Code of Massachusetts Regulations
780 CMR - STATE BOARD OF BUILDING REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS
Chapter 8 - Interior Finishes
Section 803 - WALL AND CEILING FINISHES
Subsection 803.9 - Interior finish requirements based on group

Universal Citation: 780 CMR MA Code of Regs 803.9
Current through Register 1531, September 27, 2024

Interior wall and ceiling finish shall have a flame spread index not greater than that specified in Table 803.9 for the group and location designated. Interior wall and ceiling finish materials tested in accordance with NFPA 286 and meeting the acceptance criteria of Section 803.1.2.1, shall be permitted to be used where a Class A classification in accordance with ASTM E 84 or UL 723 is required.

TABLE 803.9 INTERIOR WALL AND CEILING FINISH REQUIREMENTS BY OCCUPANCYk

GROUP SPRINKLERED l NONSPRINKLERED
Exit enclosures and exit passagewaysa,b Corridors Rooms and enclosed spacesc Exit enclosures and exit passagewaysa,b Corridors Rooms and enclosed spacesc
A-1 & A-2 B B C A A d B e
A-3 f, A-4, A-5 B B C A A d C
B, E, M, R-1 B C C A B C
R-4 B C C A B B
F C C C B C C
H B B C g A A B
I-1 B C C A B B
I-2 B B B h, i A A B
I-3 A A j C A A B
I-4 B B B h, i A A B
R-2 C C C B B C
R-3 C C C C C C
S C C C B B C
U No restrictions No restrictions

For SI: 1 inch = 25.4 mm, 1 square foot = 0.0929m2.
a. Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted for wainscotting or paneling of not more than 1,000 square feet of applied surface area in the grade lobby where applied directly to a noncombustible base or over furring strips applied to a noncombustible base and fireblocked as required by Section 803.11.1.
b. In exit enclosures of buildings less than three stories above grade plane of other than Group I-3, Class B interior finish for nonsprinklered buildings and Class C interior finish for sprinklered buildings shall be permitted.
c. Requirements for rooms and enclosed spaces shall be based upon spaces enclosed by partitions. Where a fire-resistance rating is required for structural elements, the enclosing partitions shall extend from the floor to the ceiling. Partitions that do not comply with this shall be considered enclosing spaces and the rooms or spaces on both sides shall be considered one. In determining the applicable requirements for rooms and enclosed spaces, the specific occupancy thereof shall be the governing factor regardless of the group classification of the building or structure.
d. Lobby areas in Group A-1, A-2 and A-3 occupancies shall not be less than Class B materials.
e. Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted in places of assembly with an occupant load of 300 persons or less.
f. For places of religious worship, wood used for ornamental purposes, trusses, paneling or chancel furnishing shall be permitted.
g. Class B material is required where the building exceeds two stories.
h. Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted in administrative spaces.
i. Class C interior finish materials shall be permitted in rooms with a capacity of four persons or less.
j. Class B materials shall be permitted as wainscotting extending not more than 48 inches above the finished floor in corridors.
k. Finish materials as provided for in other sections of this code.
l. Applies when the exit enclosures, exit passageways, corridors or rooms and enclosed spaces are protected by an automatic sprinkler system installed in accordance with Section 903.3.1.1 or 903.3.1.2.

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