NCC 2016 Volume One
Search the National Construction Code editions
Classification
Building class 1a Building class 1b Building class 2 Building class 3 Building class 4 Building class 5 Building class 6 Building class 7a Building class 7b Building class 8 Building class 9a Building class 9b Building class 9c Building class 10a Building class 10b Building class 10c

Filter

Classification
Building class 1a Building class 1b Building class 2 Building class 3 Building class 4 Building class 5 Building class 6 Building class 7a Building class 7b Building class 8 Building class 9a Building class 9b Building class 9c Building class 10a Building class 10b Building class 10c
Specification A2.4 Fire Hazard Properties

Specification A2.4 Fire Hazard Properties

1. Scope

This Specification sets out the procedures for determining the fire hazard properties of assemblies tested to AS/NZS 1530.3.
Intent

To establish the tests required by .

This clause deals with the testing to AS/NZS 1530.3 of an assembly of materials where the central core of the assembly is shielded from the effects of fire.

2. Assemblies

2.1

General requirements

Intent

To establish the tests required by Specification C1.10.

deals with the installation of an assembly of materials where the central core of the assembly is shielded from the effects of fire.

2.2

Form of test

Intent

To establish the tests required for early fire-hazard properties on assemblies of materials.

requires two tests in accordance with and . They are respectively: AS/NZS 1530.3 for Spread-of-Flame Index and Smoke-Developed Index; and AS 1530.4for the ability to prevent ignition and to screen the core material from free air.

The test in accordance with AS 1530.4 is conducted on assemblies, as specified in Specification C1.10.

2.3

Test specimens

Intent

To specify the details required for the test specimen.

The assembly to be tested must include all joints, perforations, recesses, and the like. These parts may affect not only its early fire-hazard properties, but are also more likely to affect the passage of air and fire to the assembly’s inner core. The requirements for the test specimen apply to both tests required by .

2.4

Concession

Intent

To provide a concession for the re-testing of joints, perforations, recesses, and the like which have been previously tested.

is based on the assumption that tests would be passed by joints, perforations and recesses, which will be smaller in the building member to be used on site than those in the member tested. The concession in applies to both the tests in .

2.5

Smaller specimen permitted

Intent

To allow smaller test specimens when testing for the ability to prevent ignition and screen the core material from free air when appropriate.

The smaller test specimen allowed by only applies to the AS 1530.4 test required by .

The smaller test specimen is allowed for practical reasons in the test rig. This is on the basis that the test will affect the specimen in an identical manner to the on-site building member.

The results from a smaller test specimen are limited to those specified by the testing laboratory. In accordance with , only an Accredited Testing Labratory may conduct the test.

2.1 General requirement

The fire hazard properties of assemblies and their ability to screen their core materials as required under Specification C1.10 must be determined by testing in accordance with this Clause.

2.2 Form of test

Tests must be carried out in accordance with—

(a)

for the determination of the Spread-of-Flame Index and Smoke-Developed Index — AS/NZS 1530.3; and

(b)

for the determination of the ability to prevent ignition and to screen its core material from free air — AS 1530.4.

2.3 Test specimens

Test specimens must incorporate—

(a)

all types of joints; and

(b)

all types of perforations, recesses or the like for pipes, light switches or other fittings, which are proposed to be used for the member or assembly of members in the building.

2.4 Concession

Clause 2.3 does not apply to joints, perforations, recesses or the like that are larger than those in the proposed application and have already been tested in the particular form of construction concerned and found to comply with the conditions of the test.

2.5 Smaller specimen permitted

A testing laboratory may carry out the test specified in Clause 2.2(b) at pilot scale if a specimen (which must be not less than 900 mm x 900 mm) will adequately represent the proposed construction in the building, but the results of that test do not apply to construction larger than limits defined by the laboratory conducting the pilot examination.