CFC · California Fire Code
How must textile wall coverings be tested and classified?
If you install fabric wall coverings in California, the assembly (fabric + adhesive + mounting) must be tested in the way it will be used. Pass the NFPA 265 room‑corner test per § 803.5.1, meet NFPA 286 acceptance, or have a Class A ASTM E84 result plus required sprinklers — otherwise the product will not satisfy the California Fire Code.
Last reviewed: July 6, 2026
What the code requires — plain English
Textile wall coverings used as interior wall finish must be tested as installed (including the product mounting system and adhesive) and comply with one of the specific acceptance paths in the code. The controlling rule is § 803.5 . The usual paths are: (1) NFPA 286 (via the Building Code acceptance route in § 803.1.1), (2) the NFPA 265 Method B room‑corner test and its acceptance criteria in § 803.5.1 / § 803.5.1.1, or (3) an ASTM E84 / UL 723 Class A classification plus sprinkler protection per § 803.5.2 .
Textile wall coverings must be tested as they will be installed (fabric + mounting + adhesive) and then either pass the NFPA 265 room‑corner criteria (§ 803.5.1), meet NFPA 286 (§ 803.1.1), or be Class A by ASTM E84/UL 723 with required sprinklers (§ 803.5.2).
Requirements in detail
Basics — what must be tested
- The code requires testing the entire product assembly as intended for use: the textile, the mounting system (backing, substrate, framing if any), and the adhesive. This is explicit in § 803.5 and repeated in § 803.5.1 .
- Test specimen preparation and mounting (for the room‑corner tests) must follow ASTM E2404 as called out by the code (see § 803.5.1 text) .
Three accepted compliance routes (summary table)
| Decision dimension | Required value / threshold | When this applies | Code Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Test the product as installed (include adhesive & mounting) | Yes — test assembly, not only fabric | Always for textile wall coverings | § 803.5 |
| Room‑corner test method | NFPA 265 Method B (use product mounting; ASTM E2404 specimen prep) | For the NFPA 265 acceptance path | § 803.5.1 |
| NFPA 265 acceptance limits — flame spread to ceiling | During 40 kW exposure, flames must not reach the ceiling | NFPA 265 Method B acceptance | § 803.5.1.1 (1) |
| NFPA 265 acceptance limits — wall extent | Flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of samples on 8‑ft by 12‑ft walls | NFPA 265 Method B acceptance | § 803.5.1.1 (2) |
| NFPA 265 acceptance limits — flashover | No flashover as defined in NFPA 265 | NFPA 265 Method B acceptance | § 803.5.1.1 (3) |
| NFPA 265 acceptance limits — smoke | Total smoke released ≤ 1,000 m [2] (as stated in the code) | For newly introduced wall coverings per NFPA 265 | § 803.5.1.1 (4) |
| ASTM E84 / UL 723 route | Class A (flame spread 0–25; smoke developed 0–450) and automatic sprinkler protection per § 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2 | Alternate compliance route to NFPA 265/NFPA 286 | § 803.5.2 and § 803.1.2 file |
| NFPA 286 / 803.1.1 route | NFPA 286 acceptance criteria (no spread to ceiling, no spread to outer extremity, no flashover; peak HRR ≤ 800 kW; smoke ≤ 1,000 m [2]) | When complying via NFPA 286 as allowed in § 803.1.1 | § 803.1.1.1 |
| Specimen mounting standard | ASTM E2404 for specimen prep and mounting (room‑corner tests) | Room‑corner NFPA 265 and ASTM E84 specimen prep references | § 803.5.1 / § 803.5.2 file |
| Thickness exemption | Materials < 0.036 inch (0.9 mm) applied directly to substrate are not required to be tested | When the material is thinner than the exemption threshold | § 803.2 |
Notes on the table:
- The code text specifies the NFPA 265 Method B room‑corner protocol and the acceptance items listed above in § 803.5.1.1; see that section for the exact test items and wording .
- The ASTM E84 / UL 723 route requires both a Class A classification and sprinkler protection; see § 803.5.2 for that combination and the ASTM E2404 specimen prep reference .
Test/installation details you must account for
- Always test the product as installed — include adhesives, backings, foam layers, trim, and the mounting method (adhesive, mechanical attachment, etc.) per § 803.5 and § 803.5.1 file.
- For NFPA 265 Method B, specimen mounting and preparation must follow ASTM E2404 (this governs the mock‑up substrate, seam conditions, adhesive use, etc.) as cross‑referenced in § 803.5.1 .
- ASTM E84/UL 723 tests use different specimen geometry and classification limits (Class A/B/C defined in § 803.1.2) and, for textile wall coverings using this route, the code adds the sprinkler requirement in § 803.5.2 file.
Exceptions & special cases
- Thickness exemption: thin coverings less than 0.036 inch (0.9 mm) applied directly to the surface are not required to be tested under § 803.2 .
- Ceiling coverings: textile ceiling coverings have their own references and may require different acceptance routes; see § 803.6 (they must be tested as installed and comply with § 803.1.1 or § 803.5.2) .
- Expanded vinyl wall coverings are treated alongside textiles in the same subsections (803.5.1 / 803.5.2) — don’t treat expanded vinyl as identical in behavior without testing; see § 803.5.1 and § 803.5.2 file.
- Where NFPA 286 (the Building Code route) is used, additional numeric acceptance metrics (peak heat release ≤ 800 kW) appear; see § 803.1.1.1 .
If a particular detail (for example, an alternate mounting geometry) is not explicitly addressed in these sections, the code requires testing in the "manner intended for use" — which implies that unusual installations may require custom test setups and consultation with the enforcing agency. The provided files do not include an exhaustive procedural appendix for every mounting variation; refer to the referenced test standards (NFPA 265, ASTM E2404, ASTM E84/UL 723, NFPA 286) and the fire code official for atypical cases.
Common mistakes
- Testing only the fabric (cut swatches) instead of the full assembly (fabric + adhesive + backing + mounting). The code explicitly requires testing the product as installed (see § 803.5 and § 803.5.1) file.
- Assuming an ASTM E84 Class A result alone is sufficient without confirming required sprinkler protection — § 803.5.2 requires Class A plus sprinkler protection per § 903.3.1.1/1.2 .
- Using the wrong test method for the intended installation (for example, relying on laboratory fabric-only tests when the material will be installed as a loose‑hang or adhesive‑mounted wall covering) — the code distinguishes methods based on intended mounting and requires NFPA 265 room‑corner tests for certain products (see § 803.5.1) .
- Misreading smoke acceptance: NFPA 265 acceptance for newly introduced wall coverings includes a total smoke limit (code text shows the threshold as 1,000 m [2]) — check the exact metric in the referenced standard and the code section § 803.5.1.1 (4) when documenting compliance .
- Overlooking ASTM E2404 specimen‑prep requirements when doing room‑corner tests; incorrect mounting invalidates test results for code acceptance (see § 803.5.1).
Worked example — concrete scenario
Scenario: A manufacturer will install a decorative woven textile wall covering over gypsum board in an office lobby. The product will be adhered to the wall using a pressure‑sensitive contact adhesive specified by the installer. The installer wants to know the code‑compliant test path.
Step 1 — Test the assembly as installed:
- Assemble a test mock‑up that duplicates the intended installation: textile + adhesive + gypsum substrate + any seams/trim, per § 803.5 .
Step 2 — Choose the compliance path: Option A — NFPA 265 Method B room‑corner test:
- Prepare and mount specimens per ASTM E2404 and test using NFPA 265 Method B (room‑corner) per § 803.5.1 .
- Acceptance criteria (per § 803.5.1.1) require:
- During the 40‑kW exposure, flames do not reach the ceiling;
- Flames do not spread to the outer extremities of the 8‑ft by 12‑ft walls;
- No flashover occurs;
- Total smoke released ≤ 1,000 m [2] (code language) .
- If the mock‑up meets these items, the installation complies under § 803.5.1.
Option B — ASTM E84 / UL 723:
- Test representative material per ASTM E84 / UL 723 and achieve Class A (flame spread index 0–25; smoke 0–450).
- Because this is the ASTM E84 path, the installed space must have automatic sprinkler protection per § 903.3.1.1/1.2 for acceptance under § 803.5.2 .
- If the product is Class A and the space has the required sprinklers, the material is acceptable.
If the product is thinner than 0.036 in (0.9 mm) and is applied directly, it may be exempt from testing per § 803.2 — verify thickness and installation to confirm exemption .
Related provisions (quick list)
- § 803.5 — Textile wall coverings (general requirement to test as installed)
- § 803.5.1 — Room‑corner test for textile and expanded vinyl wall coverings (NFPA 265 Method B; ASTM E2404 reference)
- § 803.5.1.1 — Acceptance criteria for NFPA 265 Method B (40 kW, 8×12 walls, flashover, smoke limit)
- § 803.5.2 — Acceptance criteria for ASTM E84 / UL 723 (Class A) and sprinkler requirement; specimen prep reference ASTM E2404
- § 803.1.1 / § 803.1.1.1 — NFPA 286 acceptance criteria (alternate building‑code route; includes peak HRR ≤ 800 kW and smoke ≤ 1,000 m [2])
- § 803.2 — Thickness exemption (< 0.036 in) that may remove testing requirement for thin applied materials
- ASTM E2404 (referenced in the code) — specimen preparation and mounting for these wall‑covering tests
Code references
Grounded in the retrieved California Fire Code — click a citation to read the verbatim passage:
CFC § 8-5 High relevance — show source text
(2) The total square foot area of the material shall not exceed ten percent of that of the floor area of the room in which the material is installed.
(3) When tested as follows, no flames shall reach the top edge of the specimen.
The test shall be conducted in a draft free area, on a specimen of the material 12 inches by 12 inches suspended at a 45 degree angle from the horizontal with the upper and lower edges in a horizontal plane. The test flame shall be 3 inches long from a Bunsen Burner of approximately [1] / 2 inch inside diameter with the air supply completely shut off. The burner shall be so positioned so that its top is 1 inch vertically below a point on the lower surface of the test specimen, 1 inch up from its lower horizontal edge, and mid-way between the inclined edges. The exposure to the test flame and the duration of test shall be for a period of 2 minutes.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 8-5
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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
803.5.1 Room corner test for textile wall coverings and expanded vinyl wall coverings. Textile wall coverings and expanded vinyl wall coverings shall meet the criteria of Section 803.5.1.1 when tested in the manner intended for use in accordance with the Method B protocol of NFPA 265 using the product mounting system, including adhesive. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2404.
803.5.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 265 Method B test protocol. Where testing to NFPA 265, the interior finish shall comply with the following:
- During the 40-kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
- The flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the samples on the 8-foot by 12-foot (203 by 305 mm) walls.
- Flashover, as defined in NFPA 265, shall not occur.
- For newly introduced wall coverings, the total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .
803.5.1.2 Unframed rigid combustible decorative material. Rigid combustible decorative material and assemblies of materials not more than [1] / 4 inch in thickness used for folding doors, room dividers, decorative screens and similar applications, which do not create concealed spaces and which are installed with exposed edges, shall be flame resistant in accordance with SFM Standard 12-7-5 contained in Title 24, Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code.
803.5.1.3 Framed rigid combustible decorative material. Rigid combustible decorative material and assemblies of materials not more than [1] / 4 inch in thickness used for folding doors, room dividers, decorative screens and similar applications, and which are installed with all edges protected, shall conform to SFM Standard 12-7-5 contained in Title 24, Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code.
CFC § 8-4 High relevance — show source text
8-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
803.4 Fire-retardant coatings. The required flame spread or smoke-developed index of surfaces in existing buildings shall be allowed to be achieved by application of approved fire-retardant coatings, paints or solutions to surfaces having a flame spread index exceeding that allowed. Such applications shall comply with NFPA 703 and the required fire-retardant properties shall be maintained or renewed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The fire-retardant paint, coating or solution shall have been assessed by testing over the same substrate to be used in the application.
803.5 Textile wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, textile wall coverings, including materials having a woven, nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface, shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1, 803.5.1 or 803.5.2.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.21(a) and (b)] Interior Finish of Decorative Material.
(a) Unframed Rigid Combustible Decorative Material. Rigid combustible decorative material and assemblies of materials not more than [1] / 4 inch in thickness used for folding doors, room dividers, decorative screens and similar applications, which do not create concealed spaces and which are installed with exposed edges, shall be flame resistant in accordance with the following:
(1) Test specimen shall be 12 inches wide and 24 inches long. Four specimens shall be tested, two in each direction of the material. (2) The specimen shall be suspended vertically with its lower edge 2 inches above the top of a [3] / 8 inch diameter Bunsen Burner. The test shall be performed in a draft-free area.
(3) The flames from the burner shall be 4 inches long and shall be adjusted with sufficient air supply to eliminate any yellow flame tips but without any distinct inner blue cone.
(4) The specimen shall be exposed to the flame at each corner and at not less than one other point along the lower edge. Each exposure shall be of sufficient duration to determine if the material will ignite and continue to burn, but shall be not less than 20 seconds.
(5) The criteria for acceptance shall be as follows:
(A) There shall be not more than intermittent flaming appreciably beyond the area exposed to the test flame.
(B) No flame shall reach the top of the specimen.
(C) On removing the test flame there shall be not more than one second of after flaming except there may be nonprogressive flaming of short duration in areas of accumulated char which were directly exposed to the test flame.
(b) Framed Rigid Combustible Decorative Material. Rigid combustible decorative material and assemblies of materials not more than 1 / 4 inch in thickness used for folding doors, room dividers, decorative screens and similar applications, and which are installed with all edges protected, shall conform to the following: (1) All exposed edges shall be protected with frames of metal or other noncombustible material, or solid wood of minimum [1] / 4 inch dimension.
CFC § 803.1.3 High relevance — show source text
803.1.3 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials with different requirements. The materials indicated in Sections 803.2 through 803.13 shall be tested as indicated in the corresponding sections.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 8-3
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803.2 Thickness exemption. Materials having a thickness less than 0.036 inch (0.9 mm) applied directly to the surface of walls or ceilings shall not be required to be tested.
803.3 Heavy timber exemption. Exposed portions of building elements complying with the requirements for buildings of heavy timber construction in Section 602.4 or Section 2304.11 shall not be subject to interior finish requirements except in interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps, and exit passageways.
803.4 Foam plastics. Foam plastics shall not be used as interior finish except as provided in Section 2603.9. This section shall apply both to exposed foam plastics and to foam plastics used in conjunction with a textile or vinyl facing or cover.
803.5 Textile wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, textile wall coverings, including materials having woven or nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface and carpet and similar textile materials, shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product-mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of one of the following: Section 803.1.1, 803.5.1 or 803.5.2.
803.5.1 Room corner test for textile wall coverings and expanded vinyl wall coverings. Textile wall coverings and expanded vinyl wall coverings shall meet the criteria of Section 803.5.1.1 when tested in the manner intended for use in accordance with the Method B protocol of NFPA 265 using the product-mounting system, including adhesive.
803.5.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 265. The interior finish shall comply with the following:
- During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
- The flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the samples on the 8-foot by 12-foot (203 by 305 mm) walls.
- Flashover, as defined in NFPA 265, shall not occur.
- The total smoke release throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .
803.5.2 Acceptance criteria for textile and expanded vinyl wall or ceiling coverings tested to ASTM E84 or UL 723. Textile wall and ceiling coverings and expanded vinyl wall and ceiling coverings shall have a Class A flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 and be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2404.
803.6 Textile ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, textile ceiling coverings, including materials having woven or nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface and carpet and similar textile materials, shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product-mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
CFC § 803.5.2 High relevance — show source text
803.5.2 Acceptance criteria for wall and ceiling coverings. Textile wall and ceiling coverings shall have a Class A flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, and be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2404.
803.6 Textile ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, textile ceiling coverings, including materials having a woven, nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface and carpet or similar textile materials, shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
803.7 Expanded vinyl wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, expanded vinyl wall coverings shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1, 803.5.1 or 803.5.2.
803.8 Expanded vinyl ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, expanded vinyl ceiling coverings shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
[BF] 803.9 High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Where high-density polyethylene or polypropylene is used as an interior finish, it shall comply with Section 803.1.1.
[BF] 803.10 Site-fabricated stretch systems. Where used as newly installed interior wall or interior ceiling finish materials, sitefabricated stretch systems containing all three components described in the definition in Chapter 2 shall be tested in the manner intended for use, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.1.2. If the materials are tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2573.
803.11 Foam plastic materials. Foam plastic materials shall not be used as interior wall and ceiling finish unless specifically allowed by Section 803.11.1 or 803.11.2. Foam plastic materials shall not be used as interior trim unless specifically allowed by Section 804.2.
803.11.1 Foam plastics. Foam plastics shall be allowed to be used as interior wall and ceiling finish only where in accordance with Section 2603.9 of the California Building Code . This section shall apply both to exposed foam plastics and to foam plastics used in conjunction with a textile or vinyl facing or cover.
803.11.2 Thermal barrier for foam plastics. Foam plastic material shall be allowed if it is separated from the interior of the building by a thermal barrier in accordance with Section 2603.4 of the California Building Code.
CFC § 8-5 High relevance — show source text
(1) Test specimen shall be 12 inches wide and 24 inches long. Four specimens shall be tested, two in each direction of the material. (2) The specimen shall be suspended vertically with its lower edge 2 inches above the top of a [3] / 8 inch diameter Bunsen Burner. The test shall be performed in a draft-free area.
(3) The flames from the burner shall be 4 inches long and shall be adjusted with sufficient air supply to eliminate any yellow flame tips but without any distinct inner blue cone.
(4) The specimen shall be exposed to the flame at each corner and at not less than one other point along the lower edge. Each exposure shall be of sufficient duration to determine if the material will ignite and continue to burn, but shall be not less than 20 seconds.
(5) The criteria for acceptance shall be as follows:
(A) There shall be not more than intermittent flaming appreciably beyond the area exposed to the test flame.
(B) No flame shall reach the top of the specimen.
(C) On removing the test flame there shall be not more than one second of after flaming except there may be nonprogressive flaming of short duration in areas of accumulated char which were directly exposed to the test flame.
(b) Framed Rigid Combustible Decorative Material. Rigid combustible decorative material and assemblies of materials not more than 1 / 4 inch in thickness used for folding doors, room dividers, decorative screens and similar applications, and which are installed with all edges protected, shall conform to the following: (1) All exposed edges shall be protected with frames of metal or other noncombustible material, or solid wood of minimum [1] / 4 inch dimension.
(2) The total square foot area of the material shall not exceed ten percent of that of the floor area of the room in which the material is installed.
(3) When tested as follows, no flames shall reach the top edge of the specimen.
The test shall be conducted in a draft free area, on a specimen of the material 12 inches by 12 inches suspended at a 45 degree angle from the horizontal with the upper and lower edges in a horizontal plane. The test flame shall be 3 inches long from a Bunsen Burner of approximately [1] / 2 inch inside diameter with the air supply completely shut off. The burner shall be so positioned so that its top is 1 inch vertically below a point on the lower surface of the test specimen, 1 inch up from its lower horizontal edge, and mid-way between the inclined edges. The exposure to the test flame and the duration of test shall be for a period of 2 minutes.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 8-5
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
803.5.1 Room corner test for textile wall coverings and expanded vinyl wall coverings. Textile wall coverings and expanded vinyl wall coverings shall meet the criteria of Section 803.5.1.1 when tested in the manner intended for use in accordance with the Method B protocol of NFPA 265 using the product mounting system, including adhesive. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2404.
CFC § 803.5.1.1 High relevance — show source text
803.5.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 265. The interior finish shall comply with the following:
- During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
- The flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the samples on the 8-foot by 12-foot (203 by 305 mm) walls.
- Flashover, as defined in NFPA 265, shall not occur.
- The total smoke release throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .
803.5.2 Acceptance criteria for textile and expanded vinyl wall or ceiling coverings tested to ASTM E84 or UL 723. Textile wall and ceiling coverings and expanded vinyl wall and ceiling coverings shall have a Class A flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723 and be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2404.
803.6 Textile ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, textile ceiling coverings, including materials having woven or nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface and carpet and similar textile materials, shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product-mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
803.7 Expanded vinyl wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, expanded vinyl wall coverings shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product-mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of one of the following: Section 803.1.1, 803.5.1 or 803.5.2.
803.8 Expanded vinyl ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, expanded vinyl ceiling coverings shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
803.9 High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Where high-density polyethylene or polypropylene is used as an interior finish, it shall comply with Section 803.1.1.
803.10 Site-fabricated stretch systems. Where used as interior wall or interior ceiling finish materials, site-fabricated stretch systems containing all three components described in the definition in Chapter 2 shall be tested in the manner intended for use, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or with the requirements of Class A in accordance with Section 803.1.2. If the materials are tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2573.
CFC § 2.1 High relevance — show source text
b**|Corridors and enclosure
for exit access stairways
and ramps|Rooms and
enclosed
spacesc|Interior exit stair-
ways and ramps and
exit passagewaysa, b|Corridors and
enclosure for exit
access stairways and
ramps|Rooms and
enclosed
spacesc| |A-1 and A-2|B|B|C|A|Ad|Be| |A-3f, A-4, A-5|B|B|C|A|Ad|C| |B, E, M, R-1, R-4|B|Cm|C|A|Bm|C| |F|C|C|C|B|C|C| |H_, L_|B|B|Cg|A|A|B| |I-1|B|C|C|A|B|B| |I-3|A|Aj|C|A|A|B| |I-4|B|B|Bh, i|A|A|B| |R-2|C|C|C|B|B|C| |R-2.1|B|C|C|A|B|B| |R-3_, R-3.1_|C|C|C|C|C|C| |S|C|C|C|B|B|C| |U|No Restrictions|No Restrictions|No Restrictions|No Restrictions|No Restrictions|No Restrictions|8-4 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE
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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
803.4 Fire-retardant coatings. The required flame spread or smoke-developed index of surfaces in existing buildings shall be allowed to be achieved by application of approved fire-retardant coatings, paints or solutions to surfaces having a flame spread index exceeding that allowed. Such applications shall comply with NFPA 703 and the required fire-retardant properties shall be maintained or renewed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The fire-retardant paint, coating or solution shall have been assessed by testing over the same substrate to be used in the application.
803.5 Textile wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, textile wall coverings, including materials having a woven, nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface, shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1, 803.5.1 or 803.5.2.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §3.21(a) and (b)] Interior Finish of Decorative Material.
(a) Unframed Rigid Combustible Decorative Material. Rigid combustible decorative material and assemblies of materials not more than [1] / 4 inch in thickness used for folding doors, room dividers, decorative screens and similar applications, which do not create concealed spaces and which are installed with exposed edges, shall be flame resistant in accordance with the following:
CFC § 803.5.1.1 High relevance — show source text
803.5.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 265 Method B test protocol. Where testing to NFPA 265, the interior finish shall comply with the following:
- During the 40-kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
- The flame shall not spread to the outer extremities of the samples on the 8-foot by 12-foot (203 by 305 mm) walls.
- Flashover, as defined in NFPA 265, shall not occur.
- For newly introduced wall coverings, the total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .
803.5.1.2 Unframed rigid combustible decorative material. Rigid combustible decorative material and assemblies of materials not more than [1] / 4 inch in thickness used for folding doors, room dividers, decorative screens and similar applications, which do not create concealed spaces and which are installed with exposed edges, shall be flame resistant in accordance with SFM Standard 12-7-5 contained in Title 24, Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code.
803.5.1.3 Framed rigid combustible decorative material. Rigid combustible decorative material and assemblies of materials not more than [1] / 4 inch in thickness used for folding doors, room dividers, decorative screens and similar applications, and which are installed with all edges protected, shall conform to SFM Standard 12-7-5 contained in Title 24, Part 12, California Referenced Standards Code.
803.5.2 Acceptance criteria for wall and ceiling coverings. Textile wall and ceiling coverings shall have a Class A flame spread index in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, and be protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2. Test specimen preparation and mounting shall be in accordance with ASTM E2404.
803.6 Textile ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, textile ceiling coverings, including materials having a woven, nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface and carpet or similar textile materials, shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
803.7 Expanded vinyl wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, expanded vinyl wall coverings shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1, 803.5.1 or 803.5.2.
803.8 Expanded vinyl ceiling coverings. Where used as interior ceiling finish materials, expanded vinyl ceiling coverings shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of Section 803.1.1 or 803.5.2.
[BF] 803.9 High-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP). Where high-density polyethylene or polypropylene is used as an interior finish, it shall comply with Section 803.1.1.
CFC § 803.1.1 High relevance — show source text
803.1.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified in accordance with NFPA 286 and comply with Section 803.1.1.1. Materials complying with Section 803.1.1.1 shall be considered to also comply with the requirements of Class A.
803.1.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 286. The interior finish shall comply with the following:
During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
The flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling.
Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur.
The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kW.
The total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .
803.1.2 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723. Such interior finish materials shall be grouped in the following classes in accordance with their flame spread and smoke-developed indices.
Class A = Flame spread index 0–25; smoke-developed index 0–450.
Class B = Flame spread index 26–75; smoke developed index 0–450.
Class C = Flame spread index 76–200; smoke-developed index 0–450.
Exception: Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1 and as indicated in Sections 803.1.3 through 803.13.
803.1.3 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials with different requirements. The materials indicated in Sections 803.2 through 803.13 shall be tested as indicated in the corresponding sections.
2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 8-3
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INTERIOR FINISHES
803.2 Thickness exemption. Materials having a thickness less than 0.036 inch (0.9 mm) applied directly to the surface of walls or ceilings shall not be required to be tested.
803.3 Heavy timber exemption. Exposed portions of building elements complying with the requirements for buildings of heavy timber construction in Section 602.4 or Section 2304.11 shall not be subject to interior finish requirements except in interior exit stairways, interior exit ramps, and exit passageways.
803.4 Foam plastics. Foam plastics shall not be used as interior finish except as provided in Section 2603.9. This section shall apply both to exposed foam plastics and to foam plastics used in conjunction with a textile or vinyl facing or cover.
803.5 Textile wall coverings. Where used as interior wall finish materials, textile wall coverings, including materials having woven or nonwoven, napped, tufted, looped or similar surface and carpet and similar textile materials, shall be tested in the manner intended for use, using the product-mounting system, including adhesive, and shall comply with the requirements of one of the following: Section 803.1.1, 803.5.1 or 803.5.2.
CFC § 802.1 Medium relevance — show source text
SECTION 802—DEFINITIONS
802.1 Definitions. The following terms are defined in Chapter 2:
FLAME SPREAD.
FLAME SPREAD INDEX.
INTERIOR FLOOR-WALL BASE.
SITE-FABRICATED STRETCH SYSTEM.
SMOKE-DEVELOPED INDEX.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1191] Approved.
“Approved” means approved by the State Fire Marshal.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1196] Flame-retardant Chemical.
“Flame-Retardant Chemical,” as used herein, means any chemical, chemical compound or chemical mixture which when properly applied to a fabric or material will render such fabric or material incapable of supporting combustion to the extent that it will success- fully withstand the tests and meet the specifications promulgated by the State Fire Marshal.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1201] Nonflammable Material.
“Nonflammable Material,” as used herein, means a fabric or material which is inherently flame-resistant to the extent that it will meet the requirements of the fire resistance test herein prescribed, but shall not include materials which must be chemically treated or processed after manufacture to make them flame-resistant.
[California Code of Regulations, Title 19, Division 1, §1202] Place of Public Assemblage.
“Place of Public Assemblage,” as used herein, means any occupancy mentioned in Sections 13115 or 13119 of the Health and Safety Code.
2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE 8-3
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INTERIOR FINISH, DECORATIVE MATERIALS AND FURNISHINGS
SECTION 803—INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH IN EXISTING BUILDINGS
803.1 General. The provisions of this section shall limit the allowable fire performance and smoke development of interior wall and ceiling finishes in existing buildings based on location and occupancy classification. Interior wall and ceiling finishes shall be classified in accordance with Section 803 of the California Building Code . Such materials shall be classified in accordance with NFPA 286, as indicated in Section 803.1.1, or in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723, as indicated in Section 803.1.2.
Materials tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1 shall not be required to be tested in accordance with Section 803.1.2.
803.1.1 Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials shall be classified in accordance with NFPA 286 and tested in accordance with Section 803.1.1.1. Materials complying with Section 803.1.1.1 shall be considered to comply with the requirements of Class A specified in Section 803.1.2.
803.1.1.1 Acceptance criteria for NFPA 286. The interior finish shall comply with the following:
During the 40 kW exposure, flames shall not spread to the ceiling.
The flame shall not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling.
Flashover, as defined in NFPA 286, shall not occur.
The peak heat release rate throughout the test shall not exceed 800 kW.
The total smoke released throughout the test shall not exceed 1,000 m [2] .
CFC § 804.3.1 Medium relevance — show source text
253—23: Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source
804.3.1, 804.3.2, 804.4
260— 24 : Standard Methods of Tests and Classification System for Cigarette Ignition Resistance of Components of Upholstered Furniture
805.1.1.1, 805.2.1.1, 805.3.1.1, 805.4.1.1
261—23: Standard Method of Test for Determining Resistance of Mock-Up Upholstered Furniture Material Assemblies to Ignition by Smoldering Cigarettes
805.1.1.1, 805.2.1.1, 805.3.1.1, 805.4.1.1
265—23: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Room Fire Growth Contribution of Textile or Expanded Vinyl Wall Coverings on Full Height Panels and Walls
803.5.1, 803.5.1.1
286— 24 : Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth
803.1, 803.1.1, 803.1.1.1, 803.3, 803.12, 803.13, 804.1.1, 804.2.4
289—23: Standard Method of Fire Test for Individual Fuel Packages
807.3, 807.4.1, 807.5.1.1, 808.2
303—21: Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards
3603.5, 3603.6, 3604.2
318— 25 : Standard for the Protection of Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities
2703.16
326— 25 : Standard for the Safeguarding of Tanks and Containers for Entry, Cleaning, or Repair
3510.1
385—22: Standard for Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids
5706.5.4.5, 5706.6, 5706.6.1, 5707.2
400— 25 : Hazardous Materials Code
5601.1.5, Table 6303.1.4, 6304.1.2, Table 6304.1.5(1), Table 6304.1.5(2)
407—22: Standard for Aircraft Fuel Servicing
2006.2, 2006.3
409—22: Standard on Aircraft Hangars 914.8.3, Table 914.8.3, 914.8.3.1, 914.8.6
410— 25 : Standard on Aircraft Maintenance
2004.7
484—22: Standard for Combustible Metals
319.3.4, 319.3.6, Table 2205.1
495—23: Explosive Materials Code
CFC § 0.750 Medium relevance — show source text
22| |5 double extra strong
0.750 wall thickness|80|0.70|1.61|2.40|3.12| |5 double extra strong
0.750 wall thickness|100|0.85|1.86|2.71|3.47| |5 double extra strong
0.750 wall thickness|110|0.91|1.97|2.85|3.63| |5 double extra strong
0.750 wall thickness|120|0.98|2.02|2.99|3.79| |5 extra strong 0.375
wall thickness|80|1.04|2.01|2.83|3.54| |5 extra strong 0.375
wall thickness|100|1.19|2.23|3.09|3.85| |5 extra strong 0.375
wall thickness|110|1.26|2.34|3.22|4.00| |5 extra strong 0.375
wall thickness|20|1.32|2.44|3.34|4.14| |5 standard 0.258
wall thickness|80|1.20|2.19|3.00|3.72| |5 standard 0.258
wall thickness|100|1.34|2.39|3.25|4.00| |5 standard 0.258
wall thickness|110|1.41|2.49|3.37|4.14| |5 standard 0.258
wall thickness|120|1.47|2.58|3.49|4.28| |4 double extra strong
0.674 wall thickness|80|0.80|1.75|2.56|3.28| |4 double extra strong
0.674 wall thickness|100|0.95|1.99|2.85|3.62| |4 double extra strong
0.674 wall thickness|110|1.02|2.10|2.99|3.78| |4 double extra strong
0.674 wall thickness|120|1.09|2.20|3.12|3.93| |4 extra strong 0.337
wall thickness|80|1.12|2.11|2.93|3.65| |4 extra strong 0.337
wall thickness|100|1.26|2.32|3.19|3.95| |4 extra strong 0.337
wall thickness|110|1.33|2.42|3.31|4.09| |4 extra strong 0.337
wall thickness|120|1.40|2.52|3.43|4.23|2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE 7-89
on Jul 18, 2025 11:14 AM (CDT) THEREUNDER.
FIRE AND SMOKE PROTECTION FEATURES
|TABLE 722.5.
Frequently asked questions
What if my textile passes ASTM E84 but the room has no sprinkler system?
If it only has an ASTM E84 Class A result but the room lacks the required automatic sprinklers, the ASTM E84 route in § 803.5.2 is not sufficient; you must either provide sprinkler protection or use an NFPA 265 or NFPA 286 test path that demonstrates acceptable room‑corner behavior file.
Must the adhesive used in the field be the same as the one used in the test?
Yes. The code requires testing the product as intended for use, including the product mounting system and adhesive. Use the same adhesive and mounting method in the test mock‑up to obtain valid results under § 803.5 and § 803.5.1 file.
Can I rely on the fabric manufacturer's swatch test results?
No. Swatch or fabric‑only tests are typically insufficient. Textile wall coverings must be tested as an assembly (fabric + backing + adhesive + mounting) per § 803.5; swatch tests that omit mounting/adhesive usually won’t prove code compliance .
If a textile fails NFPA 265, is it automatically noncompliant?
Not necessarily. A failing NFPA 265 (Method B) result means that path failed; you can still pursue compliance by (a) retesting with an adjusted/representative mounting assembly, (b) testing to NFPA 286 (if appropriate), or (c) achieving ASTM E84 Class A plus required sprinkler protection per § 803.5.2 file.
Are there different rules for ceilings?
Yes. Textile ceiling coverings are addressed in § 803.6 and must be tested as installed and comply with § 803.1.1 or § 803.5.2; ceiling applications can have stricter considerations because of proximity to the ceiling and potential for faster flame spread .
More in California Fire Code
- Administration and Definitions
- General Requirements and Emergency Planning
- Fire Service Features and Fire Department Access
- Referenced Standards and Adoptable Appendices (Chapter 80; Appendices A–Q)
- Fire and Smoke Protection Features (fire‑resistance, barriers)
- Interior Finish, Decorative Materials and Furnishings
- Fire Protection and Life‑Safety Systems (sprinklers, alarms, smoke control)
- Means of Egress (exit design and maintenance)
- Construction Requirements for Existing Buildings (retrofit rules)
- Energy Systems and Stationary Energy Storage (ESS)
- Special Occupancies and Operations (chapters 20–41, 48–49)
- Hazardous Materials — Storage, Use and Handling (Chapters 50–67)
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