Since May 2019, the revised test standard for NCC 2019, C1.10, regarding the fire rating of internal linings or materials, has been confusing architects, builders and contractors as to how they should determine if a timber lining product is Fire Group 1, 2, 3 or 4, or even non-combustible.
There are two main reasons for this confusion.
Firstly, timber has traditionally been regarded as a ‘safe’ product, which requires minimal certification to comply. However, the NCC 2019 does not give natural timber, timber batten or panel products any special status or easier route to compliance, even though it is used in large quantities for many purposes in construction.