products, nonfrozen	Meat; fresh; no plastic packaging; uncartoned	Class I
Food products, nonfrozen	Meat; fresh; no plastic packaging; cartoned	Class II
Food products, nonfrozen	Meat; fresh; plastic tray	Class III
Food products, nonfrozen	Milk; any container; stored in solid plastic crates	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Food products, nonfrozen	Milk; paper containers, or plastic bottles or jars up to 5 gallons	Class I
Food products, nonfrozen	Salt; bagged	Class I
Food products, nonfrozen	Salt; cartoned	Class II
Food products, nonfrozen	Snack foods (such as potato chips); plasticized aluminum bags; cartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Food products, nonfrozen	Syrup; wooden container	Class II
Furniture and bedding	Box spring; standard (minimal plastic materials)	Class III
Furniture and bedding	Box spring; wrapped in plastic cover	Class IV
Furniture and bedding	Furniture and bedding; with foam cushioning	High-hazard (Group A expanded)
Furniture and bedding	Furniture; metal (such as file cabinets or desks with minimal plastic trim); cartoned	Class I
Furniture and bedding	Furniture; wood (such as doors, windows, cabinets); no plastic coverings or foam cushioning	Class III
Furniture and bedding	Furniture; wood; plastic coverings; nonexpanded plastic trim	Class IV

(continued)

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	TABLE 3203.8—continued EXAMPLES OF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION
PRODUCT CATEGORY	PRODUCT	CLASSIFICATION
Furniture and bedding	Mattress; foam (in finished form)	High-hazard (Group A expanded)
Furniture and bedding	Pillows, foam rubber and foam plastics	High-hazard (Group A expanded)
Housing materials and appliances	Appliances; major (for example, stoves, refrigerators); no appreciable plastic interior or exterior trim; cartoned	Class II
Housing materials and appliances	Appliances; major (for example, stoves, refrigerators); no appreciable plastic interior or exterior trim; uncartoned	Class I
Housing materials and appliances	Appliances; no appreciable plastic exterior trim (interior of unit can have appreciable plastic)	Class III
Housing materials and appliances	Carpet tiles; cartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Housing materials and appliances	Fiberglass insulation; paper-backed rolls; bagged or unbagged	Class IV
Housing materials and appliances	Floor coverings; vinyl, stacked tiles	Class IV
Housing materials and appliances	Floor coverings; vinyl; rolled	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Housing materials and appliances	Gypsum board	Class I
Housing materials and appliances	Housing materials (such as sinks, countertops); noncombustible, cartoned or crated	Class II
Housing materials and appliances	Light fixtures; nonplastic; cartoned	Class II
Housing materials and appliances	Paint; oil-based; friction-top metal containers; cartoned	Class IV
Housing materials and appliances	Paint; water-based (latex); friction-top metal containers; cartoned	Class I
Housing materials and appliances	Paper; asphalt; rolled, horizontal or vertical storage	High-hazard
Housing materials and appliances	Roofing shingles; asphalt-coated fiberglass	Class III
Housing materials and appliances	Roofing shingles; asphalt-impregnated felt	Class IV
Miscellaneous	Ammunition; small arms and shotgun; cartoned	Class IV
Miscellaneous	Charcoal; mineral-spirit impregnated; bagged	High-hazard (Group A expanded)
Miscellaneous	Charcoal; standard (nonmineral-spirit impregnated); bagged	Class III
Miscellaneous	Fertilizers; nitrates; bagged	Class II
Miscellaneous	Fertilizers; phosphates; bagged	Class I
Miscellaneous	Leather hides; baled	Class II
Miscellaneous	Leather; finished products (such as shoes, jackets, gloves, bags, luggage, belts)	Class III
Miscellaneous	Motors; electric	Class I
Miscellaneous	Pallets and flats that are idle; combustible	High-hazard
Miscellaneous	Shock absorbers; metal dust cover	Class II
Miscellaneous	Shock absorbers; plastic dust cover	Class III
Miscellaneous	Skis; wood	Class III
Miscellaneous	Skis; composite materials (such as plastic, fiberglass, foam)	Class IV
Miscellaneous	Tobacco products; cartoned	Class III
Miscellaneous	Toys; stuffed; foam or synthetic	High-hazard (Group A expanded)
Miscellaneous	Transformer; dry or empty (in other words, void of oil)	Class I

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	TABLE 3203.8—continued EXAMPLES OF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION
PRODUCT CATEGORY	PRODUCT	CLASSIFICATION
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids or semiliquids; PET containers greater than 5 gallons having a nom- inal wall thickness greater than1/4 inch	Class IV
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids or semiliquids; PET containers up to 5 gallons having a nominal wall thickness less than1/4 inch	Class I
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids or semiliquids (such as crushed fruits and vegetables); plastic con- tainers up to 5-gallon capacity	Class I
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids or semiliquids; plastic (except PET) containers greater than 5-gallon capacity having a nominal wall thickness greater than1/4 inch	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids or semiliquids; plastic (except PET) containers greater than 5-gallon capacity having a nominal wall thickness up to1/4 inch	Class II
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids; cardboard drink boxes, plastic coated, wax coated, and/or alumi- num lined; uncartoned or on corrugated carton trays with plastic sheeting	Class I
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids; cardboard drink boxes, plastic coated, wax coated, and/or alumi- num lined; stored in plastic containers	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids; glass bottles or jars; cartoned	Class I
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids; less than 5-gallon plastic containers	Class I
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids; pharmaceuticals (nonflammable); glass bottles or jars; cartoned	Class II
Noncombustible liquids	Liquids; plastic bottles or jars; stored in open or solid plastic crates	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Paper products	Book signatures (paper part of book without hard cover)	Class II
Paper products	Cartons (such as cardboard flats); corrugated; partially assembled	Class IV
Paper products	Cartons (such as cardboard flats); corrugated; unassembled in neat piles	Class III
Paper products	Cartons; wax coated, single-walled corrugated	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Paper products	Cellulosic paper products; nonwax coated (such as books, cardboard games, cartoned tissue products, magazines, newspapers, paper cups, paper plates, paper towels, plastic-coated paper food containers, stationary)	Class III
Paper products	Cellulosic paper products; wax coated (such as paper plates, cups); loosely packed; cartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Paper products	Cellulosic paper products; wax coated (such as paper plates, cups); nested; cartoned	Class IV
Paper products	Matches; paper-type; cartoned	Class IV
Paper products	Matches; wooden; cartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Paper products	Rolled; lightweight; in storage racks	Class IV
Paper products	Rolled; medium or heavyweight; in storage racks or onside	Class III
Paper products	Rolled; in horizontal storage or vertical storage that is banded or protected with an approved wrap	Class III
Paper products	Rolled; in vertical storage that is unbanded or not protected with an approved wrap	High-hazard
Paper products	Tissue products; plastic wrapped; cartoned	Class III
Paper products	Tissue products; plastic wrapped; uncartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)

(continued)

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	TABLE 3203.8—continued EXAMPLES OF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION
PRODUCT CATEGORY	PRODUCT	CLASSIFICATION
Plastic, rubber	ABS (Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Acetal (polyformaldehyde)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Acrylic (polymethyl methacrylate)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Automobile bumpers and dashboards	High-hazard (Group A expanded)
Plastic, rubber	Butyl rubber	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Cellulose acetate	Class IV (Group B plastic)
Plastic, rubber	Cellulose acetate butyrate	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Chloroprene rubber	Class IV (Group B plastic)
Plastic, rubber	Containers; Nonexpanded plastic gridded or solid; collapsed or nested with no air spaces	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	ECTFE (ethylene-chlorotrifluoro-ethylene copolymer)	Class IV (Group B plastic)
Plastic, rubber	EPDM (ethylene-propylene rubber)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	ETFE (ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer)	Class IV (Group B plastic)
Plastic, rubber	Ethyl cellulose	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	FEP (fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer)	Class IV (Group B plastic)
Plastic, rubber	FRP (fiberglass-reinforced polyester)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Melamine (melamine formaldehyde)	Class III (Group C plastic)
Plastic, rubber	Nitrile rubber (acrylonitrile-butadiene rubber)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Nylon (nylon 6, nylon 6/6)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	PCTFE (polychlorotrifluoroethylene)	Class III (Group C plastic)
Plastic, rubber	PET (Polyethylene terephthalate-thermoplastic polyester)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Phenolic	Class III (Group C plastic)
Plastic, rubber	Plastics; stored in fully closed and solid (no openings) metal containers	Class I
Plastic, rubber	Polybutadiene	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Polycarbonate	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Polyester elastomer	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)

(continued)

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	TABLE 3203.8—continued EXAMPLES OF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION
PRODUCT CATEGORY	PRODUCT	CLASSIFICATION
Plastic, rubber	Polyethylene	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Polypropylene	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Polystyrene; foam products (such as plates, cups)	High-hazard (Group A expanded)
Plastic, rubber	Polystyrene; rigid products	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Polyurethane	High-hazard (Group A expanded)
Plastic, rubber	PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene)	Class III (Group C plastic)
Plastic, rubber	PVC (polyvinyl chloride) products; plasticizer content 20 percent or less	Class III (Group C plastic)
Plastic, rubber	PVC (polyvinyl chloride) products; plasticizer content greater than 20 percent	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	PVC resins; bagged	Class III (Group C plastic)
Plastic, rubber	PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride)	Class III (Group C plastic)
Plastic, rubber	PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride)	Class III (Group C plastic)
Plastic, rubber	PVF (polyvinyl fluoride)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Pyroxylin	High-hazard
Plastic, rubber	Rubber; natural in blocks; cartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Rubber; natural; expanded	High-hazard (Group A expanded)
Plastic, rubber	Rubber; natural; Nonexpanded	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Rubber; synthetic (santoprene)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Rubber tires	High-hazard
Plastic, rubber	SAN (styrene acrylonitrile)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	SBR (styrene-butadiene rubber)	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic, rubber	Silicone rubber	Class IV (Group B plastic)
Plastic, rubber	Urea (urea formaldehyde)	Class III (Group C plastic)
Plastic containers	Bottles or jars greater than 1 gallon containing noncombustible solids	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Plastic containers	Bottles or jars up to 1 gallon containing noncombustible solids	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)

(continued)

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	TABLE 3203.8—continued EXAMPLES OF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION
PRODUCT CATEGORY	PRODUCT	CLASSIFICATION
Powders, pills	Pharmaceutical pills; glass bottles or jars; cartoned	Class II
Powders, pills	Pharmaceuticals pills; plastic bottles or jars; cartoned	Class IV
Powders, pills	Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) resins; bagged	Class IV
Powders, pills	Powders; combustible (ordinary—such as sugar or flour); free-flowing; bagged	Class II
Powders, pills	Powders; noncombustible free-flowing powdered or granular materials (such as cement, calcium chloride, clay, iron oxide, sodium chloride, sodium silicate); bagged	Class I
Powders, pills	Powders; noncombustible; glass bottles or jars; cartoned	Class I
Powders, pills	Powders; noncombustible; PET bottles or jars	Class II
Powders, pills	Powders; noncombustible; plastic (other than PET) bottles or jars; uncartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Powders, pills	Powders; noncombustible; plastic bottles or jars greater than 1-gallon capacity	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Powders, pills	Powders; noncombustible; plastic bottles or jars up to 1-gallon capacity; cartoned	Class IV
Textile materials and products	Cloth; natural fibers; baled	Class III
Textile materials and products	Cloth; synthetic cloth	Class IV
Textile materials and products	Clothing; natural fibers (such as wool, cotton) and viscose	Class III
Textile materials and products	Cotton; cartoned	Class III
Textile materials and products	Diapers; cotton or linen	Class III
Textile materials and products	Diapers; plastic or nonwoven fabric; cartoned	Class IV
Textile materials and products	Diapers; plastic or nonwoven fabric; plastic-wrapped; uncartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Textile materials and products	Fabric; rayon and nylon	Class IV
Textile materials and products	Fabric; synthetic (except rayon and nylon); greater than 50/50 blend	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Textile materials and products	Fabric; synthetic (except rayon and nylon); up to 50/50 blend	Class III
Textile materials and products	Fabric; vinyl-coated (such as tablecloth); cartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Textile materials and products	Fibers; rayon and nylon; baled	Class IV
Textile materials and products	Fibers; synthetic (except rayon and nylon); baled	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Textile materials and products	Thread or yarn; rayon and nylon; wood or paper spools	Class IV
Textile materials and products	Thread or yarn; rayon or nylon; plastic spools	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Textile materials and products	Thread or yarn; synthetic (except rayon and nylon); greater than 50/50 blend; paper or wood spools	Class IV
Textile materials and products	Thread or yarn; synthetic (except rayon and nylon); greater than 50/50 blend; plastic spools	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Textile materials and products	Thread or yarn; synthetic (except rayon and nylon); up to 50/50 blend; plastic spools	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Textile materials and products	Thread or yarn; synthetic (except rayon and nylon); up to 50/50 blend; wood or paper spools	Class III
Wax products	Candles	High-hazard (Group A expanded)
Wax products	Paraffin or petroleum wax; blocks	High-hazard (Group A expanded)

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	TABLE 3203.8—continued EXAMPLES OF COMMODITY CLASSIFICATION
PRODUCT CATEGORY	PRODUCT	CLASSIFICATION
Wire, cable, spools	Spools; plastic; empty	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Wire, cable, spools	Spools; wood; empty	Class III
Wire, cable, spools	Wire or cable; PVC insulated; metal or wood spools	Class II
Wire, cable, spools	Wire or cable; PVC insulated; plastic spools	Class IV
Wire, cable, spools	Wire; bare; metal spools; uncartoned	Class I
Wire, cable, spools	Wire; bare; metal spools; cartoned	Class II
Wire, cable, spools	Wire; bare; plastic spools; cartoned	Class IV
Wire, cable, spools	Wire; bare; plastic spools; uncartoned	High-hazard (Group A unexpanded)
Wire, cable, spools	Wire; bare; wood or cardboard spools	Class II
Wood products	Wood patterns	Class IV
Wood products	Wood products (such as fiberboard, lumber, particle board, plywood, pressboard with smooth ends and edges); bundled solid blocks	Class II
Wood products	Wood products (such as fiberboard, lumber, particle board, plywood, pressboard with smooth ends and edges); unbundled or nonsolid blocks	Class III
Wood products	Wood products (such as toothpicks, clothespins and hangers)	Class III

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 gallon = 3.8 L, 1 ounce = 29.57 ml.

3203.9.2 Percentage of Group A plastics. The pallet, if any, shall not be included when measuring the weight of the commodity ( WPU or WPE ) or the volume of the commodity ( VPE ). The pallet, if any, shall be included when measuring the weight of the entire load ( WL ) or the volume of the entire load ( VL ).

Exception: Where noncombustible pallets are used, the pallets shall not be included in the volume and weight calculations.

The percentage by weight of Group A unexpanded plastics in the load shall be calculated in accordance with Equation 32-1.

The percentage by volume of Group A expanded plastics in the load shall be calculated in accordance with Equation 32-2.

The percentage by weight of Group A expanded plastics in the load shall be calculated in accordance with Equation 32-3. PWU = WPU / WL (Equation 32-1) where: PWU = Percentage by weight of Group A unexpanded

plastic. WPU = Weight of Group A unexpanded plastic in the

commodity, not including the weight of the pallet, if any. WL = Weight of the entire load, including the weight

of the pallet, if any.

PVE = VPE / VL (Equation 32-2)

where: PVE = Percentage by volume of Group A expanded

plastic. VPE = Volume of Group A expanded plastic in the

commodity, not including the volume of the pallet, if any. VL = Volume of the entire load, including the volume

of the pallet, if any.

PWE = WPE / WL (Equation 32-3) where: PWE = Percentage by weight of Group A expanded

plastic. WPE = Weight of Group A expanded plastic in the

commodity, not including the weight of the pallet, if any. WL = Weight of the entire load, including the weight

of the pallet, if any.

Exceptions & meaning →

3203.10 Plastic pallets.¶

The commodity classification determined in Section 3203.8 or 3203.9 shall be modified in accordance with Sections 3203.10.1 through 3203.10.3 where plastic pallets are used.

Exception: The commodity classification is not modified where any of the following conditions occur:

Group A plastic commodities are stored on plastic pallets.
Sprinkler protection consists of sprinklers at the ceiling only, using sprinklers with a minimum Kfactor of K-16.8 (240).
The plastic pallets are listed and labeled in accordance with Section 3206.4.1.1.

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FIGURE 3203.9(1) EVALUATION BY VOLUME OF GROUP A EXPANDED PLASTICS IN MIXED COMMODITIES ^{a, b}

a. This figure is used to determine the commodity classification of a mixed commodity with Group A plastics in a package or carton, or on a pallet. b. The following is an example of how to apply Figure 3203.9(1): A pallet load consists of a Class III commodity with components of unexpanded Group A

plastic and packing material of expanded Group A plastic. Using Equation 32-1, the weight of unexpanded Group A plastic is 5 percent. Using Equation 322, the volume of expanded Group A plastic is 15 percent. This commodity is classified as a Class IV commodity. If the volume of the expanded Group A plastic is increased to 20 percent, the classification changes to a high-hazard commodity. Compare this result with the result from Figure 3203.9(2), and the highest classification will apply. Where the load is stored on a plastic pallet, the requirements in Section 3203.10 apply.

100735044

HIGH-PILED COMBUSTIBLE STORAGE

FIGURE 3203.9(2) EVALUATION BY WEIGHT OF GROUP A EXPANDED PLASTICS IN MIXED COMMODITIES ^{a, b, c}

a. This figure is used to determine the commodity classification of a mixed commodity with Group A plastics in a package or carton, or on a pallet. b. The results from this figure must be compared to the results from Figure 3203.9(1). The highest classification will apply. c. The following is an example of how to apply Figure 3203.9(2): A pallet load consists of a Class III commodity with components of unexpanded Group A

plastic and packing material of expanded Group A plastic. Using Equation 32-1, the weight of unexpanded Group A plastic is 5 percent. Using Equation 32-3, the weight of expanded Group A plastic is 6 percent. This commodity is classified as a high-hazard commodity. Where the load is stored on a plastic pallet, the requirements in Section 3203.10 apply.

448 2019 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE

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3203.10.1 Unreinforced plastic pallets. For Class I through IV commodities, where unreinforced polypropylene or unreinforced high-density polyethylene plastic pallets are used, the commodity classification shall be increased one class. To be considered unreinforced plastic pallets, the pallets shall be marked with a permanent symbol indicating the pallet is unreinforced.

3203.10.2 Reinforced plastic pallets. For Class I through IV commodities, where reinforced polypropylene or reinforced high-density polyethylene plastic pallets are used, the commodity classification shall be increased two classes except for Class IV commodities, which shall be increased to a high-hazard (Group A plastic, cartoned, unexpanded) commodity.

3203.10.3 Other pallets. For Class I through IV commodities stored on plastic pallets other than polypropylene or high-density polyethylene plastic pallets, the commodity classification shall be increased two classes unless specific testing is conducted by a testing laboratory.

Exceptions & meaning →