Construction LabelLast week I was on a conference call for one of my projects in Washington DC, because of a problem with the specified concealed closer and the fire-rated wood door and wood frame.  The door manufacturer suggested a “construction label,” and most of the call participants needed an explanation of what that was.  I thought posting a description here might help others who are wandering the web seeking information about construction labels.  (Don’t laugh…you wouldn’t believe how many people come to this site wondering what a Cush arm is.)

A construction label is applied when a door or frame is used in a location that requires a fire rating, but does not qualify as a rated product.  For example, the door or frame may have an opening size which has not been tested, a jamb depth that is larger (or smaller) than the manufacturer’s listings allow, or the specified hardware is not included in the manufacturer’s listings.  This is NOT the same as a UL or WH/Intertek label which certifies that the product has been tested to withstand fire for the stated period of time.

Typical text for a construction label is shown at right.  The construction label does not imply that the door or frame is capable of furnishing standard fire protection, but that it is manufactured with the same materials and methods used in the manufacturers’ listings.  The label is a means to permanently mark the product so that all parties know at a glance that the door or frame did not meet the listing requirements.

In order to use a construction label, permission must be granted by the AHJ!!!

Thank you to Kurt Roeper and Jim Donlan of Steelcraft for their help with this post.

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