Which NFPA 220 construction type is commonly described as 'Ordinary Construction'?

Which NFPA 220 construction type is commonly described as 'Ordinary Construction'?

• A. Type II
• B. Type III
• C. Type IV
• D. Type I

Answer: (B)

NFPA 220 codes buildings by how they’re built and how they resist fire, with “Ordinary Construction” describing the Type III category. In this type, the exterior walls are noncombustible (usually masonry), while the interior framing and floor/roof assemblies can be combustible, typically wood. This makes the exterior more fire-resistant than all-wood designs but less fire-resistant than the fully noncombustible options of Types I and II. It represents a common older construction approach for many commercial and multiunit buildings, where brick or block exterior walls stand up to fire, but interior framing uses wood. The other types describe different material and fire-resistance profiles: all noncombustible throughout (Types I and II), heavy timber interior (Type IV), or wholly wooden framing (Type V).

NFPA 220 codes buildings by how they’re built and how they resist fire, with “Ordinary Construction” describing the Type III category. In this type, the exterior walls are noncombustible (usually masonry), while the interior framing and floor/roof assemblies can be combustible, typically wood. This makes the exterior more fire-resistant than all-wood designs but less fire-resistant than the fully noncombustible options of Types I and II. It represents a common older construction approach for many commercial and multiunit buildings, where brick or block exterior walls stand up to fire, but interior framing uses wood. The other types describe different material and fire-resistance profiles: all noncombustible throughout (Types I and II), heavy timber interior (Type IV), or wholly wooden framing (Type V).