Light-Transmitting Plastics
NYC Building Code § BC 2606
in effectSection BC 2606: Light-Transmitting Plastics
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.
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 department and subject to the requirements of this section.
2606.3 Identification.
Each unit or package of light-transmitting plastic shall be identified with a mark or decal satisfactory to the commissioner, which includes identification as to the material classification.
2606.4 Specifications.
Light-transmitting plastics, including thermoplastic, thermosetting or reinforced thermosetting plastic material, shall have a self-ignition temperature of 650°F (343°C) 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 ASTM E 84 or UL 723, or a maximum average smoke density rating 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 1/2-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.
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 department.
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.
2606.7 Light-diffusing systems.
Light-diffusing systems shall comply with Sections 2606.7.1 through 2606.7.5. Light-diffusing systems shall not be installed in the following occupancies and locations:
1. Any room in which the net floor area per occupant is 20 square feet (1.86 m2) or less, or any room leading there from through which it is necessary for occupants to pass in order to reach the only exit.
2. Group I-2.
3. Group I-3.
4. Interior exit stairways, ramps and exit passageways.
2606.7.1 Support.
Light-transmitting plastic diffusers shall be supported directly or indirectly from ceiling or roof construction by use of noncombustible hangers. Hangers shall be not less than No. 12 steel-wire gage (0.106 inch) galvanized wire or equivalent.
Exception: Light-transmitting plastic diffusers used in suspended acoustical ceiling systems shall conform with the support requirements as set forth in Section 808.1.
2606.7.2 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 not less than 200°F (111°C) below the ignition temperature of the panels. The panels shall remain in place at an ambient room temperature of 175°F (79°C) for a period of not less than 15 minutes.
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.
2606.7.4 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.
2606.7.5 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.
2606.8 Partitions.
Light-transmitting plastics used in or as partitions shall comply with the requirements of Chapters 6 and 8.
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.
2606.10 Awnings, patio covers and similar structures.
Awnings constructed of light-transmitting plastics shall be constructed in accordance with 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 406.7.2.
2606.11 Greenhouses.
Light-transmitting plastics shall be permitted in lieu of plain glass in greenhouses.
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 above grade plane 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 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.
Source: City of New York, Charter, Administrative Code and Rules (American Legal Publishing XML export, codelibrary.amlegal.com)URL: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/newyorkcity/latest/NYCadmin/0-0-0-183294Fetched: 10/24/2026