The Ontario Building Code | Minor Combustible Components
3.1.5.2. Minor Combustible Components
(1) The following minor combustiblecomponents are permitted in a building required to be of noncombustible construction:
(a) paint,
(b) mastics and caulking materials applied to provide flexible seals between the major components of exterior wall construction,
(c) fire stopsconforming to Sentence 3.1.9.1.(1) and fire blocksconforming to Article 3.1.11.7.,
(d) tubing for pneumatic controls provided it has an outside diameter not more than 10 mm,
(e) adhesives, vapour barriers and sheathing papers,
(f) electrical outlet and junction boxes,
(g) wood blocking within wall assemblies intended for the attachment of handrails, fixtures, and similar items mounted on the surface of the wall, and
(h) similar minor components.
In Plain Language
Even in a building required to be of noncombustible construction, this clause allows certain minor combustible components: paint, flexible sealants and caulking, compliant fire stops and fire blocks, small-diameter pneumatic control tubing, adhesives, vapour barriers, sheathing papers, electrical boxes, and wood blocking for mounting handrails or fixtures.
This is a plain-language summary of the 2012/2017 Ontario Building Code text above, for general understanding only and not a substitute for the Code. Always confirm current requirements against the 2024 edition (O.Reg. 163/24) or a qualified professional before construction.