The regulation of flame spread is primarily based on which NFPA standard?

The regulation of flame spread is primarily based on NFPA 255, which outlines the standard test method for assessing the surface burning characteristics of building materials. This standard helps determine how materials react in the presence of fire, specifically how quickly flames can spread over surfaces. Understanding flame spread is critical for fire safety and prevention, as it directly impacts how materials can contribute to the progression of a fire within a structure.

In contrast, NFPA 101 focuses on life safety code requirements, including egress and occupancy standards, rather than specifically addressing flame spread. NFPA 70 pertains to electrical installations and does not deal with building materials’ fire characteristics. NFPA 5000, while a building construction and safety code, addresses a broader scope and does not concentrate solely on flame spread like NFPA 255 does. Thus, NFPA 255 is the most relevant standard for the regulation of flame spread among the given choices.