Commodity Classification for Boxed TVs?

1/8/2026

What commodity classification would boxed flatscreen TVs fall under?

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8 Comments

Pete H

1/8/2026 06:24:21 am

I'd go class II if cartoned, class I if uncartoned. as long as they don't have an excessive amount of plastic housing. Same as refrigerators and stoves and view the tv as an "appliance"..... especially as the appliances I named do have screens on them these days.

So class 2 for boxed.

Pete H

1/8/2026 07:52:16 am

Ignore this, the other two comments are much more accurate.

Class IV seems more likely.

Anthony

1/8/2026 07:42:18 am

I think its a class IV or more likely group A depending on the plastic content. The note on class III says "Appliances; no appreciable plastic exterior trim (interior of unit can have appreciable plastic)." - Per NFPA 13-16 table Table A.5.6.3.3 Examples of Class III Commodities.

So the inverse of that would indicate if the exterior trim was mostly or all plastic it should be a group higher. All the TV's I can recall in the last 15 years had a plastic body/case?

Dan Wilder link

1/8/2026 07:45:07 am

The current version of flat screens are mostly plastic, enclosed in Styrofoam and more plastic, enclosed in a plasticizer infused cardboard box.

I would not go anything less than Class IV unexpanded cartoned unless an FPE had provided something else.

Using the Table A.20.3 General Guide to Identifying the Commodity Class for Solid Combustibles is a good start.

Adam

1/8/2026 08:11:04 am

I always go Group A plastic for consumer goods. The majority of everything is made of plastic these days, from TVs and appliances to polyester clothing.

The styrofoam packaging is also a good point.

Franck

1/8/2026 08:13:49 am

Fully agree with above comments.
Depending on amount of plastic packaging (in volume), it may fall under the Expanded Group A plastic classification.

Jack G

1/8/2026 11:53:42 am

So Group A plastics, expanded plastics, wrapped in styrofoam fueled by a cardboard box.
What a cocktail .when the Styrofoam softens melts then ignites it produces black acid smoke filled with carcinogens ,carbon monoxide and other gasses. They are hazardous to your health and can causedamage to lungs ,brain, and increased cancer risk.
So the greatest amount of water should be disbursed from the fire system while its on the surface of the boxes and minimize the release of harmful gasses.

Nimal Tissa Wijetunga

1/9/2026 10:49:21 am

Very good reply. This is the very fact where all designs for wet pipe sprinkler protection specifically for warehouses, storage facilities, distribution centers, always go wrong all over the world.

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Commodity Classification for Boxed TVs?

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