The other day I got a reminder from NFPA staff that now’s the time to start working on proposed changes to NFPA 80 – Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives, and NFPA 105 – Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives. The 2019 editions have been published, so we’ll be working on the 2022 editions.
This is our (next) big chance! What’s on your wish list? Which requirements of these standards are confusing and should be clarified? Which sections need to be added/changed to keep up with new technology and product development?
I know there are questions that are raised repeatedly, especially now that more fire doors are being inspected. Talk to your coworkers and come up with some ideas, and I’ll take them to the BHMA Codes & Government Affairs Committee for consideration.
WWYD? Please leave suggestions in the reply box! If you don’t leave any suggestions, I’ll know that you think these standards are both perfect as-is! 😉
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Hi Lori. Thank you for your efforts. I would like NFPA to add one sentence to address the penetrations made for labelled KD frame adjustment screws. The majority of the hole is covered by the screw head but you can still see the through the frame.
Thanks Chad! Also the slots for KD frames, which are “open holes” when the frames are welded.
– Lori
5.5.1 “repairs shall be made and defects that could interfere with operation shall be corrected without delay” to me this is a confusion. repairs are loose hinges or replacement of worn hinges, closers, locks, strikes or any other hardware that was part of the original assembly. a bent butt hinge mount being replaced by a rated continuous hinge or bend the hinge mount back to shape is a field modification not a repair. I have seen this done and clarification of these types repairs should be listed as field modifications. A.5.1.5.1 list most of these but not the continuous hinge/bending hinge mounts back to shape or any other tricks to get the fire door to operate. I see this as a field modification. perhaps these type of repairs should also be listed as examples also. what are your thoughts.
Lori,
NFPA 80 2019 5.2.3.1 Acceptance testing of fire door assemblies shall be performed by a certified fire door assembly inspector.
How about clarification of retention periods for Acceptance Testing as it gets cloudy when you read 5.2.3 that says these testings shall be made in accordance with 5.2.2. 5.2.2.1 says it is to be kept for the life of the assembly but yet 5.2.2.2 says retain for 3 yrs unless longer as required by 5.4. This also is cloudy when 5.2.2.5 says to conduct maintenance inspections and tests in accordance with 5.2.3 which begins the circle all over again. Seems to me that with the direction of today’s technology, retention for the life of the assembly for all data (including installation papers from manufacturers) would be achievable and prudent just in case. Email direct if you need me to explain these murky water some more.
Thanks Paul!
I’ll be working on this in the next few months, so I’ll be in touch to make sure I’m understanding correctly.
– Lori
Lori,
There is a major item that is not addressed by NFPA 80. Or if it is addressed it is unclear. The frequent requirement or desire for property owners to install door contacts in fire rated assemblies. I realize that monitor hinges can be used and they are available, I believe, on rated hinges. However this is not always possible especially when using balanced switches or you have to use a standard concealed door contact. I have yet to see one of these that is fire rated. Additionally the desire to use magnetic lock arrangements. I have yet to see a fire rated magnetic lock. If my reading of NFPA 80 is accurate all hardware affixed must be listed for the use. I also see that electric strike are permitted if listed. Shouldn’t they have the same comment as auto door openers that they must have power removed in the event of an alarm as it is possible that whatever component that controls these devices might have them in a state that is not desired in a fire situation. Also as to electric strike I see that raceways can be installed with approval from the listing laboratory could the same be said relative to electric strikes. Then what about a record keeping requirement to track modifications? I have seen many things happen by door manufactures and personnel in the field.