Resilient floor coverings are usually exempt from model building code flammability requirements. However, some building code officials, government agencies and other regulatory authorities require test information on the fire performance of resilient flooring. The most widely used test for flammability is based on the Flooring Radiant Panel Test. The current editions of the B.O.C.A., Standard Building Code, and the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code reference the Flooring Radiant Panel Test.

Note: Numerical flammability ratings alone may not define the performance of a product under actual fire conditions. Ratings are provided only for use in the selection of products to meet the specified limits. Flooring Radiant Panel Test - ASTM E 648 (NFPA Standard 253 and Federal Standard #372) - In this test, a horizontally mounted floor covering system is exposed to radiant energy from a gas/air fuel radiant panel mounted above one end of the sample and inclined at a 30 degree angle. The radiant panel gene