225FR White Fire Retardant Tape
Aviation-certified flame retardant performance for aerospace, construction, and industrial applications. The 225FR White Fire Retardant Tape is a 12 mil polyethylene-coated cloth tape tested and qualified to FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) — the Federal Aviation Administration’s 60-second vertical burn standard for aircraft interior and cargo compartment materials. In addition, it meets three aerospace OEM specifications: McDonnell-Douglas DMS 1986D, Lockheed LCP-86-1226-A, and Boeing D6-8099. Beyond aerospace, the 225FR is a practical choice for construction and industrial applications requiring a durable, moisture-resistant, rigorously tested flame resistant cloth tape — including duct systems, wire bundling, and fire retardant plastic sheeting seams. Furthermore, as a BABAA-compliant product, it qualifies for federally funded infrastructure projects. Available in 2″ x 180′ and 3″ x 180′ rolls.
The 225FR features a PE-coated cloth backing with a natural rubber adhesive that bonds aggressively to metal, plastic, and fabric surfaces. Specifically, it resists moisture, solvents, and abrasion, and conforms readily to uneven or irregular surfaces. The tape carries its compliance standards printed directly on its surface, so inspectors and quality assurance teams can verify qualification on-site at the point of installation. The tape is also deca-BDE free, supporting use in environmentally sensitive and regulation-conscious applications.
💡 Aerospace-certified. Industrial-ready. The 225FR is qualified to FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) (FAA), DMS 1986D (McDonnell-Douglas), LCP-86-1226-A (Lockheed), and D6-8099 (Boeing). The same performance that earns aviation qualification makes it a trusted choice for construction duct systems, wire bundling, and FR sheeting applications where crews and specifiers demand documented, rigorously tested flame resistant tape.
Features and Benefits
Aerospace-Certified Flame Retardant Performance
The 225FR is tested and qualified to FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i), the FAA’s 60-second vertical burn standard for materials used in aircraft interiors and cargo compartments. Specifically, this is a federal regulatory requirement — not a voluntary standard. Qualification requires independent laboratory evaluation under controlled conditions, using the Bunsen burner vertical burn method in 14 CFR Part 25, Appendix F.
The 225FR’s test results demonstrate a meaningful safety margin above the FAA’s pass criteria: a burn length of 5 inches, an afterflame time of 0.5 seconds following removal of the flame source, and no flaming drip. In addition, the tape carries its compliance standards — including FAR 25.853(a) — printed directly on its surface. As a result, installers and inspectors can confirm product qualification at the point of installation without consulting a separate compliance document.
Polyethylene-Coated Cloth Backing for Durability and Conformability
The PE-coated cloth backing combines jobsite durability with reliable workability. For example, it resists moisture, solvents, and abrasion — critical for wire harnessing, duct systems, and cargo compartment applications where environmental exposure is part of normal operations. The 12 mil total thickness provides mechanical protection without adding significant bulk to the installation.
Furthermore, the cloth construction allows the tape to conform to curved and irregular surfaces. It also tears cleanly by hand, eliminating the need for scissors or cutting tools during installation. Therefore, crews can work quickly and continuously without pausing to locate additional equipment on the job.
Natural Rubber Adhesive for Reliable, Long-Lasting Bonds
The natural rubber adhesive delivers high initial tack across a wide range of substrates, including metal, plastic, and fabric. For instance, adhesion to steel measures 66 oz/in per PSTC-101 — strong enough for demanding structural and cargo compartment applications. Moreover, the adhesive resists lifting and flagging over the service life of the installation, including in environments subject to vibration or mechanical stress. For best performance, apply to surfaces that are clean and free of dust, dirt, and debris.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Test Method | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60-Sec Vertical Burn — Drip | FAR 25.853(a) | No Drip | N/A |
| 60-Sec Vertical Burn — Burn Length | FAR 25.853(a) | 5 in | 12.7 cm |
| 60-Sec Vertical Burn — Afterflame Time | FAR 25.853(a) | 0.5 sec | N/A |
| Adhesion to Backing | PSTC-101 | 41 oz/in | 45.9 g/mm |
| Adhesion to Steel | PSTC-101 | 66 oz/in | 72 g/mm |
| Tack | ASTM D1000 | 2.5 in | 6.35 cm |
| Tensile Strength | ASTM D1000 | 26 lb/in | 0.46 kg/mm |
| Thickness | ASTM D1000 | 12 mil | 0.3 mm |
| Weight | — | 10.5 oz/sq yd | 356 g/m² |
Values represent typical properties and are intended as guides only. Actual performance varies by application and conditions. See Americover’s limited warranty at americover.com.
🌱 Ideal for: aerospace MRO technicians, aircraft cargo compartment installers, wire harnessing and bundling crews, construction contractors installing flame retardant sheeting and duct systems, industrial facility maintenance staff, and government and federally funded project contractors who specify aviation-certified flame retardant materials.
Understanding Aerospace Flame Test Standards
Flame retardant certification is not a single universal designation. In fact, different industries use different test standards, and the distinctions matter. Selecting a tape with the right certification for the application means the difference between a compliant installation and one that fails inspection. Consequently, the 225FR meets the aviation and aerospace standards that govern its intended applications.
FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) — The FAA Vertical Burn Standard
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) codifies FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) in 14 CFR Part 25, Appendix F, Part I. Specifically, it sets mandatory flammability requirements for materials used in the interiors and cargo compartments of transport category aircraft. This is a regulatory requirement — not a voluntary consensus standard, and aircraft manufacturers must qualify materials against it before use on certified aircraft.
The test method is the 60-second vertical Bunsen burner test. During this test, a technician holds a test specimen vertically and applies a calibrated Bunsen burner flame to its lower edge for 60 seconds. After removing the flame source, evaluators measure the afterflame time, burn length, and any flaming drip behavior. To pass, the average burn length must not exceed 6 inches, the average afterflame time must not exceed 15 seconds, and any flaming drips must self-extinguish within 3 seconds.
Overall, the 225FR’s test results show a meaningful safety margin relative to these limits: a burn length of 5 inches, an afterflame time of 0.5 seconds, and no drip. Therefore, the tape not only passes the FAA standard — it passes it substantially, confirming robust performance in the conditions the regulation tests for.
Aerospace OEM Qualifications: DMS 1986D, LCP-86-1226-A, and D6-8099
Beyond the FAA federal standard, major aircraft manufacturers maintain their own material qualification specifications. Specifically, these OEM specs define testing and performance requirements unique to each manufacturer’s aircraft programs. For example, a material that meets only FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) may still require separate re-qualification for individual OEM programs. Consequently, the 225FR eliminates that step on three major platforms.
DMS 1986D (McDonnell-Douglas). DMS stands for Douglas Material Specification — the material qualification framework established by Douglas Aircraft, the predecessor company now part of Boeing. DMS 1986D specifies flame retardant performance requirements for tapes and related materials used on McDonnell-Douglas aircraft programs. As a result, meeting this spec confirms the tape qualifies for use on those platforms and their derivatives in active service.
LCP-86-1226-A (Lockheed). LCP-86-1226-A is a Lockheed Corporation specification that defines flammability requirements for materials used in Lockheed aerospace programs. Specifically, Lockheed developed it for cargo pit and interior tape applications on its commercial and military aircraft. The “-A” suffix indicates a defined revision level of the specification.
D6-8099 (Boeing). D6-8099 is Boeing’s process specification for flammability testing of non-metallic materials used in Boeing commercial aircraft. In particular, it sets the testing methodology and acceptance criteria Boeing requires before approving any material for its aircraft programs. Furthermore, qualification to D6-8099 goes beyond FAR 25.853(a) compliance alone — it confirms the material meets Boeing’s additional internal requirements for Boeing-platform aircraft.
How FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) Differs from Other Flame Test Standards
FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) and other flame test standards are not interchangeable. Different organizations developed them for different industries, different end-use environments, and different regulatory contexts. In particular, the FAA developed FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) as a federal aviation regulation specifically for the conditions inside an aircraft — a closed-cabin environment with tight constraints on fire behavior, material response, and escape time.
In contrast, the NFPA developed standards like NFPA 701 for different applications entirely — specifically, architectural textiles and materials in construction and building environments. As a result, these two standards test for different things, use different methods, and address different end-use contexts. Therefore, when specifying a flame retardant tape, the correct starting point is always: which standard does the AHJ, project specification, or OEM requirement call out?
Aviation-Grade Performance for Construction and Industrial Use
Even beyond aviation and aerospace, the rigorous third-party testing behind FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) makes the 225FR a practical choice for construction and industrial applications where documented flame resistant tape performance matters. For example, contractors working on government facilities, defense installations, aerospace manufacturing plants, industrial HVAC systems, and construction sites that specify tested, traceable FR materials choose the 225FR for its combination of verified flame performance, moisture resistance, solvent resistance, and strong adhesion across a wide range of substrates.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) Certification | Qualifies the tape for aircraft cargo compartments and any environment where the FAA flammability standard governs material selection. |
| Multi-OEM Qualification (Boeing, McDonnell-Douglas, Lockheed) | Accepted across major aircraft OEM programs without re-qualification, saving time and cost on aerospace procurement. |
| Compliance Printed on the Tape | Enables on-site verification of FAR 25.853(a) qualification without a separate compliance document. |
| PE-Coated Cloth Backing | Resists moisture, solvents, and abrasion while conforming to curved and irregular surfaces. |
| Natural Rubber Adhesive | Delivers high initial tack on metal, plastic, and fabric substrates with long-term bond durability. |
| 2″ and 3″ Width Options | Match tape width to the application — narrow wire runs or broader seam coverage — without waste. |
⚠️ Specify the right standard for your application. FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) and other flame test standards each apply to specific industries and use cases. They are not interchangeable. Before specifying any flame retardant tape, confirm with the AHJ, project engineer, or OEM program requirements which standard governs your application. For help matching the right Americover tape to your project, call 800-747-6095 or email sales@americover.com.
Common Applications for 225FR White Fire Retardant Tape
The 225FR serves aerospace, construction, and industrial environments wherever aviation-certified FR tape performance is required or preferred, and wherever a durable, moisture-resistant cloth tape with documented flame resistance suits the job.
Aerospace, MRO, and Industrial Applications
- Aircraft cargo compartments and interiors — Sealing, patching, and bundling in certified aircraft cargo areas where the FAA requires FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) compliance.
- Wire harnessing and bundling — Securing and protecting wire harnesses in aerospace, construction, and industrial environments where specifications call for aviation-certified flame resistant tape.
- Duct system sealing — Sealing and seaming ductwork in aerospace facilities, manufacturing plants, commercial buildings, and construction sites where projects demand a flame resistant, moisture-resistant cloth tape.
- Aerospace MRO operations — Maintenance, repair, and overhaul work on commercial and military aircraft where OEM programs require qualified materials at the point of installation.
Construction and Government Applications
- Overlapping fire retardant plastic sheeting panels — Sealing seams between overlapping FR plastic sheeting panels in aircraft interiors, construction containment installations, industrial enclosures, and site protection applications where the project requires a flame resistant cloth tape.
- Construction and renovation tape work — General-purpose flame resistant cloth tape for construction sites and facility renovation projects where contractors specify FR tape for seaming, bundling, and repair work alongside fire-rated sheeting and other flame resistant materials.
- Industrial and government facilities — Manufacturing plants, test facilities, and federally funded installations where engineering specifications call out FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) or individual OEM specs for installed materials.
🌑 Need a flame retardant tape for polyethylene sheeting seams? For containment and patching applications where a conformable, repositionable polyethylene film tape is a better fit than cloth backing, see the 377 FRPE Blue Fire Retardant Tape. Its PE film backing conforms closely to plastic sheeting surfaces for a continuous, gap-free seal.
More fire retardant tape options from Americover:
- 268FR Black Fire Retardant Tape — Cloth-backed FR tape for bundling, wrapping, and ductwork sealing in construction and industrial applications
Frequently Asked Questions
What does FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) mean for a fire retardant tape?
FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) is the Federal Aviation Administration’s 60-second vertical burn test for materials used in aircraft interiors and cargo compartments. Specifically, it appears in 14 CFR Part 25, Appendix F, Part I as a federal regulatory requirement — not a voluntary standard. A material that passes this test demonstrates that it resists flame propagation, self-extinguishes quickly after the flame source is removed, and does not produce flaming drips during a 60-second flame exposure. Therefore, for buyers, qualification to FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) confirms the tape suits aviation and aerospace applications where the AHJ or project specification calls for the FAA standard.
How does FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) testing differ from other flame test standards?
FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) and other flame test standards such as NFPA 701 are separate standards developed for different industries and end-use environments. Specifically, FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) is an FAA federal regulation the agency designed to test materials for the conditions inside aircraft cabins and cargo compartments. By contrast, NFPA 701 is a standard the National Fire Protection Association developed for architectural textiles and materials used in construction and building applications. Consequently, these two standards use different test methods, different pass criteria, and address entirely different end-use contexts. Neither substitutes for the other, and the appropriate standard for any application depends on what the AHJ, project specification, or OEM requirement calls out. Americover has tested and qualified the 225FR to FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i) and the associated aerospace OEM specifications.
What are the DMS 1986D, LCP-86-1226-A, and D6-8099 specifications?
Three major aircraft manufacturers issue these material qualification specifications. DMS 1986D is a McDonnell-Douglas (now Boeing) specification for flame-retardant materials used in aircraft programs. LCP-86-1226-A is a Lockheed specification for flame-retardant materials in aerospace applications. D6-8099 is Boeing’s process specification for flammability testing of non-metallic materials used in Boeing commercial aircraft. Taken together, meeting all three specifications confirms that the 225FR qualifies across multiple major aircraft OEM programs — not just to the base FAA regulation.
Where is the 225FR White Fire Retardant Tape approved for use?
The 225FR holds qualification for aircraft cargo compartment use, meeting FAR 25.853(a)(1)(i), DMS 1986D, LCP-86-1226-A, and Boeing D6-8099. Aerospace MRO teams, aircraft manufacturers, and industrial contractors widely use it where aviation-certified flame retardant performance matters. Additionally, the tape suits wire harnessing, duct sealing, and overlapping sheeting panels where specifications call for an aerospace-qualified FR tape.
💡 Pro Tip: The FAR 25.853(a) compliance designation appears printed directly on the 225FR tape. Keep roll packaging and any included documentation as part of your project records — compliance paperwork frequently comes up during aviation maintenance audits and government project inspections.
Is the 225FR tape used in construction and industrial applications?
Yes. While the 225FR is tested to aerospace standards, its performance characteristics — moisture resistance, solvent resistance, abrasion resistance, and strong adhesion to metal, plastic, and fabric — make it well-suited for construction and industrial applications. Contractors commonly use it for duct system sealing, wire bundling, overlapping FR plastic sheeting panels, and general maintenance tape work on construction sites and in manufacturing facilities. If your project requires compliance with a specific construction flame test standard, confirm the applicable standard with the AHJ or project specification before selecting a tape.
What surfaces does the 225FR tape bond to?
The 225FR features a natural rubber adhesive that bonds to a wide range of surfaces, including metal, plastic, and fabric. Adhesion to steel measures 66 oz/in per PSTC-101. For best performance, apply to surfaces that are clean and free of dust, dirt, and debris. The PE-coated cloth backing conforms to uneven surfaces and resists lifting and flagging over time.
Is the 225FR tape available in different widths?
Yes. The 225FR is available in 2-inch and 3-inch widths, both in 180-foot rolls. The 2-inch width works well for wire bundling, narrow seams, and detail work. In contrast, the 3-inch width provides broader coverage for duct sealing, overlapping sheeting panels, and larger patch repairs.
How do I store the 225FR tape to maintain adhesive performance?
Store the 225FR tape in a clean, dry environment away from direct sunlight, extreme temperatures, and moisture. Keep rolls in their original packaging when not in use, and avoid storing them near solvents or chemicals that could affect the adhesive. Store rolls horizontally and avoid placing heavy materials on top of stored rolls to protect tape geometry and adhesive integrity.
For product guidance, volume pricing, or help selecting the right flame retardant tape for your application, contact the Americover team at 800-747-6095, email sales@americover.com, or visit americover.com.
