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Current MBIE information on substrate Fire Group Number ratings & Critical Radiant Flux values for Interiors.
Source: C/VM2 Verification Method: Framework for Fire Safety Design For New Zealand Building Code Clauses C1-C6 Protection from Fire – Amendment 6.
It is important to note that fire group number ratings are determined by the substrate's own uncoated performance and that decorative waterborne or solvent borne paint and clear coatings etc applied at less than 0.4mm thick will not alter the substrate's own fire group number rating. (a standard 3 coat paint system, primer/sealer plus 2 top coats will usually not exceed 120 microns (0.12 mm) dry film thickness).
The only way currently to improve a substrate's Group number is to use an intumescent coating system.
Decorative waterborne or solvent borne paint and clear coatings are only tested in combination with the applicable substrate and are not themselves "Fire Rated".
Manufacturers own Group Number test reports are for Manufacturers internal use only and not required for "Consenting" process etc.
The table below is typically all that is required for Council consenting process. › Download (PDF)
The most common query we receive regarding Fire Group number ratings:
For the purposes of compliance with the surface finish requirements, the specified combinations of substrate and coating in Table A1 can be taken as having the performance indicated without the need for further evaluations using A1.2 or A1.3.
Specified performances for some substrate and coating combinations
Coating
(coating in good condition and well adhered to substrate)
Waterborne or solvent borne paint coatings
≤ 0.4mm thick
Polymeric films ≤ 0.2mm thick
Substrate
Concrete and masonry ≥ 15mm thick
Sheet metal ≥ 0.4mm thick, or
Fibre-cement board ≥ 6.0 mm thick
Glass
Performance
(with or without coating)
G1-S
Coating
(coating in good condition and well adhered to substrate)
Waterborne or solvent borne paint coatings
≤ 0.4mm thick
Substrate
Gypsum plasterboard with or without paper facing
≥ 9.5 mm thick
≥ 400 kg/m3 core density
< 5% wt organic contribution to board
Performance
(with or without coating)
G2-S
Coating
(coating in good condition and well adhered to substrate)
Waterborne or solvent borne paint coatings, varnish or stain
≤ 0.4mm thick
≤ 100 g/m2
Substrate
Solid wood or wood product
≥ 9.0mm thick
≥ 600 kg/m3 for particle boards, or
≥ 400 kg/m3 for all other wood and wood products
Performance
(with or without coating)
G3
Note: The requirements of this table do not apply to metal faced panels with polymeric substrate.
Amend 3 Dec 2013
It is important to note that Critical Radiant Flux (CRF) ratings relate directly to the substrate's own uncoated CRF value and that decorative waterborne or solvent borne paint & clear coatings etc applied at less than 0.4mm thick will not alter the substrate's own Critical Radiant Flux value.
The table below is typically all that is required for Council consenting process. › Download (PDF)
Appendix C/VM2
B1.0 For the purposes of compliance with Clause C3.4(b) of the Building Code the following critical radiant flux values may be assigned as shown in Table B1 for the given flooring material without further evidence of testing to ISO 9239-1:2010.
Specified performances for some flooring materials
Flooring material
Concrete2, brick, ceramic or porcelain tile
Critical Radiant Flux (CFR)
4.5 kW/M2
Flooring material
Wood Products, Plywood or Solid timber1,2
≥ 12 mm thick; and
≥ 400 kg/m3
Critical Radiant Flux (CFR)
2.2 kW/M2
Note:
Some timber species and thicknesses with/without applied coatings when tested may achieve a higher CRF. Where a greater CRF is required to meet Clause C3.4 (b) than given in this table, supporting test data to ISO 9239-1:2010 for the product is required.
May include waterborne or solvent borne applied surface coatings not more than 0.4 mm thick and not more than 100 g/m2.
Amend 4 Dec 2014
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