Wallcovering Basics.
Fire Testing.

Wallcovering specifications CCC-W-408, CFFA-W-101 and ASTM F 793 have always required that wallcovering be tested according to ASTM E-84: Standard Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials. Initially, the E-84 test method required that the wallcovering be tested on a glass-reinforced cement board. In the mid 90's, the E-84 test method changed to state that wallcovering shall be tested on ½” Type “X” gypsum board. While the CCC-W-408 and the CFFA-W-101 state that the test shall be conducted on glass-reinforced cement board, unless otherwise specified, the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) had required products to be tested according to the NFPA 255, which is the E-84 test method on gypsum board since 2000. The NFPA has an alternative test method (NFPA 286, Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Evaluating Contribution of Wall and Ceiling Interior Finish to Room Fire Growth) that can be used instead of the NFPA 255 for regular wallcovering. The NFPA 286 is mandatory for any expanded vinyl.

Today, OMNOVA tests wallcovering according to the ASTM E-84 on gypsum board which is the same as the NFPA 255 test method. Beginning in 2005, OMNOVA will report all test values as tested on gypsum board according to NFPA 255 as well as the values when tested on glass-reinforced cement board. Testing on cement board will eventually be phased out and values will be reported on gypsum board only.

OMNOVA has wallcovering tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) who routinely inspects OMNOVA’s manufacturing facility to insure wallcovering is still manufactured according to established specifications and quality standards. All of OMNOVA’s UL-classed wallcovering is Class A according to the NFPA guideline for fire testing performance. Occasionally, new constructions or special wallcoverings are requested. Any wallcovering that is manufactured outside the UL criteria does not receive a UL label. Instead, separate fire testing of the construction is conducted. Therefore, there will be a fire test but it may not be conducted by UL. In addition to the UL testing, OMNOVA has tested and passed six constructions of the most common wallcovering construction according to the NFPA 286.

Additional Fire Tests

Tunnel Tests (currently requiring gypsum board as the substrate).
UL 723 (gypsum)
NFPA 255
ASTM E-84-04
UBC 42-2

Room Corner Burn Tests
NFPA 286 (specific for expanded)
UBC 8-2
NFPA 265 (specific for textile)

In addition to the above, OMNOVA’s 15-oz. woven and non-woven fabric-backed wallcovering and 20-oz. 100% polyester fabric wallcovering are IMO and Coast Guard approved for use in water vessels both domestic and foreign.