California IDEX Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT an acceptable means of determining whether textile wall coverings are allowed in a structure?

1. Passing the Room Corner Test, Protocol B

2. Meeting the requirements of NFPA 286

3. Having a Class A rating and being protected by a sprinkler system

4. Passing the NFPA 701 test

The correct answer is: Passing the NFPA 701 test

The correct answer indicates that passing the NFPA 701 test is not an acceptable means of determining whether textile wall coverings are allowed in a structure. This is because NFPA 701 specifically applies to the flame propagation characteristics of textiles and films, rather than to wall coverings, which may have different fire performance criteria. In contrast, the Room Corner Test and NFPA 286 are specifically designed to assess the fire safety performance of interior wall and ceiling finishes in a way that suits a variety of materials used in construction, including textile wall coverings. Meeting these standards demonstrates compliance with broader building safety regulations. Additionally, having a Class A rating with a sprinkler system reflects a strong emphasis on fire safety and is acceptable within the context of wall coverings. This option integrates both material performance and safety measures, which are essential factors in large structures where the risk of fire needs careful management. Overall, only the NFPA 701 test does not adequately address the requirements for assessing the safety of textile wall coverings in the context of their placement in a building.