---
kind: "section"
citation: "24 C.F.R. § 3280.207"
title: "24"
number: "3280.207"
heading: "Requirements for thermal insulating materials."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/24/3280.207"
---

# §3280.207. Requirements for thermal insulating materials.

- (a) **General.** Except for foam plastic materials and as provided in this section, exposed and concealed thermal insulating materials, including any facings, must be tested in accordance with NFPA 255-96, Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials (incorporated by reference, see [§ 3280.4](/cfr/24/3280.4.md)) and must have a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed index of 450 or less. The flame spread and smoke developed limitations do not apply to:
  - (1) Coverings and facings of insulation batts or blankets installed in concealed spaces when the facings are in substantial contact with the unexposed surface of wall, floor, or ceiling finish; or
  - (2) **Cellulose loose-fill insulation that complies with paragraph (b) of this section.**
- (b) **Loose-fill insulation.**
  - (1) Cellulose loose-fill insulation that is not spray-applied or self-supporting must comply with, and each package must be labeled in accordance with the Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements in 16 CFR parts [1209](/cfr/16/part1209.md) and [1404](/cfr/16/part1404.md).
  - (2) Other loose-fill insulation that cannot be mounted in the NFPA 255-96, test apparatus without a screen or other artificial support must be tested in accordance with CAN/ULC S102.2-M88, Standard Method of Test for Surface Burning Characteristics of Floor Coverings and Miscellaneous Materials and Assemblies (incorporated by reference, see [§ 3280.4](/cfr/24/3280.4.md)), and must have a flame spread index of 25 or less and a smoke developed index of 450 or less.
- (c) **Attic locations.** Exposed insulation installed on the floor or ceiling forming the lower boundary of the attic must be tested in accordance with NFPA 253-2000, Standard Method of Test for Critical Radiant Flux of Floor Covering Systems Using a Radiant Heat Energy Source (incorporated by reference, see [§ 3280.4](/cfr/24/3280.4.md)) and must have a critical radiant flux of not less than 0.12 watt/cm 2.

## Notes

### Source

Source: 49 FR 32008, Aug. 9, 1984, unless otherwise noted.

### Authority

Authority: 15 U.S.C. 2697, 42 U.S.C. 3535(d), 5403, and 5424.

### Source

Source: 40 FR 58752, Dec. 18, 1975, unless otherwise noted. Redesignated at 44 FR 20679, Apr. 6, 1979.