Does a Plastic Shower Qualify as 15-Min Barrier?

9/24/2021

NFPA 13, Section 8.15.8.1.1 exempts sprinkler coverage in bathrooms that do not exceed 55 square feet and have walls and ceilings of noncombustible or limited-combustible materials with a 15-minute thermal barrier rating, to include the walls and ceiling behind the tub/shower.

My question is - would a plastic shower assembly that has been tested in accordance with ASTM E162 and is classified as a Class II or Class B material be capable of providing the 15-minute thermal barrier alone?

Or, would a separate material still be needed behind the tub/shower assembly?

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5 Comments

Jesse

9/24/2021 08:34:22 am

By Class II "material: or Group B, I think you mean Class II Commodity and or Group B Plastic. Those two things are not the same so maybe I'm reading it wrong.

Regardless, no. That wouldn't be non / limited combustible. The sheetrock behind it would.

Todd Wyatt

9/24/2021 08:42:47 am

I am unaware of any plastic shower enclosure listed as having a 15-minute fire-fesistance rating (FRR).

2021 IBC includes tables in "Section 722 Calculated Fire Resistance" that identify the time that different materials resist fire. To attain the minimum 15-minutes of fire-fesistance rating (FRR), the material would need to be (at least) 1/2" gypsum wallboard (Table 722.6.2.(1)).

Mike

9/24/2021 09:32:41 am

Dry wall behind it.

John G

9/24/2021 11:29:13 am

There used to be a product that the stalls were made of, DOMESTIC fiberglass that had the appropriate rating. Italian produced fiberglass stalls came along later with the 15 minute rating.

Alex

9/24/2021 01:43:24 pm

Hi Anonymous,

Based on the wording of the code, “including the walls… behind any shower” (NFPA 13 8.15.1.1), I would say provide one sheet of ½” gyp to get the required 15 minute rating.

Thanks,
Alex

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Does a Plastic Shower Qualify as 15-Min Barrier?

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