24 CFR §3280.207
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (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) 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:
- (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 and 1404.
- (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), 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) and must have a critical radiant flux of not less than 0.12 watt/cm 2.