[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 24, Volume 5]
[Revised as of April 1, 2001]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 24CFR3280.203]

[Page 116-117]
 
                 TITLE 24--HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
 
 CHAPTER XX--OFFICE OF ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HOUSING--FEDERAL HOUSING 
        COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
 
PART 3280--MANUFACTURED HOME CONSTRUCTION AND SAFETY STANDARDS--Table of Contents
 
                         Subpart C--Fire Safety
 
Sec. 3280.203  Flame spread limitations and fire protection requirements.

    (a) Establishment of flame spread rating. The surface flame spread 
rating of interior-finish material shall not exceed the value shown in 
Sec. 3280.203(b) when tested by ``Standard Test Method for Surface 
Burning Characteristics of Building Materials, ASTM E 84-91a'' except 
that the surface flame spread rating of interior-finish materials 
required by Sec. 3280.203(b)(5) and (6) may be determined by using the 
``Standard Test Method for Surface Flammability of Materials Using a 
Radiant Heat Energy Source, ASTM E 162-90''. However, the following 
materials need not be tested to establish their flame spread

[[Page 117]]

rating unless a lower rating is required by these standards.
    (1) Flame-spread rating--76 to 200.
    (i) .035-inch or thicker high pressure laminated plastic panel 
countertop;
    (ii) \1/4\-inch or thicker unfinished plywood with phenolic or urea 
glue;
    (iii) Unfinished dimension lumber (1-inch or thicker nominal 
boards);
    (iv) \3/8\-inch or thicker unfinished particleboard with phenolic or 
urea binder;
    (v) Natural gum-varnished or latex- or alkyd-painted:
    (A) \1/4\-inch or thicker plywood, or
    (B) \3/8\-inch or thicker particleboard, or
    (C) 1-inch or thicker nominal board;
    (vi) \5/16\-inch gypsum board with decorative wallpaper; and
    (vii) \1/4\-inch or thicker unfinished hardboard,
    (2) Flame-spread rating-25 to 200,
    (i) Painted metal;
    (ii) Mineral-base acoustic tile;
    (iii) \5/16\-inch or thicker unfinished gypsum wallboard (both 
latex- or alkyd-painted); and
    (iv) Ceramic tile.

(The above-listed material applications do not waive the requirements of 
Sec. 3280.203(c) or Sec. 3280.204 of this subpart.)

    (b) Flame-spread rating requirements.
    (1) The interior finish of all walls, columns, and partitions shall 
not have a flame spread rating exceeding 200 except as otherwise 
specified herein.
    (2) Ceiling interior finish shall not have a flame spread rating 
exceeding 75.
    (3) Walls adjacent to or enclosing a furnace or water heater and 
ceilings above them shall have an interior finish with a flame spread 
rating not exceeding 25. Sealants and other trim materials 2 inches or 
less in width used to finish adjacent surfaces within these spaces are 
exempt from this provision provided that all joints are completely 
supported by framing members or by materials having a flame spread 
rating not exceeding 25.
    (4) Exposed interior finishes adjacent to the cooking range shall 
have a flame spread rating not exceeding 50, except that backsplashes 
not exceeding 6 inches in height are exempted. Adjacent surfaces are the 
exposed vertical surfaces between the range top height and the overhead 
cabinets and/or ceiling and within 6 horizontal inches of the cooking 
range. (Refer also to Sec. 3280.204(a), Kitchen Cabinet Protection.) 
Sealants and other trim materials 2 inches or less in width used to 
finish adjacent surfaces are exempt from this provision provided that 
all joints are completely supported by a framing member.
    (5) Kitchen cabinet doors, countertops, backsplashes, exposed 
bottoms, and end panels shall have a flame spread rating not to exceed 
200. Cabinet rails, stiles, mullions, and top strips are exempted.
    (6) Finish surfaces of plastic bathtubs, shower units, and tub or 
shower doors shall not exceed a flame spread rating of 200.
    (c) Fire protective requirements.
    (1) Materials used to surface the following areas shall be of 
limited combustible material (e.g., \5/16\-inch gypsum board, etc.):
    (i) The exposed wall adjacent to the cooking range (see 
Sec. 3280.203(b)(4));
    (ii) Exposed bottoms and sides of kitchen cabinets as required by 
Sec. 3280.204;
    (iii) Interior walls and ceilings enclosing furnace and/or water 
heater spaces; and
    (iv) Combustible doors which provide interior or exterior access to 
furnace and/or water heater spaces. The surface may be interrupted for 
louvers ventilating the enclosure. However, the louvers shall not be 
constructed of a material of greater combustibility than the door itself 
(e.g., plastic louvers on a wooden door).
    (2) No burner of a surface cooking unit shall be closer than 12 
horizontal inches to a window or an exterior door with glazing.

[49 FR 32008, Aug. 9, 1984, as amended at 58 FR 55005, Oct. 25, 1993]