What is NFPA 286?

Adopted by the International Building Code (IBC) in 2012, the NFPA 286 standards for fire testing require that when high density polyethylene (HDPE) is used in an interior finish, it must meet a set of criteria during a corner room burn test.
These requirements include:

• During 40 kW exposure, flames should not spread to the ceiling
• The interior finish should not spread to the outer extremity of the sample on any wall or ceiling
• The interior finish should not flashover. Flashover is considered to have occurred when any two of the following criteria were met during the test:
  - Peak heat release > 1 MW
  - Floor heat flux > 20 kW/m²
  - Average upper layer temperature > 1,112 °F
  - Flames exiting doorway
  - Auto ignition of paper target
• The peak rate of heat release throughout the NFPA 286 test should not exceed 800 kW
• The total smoke released throughout the test should not exceed 1,000 m²

SIMOBOARD Defender

HDPE Partition Sheet is the First to Meet the NFPA 286 Test Requirements with No Modifications
What does this mean for architects, building managers and construction specifiers?

This code has been adopted in almost all US states and is being enforced by building inspectors in new construction. There is now no need to compromise for compliance. These durable plastic bathroom partitions can be specified for use in every facility to meet the most up-to-date fire and safety standards.

Style and Substance

Solid HDPE sheet provides many performance and aesthetic benefits when used for bathroom partitions and lockers compared to other materials, such as metal, stainless steel and phenolic. With a solid color throughout, there is no need to paint or edgeband and it’s easy to repair when damaged. Its scratch-resistant surface is corrosion and impact resistant, so it can be frequently cleaned without rusting and frequently used in high-abuse areas used without denting.

SIMOBOARD Defender will be available in a standard range of popular colors including black, paisley, linen, slate, blueberry and dawn gray. Architects can also select custom colors, with some minimum sheet requirements for manufacturing purposes.

Environmentally Responsible

The useful life of HDPE sheet outlasts other materials such as phenolic and plastic laminate. It also requires lower energy to process, and doesn’t need chemically abrasive paints or adhesives. In addition, HDPE does not contain any harmful emitting materials.

In manufacturing, SIMONA AMERICA Industries is committed to the continuous improvement of processes for the purpose of protecting resources and the environment. The HDPE extrusion production process includes regrinding and reusing scrap material to be re-run into other products. This eliminates any of the product from going to a landfill.

For more information about SIMOBOARD Defender HDPE Partition Sheet, please call +1 570 876 8199 or email gary.borgia@simona-america.com.