Type A Construction Building Codes & Rules

- Explore Type A Fire Resisting Construction with Tools™. FRL requirements, fire source exposure, and NCC insights through interactive graphics for compliance.

Slab on Ground

SOU 1

SOU 2

Void

Corridor/

Public Space

Lift Shaft

Lift & Stair Shafts

Top & bottom enclosed by element with equal FRL^[1]

Lift & Stair Shaft RULES

NCC 2022 V3

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C11 [2019 Spec C1.1: 3]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (b) (i)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (2) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (c)

Must extend to underside of Floor or Roof above^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (b) (i)}
Base can be non-rated if non-combustible & constructed on ground^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (2) (b)}
Top can be non-rated if not a fire-isolated Stair or Ramp & projects beyond the roof line^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (2) (a)}
If Loadbearing constructed of^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (c)}
Concrete or Masonry
Fire-protected timber (with limitations)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (1)

Top & bottom enclosed by element with equal FRL^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C8 (1)}

Common & Fire Walls

Fire-resistant Barrier to prevent spread of fire between buildings or separate Fire Compartments^[1]

Common & Fire RULES

NCC 2022 V3

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C11 [2019 Spec C1.1: 3]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (c)

Must extend to underside of Floor or Roof above^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (b)}
If Loadbearing constructed of^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (c)}
Concrete or Masonry
Fire-protected timber (with limitations)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C3D8 (3)

Fire-resistant Barrier to prevent spread of fire between buildings or separate Fire Compartments^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C3D8 (3)}

Fire-Source Feature (FSF)

A possible fire-source where the spread of fire to the subject building is a risk^[1]
Allotment Boundary
Adjacent building on the same allotment

Fire Source Feature EXPOSURE

NCC 2022 V4

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 C4D3 & S5C2 [2019 C3.2, Spec C1.1: 2.1]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, Glossary

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (3)

Boundaries^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, Glossary}
The far boundary of a road, river, lake or similar adjoining the allotment, or
Rear & Side boundaries
Elements below finished ground level at every relevant part of the boundary are not considered as exposed
Adjacent Building (on same allotment)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (1) (a)}
The external wall of a separate building (other than Class 10)
> 15m above another building is not considered as exposed
Barrier Element^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (2) (a)}
30/-/- FRL wall or similar that is not transparent or translucent can shield exposure to a Fire Source Feature
Varying Distance to FSF (Fire Source Feature)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C2 (3)}
FRL of any element must either be
equal to the required FRL for the minimum distance of any part, or
varying FRL dependant on the individual distance

NCC 2022 Vol 1, Glossary

A possible fire-source where the spread of fire to the subject building is a risk^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, Glossary}
Allotment Boundary
Adjacent building on the same allotment

Mezzanine

Floor area of Mezzanine determines if required to have FRL^[1]
FRL of adjacent building elements may require upgrade^[2]

Mezzanine RULES

NCC 2022 V3

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C7 [2019 Spec C1.1: 2.6]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2)

FRL is not required to a Mezzanine Floor or its support if^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2)}
Total Floor Area of all Mezzanines in a room is the lesser of ≤ 200m² or
≤ 1/3rd of the Floor Area, &
FRL of each Wall & Column that supports another part of the building ≤ 6m from the Mezzanine is increased as per table below

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2) (b)

Floor area of Mezzanine determines if required to have FRL^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2) (a)}
FRL of adjacent building elements may require upgrade^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C7 (2) (b)}

Atrium

Bounding Walls

Walls bounding^[1]
Sole-occupancy Units
Public corridors & lobbies

Bounding Wall RULES

NCC 2022 V3

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C11 [2019 Spec C1.1: 3]

May 2023

Manufacturer's Recommendation

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (c)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, F7D6 (1) (a)

Must extend to underside of Floor or Roof above^{Manufacturer's Recommendation}
If Loadbearing constructed of^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (b)}
Concrete or Masonry
Fire-protected timber (with limitations)

Party Walls

Generic construction for Party Walls as per images below (Always refer to manufacturer's recommendations)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (c)}
Rw + Ctr 50 Acoustic Rating Class 2 or 3^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, F7D6 (1) (a)}

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)

Walls bounding^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)}
Sole-occupancy Units
Public corridors & lobbies

Roof Lights

No FRL requirement for Glass
Location & area have limitations if the Roof FRL is required^[1]

Roof Light FRL

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C16 [2019 Spec C1.1: 3.6]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (b) (i)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (b) (iii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (b) (iv)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (b) (ii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (c)

Where Roof FRL is required, Roof Light to be

≤ 20% aggregate area of Roof Surface^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (a)}
≥ 3m from^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (b)}
Any perimeter of the plot, excluding boundary with a road or public place^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (b) (i)}
Another roof light in an adjoining SOU or fire-separated part of the building^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (b) (iii)NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (b) (iv)}
Any part of the building that projects above the roof, except^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (b) (ii)}
If building element has FRL required for firewall
Wall openings 6m above Roof Light having - /60/ - FRL
Ceiling resistance to incipient spread of fire
Must maintain protection level to the roof space^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16 (c)}

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16

No FRL requirement for Glass
Location & area have limitations if the Roof FRL is required^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C16}

Type B Construction

Type C Construction

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C3 (1)

Support of Another Element^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C3 (1)}

Any element providing support to another element generally must equal in
FRL &
Non-combustibility

Non-Loadbearing Building Element

Duct

Fire Source Feature

Mezzanine

Stair Shaft

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3

Distance

FSF^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3}

Types of Construction

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6

Service Shafts^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6}

90/90/90 FRL
If building has no sprinkler system
In complaint with Specification 17
No FRL required if building has sprinkler system
Applies to walls enclosing service shafts
Wall construction
Concrete, Masonry, Fire-protected Timber

External Freestanding Column

FRL not affected by distance from a Fire-source Feature(FSF)^[1][2]

External Column FRL

NCC 2022 V1

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C11 [2019 Spec C1.1: 3]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (d)

FRL not affected by distance from a Fire-source Feature(FSF)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (d)}

Roof & Ceilings

FRL required for larger commercial buildings
Not required for lower rise & Class 2 or 3^[1]

Rooftop Structure RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C6 [2019 Spec C1.1: 2.5]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (3)

No FRL requirements for the structure situated on a roof if^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (3)}
Non-combustible
Contains lift motor equipment, or
Water tanks, or
Ventilating system, or
A/C chillers, or
Window cleaning equipment, or
Other non-combustible service units not containing flammable or combustible liquids or gases

Roof & Ceiling RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C11 [2019 Spec C1.1: 3]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (2)

FRL as per table below^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)}
Not required if Non-combustible & either^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (2)}
Sprinklered, or
≤ 3 Storeys, or
Class 2 or 3, or
≤ 25m Effective Height & Ceiling directly below with ≥ 60 minute Resistance to the Incipient Spread of Fire (RISF)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C15

FRL required for larger commercial buildings
Not required for lower rise & Class 2 or 3^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C15}

Internal Walls, Beams, Trusses & Columns

Structure component of FRL required only^[1][2]

Internal Loadbearing Element RULES

NCC 2022 V3

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C11 [2019 Spec C1.1: 3]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (c)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (d)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (b)

Columns, Walls, Beams & Trusses to the following table
Does not apply to^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (c)}
Common or Fire Walls
Shaft Walls
Walls bounding Sole-occupancy Units (SOU)
A Loadbearing wall must be constructed of^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (d)}
Masonry or Concrete
Fire-protected timber (with limitations)
An internal column < 1.5m from & facing a FSF through a window must be rated as an external column^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (b)}

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (b)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (c)

Structure component of FRL required only^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (b)NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (c)}

Compartmentation & Separation

Floors

FRL required between storeys generally^[1]
Not required within residential SOUs & above low risk spaces^[2]

Type A Construction Floor RULES

NCC 2022 V3

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C11 [2019 Spec C1.1: 3]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C12

FRL not required to a floor if^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C12}
Directly on ground
Within a SOU Class 2, 3 or 4
Above a space below that is not a storey, garage, store or work area or used for any other ancillary purpose

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C12

FRL required between storeys generally^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)}
Not required within residential SOUs & above low risk spaces^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C12}

Combustible Cladding

≥ 30% of PE (Polyethylene) on ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel) are banned to use in any exterior cladding^[1]
Type A Construction as defined in Building Code of Australia^[2]

Non-combustible Building Elements

NCC 2022 V1

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 C2D10 (5)

NCC 2022 C2D10 (6)

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (5)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (6)

Non-combustible Material that Entirely Composed of itself^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (5)}
Concrete,
Steel,
Masonry,
Aluminium,
AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete),
Iron,
Terracotta,
Porcelain,
Ceramic,
Natural stone,
Copper,
Zinc,
Lead,
Bronze,
Brass
Anywhere a non-combustible material is needed, the following materials can be used^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (6)}
Plasterboard
Perforated gypsum lath with a normal paper finish
Fibrous plaster sheet
Fibre-reinforced cement sheeting
Pre-finished metal sheeting
≤ 1mm thk.
≤ 0 Spread-of Flame Index
Sarking type materials
≤ 1mm thk.
≤ 5 Flammability Index
Bonded Laminated Materials
Non-combustible laminas
Adhesive layers
≤ 1mm thk.
≤ 2mm total thickness
≤ 0 Spread of Flame Index
≤ 3 Smoke Developed Index

Combustible Cladding (Type A Construction)

NCC 2022 V1

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 C1P2 (1)

NCC 2022 C2D10 (1)

May 2023

NSW Fair Trading

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C1P2 (1)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (1)

Type A Construction as defined in Building Code of Australia^{NSW Fair Trading}
≥ 2 storeys on Class 2, 3 & 9 Building
≥ 3 storeys on Class 5, 6, 7 & 8 Building
Fire Resistance on a building must have elements to avoid the spread of fire on^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C1P2 (1)}
Exits,
Sole-occupancy Units & Public Corridors,
Between Buildings,
Within the Building
Non-combustible Building Element & their Components for Type A or B Construction^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C2D10 (1)}
External walls & Common walls includes
Facade covering,
Framing & insulation
The flooring & floor framing of lift pits
Fire-resistant non-loadbearing internal walls

NSW Fair Trading

≥ 30% of PE (Polyethylene) on ACP (Aluminium Composite Panel) are banned to use in any exterior cladding^{NSW Fair Trading}
Type A Construction as defined in Building Code of Australia^{NSW Fair Trading}

Protection of Openings

If a wall requires an FRL, then any openings must also be protected^[1], &
≤ 1/3 Area of the external wall of the Storey is allowed to be an opening (Doors, Windows etc)^[2]
Class 9b Spectator Stand is excluded from this rule^[3]

Protection of Openings

NCC 2022 V1

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 C4D5, S12 [2019 C3.4, S3.4]

1 May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (a) (ii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (a) (i)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (b) (ii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (b) (iii)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (c) (ii)

Protected with external Wall-wetting Sprinklers, or
Doorways to AS 1905.1
-/60/30 FRL Fire Doorset^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (a) (ii)}
Self-closing^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (a) (i)}
Windows or Fire Shutters
-/60/- FRL^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (b) (ii)}
Self-closing^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (b) (iii)}
Other Openings
-/60/- FRL^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D5 (1) (c) (ii)}

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3 (3)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3 (1)

If a wall requires an FRL, then any openings must also be protected^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3 (3)}, &
≤ 1/3 Area of the external wall of the Storey is allowed to be an opening (Doors, Windows etc)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3 (3)}
Class 9b Spectator Stand is excluded from this rule^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, C4D3 (1)}

External Walls & Columns

FRL varies dependant on distance from Fire-source Feature (FSF)^[1]
Non-combustible Curtain or Panel Walls do not require an FRL if sprinklered^[2]

External Wall & Column RULES

NCC 2022 V2

Class 2 to 9

NCC 2022 S5C11 [2019 Spec C1.1: 3]

May 2023

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)

Includes any other element within the wall^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)}
Beams
Lintels
Does not include freestanding columns

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (4)

NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)

FRL varies dependant on distance from Fire-source Feature (FSF)^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C6 (4)}
Non-combustible Curtain or Panel Walls do not require an FRL if sprinklered^{NCC 2022 Vol 1, S5C11 (1) (a)}