International Building Code Section 2606 – International Building Code 2006 Discussions

International Building Code 2606.1

General. The provisions of this section and Sections
2607 through 2611 shall govern the quality and methods of
application of light-transmitting plastics for use as light-transmitting
materials in buildings and structures. Foam plastics
shall comply with Section 2603. Light-transmitting plastic
materials that meet the other code requirements for walls and
roofs shall be permitted to be used in accordance with the other
applicable chapters of the code.

International Building Code 2606.10

Awnings, patio covers and similar structures. Awnings
constructed of light-transmitting plastics shall be constructed
in accordance with the provisions specified in Section
3105 and Chapter 32 for projections. Patio covers constructed
of light-transmitting plastics shall comply with Section 2606.
Light-transmitting plastics used in canopies at motor fuel-dispensing
facilities shall comply with Section 2606, except as
modified by Section 406.5.2.

International Building Code 2606.11

Greenhouses. Light-transmitting plastics shall be
permitted in lieu of plain glass in greenhouses.

International Building Code 2606.12

Solar collectors. Light-transmitting plastic covers on
solar collectors having noncombustible sides and bottoms shall
be permitted on buildings not over three stories in height or
9,000 square feet (836.1 m2) in total floor area, provided the
light-transmitting plastic cover does not exceed 33.33 percent
of the roof area for CC1 materials or 25 percent of the roof area
for CC2 materials.
Exception: Light-transmitting plastic covers having a
thickness of 0.010 inch (0.3 mm) or less or shall be permitted
to be of any plastic material provided the area of the solar
collectors does not exceed 33.33 percent of the roof area.

International Building Code 2606.2

Approval for use. Sufficient technical data shall be
submitted to substantiate the proposed use of any light-transmitting
material, as approved by the building official and subject
to the requirements of this section.

International Building Code 2606.3

Identification. Each unit or package of light-transmitting
plastic shall be identified with a mark or decal satisfactory
to the building official, which includes identification as to the
material classification.

International Building Code 2606.4

Specifications. Light-transmitting plastics, including
thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic
material, shall have a self-ignition temperature of 6500F
(3430C) or greater where tested in accordance with ASTM D
1929; a smoke-developed index not greater than 450 where
tested in the manner intended for use in accordance with
ASTME84, or not greater than 75 where tested in the thickness
intended for use in accordance with ASTM D 2843 and shall
conform to one of the following combustibility classifications:
Class CC1: Plastic materials that have a burning extent of 1
inch (25 mm) or less where tested at a nominal thickness of
0.060 inch (1.5 mm), or in the thickness intended for use, in
accordance with ASTM D 635,
Class CC2: Plastic materials that have a burning rate of 2.5
inches per minute (1.06 mm/s) or less where tested at a nominal
thickness of 0.060 inch (1.5 mm), or in the thickness
intended for use, in accordance with ASTM D 635.

International Building Code 2606.5

Structural requirements. Light-transmitting plastic
materials in their assembly shall be of adequate strength and
durability to withstand the loads indicated in Chapter 16. Technical
data shall be submitted to establish stresses, maximum
unsupported spans and such other information for the various
thicknesses and forms used as deemed necessary by the building
official.

International Building Code 2606.6

Fastening. Fastening shall be adequate to withstand the
loads in Chapter 16. Proper allowance shall be made for expansion
and contraction of light-transmitting plastic materials in
accordance with accepted data on the coefficient of expansion
of the material and other material in conjunction with which it
is employed.

International Building Code 2606.7

Light-diffusing systems. Unless the building is
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, light-diffusing systems
shall not be installed in the following occupancies and locations:
1. Group A with an occupant load of 1,000 or more.
2. Theaters with a stage and proscenium opening and an
occupant load of 700 or more.
3. Group I-2.
4. Group I-3.
5. Exit stairways and exit passageways.

Support. Light-transmitting plastic diffusers shall
be supported directly or indirectly from ceiling or roof construction
by use of noncombustible hangers. Hangers shall
be at least No. 12 steel-wire gage (0.106 inch) galvanized
wire or equivalent.

Installation. Light-transmitting plastic diffusers
shall comply with Chapter 8 unless the light-transmitting
plastic diffusers will fall from the mountings before igniting,
at an ambient temperature of at least 2000F (1110C)
below the ignition temperature of the panels. The panels
shall remain in place at an ambient room temperature of
1750F (790C) for a period of not less than 15 minutes.

Size limitations. Individual panels or units shall
not exceed 10 feet (3048 mm) in length nor 30 square feet
(2.79 m2) in area.

Fire suppression system. In buildings that are
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1, plastic light-diffusing
systems shall be protected both above and below unless the
sprinkler system has been specifically approved for installation
only above the light-diffusing system. Areas of
light-diffusing systems that are protected in accordance
with this section shall not be limited.

Electrical luminaires. Light-transmitting plastic
panels and light-diffuser panels that are installed in
approved electrical luminaires shall comply with the
requirements of Chapter 8 unless the light-transmitting
plastic panels conform to the requirements of Section
2606.7.2. The area of approved light-transmitting plastic
2006 INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE. 511
PLASTIC
materials that are used in required exits or corridors shall not
exceed 30 percent of the aggregate area of the ceiling in
which such panels are installed, unless the building is
equipped throughout with an automatic sprinkler system in
accordance with Section 903.3.1.1.

International Building Code 2606.7.1

International Building Code 2606.7.2

International Building Code 2606.7.3

Size limitations. Individual panels or units shall
not exceed 10 feet (3048 mm) in length nor 30 square feet
(2.79 m2) in area.

International Building Code 2606.7.4

International Building Code 2606.7.5

International Building Code 2606.8

Partitions. Light-transmitting plastics used in or as
partitions shall comply with the requirements of Chapters 6
and 8.

International Building Code 2606.9

Bathroom accessories. Light-transmitting plastics
shall be permitted as glazing in shower stalls, shower doors,
bathtub enclosures and similar accessory units. Safety glazing
shall be provided in accordance with Chapter 24.